Language, Culture, and the Splendor of Arezzo’s Jousting Festival
Study in Arezzo Italy with the Studentessa Matta: where language isn’t just learned, it’s lived.
Small groups, big adventures!
Learn Italian in Italy, where every street and every piazza is a classroom! With Studentessa Matta, immerse yourself in the language, not just through books but through laughter, espresso, and the rhythm of daily life!
14 Days/13 Nights of Immersion: 36 Hours of Language Classes, 8 Dinners, and Accommodations. Enjoy a curated selection of Activities & Excursions, personally guided by Melissa and Cultura Italiana Teachers. Benefit from Unlimited Italian Conversation & Learning Opportunities. Plus, Experience the Enchanting Giostra del Saracino Festival!
June 2025 Matta & Cultura Italiana Language Program
DATES: June 14 – 27, 2025
WHERE: Arezzo, Italy in Tuscany
Maximum 8 participants
PRICE: $4,750
Couples and Solo Travelers All Welcome!
Secure Your Place with a $550 Deposit
Elevate Your Italian in the Heart of Tuscany
Meet Us in Arezzo for a Cultural and Linguistic Adventure!
Join Melissa and Paola Testi at Cultura Italiana Arezzo!
We’ve extended our popular program in Arezzo an extra day in order to include a full day dedicated to exploring florence
Embark on an unparalleled journey in Arezzo with Melissa and Paola as your Italian language and culture guides. In this scenic hill town overlooking the Tuscan plains, you’ll be surrounded by a community of enthusiastic learners in a supportive and casual atmosphere. This program goes beyond language learning; it immerses you in the life of an authentic ‘Aretino’ through experiences like the historic jousting festival, La Giostra del Saracino, and the Cena Propiziatoria. You’ll walk in the footsteps of Petrarch, Vasari, Cosimo de Medici, and Guido Monaco. While sipping a spritz in the shadow of the Duomo atop Arezzo’s hill, you’ll soak up Italian vibes and enhance your language skills with like-minded students and travelers. Don’t miss this extraordinary chance to perfect your Italian in the heart of Tuscany’s enchanting landscape!
Morning Italian Course: Sharpen your grammar, engage in interactive games, enhance conversation, and boost listening skills in a vibrant learning environment.
Afternoon Excursions & Activities with Melissa: Extend learning outside the classroom. Engage in real-life Italian through encounters with locals, from artists to chefs, enriching your conversational and listening abilities.
Students Love Matta Italian language Programs
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2025 Accommodation Options for the Matta and Arezzo Italian Program
During your stay in Arezzo, you can choose to stay in one of seven private apartments with kitchenettes. Once you submit the online 2025 Matta Arezzo Language registration form, Melissa will arrange a Zoom or phone appointment to discuss and finalize your apartment preference.
Option 1: Stay in a Private Apartment — Choose from 7 apartments
Apartment #6, Apartment #7, & Apartment #8 — All enjoy a private inner garden and terrace
Option 2:
Stay In An Charming Family Run B&B With Breakfast Service or a Modern Hotel
Hotel Aretino
Style: Contemporary, Functional, Sustainable
Location: Near the train station, 2-Minute walk to the School Cultura Italiana, 7-minute walk to Piazza Grande.
Features: Bar, non-smoking rooms, free WiFi, business center, concierge, snack bar, varied breakfast options.
B&B La Chimera
Style: Charming, Traditional, Family-Run
Location: Just off Piazza La Badia, near San Francesco, 10-minute walk to Cultura Italiana. Private baths, reading room with fireplace, breakfast sala, internet, air-conditioning, mini-bar, fridge, guest washing machine.
Explore Arezzo with ‘la Matta’ to learn more than just a language – immerse yourself in culture, history, and local charm, all while making lifelong connections.
2025 Matta & Cultura Italiana Arezzo Language Program Details
Dates:
Saturday, June 14 – Friday, June 27, 2025
Reservation Information:
Availability is on a first-come-first-served basis.
A reservation is confirmed only upon receipt of a $500 non-refundable deposit or full payment.
Reservations are open until May 12, 2025.
Payment Details:
The remaining balance of the trip fee is due by April 17, 2025, approximately 60 days before the start of the program.
The option to pay the total trip fee at the time of booking is available.
language assessment
After submitting the online Matta registration forms for the 2025 Arezzo Program, Melissa will arrange a Zoom or phone appointment to discuss trip details, your language level, and your goals. Once you send in your deposit, you will receive a form from Cultura Italiana for their school records, along with a language test to determine your proficiency. On the first day of school, arrive 15 minutes early to meet the teachers and be placed in a class suited to your level. If you feel the class isn’t right for you at any point, please let Paola or Melissa know, and adjustments will be made.
Cell Phone Data Plans:
Please ensure you have an International Data Plan for your cell phones.
WhatsAp App:
Please download the WhatsApp app on your phone. Our group will stay connected via the WhatsApp group chat before departure and during our stay in Arezzo. We’ll use it for introductions, coordinating arrival schedules, and arranging shared transport from the airport. Once in Arezzo, Melissa will send daily reminders about group activities. The chat will also be useful if someone gets delayed or needs directions. Please check the WhatsApp chat before departure and activate it once you’ve landed for any updates. In case of unexpected events like train strikes (“scioperi”), important information will be shared in the chat.
Travel Insurance:
For peace of mind and to protect your investment in the event of a personal emergency or significant life event preventing travel, we recommend considering travel insurance from providers like Travel Guard, AAA, or American Express.
Bank cards:
Pleases ensure you have access to cash while traveling abroad and have a functioning bank card you can use to with drawl funds from cash machines (which are secure and plentiful in Arezzo).
The Matta & Cultura Italiana Arezzo Guides & Teachers
2025 Matta & Cultura Italiana Arezzo Language Program Itinerary
Saturday, June 14 (Day 1): Arrival
Arrivals! Benvenuti a Firenze!
- 4:00 pm: Guided Walking Tour of Arezzo’s landmarks.
- 6:30 pm: Welcome Aperitivo in Centro.
- 7:30 pm: Group Dinner #1.
Sunday, June 15 (Day 2):
- Excursion to Florence via train
- 2-hour Guided museum tour of historic landmarks and churches.
- Afternoon to shop
- Rooftop Aperitivo with scenic views of Florence
- Free Choice Dinner
Monday, June 16 (Day 3):
- 9:30 am – 12:50 pm: Language classes.
- 4:00 pm: Visit to the Museo del Saracino in the Comunale in Arezzo
- 5:30 pm Guided Supermarket Shopping Seminar & Excursion with Treasure Hunt
- Group Dinner #2
Tuesday, June 17 (Day 4):
- 9:15 am – 12:50 pm: Language classes.
- 6:00 pm Wine Tasting and AperiCena with Tuscan Delicacies in Piazza Grande. Group Dinner #3
Wednesday, June 18 (Day 5):
- 9:15 am – 12:50 pm: Language classes.
- Excursion in private van to Cortona and the Church of Santa Margherita
- Free Choice Dinner
Thursday, June 19 (Day 6):
- 9:00 am – 12:50 pm: Language classes.
- 4:00-10:00 Cooking Lesson with aperitivo and dinner preparation
- 8:00 pm Group Dinner #4 (we will dine on what we create in the kitchen
Friday, June 20 (Day 7): Joust Day
- 9:00 am – 12:50 pm: Language classes.
- 6:00 pm Joust History Seminar with Spritzes in Prato near Duomo
- 8:00 pm: Visit to Santo Spirito Lance Museum
- 9:30 pm Cena Propiziatoria Dinner #5
Saturday, June 21 (Day 8):
- Full day of Jousting Festival activities and traditions.
- 9:00 pm: Take seats in Piazza Grande for the main event.
- 10:00 pm: The joust begins.
- Free Choice Dinner / Melissa will also organize a casual dinner in her apartment prior to the joust and those participating can contribute to our “feast”
Sunday, June 22 (Day 9):
- Free Day to Relax, shop, study
- Free Choice Dinner
Monday, June 23 (Day 10):
- 9:15 am – 12:50 pm: Language classes.
- 4:00 pm Walking Conversation Tour of Local Aretini Artisans
- 8:00 pm Group Dinner # 6
Tuesday, June 24 (Day 11):
- 9:15 am – 12:50 pm: Language classes.
- Free day to relax
- Free Choice Dinner
Wednesday, June 25 (Day 12):
- 9:15 am – 12:50 pm: Language classes.
- 4:00 pm: Piero della Francesca Day, visit Duomo and Church of San Francesco
- 8:00 pm: Group Dinner #7.
Thursday, June 26 (Day 13): Departure
- 9:15 am – 12:50 pm: Language classes.
- 34:00 pm Wine Tasting at Il Palazzo Winery
- 8:00 pm Farewell Group Dinner #8
Friday, June 27 (Day 14): Departure
- 9:15 am – 12:50 pm: Language classes.
- Baci & Abbraci – Departures
- Students check out of apartments after morning classes and depart for home or new adventures in Italy!
- Ci vediamo l’anno prossimo!
Getting to Arezzo
Arezzo, situated between Rome and Florence, is easily accessible from both cities, making it a prime location for visitors coming from different parts of the world. Here’s how you can reach this beautiful Tuscan city:
Airports: Both Rome and Florence airports serve as convenient starting points for your journey to Arezzo. Upon landing, you have a variety of options to continue your journey: take the train or private transport
Train Travel in Italy. Traveling by train in Italy is generally convenient, but be prepared for occasional delays and potential strikes that can disrupt your plans. I will keep you informed of any known delays or strikes via our WhatsApp group chat, so please check for updates before departure and upon arrival.
Deciphering the train schedule boards can also be challenging, even for experienced travelers and even Italians. When in doubt, ask train officials in uniforms or fellow travelers to ensure you are boarding the correct train.
Traveling from Rome to Arezzo takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours. You can catch a train from the Leonardo da Vinci Rome Airport train station to Arezzo. However, you will need to transfer trains either at Tiburtina or Roma Centrale. It’s easy to purchase your train tickets all the way to Arezzo directly at the Rome train station from a ticket agent, who can provide you with the best schedule and guidance on where to transfer.
Traveling from Florence to Arezzo takes about 2 hours in total. From the Florence Airport, you can take a tram, taxi, or bus to the Santa Maria Novella Train Station, which is about a 15-minute drive. From there, the train ride to Arezzo takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the train service you choose.
Coordinated Transportation/Private Transport: Melissa offers the added convenience of organizing shared transportation from Florence. Closer to the departure date, once all flight schedules are collected, she will arrange for shared group vans to transport participants directly to Arezzo. Please note that whether opting for group or private transport to Arezzo in a hired van, this will be an additional, out-of-pocket expense. It’s advised to budget accordingly for this portion of your trip.
At the end of the program, Melissa will be happy to similarly coordinate shared transportation back to either Rome or Florence. Again, please note that whether opting for group or private transport to Arezzo in a hired van, this will be an additional, out-of-pocket expense. It’s advised to budget accordingly for this portion of your trip.
Reserve Your Spot
2025 Arezzo Italian Language Program
Secure your place in the 2025 Arezzo Italian Language Program by completing the deposit/reservation form. Upon submitting this form, you will be directed to a new page to continue the enrollment process.
Please ensure you:
Complete all required fields in the subsequent Trip Forms.
Sign all necessary waivers to participate fully in the program.
Submit your forms to finalize your enrollment in the program.
We’re excited to welcome you to this unique learning experience in Arezzo. Thank you for choosing to embark on this language and cultural adventure with us!
Blog Posts about Arezzo
Please Read the Studentessa Matta Travel Philosophy
The Studentessa Matta Travel Philosophy embodies a love for the Italian language and culture, focusing on immersive learning experiences that connect the heart, mind, and soul. This philosophy champions:
Passionate Exploration: A deep love for Italy drives every journey, encouraging travelers to dive into the country’s rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Social Connectivity: Emphasizing the importance of making new friends, the philosophy values social interactions, whether through casual encounters or shared experiences, enriching the travel experience.
Sharing the Journey: Documenting travels through photos and videos and sharing these moments on various social media platforms like the Matta blog, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter feeds, invites others to join in the adventure virtually.
Flexibility and Adaptability: Recognizing that travel comes with its set of unpredictable challenges, this philosophy champions flexibility and a positive outlook, transforming potential obstacles into opportunities for unique experiences.
The Joy of the Unexpected: The belief that the unpredictable elements of travel contribute to its charm, encouraging travelers to embrace spontaneity, whether it’s dealing with delays or weather changes, with the perspective that every moment is part of the Italian adventure.
Packing a Sense of Humor: A reminder that a good attitude and a sense of humor are as essential as practical walking shoes, ensuring that every situation, no matter how challenging, can be navigated with grace and positivity.
Direct Communication: Urges travelers to communicate any issues or concerns directly during their stay, allowing for real-time solutions and ensuring a fulfilling travel experience.
Invitation to Adventure: This philosophy extends an open invitation to those ready to embark on an Italian adventure, promising not just a journey across a country but a journey of personal growth, language acquisition, and lasting friendships.
