Learn Italian in a truly Italian environment. Esperienza’s “Living The Language” offers something truly unique for Italian language learners and especially for those who would like to experience what it means to be an active part of the local scene in an Italian town.

This two-week Italian language immersion program takes you to the heart of Italy in three different villages: Verucchio, where the program has taken place since 2022, and Pennabilli, the program’s original home, and Santa Sofia (coming soon) starting in 2027. For more experienced learners, all three locations may be combined to provide a full six-week learning journey unlike any other, starting with more support and gradually offering greater independence for students.

Tour Basics:

Length: 14 days, 13 nights

Price: Starts at $5800 per person double occupancy; $600 single supplement for solo travelers

Deposit: $600 per person

Includes: 

• Accommodation in 4-star hotels and carefully selected locally-owned inns throughout the tour

• Transportation to and from the airport and for all scheduled excursions

• All scheduled programs and tours with local expert guides as specified in the tour itinerary

• Breakfast and other meals as described in tour itinerary

• Comprehensive assistance and information during tour, from pre-arrival to departure, including help with flight arrangements (please inquire if needed)

• Customized advice on pre- and post-trip destinations

Activity Guide & Dietary Restrictions:

Please note: Prices are subject to change. Take advantage of our flexible cancellation policy. Start planning now!

About The Program:

Situated in the beautiful and charming villages of Verucchio, Pennabilli and Santa Sofia in Emilia-Romagna, you’ll immerse yourself in the Italian way of life, learning the language as you cook, eat, and interact with other students and the local community. The program is open to all levels. Talented and inspiring teachers, passionate about their land, will lead you through the hyper-local, genuine, slow immersion in the language and culture in harmony with truly one of a kind interaction with chefs, artists, musicians, poets and farmers in rural Romagna. Experience the language with all your senses, from literature to cinema, song, poetry, and everything in between.

• Verucchio offers the most accessible program and is well-suited to all learning levels. Classroom sessions are 3 1/2 hours and there will be some English spoken on city tours and museum visits.

• Pennabilli offers a bridge between Verucchio and Santa Sofia. Classroom sessions are 3 1/2 hours and there will be minimal English spoken.

• Santa Sofia offers the a deep immersion for more advanced levels of proficiency. Classroom sessions are 90 minutes, there are more meals on your own (including breakfasts) and greater free time for independent learning opportunities.

Interested in learning more? Continue reading, or click the button below to request an itinerary.

HIGHLIGHTS:

In the classroom, interactive language lessons generally accommodate all levels of proficiency. In the course of our program we will visit (and revisit) many of the most typical tasks one may encounter when traveling or living in Italy. Genuine task-based immersion teaching for adults that blends comprehensive exposure with explicit instruction while gradually changing the ratio between the two as students progress. While grammar practice and vocabulary enrichment are still very present, the main focus is on so-called situation-based learning. In class, role-playing and use of high-frequency vocabulary and phrases will build confidence faster than passive listening or mere memorization.

Outside the classroom, we’ll offer activities aimed at adding to your knowledge of the language, and also discovering the treasures of this special corner of the Emilia-Romagna region, including cuisine, history, art, nature and culture. Though less structured, there are also opportunities to experience and participate in local small-town life (i.e., lunching with locals, helping local businesses, attending village concerts, etc.).

Most of our activities are centered in the town where you’ll be staying. Each offers its own quiet beauty, rich culture, and delicious culinary offerings are compelling on their own, our program also includes visits to nearby towns to further explore this intriguing part of Romagna, such as:

• The city of poets, Sant’Arcangelo di Romagna

• The picture-perfect Republic of San Marino

• The vibrant city of Rimini, birthplace of the Italian Riviera and Federico Fellini

• The former capital of Italy, San Leo

All throughout your language immersion experience, you’ll be guided by extraordinarily talented teachers. With expertise ranging from theater to ancient languages, poetry to music and cinema, our teachers use a variety of interactive techniques to help advance your Italian skills, and your enjoyment of the language. Most classes and activities are conducted in Italian for maximum immersion.

The most successful students take advantage of every opportunity and experience the most gratifying moments of progress and connection. So we encourage you to dive in and embrace mistakes as part of your learning journey!