Description

Italiano camminando" is a week-long course designed for those who prefer a walk in the open air to a classroom lesson.

Walking together in the Tuscan countryside (the Valdichiana and the Val d'Orcia) while speaking in Italian will allow you to practice the language and understand the culture better, using the language and improving your pronunciation in an informal context, each according to their own level of competence but always with the guidance of a teacher who is attentive to the needs of everyone. The course is recommended for people with elementary to advanced levels of competence in the language, who like to walk in the country and have the capacity to accept others who speak at a level higher or lower than their own. It is not recommended for complete beginners. Minimum 6 participants.

How it works

Duration: 1 week (5 days, from Monday to Friday).

Hill trails between 6 and 12 km, recommended for those who are in good physical shape and can do climbs and descents. In case of severe weather, as an alternative option, participants will be offered the opportunity to enter regular language courses with a reduction in the cost of the course.

Equipment: everything you need for trekking, long pants, boots, hat and sunglasses, water bottle, snacks (and lunch when required).

Here is an example of a weekly schedule. The programs vary for each course, in order to guarantee the variety of activities. The participants receive the detailed program in advance.

Day 1: Walk to Montefollonico, a small medieval village perched on the top of a hill between Valdichiana and Val d'Orcia. Departure from school at 9 am, return at approximately 1 pm.
Day 2: Walk from Pienza to Monticchiello, two of the most popular villages in the Val d'Orcia. We will visit Pienza, see the main monuments of the "ideal city" commissioned by Pope Silvio Enea Piccolomini and then cross one of the most evocative corners of our valley to reach Monticchiello. Departure from school at 9 am, return at approximately 1 pm.
Day 3: Visit to the Parco Vivo. Hiking to the springs and guided tour of the Vivo spring and the ancient Ermicciolo, a 12th century Camaldolese hermitage. Lunch in the park with tasting of typical products. Departure at 9 am from Montepulciano, return to Montepulciano at 4 pm.
Day 4: Free morning (weekly market). Departure from school at 2 pm. Walk through the vineyards and wine tasting with snack in a cellar. Return to Montepulciano at 5.30 pm.
Day 5: Bagno Vignoni. Departure from school at 9 am by van to San Quirico D'Orcia, hiking on the Via Francigena to the Parco dei Mulini in Bagno Vignoni and visit of the village. Departure for Montepulciano at 4 pm.

Dates
7 - 11 April 2025
9 - 13 June 2025
13 - 17 October 2025

Price
Roaming lessons, information on the area, transportation, 1 wine tasting and 1 lunch included
1 week: Euro 650