Italy

Living and Learning in Siena: Independent Stay and Language Study

Program No. 24536RJ
Live like a local in Siena, Italy! Stay in an apartment and take local language classes while experiencing the culture, people and history of this region of Tuscany.

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Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

At a Glance

If you have always dreamed of living in Tuscany, experience the very best of this Italian region as you live like a local in Siena! Located one hour from Florence, Siena is central to Tuscany while maintaining a small-town feel. Take in its medieval architecture and pedestrian-dedicated streets as you get an apartment and live like a true Siener for six weeks. Attend daily language classes to improve your conversational Italian, and use these skills as you navigate local markets, public transportation and museums. Join your fellow Road Scholars for lectures, occasional happy hours and meals, and embark on field trips to learn about local vineyards, olive oil mills, cheese factories and more. Become immersed in Tuscan cuisine, culture and way of life during this unforgettable living abroad experience!
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Get around the city on foot and via public transit daily; you’re likely to walk at least a mile or two per day. On field trips, walking up to two miles with some uneven terrain and stairs. Activity level is based on included program elements only.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Attend Italian language classes that will enhance your conversational skills and ability to navigate through daily life in Siena.
  • Enjoy lectures that deepen your understanding of local life and culture on topics from local history to the art of Michelangelo.
  • Embark on field trips to the medieval towns of Lucca and Pietrasanta, visit an olive oil mill in Gaiole in Chianti, and enjoy a cheese tasting in Poder il Casale and a wine tasting in Montalcino.

General Notes

Our “Living and Learning” programs give you the experience of living in a foreign country independently. Included: an apartment; a local, full-time Group Leader to support you; a few meals; 22 language classes; a weekly expert-led field trip; a weekly cafe social; weekend excursions to Florence, Lucca, Pietrasanta, Pienza, Montalcino, Perugia and Arezzo including hotel accommodations; a city handbook and public transit pass. Due to the special nature of this program, we regret that we are unable to match solo participants with roommates. Two dates of this program coincide with the “Palio di Siena.” This historic tradition dates back to 1633 and is a competition among the city’s districts. The twice-yearly event (July 2, and August 16) is rich in history and pageantry.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Mario Carniani
A native of Fiesole, Italy, Mario Carniani graduated with honors from the University of Florence with a focus on foreign languages and literature. After pursuing studies on Elizabethan drama in England, he moved on to teach Italian at the British Institute of Florence and English in Italian State schools. He has conducted courses on Italian literature and history for numerous international institutes based in Florence, including Georgetown University and Dartmouth University.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Mario Carniani
Mario Carniani View biography
A native of Fiesole, Italy, Mario Carniani graduated with honors from the University of Florence with a focus on foreign languages and literature. After pursuing studies on Elizabethan drama in England, he moved on to teach Italian at the British Institute of Florence and English in Italian State schools. He has conducted courses on Italian literature and history for numerous international institutes based in Florence, including Georgetown University and Dartmouth University.
Profile Image of Giovanni Guidetti
Giovanni Guidetti View biography
Giovanni Guidetti is an expert in travel with decades of experience. He specializes in Renaissance and Baroque Florentine art as an art historian with a Master’s in Art History from the University of Florence. Giovanni loves to share the beauty of the Tuscan landscape as a professional leader in Florence, Fiesole, and Prato. Currently, he is the Scientific Director at the Museum of Sacred Art of San Donnino. Giovanni has also led lectures and presentations on Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical artists and monuments.
Profile Image of Erika Cennini
Erika Cennini View biography
Erika Cennini has worked in travel since she graduated. In addition to being a Club Med children’s animator, she has been a hotel receptionist, travel agent in Paris where she lived for ten years, an exploration manager around her beloved Italy, a local expert in her native Tuscany, a hiking leader just for fun, and a teacher for Italian students. Erika likes to travel as much as she can and. when working, enriches herself with the stories of people she welcomes in Italy.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Year
2024
  • 2024
  • 2025
Date
May 26 - Jul 09
  • May 26 - Jul 09
  • Jul 14 - Aug 27
  • Sep 15 - Oct 29
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
May 26 - Jul 9, 2024 Itinerary Differences: This date includes the “Palio di Siena” a historic tradition that dates back to 1633 and is a competition among the city’s districts. This program does not allow roommate matching.
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
2024
  • 2024
  • 2025
May 26 - Jul 09
  • May 26 - Jul 09
  • Jul 14 - Aug 27
  • Sep 15 - Oct 29
May 26 - Jul 9, 2024 Itinerary Differences: This date includes the “Palio di Siena” a historic tradition that dates back to 1633 and is a competition among the city’s districts. This program does not allow roommate matching.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
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Map details are not available for this location.
45 days
44 nights
19 meals
5 B 8 L 6 D
DAY
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
DAY
2
Arrive Siena, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Siena
D
Hotel Executive

Activity note: Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).

Afternoon: After checking in to the hotel and getting your room, take some time to freshen up and relax before our Orientation session. Orientation: 6:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, hand out train and bus timetables, and answer questions. Educational content will be provided by a local expert and our knowledgeable Group Leader. Program-related travel will be primarily via motorcoach — requiring ascending and descending a few steps — unless specified otherwise. Meals will feature local cuisine and will include wine, coffee, and water with other beverages available for purchase. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

DAY
3
Lecture, Historic Siena Walk, Traditional Bakery
Siena
B,L,D
Hotel Executive

Activity note: Walking up to 2 miles in about 1/2 hour; even and uneven terrain.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will be joined at the hotel by a local expert who will give us a lecture on Palazzo Pubblico. We will set out on a walking field trip with our Group Leader to explore the historic center of Siena. A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Siena is famous for its monuments, palaces, museums, and art. We’ll learn about Siena’s long history, dating back to the ancient Etruscans, and observe the numerous archaeological ruins and relics. Siena has an interesting connection to Rome; according to legend, Siena was founded by Senio and Aschio, who are descendants of the brothers — Romulus and Remus — who founded Rome.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: We’ll continue exploring the streets of Siena with our Group Leader. During our field trip of the city, we will stop at Pasticceria Nannini to taste a variety of cookies, such as traditional siennese Ricciarelli (almond cookies). The recipe for these traditional Italian cookies dates back to the 15th century.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
4
Lectures, Siena Districts (Contrade)
Siena
B,L,D
Hotel Executive

Activity note: Walking about 2 miles throughout the day; generally flat terrain.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: At the hotel, we’ll be joined by a local expert for a lecture on the history and traditions of the 17 contrade (districts) of Siena, including its famous bi-yearly horse race. We’ll set out on a walking field trip with our Group Leader to explore the Contrada Priora della Civetta (The Civetta Contrada) and its museum (Museo Contrada Priora della Civetta). The morning lecture will come to life as we observe and explore the town and museum.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: We’ll be joined by a local expert for an on-site lecture on Valdimontone Contrada. We will then walk with our Group Leader to visit the charming Basilica di Santa Maria dei Servi. We will admire works by Coppo di Marovaldo, famous for the Madonna and Child.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

DAY
5
Orientation & Overview of Siena, Lecture, Residence
Siena
B,L,D
ApartHotel Anghel

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking about 1.5 miles throughout the day; generally flat terrain.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: At the hotel, the Group Leader will acquaint us with the local bakery, cleaners, market, drugstore, and all of the other services needed for our time in Siena. The Group Leader will also discuss how to create a connection with the local community by pursuing a personal interest or hobby during our stay. We will then be joined by a local expert who will give us a lecture on the foreign travelers on the grand tour: the itineraries, the seasons, and the motivations of a tour through Italy. The most famous places of Siena visited by celebrated European and American travelers and writers. We will check out from the hotel.

Lunch: At the hotel.

Afternoon: We will board our motorcoach and transfer to the residence where we will check in. Free time.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
6
1st Italian Language Course
Siena
ApartHotel Anghel

Activity note: Getting on/off public transportation; traveling about 3 miles, less than 1/2 hour. Walking about 1 mile throughout the day; generally flat terrain. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Breakfast: Independent meal.

Morning: We will take public transportation with our Group Leader to the University for Foreigners of Siena for our first Italian language course. The University aims to promote the study of Italian language, culture and society through its connection with the cultural history and the centuries-old Italian heritage. At their arrival, the participants will take a placement test in order to define their linguistic level and will attend the first course according to the standards of CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). The participants can take advantage of the most modern technologies available for language teaching, their multimedia language labs, and audiovisual and IT resources. At the end of the course, the participants can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. They can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details. They can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.

Lunch: Independent meal.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: Independent meal.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
7
Free Day
Siena
ApartHotel Anghel

Activity note: Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Breakfast: Independent meal.

Morning: Free time.

Lunch: Independent meal.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: Independent meal.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
8
Free Day
Siena
ApartHotel Anghel

Activity note: Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Breakfast: Independent meal.

Morning: Free time.

Lunch: Independent meal.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: Independent meal.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
9
Italian Language Class
Siena
ApartHotel Anghel

Activity note: Getting on/off public transportation; traveling about 3 miles, less than 1/2 hour. Walking about 1 mile throughout the day; generally flat terrain. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Breakfast: Independent meal.

Morning: Language class.

Lunch: Independent meal.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: Independent meal.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
10
Italian Language Class
Siena
ApartHotel Anghel

Activity note: Getting on/off public transportation; traveling about 3 miles, less than 1/2 hour. Walking about 1 mile throughout the day; generally flat terrain. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Breakfast: Independent meal.

Morning: Language class.

Lunch: Independent meal.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: Independent meal.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
11
Italian Language Class
Siena
ApartHotel Anghel

Activity note: Getting on/off public transportation; traveling about 3 miles, less than 1/2 hour. Walking about 1 mile throughout the day; generally flat terrain. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Breakfast: Independent meal.

Morning: Language class.

Lunch: Independent meal.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: Independent meal.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
12
Italian Language Class
Siena
ApartHotel Anghel

Activity note: Getting on/off public transportation; traveling about 3 miles, less than 1/2 hour. Walking about 1 mile throughout the day; generally flat terrain. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Breakfast: Independent meal.

Morning: Language class.

Lunch: Independent meal.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: Independent meal.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
13
Italian Language Class, Aperitif
Siena
ApartHotel Anghel

Activity note: Getting on/off public transportation; traveling about 3 miles, less than 1/2 hour. Walking about 1 mile throughout the day; generally flat terrain. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Breakfast: Independent meal.

Morning: Language class.

Lunch: Independent meal.

Afternoon: Free time. In the late afternoon, we will meet our Group Leader at a local bakery for an aperitif and snacks. Share your experiences with new Road Scholar friends.

Dinner: Independent meal.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for transfer in the morning. Remember to pack a small bag with a change of clothes and toiletries to take with you for our 1-day adventure in Florence. We can leave the rest of our belongings at the Residence in Siena.

DAY
14
To Florence, Lecture, The Duomo, Uffizi Gallery
Florence
D
Grand Hotel Mediterraneo Firenze

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 40 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time. Walking about 2 miles; even terrain. Note: During our 1-day adventure together in Florence, you may pack a small bag with change of clothes and necessities to take with you and leave the rest of your belongings at the Residence in Siena.

Breakfast: Independent meal.

Morning: We will board our private motorcoach and transfer to Florence where we will check in to the hotel. After we’ve settled in, we will be joined at the hotel by a local expert who will give us an on-site lecture on Michelangelo and his genius and relationship with the town of Florence. We will set out on a walking field trip with our Group Leader to explore the Uffizi Gallery. We’ll observe the gallery and see works by Cimabue, Giotto, Masaccio, da Vinci, Botticelli, and Titian.

Lunch: On your own in Florence. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Afternoon: We will continue our walking field trip with our Group Leader to the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral (The Florence Cathedral). Commonly known as The Duomo, this elaborate cathedral was constructed from 1296 to 1436 with help from three different designers. With our Group Leader, we’ll observe the impressive gothic architecture and learn about its construction. We will then return to the hotel.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

DAY
15
Lucca, Pietrasanta, To Siena
Siena
B
ApartHotel Anghel

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 178 miles, approximately 3 hours riding time throughout the day. Walking about 3 miles throughout the day; cobblestone paths.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: After checking out of the hotel, we will board our motorcoach and transfer to Siena. We will embark on an expert-led walking field trip of the medieval town of Lucca. We’ll observe its intact Renaissance-era city walls and stop to explore the famous Lucca Cathedral (Duomo di San Martino). We’ll learn about this town’s impressive architectural legacy, from before the Roman Empire to the Renaissance period.

Lunch: On your own in Lucca. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Afternoon: We will ride to Pietrasanta. We’ll set out on a walking field trip with our Group Leader to explore the village. Pietrasanta is an international bohemian haven for artists and art lovers and is better known as the “Little Athens” or the “town of artists.” We’ll learn about the village’s history and observe artwork. We will then complete our transfer to Siena.

Dinner: Independent meal.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
16
Italian Language Class
Siena
ApartHotel Anghel

Activity note: Getting on/off public transportation; traveling about 3 miles, less than 1/2 hour. Walking about 1 mile throughout the day; generally flat terrain. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Breakfast: Independent meal.

Morning: Language class.

Lunch: Independent meal.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: Independent meal.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
17
Italian Language Class
Siena
ApartHotel Anghel

Activity note: Getting on/off public transportation; traveling about 3 miles, less than 1/2 hour. Walking about 1 mile throughout the day; generally flat terrain. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Breakfast: Independent meal.

Morning: Language class.

Lunch: Independent meal.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: Independent meal.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
18
Italian Language Class
Siena
ApartHotel Anghel

Activity note: Getting on/off public transportation; traveling about 3 miles, less than 1/2 hour. Walking about 1 mile throughout the day; generally flat terrain. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Breakfast: Independent meal.

Morning: Language class.

Lunch: Independent meal.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: Independent meal.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
19
Italian Language Class, Aperitif
Siena
ApartHotel Anghel

Activity note: Getting on/off public transportation; traveling about 3 miles, less than 1/2 hour. Walking about 1 mile throughout the day; generally flat terrain. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Breakfast: Independent meal.

Morning: Language class.

Lunch: Independent meal.

Afternoon: Free time. In the late afternoon, we will meet our Group Leader at a local bakery for an aperitif and snacks. Share your experiences with new Road Scholar friends.

Dinner: Independent meal.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
20
Italian Language Class
Siena
ApartHotel Anghel

Activity note: Getting on/off public transportation; traveling about 3 miles, less than 1/2 hour. Walking about 1 mile throughout the day; generally flat terrain. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Breakfast: Independent meal.

Morning: Language Class

Lunch: Independent meal.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: Independent meal.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
21
Free Day, Concert
Siena
ApartHotel Anghel

Activity note: Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Breakfast: Independent meal.

Morning: Free time.

Lunch: Independent meal.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: Independent meal.

Evening: We will walk to the Chigiana Acadamy to attend a concert. Our program was planned far in advance when details of performances were not available. When confirmed, the information will be posted on the Road Scholar website under this program number and will also be included in preparatory materials sent following enrollment.

DAY
22
Free Day
Siena
ApartHotel Anghel

Activity note: Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Breakfast: Independent meal.

Morning: Free time.

Lunch: Independent meal.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: Independent meal.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
23
Italian Language Class
Siena
ApartHotel Anghel

Activity note: Getting on/off public transportation; traveling about 3 miles, less than 1/2 hour. Walking about 1 mile throughout the day; generally flat terrain. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Breakfast: Independent meal.

Morning: Language Class

Lunch: Independent meal.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: Independent meal.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
24
Italian Language Class
Siena
ApartHotel Anghel

Activity note: Getting on/off public transportation; traveling about 3 miles, less than 1/2 hour. Walking about 1 mile throughout the day; generally flat terrain. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Breakfast: Independent meal.

Morning: Language class.

Lunch: Independent meal.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: Independent meal.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
25
Local Market, Cooking Lesson
Siena
L
ApartHotel Anghel

Activity note: Walking up to 2 miles in about 1/2 hour; even and uneven terrain. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Breakfast: Independent meal.

Morning: We will walk and visit the local market with our Group Leader for and authentic experience of how people from Siena go food shopping in preparation for cooking. We will walk to the “scuola di cucina di Lella” for a cooking lesson. With an expert chef, we’ll prepare some local specialties.

Lunch: At the cooking school, we will enjoy the results of our cooking lesson.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: Independent meal.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
26
Italian Language Class
Siena
ApartHotel Anghel

Activity note: Getting on/off public transportation; traveling about 3 miles, less than 1/2 hour. Walking about 1 mile throughout the day; generally flat terrain. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Breakfast: Independent meal.

Morning: Language class.

Lunch: Independent meal.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: Independent meal.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
27
Italian Language Class, Aperitif
Siena
ApartHotel Anghel

Activity note: Getting on/off public transportation; traveling about 5 miles, less than 1/2 hour. Walking about 1.5 miles throughout the day; generally flat terrain. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Breakfast: Independent meal.

Morning: Language class.

Lunch: Independent meal.

Afternoon: Free time. In the late afternoon, we will meet our Group Leader at a local bakery for an aperitif and snacks. Share your experiences with your Road Scholar friends.

Dinner: Independent meal.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
28
Olive Oil Mill, Lecture, Certosa di Pontignano
Siena
L
ApartHotel Anghel

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 30 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time throughout the day. Walking about 2 miles throughout the day; uneven terrain.

Breakfast: Independent meal.

Morning: We will board our motorcoach and ride to a local olive oil mill. We’ll meet the owner and set out on a walking field trip to observe and learn about the production of olive oil.

Lunch: At the olive oil mill.

Afternoon: We will then ride to the Certosa di Pontignano. With our Group Leader, we’ll visit an old charming monastery, now the most important academic and congress center of the University of Siena. We will return to Siena after our field trip.

Dinner: Independent meal.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
29
Podere il Casale, Pienza, Winery, Montalcino
Siena
L
ApartHotel Anghel

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 120 miles, approximately 3 hours riding time throughout the day. Walking about 3 miles throughout the day; uneven terrain.

Breakfast: Independent meal.

Morning: We will board our motorcoach and ride to Podere il Casale to visit a local cheese factory and learn about the production of pecorino cheese. We will then ride to Pienza. We’ll set out on a walking field trip with our Group Leader to explore this charming village. Designed in 1405 by Renaissance humanist Aeneas Silvius Piccolomini, it was built as an ideal Renaissance town and was the first example of humanist urban planning concepts. We will then ride to a local winery and learn about the tradition of the Tuscan wines.

Lunch: At a local winery.

Afternoon: We will ride to Montalcino with our Group Leader. On arrival, we’ll set out on a walking field trip to explore and learn about this historic town. The hamlet has remained almost intact since the 16th century. It’s famous for its production of Brunello wine and its rich art and culture. The historic center is dominated by the mighty fortress, built in 1361 to mark the end of its independence as it was absorbed into the larger city of Siena. We’ll walk along the fortress wall and take in the breathtaking panorama. We will return to Siena.

Dinner: Independent meal.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
30
Italian Language Class, Conversation Exchange, Aperitif
Siena
ApartHotel Anghel

Activity note: Getting on/off public transportation; traveling about 5 miles, less than 1/2 hour. Walking about 1.5 miles throughout the day; generally flat terrain.

Breakfast: Independent meal.

Morning: Language class.

Lunch: Independent meal.

Afternoon: In the late afternoon, we will meet at the Cultural Center in Siena for a casual conversation with a local citizen. We’ll have an opportunity to ask questions and learn about local traditions and customs. As we chat, we will enjoy an aperitif and snacks.

Dinner: Independent meal.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
31
Italian Language Class
Siena
ApartHotel Anghel

Activity note: Getting on/off public transportation; traveling about 3 miles, less than 1/2 hour. Walking about 1 mile throughout the day; generally flat terrain. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Breakfast: Independent meal.

Morning: Language class.

Lunch: Independent meal.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: Independent meal.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
32
Italian Language Class
Siena
ApartHotel Anghel

Activity note: Getting on/off public transportation; traveling about 3 miles, less than 1/2 hour. Walking about 1 mile throughout the day; generally flat terrain.

Breakfast: Independent meal.

Morning: Language class.

Lunch: Independent meal.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: Independent meal.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
33
Italian Language Class
Siena
ApartHotel Anghel

Activity note: Getting on/off public transportation; traveling about 3 miles, less than 1/2 hour. Walking about 1 mile throughout the day; generally flat terrain. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Breakfast: Independent meal.

Morning: Language class.

Lunch: Independent meal.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: Independent meal.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
34
Italian Language Class, Aperitif
Siena
ApartHotel Anghel

Activity note: Getting on/off public transportation; traveling about 3 miles, less than 1/2 hour. Walking about 1.5 mile throughout the day; generally flat terrain. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Breakfast: Independent meal.

Morning: Language class.

Lunch: Independent meal.

Afternoon: Free time. Free time. In the late afternoon, we will meet our Group Leader at a local bakery for an aperitif and snacks. Share your experiences with your Road Scholar friends.

Dinner: Independent meal.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
35
Free Day
Siena
ApartHotel Anghel

Activity note: Getting on/off public transportation; traveling about 3 miles, less than 1/2 hour. Walking about 1 mile throughout the day; generally flat terrain. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Breakfast: Independent meal.

Morning: Free time.

Lunch: Independent meal.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: Independent meal.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
36
Free Day
Siena
ApartHotel Anghel

Activity note: Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Breakfast: Independent meal.

Morning: Free time.

Lunch: Independent meal.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: Independent meal.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
37
Free Day, (City Holiday: Palio di Siena)
Siena
ApartHotel Anghel

Activity note: Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Breakfast: Independent meal.

Morning: Free time.

Lunch: Independent meal.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: Independent meal.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
38
Free Day, (City Holiday: Palio di Siena)
Siena
ApartHotel Anghel

Activity note: Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Breakfast: Independent meal.

Morning: Free time.

Lunch: Independent meal.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: Independent meal.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
39
Italian Language Class
Siena
ApartHotel Anghel

Activity note: Getting on/off public transportation; traveling about 3 miles, less than 1/2 hour. Walking about 1 mile throughout the day; generally flat terrain. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Breakfast: Independent meal.

Morning: Language class.

Lunch: Independent meal.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: Independent meal.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
40
Free Day
Siena
ApartHotel Anghel

Activity note: Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Breakfast: Independent meal.

Morning: Free time.

Lunch: Independent meal.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: Independent meal.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
41
Free Day
Siena
ApartHotel Anghel

Activity note: Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Breakfast: Independent meal.

Morning: Free time.

Lunch: Independent meal.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: Independent meal.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for transfer in the morning. Remember to pack a small bag with a change of clothes and toiletries to take with you for our 1 day adventure in Anghiari. We can leave the rest of our belongings at the Residence in Siena.

DAY
42
To Anghiari, Perugia, Lecture, Solomeo Hamlet
Anghiari (AR)
L
Hotel La Meridiana

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 125 miles, approximately 3 hours riding time throughout the day. Walking about 2 miles throughout the day; even and uneven terrain.

Breakfast: Independent meal.

Morning: We will board a motorcoach and transfer to Anghiari. We will stop en route to Perugia. Built in the medieval period, this town is rich with historic buildings and architecture. We will set off to explore the town with our Group Leader. We’ll stop at the historic Academy of Fine Arts and the Music Conservatory. We’ll learn about the history of fine arts and music in Italy.

Lunch: At a local farmhouse.

Afternoon: At the farmhouse, we’ll be joined by a local expert for an on-site lecture on the Brunello Cucinelli, the philosopher of cashmere. We will then ride to the Solomeo Hamlet. This medieval hamlet is also known as Hamlet of the Spirit. Italian designer and entrepreneur Brunello Cucinelli has invested millions of dollars into restoring and preserving this medieval village. With our Group Leader, we’ll set out on a walking field trip to explore the historic village and learn about Cucinelli’s life and mission. We will then complete our transfer to Anghiari and we will check into our next hotel.

Dinner: Independent meal.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

DAY
43
To Siena, Arezzo, Lecture
Siena
B,L
ApartHotel Anghel

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 75 miles, approximately 1.5 hours riding time throughout the day. Walking about 2 miles throughout the day; even and uneven terrain.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: After checking out of the hotel, we will board our motorcoach and transfer to Siena. We will stop en route at Arezzo. We will be joined by a local expert who will provide background information for our field trip. We'll visit the Cathedral, and the Church of San Francis, where will admire masterpieces of Piero della Francesca.

Lunch: At a restaurant in Arezzo.

Afternoon: Free time in Arezzo. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. We will expect to arrive in Siena in the late afternoon.

Dinner: Independent meal.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
44
Free Day, Farewell Dinner
Siena
D
ApartHotel Anghel

Activity note: Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice. Walking about 0.5 miles throughout the day; even and uneven terrain.

Breakfast: Independent meal.

Morning: Free time.

Lunch: Independent meal.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: At a local restaurant. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

DAY
45
Program Concludes, In Transit From Program
In Flight

Activity note: Residence check-out by 11:00 a.m. See your program's “Getting There” information regarding transfers.

Breakfast: Independent meal. This concludes our program.

Morning: If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!






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