Living and Learning in Siena: Independent Stay and Language Study
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At a Glance
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
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
- 2024
- 2025
- Jul 14 - Aug 27
- Sep 15 - Oct 29
- 2024
- 2025
- Jul 14 - Aug 27
- Sep 15 - Oct 29
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Activity note: Getting on/off public transportation; traveling about 5 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!