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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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Living & LearningLanguage StudySmall GroupCity DiscoveriesTransformational Journeys
Length
45 days
Rating (5)
Activity Level
Starts at
9,999
Flights start at
950

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45 days
44 nights
19 meals
5B 8L 6D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
2
Arrive Siena, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Siena
3
Lecture, Historic Siena Walk, Traditional Bakery
Siena
4
Lectures, Siena Districts (Contrade)
Siena
5
Orientation & Overview of Siena, Lecture, Residence
Siena
6
1st Italian Language Course
Siena
7
Free Day
Siena
8
Free Day
Siena
9
Italian Language Class
Siena
10
Italian Language Class
Siena
11
Italian Language Class
Siena
12
Italian Language Class
Siena
13
Italian Language Class, Aperitif
Siena
14
To Florence, Lecture, The Duomo, Uffizi Gallery
Florence
15
Lucca, Pietrasanta, To Siena
Siena
16
Italian Language Class
Siena
17
Italian Language Class
Siena
18
Local Market, Cooking Lesson
Siena
19
Free Day, Concert
Siena
20
Free Day, Aperitif
Siena
21
Olive Oil Mill, Lecture, Certosa di Pontignano
Siena
22
Podere il Casale, Pienza, Winery, Montalcino
Siena
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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.
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Meals
19 Meals
5 Breakfasts
8 Lunches
6 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Gluten Free, Low Fat, Low Salt, Vegetarian
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
Jul 14, 2024 - Aug 27, 2024
  • Jul 14, 2024 - Aug 27, 2024
  • Jul 14, 2024 - Aug 27, 2024
  • Sep 15, 2024 - Oct 29, 2024
  • Feb 16, 2025 - Apr 01, 2025
  • Apr 06, 2025 - May 20, 2025
  • May 25, 2025 - Jul 08, 2025
  • Sep 14, 2025 - Oct 28, 2025
Hotel Executive
3 nights
Siena
Hotel Executive is a modern 4-star hotel located in the residential area of Scacciapensieri, close to the University Educational Complex and Conference Centre of the Santa Maria alle Scotte Hospital, not far from the train station and few minutes away from the city center. The very peaceful location makes the Hotel Executive the perfect location from which to begin exploring the beautiful town of Siena, with the magic of its narrow winding streets and aristocratic buildings, as well as the surrounding areas that offer unique locations such as: the Chianti wine area; San Gimignano; Pienza and Montalcino as well as the nearby city of Florence. We serve our guests with professionalism and hospitality.
TripAdvisor Reviews
ApartHotel Anghel
38 nights
Siena
Inaugurated on 1st January 2013, the ApartHotel Anghel is in a strategic location: just outside Siena but part of a complex that boasts all services and amenities, finished with high quality materials. The ApartHotel Anghel is over 4 floors and all apartments are made up of: bedroom with queen size bed (no twin beds); living room with full kitchenette and sofa bed; bathroom with shower (no bathtub). Immediately outside our complex you will find the minibus stop to take you both to the railway station and Siena’s historic city centre.
TripAdvisor Reviews
Grand Hotel Mediterraneo Firenze
1 night
Firenze
Located on the ‘Lungarni’ (literally- along Arno- referring to the river of that name) with the Ponte San Niccolò bridge just a few feet away, the Grand Mediterraneo is strategically placed to visit Florence on foot. We are easily accessible by car and are waiting to offer you the very best of Florentine hospitality. Combining welcoming, contemporary, comfortable spaces with functionality and three great dining rooms, 327 guest rooms, all with modern conveniences and services, a large lobby and spacious congress centre,
TripAdvisor Reviews
Hotel La Meridiana
1 night
Anghiari
“La Meridiana”in Anghiari close to Arezzo is a charming family-owned inn that has wanted to make your holidays excellent in a Tuscany medieval village since 1964. In a home and quiet environment you can lose yourself and discover the beauties of this land while you are a guest in a comfortable and renovated hotel offering you whatever you need. A few steps from the town theatre, hotel “La Meridiana” in Anghiari is in the town historic centre so you can move easily and without difficulty to discover everything around the place. Since our intentions are to always make your holidays perfect!
TripAdvisor Reviews
Hotel Executive
3 nights
Siena
Hotel Executive is a modern 4-star hotel located in the residential area of Scacciapensieri, close to the University Educational Complex and Conference Centre of the Santa Maria alle Scotte Hospital, not far from the train station and few minutes away from the city center. The very peaceful location makes the Hotel Executive the perfect location from which to begin exploring the beautiful town of Siena, with the magic of its narrow winding streets and aristocratic buildings, as well as the surrounding areas that offer unique locations such as: the Chianti wine area; San Gimignano; Pienza and Montalcino as well as the nearby city of Florence. We serve our guests with professionalism and hospitality.
TripAdvisor Reviews
ApartHotel Anghel
38 nights
Siena
Inaugurated on 1st January 2013, the ApartHotel Anghel is in a strategic location: just outside Siena but part of a complex that boasts all services and amenities, finished with high quality materials. The ApartHotel Anghel is over 4 floors and all apartments are made up of: bedroom with queen size bed (no twin beds); living room with full kitchenette and sofa bed; bathroom with shower (no bathtub). Immediately outside our complex you will find the minibus stop to take you both to the railway station and Siena’s historic city centre.
TripAdvisor Reviews
Grand Hotel Mediterraneo Firenze
1 night
Firenze
Located on the ‘Lungarni’ (literally- along Arno- referring to the river of that name) with the Ponte San Niccolò bridge just a few feet away, the Grand Mediterraneo is strategically placed to visit Florence on foot. We are easily accessible by car and are waiting to offer you the very best of Florentine hospitality. Combining welcoming, contemporary, comfortable spaces with functionality and three great dining rooms, 327 guest rooms, all with modern conveniences and services, a large lobby and spacious congress centre,
TripAdvisor Reviews
Hotel La Meridiana
1 night
Anghiari
“La Meridiana”in Anghiari close to Arezzo is a charming family-owned inn that has wanted to make your holidays excellent in a Tuscany medieval village since 1964. In a home and quiet environment you can lose yourself and discover the beauties of this land while you are a guest in a comfortable and renovated hotel offering you whatever you need. A few steps from the town theatre, hotel “La Meridiana” in Anghiari is in the town historic centre so you can move easily and without difficulty to discover everything around the place. Since our intentions are to always make your holidays perfect!
TripAdvisor Reviews
Hotel Executive
3 nights
Siena
Hotel Executive is a modern 4-star hotel located in the residential area of Scacciapensieri, close to the University Educational Complex and Conference Centre of the Santa Maria alle Scotte Hospital, not far from the train station and few minutes away from the city center. The very peaceful location makes the Hotel Executive the perfect location from which to begin exploring the beautiful town of Siena, with the magic of its narrow winding streets and aristocratic buildings, as well as the surrounding areas that offer unique locations such as: the Chianti wine area; San Gimignano; Pienza and Montalcino as well as the nearby city of Florence. We serve our guests with professionalism and hospitality.
TripAdvisor Reviews
ApartHotel Anghel
38 nights
Siena
Inaugurated on 1st January 2013, the ApartHotel Anghel is in a strategic location: just outside Siena but part of a complex that boasts all services and amenities, finished with high quality materials. The ApartHotel Anghel is over 4 floors and all apartments are made up of: bedroom with queen size bed (no twin beds); living room with full kitchenette and sofa bed; bathroom with shower (no bathtub). Immediately outside our complex you will find the minibus stop to take you both to the railway station and Siena’s historic city centre.
TripAdvisor Reviews
Grand Hotel Mediterraneo Firenze
1 night
Firenze
Located on the ‘Lungarni’ (literally- along Arno- referring to the river of that name) with the Ponte San Niccolò bridge just a few feet away, the Grand Mediterraneo is strategically placed to visit Florence on foot. We are easily accessible by car and are waiting to offer you the very best of Florentine hospitality. Combining welcoming, contemporary, comfortable spaces with functionality and three great dining rooms, 327 guest rooms, all with modern conveniences and services, a large lobby and spacious congress centre,
TripAdvisor Reviews
Hotel La Meridiana
1 night
Anghiari
“La Meridiana”in Anghiari close to Arezzo is a charming family-owned inn that has wanted to make your holidays excellent in a Tuscany medieval village since 1964. In a home and quiet environment you can lose yourself and discover the beauties of this land while you are a guest in a comfortable and renovated hotel offering you whatever you need. A few steps from the town theatre, hotel “La Meridiana” in Anghiari is in the town historic centre so you can move easily and without difficulty to discover everything around the place. Since our intentions are to always make your holidays perfect!
TripAdvisor Reviews
Hotel Executive
3 nights
Siena
Hotel Executive is a modern 4-star hotel located in the residential area of Scacciapensieri, close to the University Educational Complex and Conference Centre of the Santa Maria alle Scotte Hospital, not far from the train station and few minutes away from the city center. The very peaceful location makes the Hotel Executive the perfect location from which to begin exploring the beautiful town of Siena, with the magic of its narrow winding streets and aristocratic buildings, as well as the surrounding areas that offer unique locations such as: the Chianti wine area; San Gimignano; Pienza and Montalcino as well as the nearby city of Florence. We serve our guests with professionalism and hospitality.
TripAdvisor Reviews
ApartHotel Anghel
38 nights
Siena
Inaugurated on 1st January 2013, the ApartHotel Anghel is in a strategic location: just outside Siena but part of a complex that boasts all services and amenities, finished with high quality materials. The ApartHotel Anghel is over 4 floors and all apartments are made up of: bedroom with queen size bed (no twin beds); living room with full kitchenette and sofa bed; bathroom with shower (no bathtub). Immediately outside our complex you will find the minibus stop to take you both to the railway station and Siena’s historic city centre.
TripAdvisor Reviews
Grand Hotel Mediterraneo Firenze
1 night
Firenze
Located on the ‘Lungarni’ (literally- along Arno- referring to the river of that name) with the Ponte San Niccolò bridge just a few feet away, the Grand Mediterraneo is strategically placed to visit Florence on foot. We are easily accessible by car and are waiting to offer you the very best of Florentine hospitality. Combining welcoming, contemporary, comfortable spaces with functionality and three great dining rooms, 327 guest rooms, all with modern conveniences and services, a large lobby and spacious congress centre,
TripAdvisor Reviews
Hotel La Meridiana
1 night
Anghiari
“La Meridiana”in Anghiari close to Arezzo is a charming family-owned inn that has wanted to make your holidays excellent in a Tuscany medieval village since 1964. In a home and quiet environment you can lose yourself and discover the beauties of this land while you are a guest in a comfortable and renovated hotel offering you whatever you need. A few steps from the town theatre, hotel “La Meridiana” in Anghiari is in the town historic centre so you can move easily and without difficulty to discover everything around the place. Since our intentions are to always make your holidays perfect!
TripAdvisor Reviews
Hotel Executive
3 nights
Siena
Hotel Executive is a modern 4-star hotel located in the residential area of Scacciapensieri, close to the University Educational Complex and Conference Centre of the Santa Maria alle Scotte Hospital, not far from the train station and few minutes away from the city center. The very peaceful location makes the Hotel Executive the perfect location from which to begin exploring the beautiful town of Siena, with the magic of its narrow winding streets and aristocratic buildings, as well as the surrounding areas that offer unique locations such as: the Chianti wine area; San Gimignano; Pienza and Montalcino as well as the nearby city of Florence. We serve our guests with professionalism and hospitality.
TripAdvisor Reviews
ApartHotel Anghel
38 nights
Siena
Inaugurated on 1st January 2013, the ApartHotel Anghel is in a strategic location: just outside Siena but part of a complex that boasts all services and amenities, finished with high quality materials. The ApartHotel Anghel is over 4 floors and all apartments are made up of: bedroom with queen size bed (no twin beds); living room with full kitchenette and sofa bed; bathroom with shower (no bathtub). Immediately outside our complex you will find the minibus stop to take you both to the railway station and Siena’s historic city centre.
TripAdvisor Reviews
Grand Hotel Mediterraneo Firenze
1 night
Firenze
Located on the ‘Lungarni’ (literally- along Arno- referring to the river of that name) with the Ponte San Niccolò bridge just a few feet away, the Grand Mediterraneo is strategically placed to visit Florence on foot. We are easily accessible by car and are waiting to offer you the very best of Florentine hospitality. Combining welcoming, contemporary, comfortable spaces with functionality and three great dining rooms, 327 guest rooms, all with modern conveniences and services, a large lobby and spacious congress centre,
TripAdvisor Reviews
Hotel La Meridiana
1 night
Anghiari
“La Meridiana”in Anghiari close to Arezzo is a charming family-owned inn that has wanted to make your holidays excellent in a Tuscany medieval village since 1964. In a home and quiet environment you can lose yourself and discover the beauties of this land while you are a guest in a comfortable and renovated hotel offering you whatever you need. A few steps from the town theatre, hotel “La Meridiana” in Anghiari is in the town historic centre so you can move easily and without difficulty to discover everything around the place. Since our intentions are to always make your holidays perfect!
TripAdvisor Reviews
Hotel Executive
3 nights
Siena
Hotel Executive is a modern 4-star hotel located in the residential area of Scacciapensieri, close to the University Educational Complex and Conference Centre of the Santa Maria alle Scotte Hospital, not far from the train station and few minutes away from the city center. The very peaceful location makes the Hotel Executive the perfect location from which to begin exploring the beautiful town of Siena, with the magic of its narrow winding streets and aristocratic buildings, as well as the surrounding areas that offer unique locations such as: the Chianti wine area; San Gimignano; Pienza and Montalcino as well as the nearby city of Florence. We serve our guests with professionalism and hospitality.
TripAdvisor Reviews
ApartHotel Anghel
38 nights
Siena
Inaugurated on 1st January 2013, the ApartHotel Anghel is in a strategic location: just outside Siena but part of a complex that boasts all services and amenities, finished with high quality materials. The ApartHotel Anghel is over 4 floors and all apartments are made up of: bedroom with queen size bed (no twin beds); living room with full kitchenette and sofa bed; bathroom with shower (no bathtub). Immediately outside our complex you will find the minibus stop to take you both to the railway station and Siena’s historic city centre.
TripAdvisor Reviews
Grand Hotel Mediterraneo Firenze
1 night
Firenze
Located on the ‘Lungarni’ (literally- along Arno- referring to the river of that name) with the Ponte San Niccolò bridge just a few feet away, the Grand Mediterraneo is strategically placed to visit Florence on foot. We are easily accessible by car and are waiting to offer you the very best of Florentine hospitality. Combining welcoming, contemporary, comfortable spaces with functionality and three great dining rooms, 327 guest rooms, all with modern conveniences and services, a large lobby and spacious congress centre,
TripAdvisor Reviews
Hotel La Meridiana
1 night
Anghiari
“La Meridiana”in Anghiari close to Arezzo is a charming family-owned inn that has wanted to make your holidays excellent in a Tuscany medieval village since 1964. In a home and quiet environment you can lose yourself and discover the beauties of this land while you are a guest in a comfortable and renovated hotel offering you whatever you need. A few steps from the town theatre, hotel “La Meridiana” in Anghiari is in the town historic centre so you can move easily and without difficulty to discover everything around the place. Since our intentions are to always make your holidays perfect!
TripAdvisor Reviews





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