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).
Hillside paths between 6 and 12 km, recommended to those who have a good physical shape and can face ups and downs. In case of rain, the outdoor walking program will be replaced in part or in whole by the "Italiano & Arte" program. As an alternative option, participants may switch to the traditional language courses (with consequent reduction of costs).
Day 1: Walk to Montefollonico, a small Medieval village perched on the summit of a hill between the Valdichiana and the Val d'Orcia. Departure from the school at 9 am, return at about 1 pm.
Day 2: Walk to Monticchiello, a medieval village nestled in the Val d'Orcia, famous for its walls and narrow twisting lanes, as well as for the summer presentations of "Teatro Povero" (Poor Theatre). Departure from school at 9 am, return about 1 pm.
Day 3: Nature Reserve of Pietraporciana. Departure from school at 9 am with a private van to La Foce, then on foot to the reserve of Pietraporciana with a walk in the beech forest. Lunch at the Visitors Centre restaurant. Back to La Foce on foot and return to Montepulciano in the van at 4 pm.
Day 4: Free morning (weekly market). Departure from the school at 2 pm, walk to the Dei Winery. Tour of the vineyards and cantina, wine tasting and light meal. Return to Montepulciano at 6 pm.
Day 5: Bagno Vignoni. Departure from the school at 9 am with a private van to Bagno Vignoni with its water-filled piazza, then on foot to the tiny hamlet of Vignoni Alto and back. Bath in the thermal pool of Val di Sole, lunch and a walk in the area of the mills. Return to Montepulciano with the van at 4 pm.
Dates
6 - 10 June 2022 (1 week)
3 - 7 October 2022 (1 week)
Price
Roaming lessons, information on the area, transportation, 1 wine tasting and 2 lunches included
1 week: Euro 600
Sofia M. –
I am still in Tuscany. It will be very difficult to leave. My fourth of five weeks as a student (yes, mature of age but young of heart) at Il Sasso, Il Scuola di Italiano a Montepulciano. By good fortune, my friend had attended last year (2018) and told me about this jewel in the heart of Tuscany. Heike, one of the very helpful team responded overnight to my enquiry and I was enrolled, after a small deposit, for beginners, June 2019.