Florence - Culture and History Galore
Traveling time: 1 or 2 weeks from 02.09., 09.09., 11.11 or 18.11.2018
Welcome to Tuscany! In this region, history is the attraction with Florence as the star. And as an added bonus, you’ll experience the traditional Italian way of life here. Go on a journey full of unforgettable discoveries. And thanks to your language course, you’ll soon be able to speak and broaden your horizons in new and exciting ways.
Activity Program
Florence: a masterpiece of a city. The architectural and spiritual center of Tuscany will enchant you. Anyone tourist who’s been here can tell you that they wish to return. However, you’ll not just travel as a tourist, but also, thanks to our activity program, like a local with our insider tips!
And we have a lot for you to do: the mighty cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, an excursion into the Middle Ages and an opera in the Santa Monaca Church. With all the rich history it might almost be overwhelming, but fortunately, you’ll be in Italy, where excellent cafés and restaurants are abundant.
Hundreds of artists, thousands of paintings and countless treasures of the world's history await you here. The main highlight has to be the excursion to the Uffizi. Every single piece tells its own story and thanks to the Italian course and the cultural program, you’ll feel right at home. Veniamo al dunque, a presto e benvenuto a Firenze!
Sprachcaffe Florence is located in a 19th-century Palazzo in the Piazza della Repubblica, the heart of Florence's historic center. A short walk will lead you to the cathedral square, the Duomo. The 16 large air conditioned classrooms are equipped with video projectors and wireless internet. A huge hall is dedicated to recitals and lectures and large common spaces are available for students to relax, study and socialise between lessons.
20 lessons a week is just enough to refresh your grammar and vocabulary, while leaving time in the afternoons and evenings for our culture program. Our teachers will attend to your individual needs and use lively, and long-lasting, teaching methods!
| Lessons Per Week* | Minimum Duration | Group size | More Info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part-time Course | 10 | 1 week | max 12 | More Info |
| Standard Course | 20 | 1 week | max 12 | More Info |
* 1 lesson = 45 minutes. Course materials can be bought or rented for a small price in the school.
In Florence, we offer you a 3-star hotel, which more than meets our own high quality standard and is reviewed on a regular basis. An extensive breakfast awaits you as well as a calm park directly at your doorstep. Last but not least, it is situated in the center of Florence and not far from the school.
Hotel Malaspina***
The 3-star Hotel Malaspina is in the center of Florence, ideally situated for exploring all the sights and getting to the Language school in less than 15 minutes by foot. The building is a residence and belongs to the descendants of Margrave Malaspina. The air-conditioned rooms are each equipped with a TV, phone, minibar, safe and en-suite bathroom. Furnished with characteristically classic Tuscan furniture, the bedrooms will help you to relax. In the elegant breakfast room you can enjoy a rich buffet with sweet and savoury delicacies, as well as typical Florentine desserts.
| Accommodation | Rooms | Board | Facilities | Distance from School |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel* |  or | Breakfast | En-suite bathroom with shower, air conditioning, TV, telephone, minibar, safe | 15 minutes by foot |
*Bookings will be made to either this hotel or a hotel hotel with equal services
Day 1
On Sunday you'll arrive at Peretola airport. From there it's a quick journey to Santa Maria del Fiore train station in Florence and not much further to your hotel.
Day 2
Your language course will begin in the morning. Your Italian skills will be polished up and put to the test in a small group. After a small relaxing icebreaker session with a champagne reception, we'll set off on a discovery tour in the evening.
Day 3
OK, we'll put you out of your misery: On Tuesday you'll get to see il Duomo di Firenze, the cathedral that has long been a symbol of Italy's breathtaking architecture. You'll even have the chance to walk the 463 steps to the top of the dome. The view over Florence will blow you away. The bell tower also deserves a closer look as it was well ahead of its time in terms of architecture. A tip: The best photo opportunity is from the panorama terrace of Il Grande Museo Del Duomo.
Day 4
Art is not only visual: on Wednesday you'll experience the extraordinary sounds of the opera. Rather than a big and crowded show, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the almost familiar and informal atmosphere that await you in the Santa Monaca church. As close to the soprano as you'll ever get!
Day 5
Tuscany is famous for its delicious cuisine. Accompany us for an aperitif before reaching your own conclusion. To mark the occasion the first round is on us! Buon appetito!
Day 6
Starting at Piazza della Signoria, we'll show you the most striking sights of the city and tell you their stories. Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Veccio, Ponte Veccio and more...
Day 7
Now you know Florence and the Italian language, it's time to discover Tuscany! We'll visit San Gimignano. Even before we arrive you'l be captivated by the landscapes passing us by on our way. San Gimignano itself is perched on a small hill and known as the Manhattan of the Middle Ages due to its many towers!
Day 8
Sunday brings the indisputable highlight of your trip: The Uffizi. It's thanks to the infinite wealth and goodness of the Medici family that numerous priceless works of art are available for us all to see today.
Day 9
When one thinks of Tuscany, it's normally with a glass of wine in one's hand. In the middle of one of the world's major areas of cultivation, Florence offers excellent opportunities to find the world's finest wines. After a professional wine tasting, you'll feel like a true connoisseur.
Day 10
After such an exciting weekend and eventful Monday, we'll leave you to your own devices on Tuesday. Relax, enjoy the city and stroll through the alleyways - when will you next find yourself in such a lovely place?
Day 11
Many are content with mere copies, but not on your active Sprachcaffe trip! On Wednesday we'll accompany you to the Accademia di Belle Arti. Although it reads like a poem it is, in fact, one of the world's most prestigious art schools. However, it's mostly known for Michelangelo's masterpiece: David - the original, by the way!
Day 12
When discovering Florence, we think a little bit of Italian cliché can be a part of it. We won't take you to any old pizzeria, but to a course in how to make dough, sauce and toppings into a delicacy for you to dig into.
Day 13
Did you know that Florence is also the fashion capital of Italy? Nowhere else in Italy will you find more creative designers, traditional handwork or new collections. Everything that reaches the catwalk in Milan has to first make its claim in Florence. Let's go to a studio and watch the artisans at work.
Day 14
After so many impressions and memories you'll be tempted to miss your return flight. Don't worry: everyone who visits Florence returns in no time!
Number of participants and language level:
- On the culture program, we put together groups of up to 10 people. Travel individually and make new contacts when you get here.
- In the classroom there are 12 people maximum per course. Depending on your language level, you could also be taught with regular language travelers.
- For the culture program, we recommend a language level between A2 and C1.
- Should, contrary to expectations, not enough participants register for the culture program, Sprachcaffe will offer you private tuition or a shortened program.
Bargain price:
The price offer includes a 2 week language course of 20 x 45 minutes per week, single room accommodation in the 3*** hotel as described with breakfast and the culture program as described. Hotel and leisure program subject to availability, subject to short notice alterations. At an additional charge, you can, for example, choose another course or book airport transfers.
