Immerse Yourself in Italian Language and Culture: a Journey Through Italy’s Heart
Learn Italian, explore historic landmarks, and indulge in authentic cuisine in one unforgettable experience.
Our “Italian Culture and Language Immersion Experience” offers a unique blend of personal growth, language learning, cultural engagement, and networking possibilities. This event allows participants to delve into the local culture, enjoy various events, and immerse themselves in a rich array of cultural experiences, providing a comprehensive insight into Italian traditions and community life.
OUR NEXT LANGUAGE IMMERSION PROGRAMME:
Florence
23rd – 28th March 2025
Suitable for Italian learners of all levels – no prior experience is necessary
With only 16 participants, bookings open on 21st October, and the price is guaranteed until 20th December 2024—secure your spot and enjoy this exclusive opportunity!
Testimonials from past residentials
Val Cleare, Essex, UK
“It has been an amazing week with so many chances to learn and speak the language, and not being afraid to have a go with like-minded students. I feel more confident as a result.
The organisation has been exceptionally excellent and an opportunity not to be missed! We have had so much fun with each opportunity, and I would fully recommend VICI and hope to attend more of these fully immersive weeks. I put my trust in VICI from the beginning to the end of such an adventure, and glad I did so.”
Leila Buchama, Montpellier, France
“Thank you for this wonderful immersion week; it was amazing. Kindness, attentiveness, learning, and great organisation—I’ll definitely do it again! See you soon!”
Ann Lewis, Cardiff, UK
“Tired but very contented after the week abroad – a beautiful city, interesting classes, super food and the chance to spend time with a lovely group of people. Until next time!”
Val Cleare, Essex, UK
“It has been an amazing week with so many chances to learn and speak the language, and not being afraid to have a go with like-minded students. I feel more confident as a result.
The organisation has been exceptionally excellent and an opportunity not to be missed! We have had so much fun with each opportunity, and I would fully recommend VICI and hope to attend more of these fully immersive weeks. I put my trust in VICI from the beginning to the end of such an adventure, and glad I did so.”
Leila Buchama, Montpellier, France
“Thank you for this wonderful immersion week; it was amazing. Kindness, attentiveness, learning, and great organisation—I’ll definitely do it again! See you soon!”
Ann Lewis, Cardiff, UK
“Tired but very contented after the week abroad – a beautiful city, interesting classes, super food and the chance to spend time with a lovely group of people. Until next time!”
EXPERIENCE HIDDEN AND AUTHENTIC TREASURES, BE PART OF A CLOSE-KNIT COMMUNITY AND LEARN WHILE ENJOYING YOURSELF!
This exclusive residential experience has been a cornerstone of our offerings for the past 8 years. It’s such a reliable platform for success that it has become a highly anticipated date in our annual events calendar.
Join us and discover why so many participants return year after year to immerse themselves in Italian language and culture!
“Studies show that, while there are many effective methods of language acquisition, only immersion training leads to full native-like brain processing of linguistic elements like grammar.
This limited-availability immersion programme, organised by our team in collaboration with local experts, is suitable for any level of language proficiency.
Benefit from a once-in-a-lifetime authentic tourist experience while making huge strides in your Italian!”
Nathalie Danon, Academy Director
This Italian residential programme is ideal for you if you are:
Or perhaps…
Have you been learning Italian for a while? You’re ready to try it out in real-life settings and build confidence while speaking with locals.
Took a break from learning? You’re looking for a positive boost to jump back in and reignite your passion for Italian.
Thinking of moving to Italy, retiring, or buying a holiday home? You want an authentic experience of Italian language and culture before making that exciting decision.
This programme is ideal for anyone ready to immerse themselves in Italian language and culture. Whether you’re eager to try out your skills in real-life settings, need a boost to restart your learning, or are considering moving to Italy or buying a holiday home, this experience offers an authentic taste of Italian life. You’ll leave with more confidence in your language abilities and a deeper connection to the culture.
Language Level – all are welcome!
Whether you’re just beginning your Italian language journey or have been studying for years, our Florence experience is designed to be accessible and enriching for everyone. No prior experience is necessary to join – some learners attend to feel inspired and start from the basics, while others, with more advanced skills, join to put their language knowledge into real-world practice. Rest assured, our experienced and fully qualified language coaches will tailor the experience to suit your level, creating a rewarding and personalised learning environment for all participants.
Our next language experience is happening in Florence (take a look!)
FLORENCE
Florence is also renowned for its architectural marvels. The Florence Cathedral, also known as the Duomo, with its iconic, red-tiled dome designed by Brunelleschi, is one of the most impressive architectural feats of the medieval world. Its skyline view is breathtaking, offering a glimpse into the city’s glorious past.
Finally, Florence offers exquisite culinary traditions, with Tuscan delicacies such as bistecca alla fiorentina, fresh pasta, and rich wines from the nearby Chianti region.
How about trying your hand at Italian cooking? Our Language Immersion Programme offers an authentic pasta-making workshop, led by local culinary masters, followed by a delightful wine-tasting experience. Perfect for immersing yourself in both language and culture!
Andiamo!
The 6-day residential programme includes:
Italian lessons in level-appropriate groups, held every morning in a relaxing hotel setting.
Experience a traditional pasta-making workshop right after your morning lesson, hosted by local culinary experts.
Discover the Villa Medicea La Petraia and other Renaissance wonders of the city, rich with history and art.
Enjoy a wine-tasting experience, featuring local Italian specialities.
Take part in the Florentine New Year celebrations, immersing yourself in local traditions.
The first 6 participants will be invited to an exclusive 2-hour online evening workshop covering essential functional language for your trip to Italy (value of £85).
Plus, your first evening meal and drinks are on us!
HERE ARE JUST A FEW MEMORIES FROM OUR LANGUAGE & CULTURAL EXPERIENCES…
What’s in store for you?
Bespoke Italian language programme:
- Your experience begins before you even arrive, with a thorough assessment of your current language skills. Based on this, we create a tailored lesson plan to ensure you get the most out of your learning.
- Daily lessons are held in a relaxing hotel setting, not a stuffy classroom, and are led by two experienced language coaches fluent in English if needed, catering to learners of all levels.
Authentic cultural experiences:
- Participating in a hands-on pasta-making workshop and wine-tasting session, hosted by local experts.
- Thanks to our extensive network in the region, you’ll enjoy authentic, local experiences that go far beyond typical tourist activities.
Explore Florence’s Renaissance wonders:
- Visit iconic sites like the Villa Medicea La Petraia and other historical treasures.
- While learning Italian, you’ll also discover the city’s rich art and history.
Florentine New Year celebrations:
- Be part of this unique tradition that brings Florence to life with parades, festivals, and historical reenactments. You’ll experience the true spirit of Florence, living the celebration like a local.
Luxurious accommodation:
- Stay in a beautiful, comfortable hotel, with all transportation and daily activities organised for you.
- It’s the perfect balance of learning, cultural immersion, and relaxation.
Exclusive residential programme:
- Everything is organised for our learners, so you don’t need to worry about a thing—just soak up the language and culture.
- With a full itinerary of activities, the only decision you’ll make is choosing what authentic Italian dish to enjoy for lunch and dinner. We’ll recommend the best local restaurants and handle bookings.
Dedicated support:
- Nathalie, our director, will be on hand throughout the programme to ensure everything runs smoothly, allowing you to focus entirely on your learning and experience.
This unique experience will enhance your Italian language skills while offering you a deep connection to Florence’s history, art, and vibrant local life. All you need to do is study, explore, and enjoy!
SAVE YOUR PLACE
A Unique Experience Awaits
For the past 8 years, we’ve been running successful residential programmes for children and adults, and we believe that keeping them exclusive is key to their success. That’s why, this year, we’re offering just 16 spots for our bespoke Florence Immersion Programme.
Set for March 2025, we’ve chosen this timing to avoid school holidays in both the UK and Italy, ensuring you the best prices and a more relaxed atmosphere.
With limited places available, now’s the perfect time to secure your spot. Speak to an advisor today and make sure you’re part of this unforgettable experience!
Talk to an advisor to find out more and book your place:
ITINERARY
What sets our language experiences apart?
Designed exclusively for adults, our programmes combine the best of both worlds—a rejuvenating holiday and an intensive language course. Picture yourself not only learning the language but living it, from trying your hand at making traditional Italian pasta to discovering hidden local gems that tourists rarely find.
Each day, you’ll attend tailored language classes in small groups led by expert VICI language coaches, ensuring a personalised approach to boost your fluency. Plus, you’ll engage in curated cultural activities guided by locals, giving you deep insights into the culture and traditions.
Everything is thoughtfully planned, so you can focus on learning and enjoying your time abroad. You’ll also have plenty of personal time to relax, explore, and create unforgettable memories at your own pace.
Teresa & Sally tell us why they enjoyed their immersive experience
“Great people, great fun, I would definitely do it again and I would recommend everyone else to as well!”
– Teresa
More kind words
From our students who have experienced our residential stays:
ANDREW PENGELLY
“I’ve just been on an excellent VICI Immersion Week in France and thoroughly enjoyed it.
The programme was skillfully constructed to be fun as well as instructive. It’s often a struggle learning a second language as an adult but this week was a big leap forward for me.
I’d strongly recommend it.”
SALLY LAIRD
“My French is in the elementary stages and my determination to improve prompted my decision to join the VICI Academy French Immersion Trip. The course was outstandingly organised.
The trip was action-packed with local attractions, gastronomic experiences and, importantly, French learning. This all constituted to a total immersion course of the highest standard. I returned, after the week, feeling exceptionally lucky to have taken part.”
PENNY RAWLE
“It was an excellent trip! The dedication, enthusiasm and planning of the team made it a totally unique learning experience… By the last day, I felt almost like a local, chatting to the shopkeeper, rather than just pointing and muttering “deux baguettes et cinq croissants, s.v.p.” as I would have done before the trip.
I would definitely recommend this immersion programme to others, it was totally what I had hoped for and it more than met my expectations.”
FAQ’s
Who is this immersion programme for?
This programme is ideal for adults of all levels who are eager to immerse themselves in Italian language and culture. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced learner, our personalised lessons cater to your needs. It’s also perfect if you’ve been learning Italian for a while and want to practise it in real-life settings, or if you’re considering a move to Italy or buying a holiday home.
How many participants are there in the programme?
We keep the experience exclusive by limiting the programme to 16 participants. This ensures a personalised approach and a more intimate group dynamic where everyone feels engaged.
What is the age of participants?
This programme is for adults only (18+). Generally, participants range from 35 to 85 years old.
What is included in the programme?
The programme includes:
- Daily Italian lessons tailored to your level, in a relaxing hotel setting.
- Authentic pasta-making and wine-tasting workshops, led by local experts.
- Cultural excursions to iconic Renaissance sites like Villa Medicea La Petraia.
- Participation in Florentine New Year celebrations.
- Luxurious accommodation with breakfast provided, and all local transportation and daily activities organised for you.
What is included in the programme?
The programme includes:
- Daily Italian lessons tailored to your level, in a relaxing hotel setting.
- Authentic pasta-making and wine-tasting workshops, led by local experts.
- Cultural excursions to iconic Renaissance sites like Villa Medicea La Petraia.
- Participation in Florentine New Year celebrations.
- Luxurious accommodation with breakfast provided, and all local transportation and daily activities organised for you.
- Everything is organised except for lunch and dinner, so you have the flexibility to enjoy local cuisine at your own pace, with our restaurant recommendations and bookings.
What are the transportation details?
Flights from the UK and transfers in Italy are included in the package, with flights in economy cabin. Should you wish to fly from a different airport or upgrade to business class, you can purchase the programme minus the £200 budget allocated for the flight. Please advise our team at the time of booking.
Will I have free time to explore on my own?
Yes! While we have a full itinerary of lessons and cultural activities, there will be plenty of time for you to relax, explore Florence at your own pace, and make the most of your stay.
What are the accommodation arrangements?
You have the option of choosing between a single room or shared accommodation. All rooms are in a luxurious 4-star hotel in central Florence, with breakfast included. We always aim to hold our language lessons in salons or lobbies of the hotel, giving the lessons a natural, everyday feel—rather than using stuffy classrooms or conference rooms.
What are the fees for this programme?
The fees are £2,072 for shared accommodation per person and £2,430 for single occupancy per person. If you book by 30/11/24, you can enjoy a saving of £95 per person or £175 for joint bookings sharing a room.
What are the payment options?
You can choose to pay in full at the time of booking and receive a £45 discount or spread the cost over 3 months with an additional £55 admin fee. Payments made via credit card will incur a 3% administrative fee.
What is the cancellation policy?
This programme is purchased as a package, and each service cannot be itemised. Please note that, once booked, the programme cannot be cancelled. We offer a bespoke experience, and only 16 participants are invited to join, ensuring each guest receives a lot of personal attention. Due to the small number of participants, the business limits its profit, and refunds are not possible.
However, you are welcome to pass your spot on to a friend or colleague. Simply pay the admin charge (generally around £65) to change the name on the flight and booking. At the Director’s discretion, it may be possible to obtain a credit for 50% of the value of the programme for language lessons at VICI or other language experiences. This credit must be requested no later than 10 weeks before the programme start date.
Do I need insurance?
VICI holds professional liability insurance to cover the programme itself. However, we strongly recommend that participants take out their own travel insurance to cover medical care, travel-related issues, and other potential risks.
How do I sign up?
Email our office manager Josephine at jclement@thevici.com for an application form, or contact Nathalie, our director, at ndanon@thevici.com or via WhatsApp at 0044 7976 243529 for any questions you may have.