windance

Is anyone familiar with Rocky's week-long programs that layer garden tours, cooking classes, and language class, onto a base of daily lectures on art? He's based in Florence.

They sound very interesting and impress me as a week-long immersion version of ContextRome. I learned about that company years ago from numerous raves in this forum and I would add my own, having taken several tours with them in both Rome and Florence.

I'm interested in improving my intermediate Italian, touring gardens, and learning more about art and culture in Italy. Add in food and wine knowledge and enjoyment. If not Rocky, are there any other small group venues members might suggest? I'm also happy to stitch the parts together myself, should anyone have recommendations for any one of the topics in my list.

Thinking 1-2 weeks before the summer rush. Thank you!

windance

ttt

kybourbon

Most Italian language schools offer the same options. Did you want to stay in Florence?

http://www.ilsasso.com/eng/

http://www.saenaiulia.it/06_1_italia...cany-italy.php

http://www.scuolaleonardo.com/Italia...ool-Siena.html

http://www.dantealighieri.com/italia...e_courses.html

windance

Thanks so much for the links. Are you familiar with any of these programs? Wondering about age mix, class size, etc. I'm not limited to Florence, but I liked the mix of topics, taught well, in the timeframe of a vacation, not a whole semester. Any further insights are valuable. thx

kybourbon

There are reviews of various programs if you search for them. I've considered several programs including one in Cefalu, Sicily, but haven't done it yet.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ool-review.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...l-in-italy.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...in-tuscany.cfm

windance

Thanks for all of this!

I haven't been to Siclly -- yet -- and that sounds like a wonderful destination. Also the hiking and food. I hope you find time to go soon!

Off to do more homework with this good start from you. thx again!