Language.
Culture.
La Dolce Vita.
Immerse yourself in Italian: learn the language, live the culture, and savour the real Italy — all in one unforgettable experience.
Created and run by the award-winning VICI Language Academy, this retreat will help you truly immerse yourself in the culture, make rapid progress in your language skills and have a fabulous holiday, all at the same time!
A unique blend of hands-on learning, cultural discovery, and meaningful connection — designed for curious minds and language lovers alike.
OUR UPCOMING ITALIAN LANGUAGE IMMERSION PROGRAMME
Florence
22nd – 27th March 2026
Open to Italian Learners of all Levels
Welcoming Both VICI Members and Non-Members
FLORENCE, Renaissance Roots, Soulful Streets.
→ Marvel at Iconic Architecture
From the cobbled streets to the magnificent Duomo, Florence is a feast for the eyes. Brunelleschi’s red-tiled dome dominates the skyline — an unforgettable symbol of Italy’s rich medieval heritage.
→ Taste Tuscany
Florence is also a culinary treasure. Savour bistecaa alla fiorentina, fresh handmade pasta, and bold red wines from the nearby Chianti region.
→ Live the Language Through Food & Wine
As part of your immersion, you’ll take part in an authentic pasta-making workshop, guided by local chefs — followed by a wine-tasting experience to top off your culinary adventure.
Speak Italian. Taste Italy. Live the Culture.
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.
“We’ve limited the group to just 16 participants to keep the learning truly personalised. And if you book early, you’ll save £95 per person or £175 for two booking together. Now’s the perfect time to plan your experience!”
Book Early and Save
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✅ What’s Included in Your 6-Day Experience:
A 30-minute personal consultation with one of our Italian coaches before you go, to assess your level and make sure you’re placed in the right group.
10-15 hours Italian lessons in level-appropriate groups, held every morning in a relaxing hotel setting.
A VICI team member on site throughout the stay, ensuring a smooth, supportive experience from start to finish.
Your own local guide for the duration of the programme, offering insider knowledge and bringing each city to life.
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.
Breakfast is included each day, while lunch and dinner are left open — giving you the freedom to eat when and how you prefer, and explore local restaurants at your own pace.
All flights and local ground transportation included — from departure to return.
Join us from just £2,072 per person.
What You Can Look Forward To
This Week The Full Agenda is HERE to View
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.
“As a French native, I left school confident in my English — but it wasn’t until I lived abroad that I realised how much I was missing.
After 23 years in the world of languages, one thing is crystal clear to me: there are many ways to study a language, but immersion… that’s when it truly clicks. That’s when language stops being a subject and starts becoming part of who you are.
Immersion means real-life communication, cultural connection, and moments of genuine discovery.
That’s the power of our retreats and residential programmes. They’re short, uplifting, and unforgetable — and genuinely transformational.”
Nathalie Danon, Academy Director
A glimpse into our unforgettable experiences in other european destinations: France and Spain.
Those who’ve joined us before say it best !
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!”
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
ANDREW PENGELLY
“I’ve just been on an excellent VICI Immersion Week 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
“I am 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. 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 !
I would definitely recommend this immersion programme to others, it was totally what I had hoped for and it more than met my expectations.”
“Improve your Italian as you experience the heart of Florence – its art, its history, and its vibrant daily life. All you need is curiosity.” – Clara Legallais-Moha
Clara is our European Immersion Programme Coordinator at VICI and a qualified language coach.
She has carefully designed this experience with our expert team to ensure every element supports meaningful language learning and cultural immersion.
Well-travelled and passionate about intercultural exchange, Clara draws inspiration from her journeys — especially across Europe and Central Asia — and is currently learning Russian.
Her thoughtful, learner-focused approach is at the heart of every programme she creates.
What You Can Expect From This Experience
CONFIDENCE AND EMPOWERMENT
Speak with more confidence and spontaneity
Learn to make mistakes without fear — and grow because of them
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CLARITY IN THE LANGUAGE
Reinforce grammar you already know and finally make sense of what felt fuzzy
Expand your active vocabulary with words and expressions you’ll actually use
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
MOTIVATION & MENTAL SHARPNESS
Feel mentally sharper and emotionally connected to the language
Get a real boost in motivation that will carry through long after you return home
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Your Questions, Answered
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 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 3-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 31/08/25, you can enjoy a saving of £95 per person or £175 for joint bookings sharing a room.
What are the payment options?
Payment is requested in full at the time of booking and can be made by bank transfer (BACs).
If you’d prefer to spread the cost with a monthly payment plan, this can be arranged — just speak to our team. A small admin fee will apply.
What is the cancellation policy?
This programme is purchased as a package, and individual services 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 high level of personal attention. Due to the small group size, the business limits its profit margin, and refunds are not possible.
While the Academy holds full business and liability insurance for the delivery of the programme, we strongly advise that you arrange personal travel insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances that may affect your ability to attend.
If you’re unable to join, you are welcome to transfer your place to a friend or colleague. A £45 admin fee will apply for this change, and we will assist in liaising with the airline to check whether flight amendments are possible.
Please note that any additional costs incurred due to transport or other booking arrangements already confirmed (such as flight name changes or hotel amendments) will be the responsibility of the original participant transferring their place.
At the Director’s discretion, it may be possible to obtain a credit of up to 50% of the value of the programme, which can be used towards language lessons at VICI or another future language experience. This must be requested at least 10 weeks prior to the programme start date, and cannot be guaranteed.
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.
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!
JOIN US!
A Unique Experience Awaits
This isn’t just a language course — it’s a chance to connect with your love of learning, experience Spanish culture from the inside, and come home with new confidence, real progress, and unforgettable memories.
Whether you’re travelling solo or with a friend or a spouse, you’ll be warmly welcomed into a supportive and inspiring community.
📞 Get in Touch
Reception
Call and leave a message: 01635 44424
Spanish Team
Send us a WhatsApp: 07976 243529
Email
Write to us at: learn@thevici.com
We look forward to connecting with you soon!