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Bread, wine and language
20 hrs/week group course + wine tour, guided wine tastings, cooking lesson and dinner

An Example of a program

Monday
8:30 We start with a short language exercise to ensure you join the most appropriate language class for your level of knowledge and experience. After a short break you have your first language lesson.
16:15 at the school. A brief explanation of our programme of activities followed by... A Taste of Lucca: A food and wine lovers' walking tour of the town, introducing not only the historic centre within the city walls but also the traditional ingredients and specialties of the area and the individual specialist food and wine shops that still flourish in the town.

Tuesday
15:00 The enjoyment of food: Flavours, textures, techniques. A cooking class based on the rich seasonal variety of Tuscan cuisine. We prepare and taste traditional dishes based on local ingredients. Dinner.

Wednesday
16:00 at the school.
16:30 A landscape of vineyards and olive trees. The hills above Lucca are home to the noted Colline Lucchesi DOC wines. During our visit to this beautiful wine producing area, we follow the fascinating process of how wine is made from vineyard to glass and explore the art and science of grape growing and winemaking. We enjoy a comparative tasting of both red and white wines.
17:30 The pleasures of wine. Using the senses: Look, smell, taste - enjoy! We look at how to use the information on the label to choose wine, then learn how to maximise enjoyment of the wine using three senses. First we enjoy the colour and texture of the wine in the glass. Next we savour the scent in all its complexity. Finally we taste, enjoying and exploring the unique flavour of each wine. We will be able to use these techniques to the full during our guided wine tasting.

Thursday 19:30 We round off the evening with dinner in a restaurant where we enjoy a tasting menu of perfectly matched speciality food and wines.

Friday - Free afternoon to enjoy the city

Language lessons (20 hrs/week) are from Monday to Friday, 9.00 to 13.00 with a coffee break (20’) around 11.00.

The program includes:
  • Assessment test
  • Language lessons
  • 3 meals
  • 1 wine tasting
  • 1 cookery classes
  • 1 city tour
  • 1 excursion

Price of the course: € 670

Start dates 2024

Lucca: Mar 25 - Apr 8 – May 6, 20 – June 17– July 15 – Sept 9, 23 – Oct 7

Special price for one additional week of Italian Language and Culture Course: €180

Bread, wine and language

Lucca
This program is aimed at those who would like to combine the language Standard Course with other aspects of the Italian way of life: food, wine and, last but not least, the Tuscan countryside while having fun and making new friends. "Bread, Wine and Language" has a duration of one week and is held in Lucca. It can be easily combined, at very advantageous prices, with one or more additional weeks of the Standard Course.

Wine tastings will be held by a professional AIS Sommelier.

Cooking with "Mamma"

Lucca
This course offers a unique chance to combine learning with cooking: you will practise the Italian language in the morning and enjoy cooking typical Tuscan dinners with a very special tutor: an Italian “mamma”! A great opportunity to improve the language in a pleasantly authentic context. This program can easily be combined with one or more additional weeks in the frame of the Standard Course at very affordable prices.

Cooking with "Mamma"
The course includes:

20 hrs/week group course Monday to Friday 9.15 – 13.00, optional afternoon activities, 4 cooking classes including dinner, homestay accommodation in a single room, breakfast included.

Please specify your Italian language level upon enrolment.
Starting dates: every week (every 2 weeks for absolute beginners).
On your arrival, we will test your knowledge of Italian in order for you to join the right class.
1 week-language program including accommodation (single room with breakfast):€ 860

Starting dates 2024

Lucca: Lucca: Jan 15, 29 – Feb 12, 26 – Mar 11, 25 – Apr 8, 22 – May 6, 20 – June 3, 17 – July 1, 15, 29 – Aug 12, 26 – Sept 9, 23 – Oct 7, 21 – Nov 4, 18 – Dec 2 2024


Non-beginners can start on dates other than the course starting dates listed
Walking and talking
20 hours of group course + 4 excursions + welcome drink + private and public transportation

The program includes: Italian Language and Culture Course over 4 days from 9.15 to 13.00 for the total of 20 hours/week; 4 half day excursions with a teacher/guide; a welcome drink; private and public transportation.

An example of a program

Monday
La città: An urban walk “The City from the Walls"

This walk will help students get to know Lucca and the surrounding areas from the viewpoint of the Renaissance walls that encircles the city. The impressive green belt surrounding the historical center proposes a special way to admire the ever-changing scenery of the beautiful view of hills in the distance, or the city below with its unique charm of an ancient history and a modern daily life.
The walk ends with a welcoming drink at one of Lucca’s bars.
Tuesday
La collina: A walk through the olive groves and vineyards
that surround the historical homes of the old nobility of Lucca.
When you think about Tuscany, you probably visualize medieval villages, old churches, green cypress-lined roads and even hidden corners, set within a picturesque landscape of green fields, vineyards, silvery-green olive trees and rolling down hills. Well the good news is that it genuinely exists!
Wednesday
Il mare: Exploring the Ligurian Coast. Full day excursion.
A walk on the seaside path through vineyards, copses of oak, alder, pine and juniper trees, cliffs, ancient pilgrimage routes, Roman roads. You will enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view of the whole coastal line of the Cinque Terre. Packed lunch.
Thursday
La montagna:A walk through the mountains
. This walk will take students through the mountains north of Lucca, known as Garfagnana, the “green lungs of Tuscany.” From the peaks you can enjoy amazing views that range from the Apenines and the Apuan Alps, to the gentle rolling hills and the medieval villages.
Friday
Free afternoon to enjoy the city


Please note that the course requires a minimum of two participants.
1 week program - Course price:€ 670

Start dates 2024:

Mar 11 - Apr 22 - May 6 - Sept 23 - Oct 21


The walking tours are designed for those who love walking. The routes are not particularly demanding, however, good health conditions are required. The duration of the walks varies from 3 to 5 hours along flat and wooded trails that will have some differences in height.
We recommend to wear hiking shoes and layered clothing to adjust to changing weather conditions.In the case of adverse weather conditions, the school reserves the right to make changes to the program that will be promptly communicated. Students will be covered by insurance in case of any accident that might occur during the excursions.

Special price for one additional week of Italian Language and Culture Course, € 180

Walking and talking

Lucca
The program is designed for those who love walking and combines the Italian Language and Culture Course in the morning with outdoor afternoon activities to discover the countless features of the Tuscan landscape. Even in the limited space of an afternoon, the peculiar geographical position of Lucca offers the opportunity to experience a hidden and lesser known but fascinating area of the region, off the beaten tracks.

Travel and Learn: The seaside and the city

Lucca - Sestri Levante
The program offers the possibility of knowing two very different aspects that also distinguish the beauties of Italy, even the less obvious ones. Join us in Lucca (Tuscany) and in Sestri Levante (Liguria). Lucca and Sestri Levante are within easy travelling distance by train. Each location renowned for outstanding historical heritage, culture, landscape, architecture and lifestyle and each offering you the opportunity to be immersed in the Italian way of life. Each location,the perfect base for your stay, with many things to do either in the context of our “Italian Language and Culture Program” or independently.

Travel and Learn: The seaside and the city
1 week in Sestri Levante/Lucca + 1 week in Lucca/Sestri Levante (An example of a 2-week course):

1 week in Sestri Levante includes:
Italian standard course: 20 lessons per week of group lessons, 4 hours a day from 9.00 to 12.30 + optional afternoon activities according to the program of the Course of Italian Language and Culture.
The classes have a maximum of 8 students (minimum 3) and are divided between grammar and conversation.

1 week in Lucca includes:
Italian standard course: 20 lessons per week of group lessons, 4 hours a day from 9.15 to 13.00 + optional afternoon activities according to the program of the Course of Italian Language and Culture.
The maximum number of students per class is 12 and on average there are 6 or 7 students in each class.
Accommodation in homestay or hotel.

Price of the course € 600

SESTRI LEVANTE

Sestri Levante is a colorful, peaceful and small seaside town, which encompasses picturesque bays enclosed in small coves.
Sestri Levante is also well known as the “city of two seas” because of its geographical location: it is in fact situated on a small promontory and overlooks two bays, the Baia del Silenzio and the Baia delle Favole (Bay of Silence and Bay of Fables).
Situated in the Genova area and midway between Portofino and Cinque Terre on the Gulf of Tigullio, Sestri Levante is a popular seaside resort that can be enjoyed at any time of the year and an ideal place to explore the most beautiful villages in Liguria.
Our classrooms are well located in a 19th century building, Palazzo Negrotto Cambiaso, which has a direct view onto the breathtaking Bay of Silence.

LUCCA

Lucca's intact sixteenth century city walls are unique and form an impressive part of a green belt surrounding the historic centre.
The city centre is extremely well preserved and the pedestrian area is wide enough to get around easily on foot or by bicycle.
The historical heart of the old town here, maintains all its Italian flavour in the many stores, cafes and trattorias.
The lively town stages many cultural events that make the city a place of interest every month of the year.
The city is beautifully located so that if you would like, it is possible to visit wineries or old villas and farmhouses in the surrounding hills or to see the neighbouring cities of Florence, Pistoia, Pisa etc.
The classrooms of our school in via dei Tabacchi, are well situated in a historic palace in the area of the old town.
On arrival, we assess your existing level of Italian by taking a test and you join a class at the appropriate level.
A wide choice of courses are offered both in Lucca and in Sestri Levante.

For any further information, feel free to contact: info@koinecenter.com

Tutor course on the island
The program includes:
  • individual course of Italian Language and Culture: 10 hrs/week on 5 mornings, 2 hrs/day
  • transfer from/to the port of Livorno to/from Capraia by Toremar ferry (about 3 hours each way)
  • self catering accommodation: single room in apartment shared with the tutor
  • 2 excursions: walking two hiking paths exploring the coastline and the interior
  • 1 cruise around the island on a small boat (2 hours)
  • 1 guided tour of the village and the surrounding area
  • 1 aperitivo
  • supervision and assistance by Koinè staff

Duration: 1 week

Course fee: € 1620

The trails are easy walks, though they may have some climbs. Please make sure you bring appropriate shoes, preferably hiking boots. The paths offer panoramic views in all directions. Be prepared to be dazzled by the stark contrast between the views of the Tuscan coast in the distance, the sea below and the local agriculture with its vineyards.

Dates 2023

Please contact us for details

Tutor course on the island

Lucca
This program allows you to learn and practise Italian with a personal tutor in an exceptional location: wonderful Capraia, one of the most suggestive islands of the Tuscan Archipelago. Travel, accommodation, excursions and assistance are included and completely organized by Koinè in order to make your stay a truly unique and relaxing experience.

Italian language and photography workshop

Lucca
This course combines the study of the Italian language with the interest in photography at different levels, from amateur to advanced, addressing those who want to learn or improve the technique taking advantage of the architectural subjects and natural beauties that characterize our places.
The lessons of the photography workshop are carefully designed according to individual interests and skills (fashion, landscape, architecture, portrait, etc.) as well as to any professional requirements.

Italian language and photography workshop
Group class 20, 40, 60 or 80 hrs + photography workshop

1 week – 20 hrs Italian Language and Culture group class in the morning + optional afternoon activities. Photography Workshop in the afternoon – 3 meetings of 2 hours each, 6 total hours of photoclass € 460

2 weeks– 40 hrs Italian Language and Culture group class in the morning + optional afternoon activities. Photography Workshop in the afternoon – 4 meetings of 2 hours each, + 1 half -day outdoor photo workshop, 12 total hours of photoclass € 780

3 weeks – 60 hrs Italian Language and Culture group class in the morning + optional afternoon activities. Photography Workshop in the afternoon – 6 meetings of 2 hours each, + 2 half-day outdoor photo workshops, 20 total hours of photoclass € 1170

4 weeks– 80 hrs Italian Language and Culture group class in the morning + optional afternoon activities. Photography Workshop in the afternoon – 8 meetings of 2 hours each + 3 half-day outdoor photo workshops, 28 total hours of photoclass € 1465

Main Subjects: travel, street, architecture, landscape, portrait, portrait set, fashion, sport. Tips and tricks.
The photography workshop includes both a theoretical and a practical section.
Participants will be asked to create their own personal portfolio.
At the end of the course, they will receive a certificate of attendance.
No specific professional training is required, unless on the basis of special needs and programs that must be agreed in advance.
Lucca: Lucca: Jan 15, 29 – Feb 12, 26 – Mar 11, 25 – Apr 8, 22 – May 6, 20 – June 3, 17 – July 1, 15, 29 – Aug 12, 26 – Sept 9, 23 – Oct 7, 21 – Nov 4, 18 – Dec 2 2024

Non-beginners can start on dates other than the course starting dates listed
Speak and taste italian in Lucca
2 hrs/day lesson of Italian Language + 2 hrs/day of after school activity + lunch.

Tour details: starting from Koinè Center (via dei Tabacchi, 5) towards piazza Napoleone, then to piazza San Michele and to via Buia (close to via Fillungo). Lunch will take place in piazza del Carmine, in front of the old Lucca market.

Duration: 4 hours

Prices:

  • 1 person: Euro 220
  • 2 persons: Euro 290 (145 each)
  • 3 persons: Euro 480 (160 each)

Validity of the offer: all year round

To enrol in this course, please contact us at info@koinecenter.com

Speak and taste italian in Lucca

How to survive during your vacation in Italy eating in a restaurant, asking for information, buying something?

  • A 2 hour lesson of Italian at school that will make your stay easier and funnier.
  • 2 hours of after school activity to practise what you learnt including lunch with a teacher in a trattoria, tasting typical food and wine.