Download a FREE copy of our School Groups Abroad Brochure to find out more about Cactus and browse a selection of our most popular school travel locations (4mb).
In many ways Siena is an intimate,
smaller version of Florence. Just
an hour away, across the patchwork
hills of Chianti, it is an equally
breathtaking display of Gothic architecture,
Renaissance palazzos and Tuscan art.
Within its medieval walls lies a maze
of curving, narrow
streets with enough nooks and crannies to keep
you occupied for days. Naturally, food is essential
to your cultural experience and the Sienese will
have you believe their town is the origin of many
Tuscan specialities. Yet a simple - albeit delicious
- ice cream on the stunning Piazza il Campo will
give you ample opportunity to soak up the atmosphere
of this Tuscan gem.
The School
The school is located in the centre
of Siena, just 10 minutes' walk from
the Piazza il Campo. Classes are held
both in the magnificent 17th century
palazzo, across from the Lizza Gardens,
and in the remarkably preserved 13th
century cloister of San Domenico.
There are 18 classrooms
in total, some decorated with frescoes and many
overlooking the peaceful garden where students
can relax during breaks. The school is small and
welcoming and has designed its own courses, which
are in turn taught by a friendly and professional
team of teachers. All in all this makes for a
wonderfully traditional environment in which to
learn Italian.
Client
Feedback
“Excellent city, perfect size
for a week's visit! The school location
was excellent as were the buildings,
classrooms, activities and staff.
My host family was also wonderful
- very comfortable with delicious
food. The whole experience was fantastic
and everyone I met very friendly.
I hope to return for longer next year!”
Jo Flannery
Ave no. of lessons:
15 lessons per week (each lesson 60 mins) Airport Transfer: From either Pisa or
Florence airport Accommodation: Hotel: shared room, full
board
(with packed lunches).
* Please note that students staying for 1 week
need to stay in the hotel. Those staying for
2 or more weeks can stay in the hotel or with
a host family.
Sample Programme
Sunday: Arrival
at Pisa airport and transfer to accommodation. Monday: Morning reception, level test
and language classes at the school. Afternoon
guided tour of Siena. Tuesday: Morning language classes. Half
day excursion to San Gimignano and the Chianti
area. Wednesday: Morning language classes.
Afternoon cooking session - pizza and tiramisù!
- and time to sample your dishes! Thursday: Morning language classes. Afternoon
visit to Museo dell'Opera
del Duomo. Friday: Morning language classes. Free
time in the afternoon. Evening visit to the
opera: "La Traviata", by Verdi. Saturday: Full-day excursion Montalcino
- S. Antimo - Pienza. Sunday: Departure for Pisa airport.
Cactus Rates Siena
Because...
* it overflows with stunning
art and architecture...
* it is home to the famous and exciting Il Palio
bareback horse festival in July & August...
* the centre is compact and easy to explore
to foot.
