Taste, Tour & Learn: An Adventure Through Tuscany

November 4-14, 2026
12 Days | 10 Nights – Only 16 Spaces Remaining!

This program requires a moderate activity level, including walking on uneven terrain, navigating cobblestone streets, and standing during tours. A reasonable level of mobility is recommended to fully enjoy Tuscany’s scenic landscapes and historic sites.

Italy awaits you! Join us in November 2026 for an exciting adventure with Georgia Southern University at the Dante Alighieri school in Siena. Experience the culture, history, and beauty of Italy in a curated program just for you! Enjoy a week of Italian language classes, hands-on cooking lessons and private tours of iconic locations such as Montepulciano, Pienza, San Gimignano, and the Chianti region. This non-credit program is open to individuals 18+ and includes eight nights in Siena, followed by 2 nights in Florence, blending education, cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes. Book your adventure today, seats are limited!

Itinerary

Join Georgia Southern University for an unforgettable experience in the heart of Tuscany. Taste, tour, and learn as you dive into Italian culture with language classes, cooking lessons, and guided explorations of Siena, Florence, and the surrounding countryside.

What is Included in the Italy Travel Program?

  • 12 days, 10 nights accommodations in private rooms
  • 16 meals
  • Italian language and cooking classes at the Dante Alighieri School in Siena
  • Transportation from Florence International Airport to Siena

Exclusive private guided tours of iconic Tuscan destinations:

Join us on a captivating tour of San Gimignano and Montalcino, where you’ll indulge in exquisite wines and admire stunning architecture amid Tuscany’s rolling hills. Savor the renowned Brunello di Montalcino and exceptional Chianti, all while soaking in the breathtaking views that define this beautiful region.

  • Transportation
  • English-speaking Guides
  • Private Tours
  • Wine Tasting
  • Light lunch at a winery

Explore the heart of the Tuscan countryside as you visit the picturesque towns of Pienza and Montepulciano. Enjoy exceptional wines at local wineries, stroll through historic streets lined with artisan shops, and take in sweeping views of rolling hills and vineyards. This day blends cultural discovery, culinary delight, and unforgettable moments in one of the most beautiful regions of Italy.

  • Private tour
  • English-speaking guides
  • Wine tasting
  • Transportation
  • Castle views

In Siena, you step into the living traditions of the contrade, the districts that shape the city’s identity and community spirit. These neighborhoods are at the heart of Siena’s culture, and understanding them adds depth and meaning to your Tuscany experience.

What You Will Learn

  • The origins and purpose of Siena’s seventeen contrade
  • How each district’s symbols and colors tell a story
  • The role the contrade play in daily life and local culture
  • Why the Palio is central to community pride and celebration
  • How rivalries and alliances influence long-standing traditions
  • What it means to belong to a contrada today

Our day in Florence includes a guided historical tour that brings the city’s Renaissance story to life. You explore the influence of the Medici family, whose power, wealth, and patronage shaped Florence into a center of art, culture, and innovation. As part of the experience, you also visit the Medici family crypt, a remarkable space that offers a closer look at the legacy and lasting impact of one of history’s most influential families.

Additional Information

8 nights in Siena and 2 nights in Florence in a private room in an authentic Italian hotel.

  • Georgia Southern University does not assume any liability or risk during your trip.
  • Travel insurance is not included but is highly recommended to protect your trip investment.

  • Flights are not included but can be added upon request
  • Lunch and some dinners
  • Checked baggage fees
  • Transportation to Savannah International Airport
  • Airport parking fees

  • Discounted rate for Georgia Southern employees and alumni – $3,499
  • Regular registration rate – $3,999
  • Deposit: $575 (non-refundable)
  • Final Payment Deadline: July 31, 2026
  • Payment Plan: Available to make your journey more accessible

  • Deposits are non-refundable. In the event that Georgia Southern has to cancel the trip, all deposits will be fully refunded. 
  • Cancellations must be received by June 30, 2026. 
  • From the time of booking to:
    • 4 months before departure: 100% refund minus deposit
    • 2 months prior to departure: 50% refund minus deposit, substitutions available
    • Less than 2 months prior: No refund available, substitutions cannot include airfare

  • To enter Italy, you will need a valid passport or other travel document:
  • Validity: Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended departure date (preferably 6 months)
  • Pages: Requires at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps
  • Issue Date: Must have been issued within the past ten years

  • If you choose to arrange your own flights, you will need to ensure that you can meet the group either at Amerigo Vespucci Airport or Santa Maria Novella Train Station in Florence.
  • Open to learners 18 years of age and older.

Registration Information

Don’t miss this chance to explore Tuscany with Georgia Southern University! Register today to embark on a journey filled with culinary delights, scenic tours, and immersive cultural experiences. With only 16 spots remaining, this opportunity won’t last long!

For more information, please contact Deedee Southerlin at 912-478-5966 or email tsoutherlin@georgiasouthern.edu.

To reserve your spot and place a deposit, please contact Jamie Burke at 912-478-7977.