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Italian Language with Marco in Milan – SOLD OUT
Marco Pelle
September 20, 2025 - September 27, 2025
$4175We will contact you in the event of a cancellation.
Explore the Hidden Gems and Iconic Landmarks of Milan with Marco
Get ready for a captivating week of Italian language immersion with Marco in the picturesque city of Milan. From world-famous fashion and design to stunning architecture like the Duomo, Milan offers a perfect blend of culture, shopping, and vibrant nightlife. Indulge in authentic Italian cuisine, explore charming neighborhoods, and experience the dynamic energy of Italy’s style capital.
And most enticing of all, perhaps, is that both Marco and Scott, your program manager for the week, have homes in Milan, so they will show the group their own personal version of the city.
Throughout the week, our primary focus remains the immersive study of the Italian language under Marco’s guidance. Expect lively visits to charming cafes, market excursions, and engaging interactions with locals as we practice the most romantic of all the romance languages together.
Milan’s culture is a sophisticated blend of history, fashion, and innovation. As Italy’s design and financial hub, the city thrives on creativity, from high fashion and contemporary art. We will enjoy a ballet at La Scala, marvel at the beauty of The Last Supper, and of course indulge in fantastic local cuisine.
To slow down from the vibrance of the city, we will escape to the breathtaking beauty of Lake Como for a day of pure Italian elegance! Just a short trip from Milan, this stunning lake is surrounded by charming villages, lush mountains, and crystal-clear waters. We’ll stroll through picturesque Bellagio, take a boat ride past luxurious villas, and savor authentic lakeside cuisine!
Get ready for an exciting week filled with Italian language, culture, and the excitement of Milan!
Arts: Teatro alla Scala, or La Scala, is one of the world’s most prestigious opera houses. Opened in 1778 in Milan, it was designed by architect Giuseppe Piermarini and quickly became a symbol of Italian musical excellence. La Scala has hosted legendary composers like Verdi, Puccini, and Rossini, premiering some of their greatest works. Despite damage during World War II, it was meticulously restored and continues to be a global center for opera and classical music, maintaining its reputation for artistic excellence. We will definitely attend a performance in this stunning and historical location.
Fashion: Milan has been a global fashion capital since the post-World War II era, when it emerged as a hub for high-quality craftsmanship and innovative design. Home to legendary brands like Prada, Gucci, and Armani, the city became synonymous with luxury and elegance. The establishment of Milan Fashion Week in 1958 cemented its status, attracting designers, models, and fashion enthusiasts from around the world. While we will have the opportunity to indulge in the shopping of these famous brands, we will search to find the hidden gems that influence both the fashion industry and local culture alike.
Andiamo! Join Marco for another fun adventure learning Italian in Italy!
Suggested Activities & Excursions:
- La Scala performance – (Aspects Of Nijinsky Ballet)
- Last Supper viewing entrance
- Duomo tour with rooftop access
- A guided tour of the Brera Art Museum
- Excursion to Lake Como with lunch
- Franciacorta Winery tour
Accommodations and Meals
For the week we will be staying at the Antica Locando Leonardo a boutique hotel that blends history, elegance, and comfort.
Dinners will be at a variety of restaurants and trattorie in the area. We’ll have 5 dinners together so you have the opportunity to explore on your own 2 nights. We’ll also have 1 lunch when we venture to Lake Como.
Price: $4,175 p/p; non-participants $3,875.
Supplements: $575 for single room-limited availability.
Non-refundable $500 deposit due upon registration. Balance due by August 1, 2025.
Includes:
- Accommodations at Antica Locando Leonardo
- Daily traditional breakfast at the hotel
- 5 dinners, (including wine) at local restaurants
- 1 lunch
- Daily Italian classes with Marco
- La Scala performance – (Aspects Of Nijinsky Ballet)
- Last Supper viewing entrance
- Duomo tour with rooftop access
- Brera Art Museum Tour
- Excursion to Lake Como with lunch
- Franciacorta Winery tour
- Transportation and guide for all local excursions
Does Not Include:
- Airfare
- Gratuities
- Independent meals and sight-seeing
To Register: just click on the Sign Up Now button. A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required to secure your spot in the workshop. Payment can be made on line with a credit card, or you can follow the instructions to send in your registration and payment by mail. Once we receive your deposit we will send you a formal Registration Confirmation with further information about the program. You will receive 2-3 other correspondences by email prior to the workshop with information about Italy, a supplies list and an electronic invoice for the balance. Final Balance is due by August 1st. Any time prior to your arrival, if you have questions about anything regarding the trip or the program, you can contact us by email or phone and we’ll be happy to assist you.
Contact us for more information: info@ilchiostro.com or speak to us live at 800-990-3506.
For our group’s stay in Milan, we wanted a location that perfectly balances charm, convenience, and authenticity—Antica Locanda Leonardo offers just that. Situated just steps from Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, this boutique hotel places us right in the heart of Milan’s rich history and culture. Its beautifully designed rooms, peaceful private courtyard, and warm Italian hospitality create an inviting and intimate atmosphere, making it an ideal retreat from the city's energy.
Beyond its charm, the hotel’s prime location allows us easy access to Milan’s top sights, from the iconic Duomo to the stylish Brera district. Whether exploring, dining, or simply relaxing, Antica Locanda Leonardo provides the perfect setting for a truly memorable Milan experience.
Each room at Antica Locanda Leonardo is thoughtfully designed, blending classic Milanese charm with modern comforts. Many rooms overlook the hotel’s tranquil private courtyard, offering a peaceful escape from the city's bustling streets. The hotel’s warm and attentive staff ensures a personalized experience, which will make our group feel right at home. With its combination of elegance, convenience, and authentic Italian hospitality, this hotel is the perfect home base for our Milan adventure.
Website: www.anticalocandaleonardo.com/
All participants will be required to travel independently to Milan on their own arrangements.
Milan is served by three main airports, each offering different advantages depending on your travel needs.
Malpensa Airport (MXP) is the primary hub for international flights. The Malpensa Express Train provides a fast and convenient connection to Milan’s city center, reaching Cadorna or Centrale stations in about 40-50 minutes. Taxis are available for a fixed fare of €105, while shuttle buses offer a more budget-friendly alternative, taking about an hour.
For travelers coming from within Europe or other parts of Italy, Linate Airport (LIN) is the most convenient option. The newly opened M4 metro line connects Linate directly to the city center in about 15 minutes, making it the fastest and easiest way to arrive. Taxis take around 20 minutes with fares starting at €25-30, while Bus 73 offers a low-cost option linking the airport to San Babila metro station.
The final airport serving is Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport (BGY). It is a popular choice for travelers flying with less mainstream airlines like Ryanair, offering a convenient and well-connected arrival point. Frequent shuttle buses run directly to Milan Centrale Station in about 50 minutes, providing an easy and affordable transfer option.
Additional information, such as suggested arrival timing, will be supplied in further correspondence closer to the dates of the program.
Travel Agents & Insurance: Over the last few years, the way we travel has undergone significant changes. For that reason, we now encourage everyone to use a professional travel agent when arranging their trips. Travel agents save you time and stress by handling all the details and tailoring your itinerary to your needs. One of the most important services they offer today is helping you choose and enroll in the right travel insurance program. With COVID and the continued possibility of schedule changes or postponements, travel insurance has become essential, and selecting the right plan on your own can be overwhelming.
If you encounter any issues during your travels, your agent can provide quick support and solutions, taking the pressure off your shoulders. While booking through online sites like Expedia or Hotels.com may seem more convenient or less expensive, they offer little help if you need to modify your plans. A travel professional, on the other hand, is there to assist you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth and worry-free travel experience.
If you choose to Go It Alone, we highly recommend taking out travel insurance for the trip in the event of any unforeseen obstacles to your travel. We recommend Travelex (800) 504-7883 or Travel Guard International (877) 901-7599.
Milan isn’t just Italy’s fashion capital—it’s a vibrant city where history, innovation, and culture come together in the most stylish way possible. From the awe-inspiring Duomo di Milano, with its intricate spires and rooftop views, to the world-famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the oldest shopping mall in the world, Milan blends old-world charm with modern sophistication. But did you know Milan was once a city of canals, some of which were designed by Leonardo da Vinci himself? Today, you can still experience that charm in the Navigli district, where lively canalside cafés and boutiques make for a perfect evening stroll.
Milan is also the birthplace of aperitivo, Italy’s version of happy hour, where a simple drink—like a refreshing Negroni Sbagliato or a classic Campari Spritz—comes with a spread of delicious bites. And when it comes to food, this city doesn’t disappoint, with local specialties like risotto alla Milanese, osso buco, and panettone stealing the spotlight. Art lovers can marvel at Da Vinci’s The Last Supper, while football fans can experience the electric energy of San Siro Stadium, home to AC Milan and Inter Milan.
Whether you travel for the high fashion of Via Montenapoleone, the rich cultural heritage, or simply to soak up the Milanese way of life, this city guarantees an unforgettable adventure. Milan is more than a destination—it’s an experience, filled with elegance, creativity, and a touch of the unexpected!
Marco has been teaching Italian for all levels for 20 years. He grew up in Vicenza, in northern Italy, and now lives between Milano and New York. He teaches at Scuola Italiano and part-time at Bocconi, a technical university in Milan.
In addition to his Italian teaching, Marco is a professional ballet choreographer. He won the 2016 Primi Dieci USA Award, under the patronage of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as one of the ten most influential Italians in the USA.
He’s been one of New York Theatre Ballet’s resident choreographers since 2012. As an Opera choreographer, he has worked extensively in the US and abroad. In 2017, Marco Pelle had his directorial debut with Florida Grand Opera, directing and choreographing Un Ballo in Maschera. In 2018, he became the ballet choreographer of the TV series "Pose".
