This three-week immersion program in one of Tuscany’s oldest and artistically rich capitals, Siena, offers culturally curious participants a deep dive exploration of the home of one of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Siena (founded in 1240) and the seat of one of the world’s most decorative and elaborately stylized schools of art, the 13th to 15th century’s School of Siena. The city is so closely associated with art that the paint hue, sienna (a deep, oxblood red-brown, cleaved from local earth), is virtually synonymous with the city from whence it originally came. To learn more about Siena, click here to explore our virtual tour including online lectures, videos, readings, and exhibits.

Your experience includes private group tours of museums and historical sites, a full program of lectures, musical and cultural events, specially curated dining adventures and the companionship of like minded peers. You will also be able to study the Italian language with our Yale-trained instructor, and participate firsthand in educational programs offered by Yale Professor of Italian and Comparative Literature, Jane Tylus and Boris Berman, Yale Sylvia and Leonard Marx Professor in the Practice of Piano. Our culinary enrichment track offers lessons in Italian cooking. A broad roster of guest faculty enhance the educational focus with lectures and special visits. Some activities will incorporate Yale College Summer Session students who will be studying in Siena alongside our group. This Yale program is unique; the only adult study abroad experience providing you with your own private apartment home in the heart of the city, and a full-time Yale host and concierge to help guide your immersion experience.

The learning agenda features the history, art, music, and culture of this unique part of Tuscany, off the main routes of day-trip tourism. You’ll taste the savory secrets of regional Tuscan cooking along with expert chefs and walk through rich architectural heritage, as well as tour the many museums and sacred and secular art sites of this UNESCO-protected treasure trove. Day trips to destinations around Siena include Florence, Assisi, Montepulciano and Torre del Lago to see the home of opera legend Giacomo Puccini. After days of study, reflection, and art immersion, you can relax with fellow students at social dinners, receptions and wine tastings where good food, scenic landscapes, and intellectually stimulating companions will nourish your senses and feed your soul.

There is an optional language study program led by instructor Giovanni Miglianti, Yale PhD. Two sections, beginner Italian and intermediate Italian, are available. Classes are held three days a week on weekdays.
For more information download the Language Enrichment Track Flyer.

An optional culinary study program offers three weeks of classes, two days per week taught by local chefs.
For more information download the Culinary Enrichment Track Flyer.

Finally, you have the option of extending your stay to experience the once-in-a-lifetime participation in the famed Palio held on July 2nd. This legendary horse race has its roots in medieval times and is as famed as (but a lot less dangerous than) the running of the bulls in Pamplona.

Included in your program:
*A private air-conditioned apartment within the city walls including living area, full-kitchen, separate bedroom and bathroom. More details are provided upon registration and prior to booking confirmation so that you may agree to and accept your specific apartment.
*Hotel accommodations in Rome on the final night of the program to facilitate easy departures from the airport the following morning.
*A program of five lectures, nine outings/events, four day trips and ten included meals and receptions.
*Engagement with Yale featured faculty and additional local guest faculty.
*Transportation for day-tours via luxury coach and during select day tours, in-town golf carts and trolleys are provided to minimize extensive walking.
*The full-time services of your tour concierge and Yale host.
*All taxes and gratuities.

PLEASE NOTE: This program involves walking on uneven and cobbled streets and steep inclines. Please inquire about mobility requirements.