FLORENCE, ITALY

Located 80 Miles inland from Italy's west coast and 145 miles north west of Rome, Florence boasts a proud history, comprised of art and architecture that is surpassed by none other in Europe. An absolutely breathtaking city, Florence has so much to offer the international visitor that every day is a wonderful experience, full of surprise and delight. The streets of Florence radiate the charm of Italian culture. Students from all around the world join each other in discovering the 'Flower' (Florence or Florentia in Italian/Latin) and the birthplace of the Renaissance.

There is no limit to the treasures of this city, which many art lovers consider the most hallowed on earth. Here is where da Vinci and Michelangelo trod (David still stands tall here). Florence is home to the shop-lined Ponte Vecchio, the distinctive Duomo and the priceless Uffizi Gallery.

The city is one of Italy's most pleasant, retaining the feel of the old medieval center that contributed so much to the cultural and political development of Europe. Culture in Florence extends far beyond the ancient buildings and sculptures. Florence can boast of its vigorous nightlife as well as countless festivals, fairs, and live performances for tourists and locals alike.

How do I get to your school and get around in Florence?
There are two airports, though only one, Galileo Galilei Airport near Pisa, handles international flights; a fast train, coordinated with flights, connects with Florence (one hour). Amerigo Vespucci Airport, outside Florence in the suburb of Peretola, takes smaller domestic and charter flights. To get downtown Ground transport to dowtown you can take RADIO TAXI FIRENZE, tel. (+39) 055.4242 - 4390.

However, one of the most convenient international arrivals to Florence is via the Rome Airport, where you are transferred onto a special train for Florence that leaves from the airport (not the city center). Nearly all the main line Trains pass through Florence's Santa Maria Novella Station, so there's no difficulty making rail connections.

Bus: Intercity buses are abundant, but rather confusing. Buses generally run 6am-1am, tickets cost L1400 for 1 hour, a 24 hour pass costs L5000.
Taxi: Official taxis are clearly marked; more often than not they are yellow or white. Extra fees are common for airport trips, for night service (10 PM-7AM), for luggage, and holidays. It's a good idea to ask for an estimated price before getting in.

Our School
Our school is ideally situated in a very clean and safe corner of Florence, just 5 minutes walk from the main train station "Piazza della stazione". From the rooftop you can look straightover the horizon to the hills of Tuscany. A short walk will lead you to the cathedral square and to the heart of the city. The school is housed in a beautifully renovated building, adorned by painted frescos and charming marble foyers. The school has eight classrooms and holds between 40 - 60 students per month.

School Accommodation
Choose between staying in a apartment or host family.

Self- Catering Apartments: with fully equipped kitchens and living areas with a choice of Single or Doublerooms. Most are located within 15 minutes walk of the school, maximum 15 minutes by bus. Apartments are not air-conditioned but do have fans, it is very rare to find AC in Europe. Linens will be provided for you, please bring you own towels. Apartments are cleaned once every 1- 2 weeks.
Apartment 1 is comfortable but the most basic. 3 sudents share one washroom.
Apartment 2 is a more modern apt. Fully furnished with a washing machine and television. The apartment has a good setting and is very comfortable. Some have a balcony. Two students share one washroom. Cleaned every week, no towels needed.

Host Family: with a choice of meal options and Single or Double rooms. Normally located within 20 minutes walk of the school, maximum 15 minutes by bus. Linens are provided by your family and will be changed once a week. Bring towels, they will be washed regularly.

Typical Cultural Activities to Expect
City tour, Italian film evenings, trips to local museums, markets, opera, galleries, so many things to see!
Recent cultural activities include: sightseeing, Historical Centre of Florence, nightlife, wine-tasting, bike riding, a trip to Pisa, and an evening in a pizzeria.

Weekend Day Trips (optional/additional price)
To interesting places and sites out side of Florence. Rome day trip!
Recent excursions include day trips to: Siena (San Gimignano), to the coast, and to Lucca.

Prices
Programs in Florence start from $795.00 US for 2 weeks including accommodation and tuition. We have many program options and all year round start dates. If you want more detailed pricing or start date information, we suggest you request a brochure or call us Toll Free within North America at: Tel: 1 888 526 4758 (LANGPLUS) or outside of North America at 416 925 7117.

COUNTRY TIPS
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What are the major holidays in Italy?
New Year's Day (1 January), Epiphany (6 January), Easter Monday (March or April; date varies), Liberation Day (25 April), Labor Day (1 May), Feast of the Assumption (15 August), All Saints' Day (1 November), National Unity Day (5 November), Feast of the Immaculate Conception (8 December), Christmas Day (25 December), and the Feast of St. Stephen (25 and 26 December).
*The school will be closed on the above dates.

How much will I spend a day?
This is very difficult to answer and depends on the person, however the prices below should give you a approx. idea.
Three-course meal without drink: L14000-18000
Laundromat, self service wash and dry: L12,000
Cafe meal: L6000-L9000

What is the local currency?
Italian Lire or "L"

Are a passport, visa, or vaccinations necessary?
Citizens of the United States and Canada in possession of a valid US or Canadian passport, are not required to obtain a visa for Italy for a period of up to three months if traveling as a tourist.

In case that a stay of more than three but less than six months is intended, a visa is required. If you are a resident of the U.S. but do not hold U.S. citizenship, a visa may be required. Visitors from the U.S./Canada do not need inoculations.

Time?
Italy is on Central European Time, which is 6 hours a head of American Eastern Time.

Should I bring local currency, traveler's checks or use credit cards?
Italy is still a very traditional country, so everyone is very happy to accept local currency; after all, who doesn't like cash? But for safety and convenience sake, you might not want to have large amounts of either dollars or local currency on hand and so we would suggest you bring along travelers checks, which are accepted almost everywhere, or major credit cards to obtain cash along the way as needed. Be aware that you will accessed a 'service charge' each time you cash travelers checks, so convert enough each time to cover your expenses for several days. In addition, if your traveler's checks are in a foreign currency such as U.S. Dollars, you need to be aware that you will receive a much better exchange rate if they are converted at a bank.

Cash and travelers checks can be exchanged at the official Exchange rate of the day at any bank or exchange counter (airports, railway stations, tourist offices--a small commission applies); travel agencies, hotels, restaurants and stores may accept foreign currency but give you a lower rate to cover their handling. Banks are normally open weekdays 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM, and some reopen 2:30-3:30.

Credit cards are accepted in the major cities. In general, most larger hotels, car rental agencies, and upscale stores in the tourist areas will accept the major credit cards. Be aware, however, that many restaurants, cafes and stores will only accept cash so be sure to ask in advance.

What is the weather like?
Tuscany is not far enough south to banish winter frosts, but such cold is unusual. Damp, if not terribly cold in the winter Florence has an average low of 2° C (35° F) high of 9° C (48° F) in January; it's most inviting in May, June, and September when the temperatures aren't extreme. July and August can be very hot with temperatures averaging between 18° C (65° F) and 31° C (87° F) in July, but basically dry with some thunderstorms.

Will my electrical gadgets work?
Electric current in Italy is 220 volts AC at 50 Cycles per second. To operate small appliances, laptop computers or other electronic gadgets, you will need a multi-adapter (though the rounded two-pronged plug is common in Italy, so are a number of other). Check with a large electronics store in your area. Electric clocks, record players and tape recorders will not work properly even on converters because they use the 60 Cycle American/Canadian standard.

Business hours?
Most shops' hours are from 8 or 9 AM to 1 PM and 4:30 or 5:00 to 7:30 or 8 PM; most are closed on Sundays and on one afternoon per week.

Tipping
A 10 to 15 percent service charge is usually added to restaurant bills, but waiters expect an additional L1,000 tip per person. Taxi drivers should be tipped 10 percent. Tip hotel staff L1,000-2,000 depending on the standard of hotel. Cinema and theater ushers expect a small tip for showing you to your seats.

What is the best way to phone home?
There are numerous public phones around Florence, which use phone cards and/or coins. All these phones can be used for both local and long distance phone calls. Magnetic phone cards are available from machines and over the counter in denominations of 5,000, 10,000, and 15,000 lire.

It is also smart to obtain an overseas phone card (they are usually free-of-charge) from your long distance carrier, such as MCI, AT&T or Sprint. MCI's Worldphone Program, for example, lets you phone the US/Canada from Italy or any other European countries at greatly reduced rates from what you would pay from the regular hotel charge. The long distance carrier will give you a special number to call when placing your call.

THINGS TO SEE IN FLORENCE
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Museums & Exhibits in Florence

Galleria Corsini: This baroque palazzo contains the most significant private collection in Florence: works by Lippi, Raphael, Hans Memling, Andrea del Sarto, and others. Visits are by appointment only.
Galleria degli Uffizi (Uffizi Gallery): In 1560 Cosimo I commissioned Vasari to design these government offices, or uffici, between the river and the Palazzo Vecchio.
Galleria dell'Accademia: the Accademia gallery houses Florence's most sought-after attraction: Michelangelo's David. Museo Archeologico: The museum preserves a number of ancient Greek and Egyptian artifacts, but the real treasure here is the Etruscan section.
Museo dell'Opera del Duomo: Located behind the Duomo, this museum houses a number of exceptional sculptures from the campanile, baptistry, and cathedral. The most interesting are on the upper levels, particularly the landing with Michelangelo's Pieta.
Palazzo Pitti: Brunelleschi designed this architectural boast for Luca Pitti; in 1540 Cosimo Medici acquired the palace and the adjoining Boboli Garden. Crafted to harmonize with the palazzo, the magnificent gardens are adorned with fountains and sculpture.
Palazzo Vecchio: Constructed between 1298 and 1314, the Palazzo Vecchio was once a Medici residence and is now Florence's city hall.
San Marco and the Fra Angelico Museum: This church and monastery was originally built in 1299, and then renovated and rebuilt by Michelozzo in the 15th century.
The Bargello and Museo del Bargello: This austere fortress, begun in 1255, served as the official residence of the first governors before becoming the police headquarters and prison.

*When packing, remember to bring along appropriate clothes for visiting religious sites, such as cathedrals. Usually there's an unspoken dress code that demands long trousers for men and below-the-knee skirts for women. Sleeveless shirts might also be forbidden, especially on women.

Fiestas and Folklore

Gioco del Calcio: This is football (soccer to Americans) as you've never seen it-a hilarious and historic spectacle of athletes playing a traditional form of soccer, wearing period dress from the 16th century. Fantastic fireworks show over the city. Dates are 24-28 June.
Scòppio del Carro: A very traditional Florence event is the Scòppio del Carro ("Explosion of the Cart") on Easter Sunday. While the Church maintains that the celebration symbolizes the Resurrection, the festival has its roots in pagan fertility rites.
Estate Fiesolana Festival: The Estate Fiésolana festival of music, dance, and films is held annually in June through August, with many events in the spectacular Teatro Romano. Fiésole, a short ride from the train station.
Maggio Musicale: May through June is the time of Maggio Musicale, a series of classical music concerts, ballet, and opera performed by leading artists.

Historical & Architectural Sites

Battistero di San Giovanni (The Baptistry): The oldest building in the city (6th century).
Duomo di Firenze (Duomo di Santa Maria del Fiore): The towering dome of the Duomo di Santa is one of the largest cathedrals in the world, the building was begun in 1296.
Orsanmichele: Built in 1337 as a granary and shrine.
Piazza della Signoria: The center of Florentine politics since the Middle Ages.
Ponte Vecchio: Joining Florence with Oltrarno is the Ponte Vecchio, or Old Bridge. A bridge has spanned this narrowest part of the river since Roman times; this Ponte Vecchio dates from 1345.
Santa Maria Novella: This important Dominican church was begun in 1246.

Sports and Activities