“I never thought learning Italian could feel like a holiday; but here I was, sipping an aperitivo outside a charming Italian Bar, chatting with locals, and watching the sun set over the Mediterranean. No textbooks, no classrooms, just real conversations, incredible food, and the feeling of truly living Italy.”
This was my experience on The Italian Journey in Nettuno, a unique four-day immersion where I didn’t just study Italian; I lived it. From the moment I landed in Rome, everything was seamlessly taken care of, allowing me to dive headfirst into the Italian lifestyle.
Let me take you through this unforgettable adventure and tell you a taste of the Italian I picked up along the way!
Day 1: Benvenuti a Nettuno!
The journey started with a private airport pickup to Nettuno, a charming seaside town an hour south of Rome. As soon as I arrived at the 4-star Astura Grand Palace Hotel, I met Raffaella, my Italian tutor and local expert.
After settling in, we kicked off the experience in true Italian style; with a welcome aperitivo at a local bar. Over a spritz (yes, I learned the correct way to order one: “Un Aperol Spritz, per favore”) and some delicious finger foods, I had my first Italian conversation lesson. It wasn’t intimidating at all, Raffaella made it easy and natural.
👉 What I learned:
- How to introduce myself in Italian: Ciao, mi chiamo Annabel! Piacere di conoscerti!
- Ordering a drink: Vorrei un bicchiere di vino bianco, per favore. (I’d be using this a lot!)
- Common greetings: Buongiorno! Buonasera! Come va?
That evening, we explored Nettuno’s medieval centre, its charming cobbled streets lined with cafes, boutiques, and breathtaking sea views. Before dinner, we had a “pre-dinner crash course” in Italian, which meant by the time we sat down at a local trattoria, I could confidently read the menu and order.
👉 What I learned:
- How to ask for a table: Avete un tavolo per due?
- How to navigate a menu: Cosa mi consiglia? (What do you recommend?)
- Polite phrases: Il conto, per favore! (The bill, please!)
Day 2: Cooking & Wine—The Italian Way
After a leisurely cappuccino e cornetto at the hotel (now I knew to say “Un cappuccino, per favore” without sounding like a tourist!), we headed to a local restaurant for a hands-on Italian cooking class.
For three hours, we chopped, kneaded, and stirred our way through traditional Italian recipes, learning not just how to cook, but how to talk about cooking in Italian.
👉 What I learned:
- Kitchen commands: Taglia! Mescola! Aggiungi un pizzico di sale! (Cut! Stir! Add a pinch of salt!)
- Ingredients in Italian: Pomodoro, basilico, aglio, olio d’oliva, farina…
- How to compliment the chef: È squisito! Che bontà!
Of course, the best part was eating our own creations for lunch. Everything tasted better knowing I had made it myself!
That afternoon, we visited Casale del Giglio, a stunning winery, for a wine-tasting experience. An expert guided us through the different flavours, and I even learned how to describe wine in Italian!
👉 What I learned:
- How to ask for wine recommendations: Quale vino mi consiglia con il pesce? (Which wine do you recommend with fish?)
- Tasting vocabulary: Secco, fruttato, corposo, aromatico… (Dry, fruity, full-bodied, aromatic…)
- Cheers in Italian!: Cin cin! Alla salute!
That evening, we had another delicious dinner at a local restaurant, followed by a gelato stop (because, let’s be honest, no day in Italy is complete without one!).
Day 3: A Roman Adventure
In the morning, we walked to the train station, where Raffaella taught us how to buy a train ticket in Italian. On the way to Rome, we practiced simple Italian conversations so that we’d be ready to chat with locals.
👉 What I learned:
- Buying a ticket: Un biglietto per Roma, per favore.
- How to ask for directions: Dov’è il Colosseo? (Where is the Colosseum?)
- Useful phrases for sightseeing: Che meraviglia! È incredibile!
Once in Rome, we met our official tour guide Paola for a three-hour walking tour through some of the city’s most famous landmarks. From the Colosseum to the Pantheon, I soaked up the beauty, history, and Italian phrases along the way.
After lunch in Rome (where I confidently ordered pasta in Italian!), we had free time to explore or join Raffaella for another gelato-filled language lesson.
As the day wound down, we took the train back to Nettuno, where I even managed to chat with a fellow passenger in Italian.
Day 4: One Last Italian Moment
On my final morning, I met Raffaella for one last cappuccino e cornetto. This time, I confidently ordered in Italian, chatted with the barista, and even made a joke in Italian!
Before heading to the airport, we had a quick Italian lesson in a clothing shop, where I practiced shopping vocabulary.
👉 What I learned:
- Asking for sizes: Avete questa gonna in una taglia più grande? (Do you have this skirt in a bigger size?)
- Trying things on: Posso provarla? (Can I try it on?)
- Paying: Quanto costa? Accettate American Express? (How much is it? Do you American Express?)
Then, it was time for goodbyes. My private taxi picked me up and took me back to the airport and I left Italy not just with amazing memories, but with real confidence in speaking Italian.
It’s fun to make mistakes: False Friends
One of the most amusing (and sometimes confusing) parts of learning Italian in Nettuno was discovering false friends; those sneaky words that look similar in English, but have completely different meanings. For example, I quickly learned that “attualmente” doesn’t mean “actually” but “currently”, and “eventualmente” doesn’t mean “eventually” but “possibly”. Ordering at a restaurant, I almost said “preservativi” thinking it meant “preservatives”, when in reality, it means “condoms”! That would have been an interesting conversation! Another classic mix-up was “simpatico”, which doesn’t mean “sympathetic” but rather “nice” or “friendly”. Thankfully, with Raffaella’s guidance and plenty of real-world practice, I started catching these tricky words before making any major blunders, though I have to admit, a few funny mistakes made for great learning moments!
More Than a Trip – A True Italian Experience
This wasn’t just a language course or a vacation; it was an authentic Italian experience where I learned without even realising I was learning.
Would I recommend The Italian Journey? A thousand times, sì!
If you’ve ever dreamed of speaking Italian confidently while experiencing the best of Italy, this is the journey for you.
Don’t miss our next departure!
Are you ready to live your own Italian adventure? Book your spot now next departure 22nd May 2025 – Spaces are limited, as our groups consist of a maximum of 15 learners.
If there’s ever been a perfect time to embark on The Italian Journey, it’s now! 2025 marks the Jubilee Year, a once-in-a-generation event that will fill Rome with an incredible atmosphere of history, culture, and celebration. Pair that with Nettuno’s mild Mediterranean weather, you can enjoy seaside walks, alfresco aperitivos, and stunning sunsets over the Tyrrhenian Sea. This journey isn’t just about learning Italian, it’s about living it through immersive experiences, from hands-on cooking classes to exploring hidden gems with a local tutor. Plus, with all the logistics taken care of, all you have to do is relax, indulge, and absorb the beauty of Italy while effortlessly improving your Italian skills. Don’t miss this unique opportunity; join us for an unforgettable adventure!
Contact us at info@languagesalive.com or whatsapp us on +447771534369
Don’t take our word for it
Researchers have consistently found that contextual and immersive language learning surpass traditional classroom methods in fostering language proficiency. Immersion programs, where learners are surrounded by the target language in daily life, enable natural acquisition of linguistic nuances, cultural references, and authentic usage patterns. Studies have shown that learners in immersion settings often achieve higher fluency levels compared to those in conventional classrooms. Additionally, immersive experiences enhance motivation and engagement, as learners see the immediate relevance and application of their skills in real-world contexts. This holistic approach not only improves linguistic abilities but also deepens cultural understanding, making immersion a highly effective method for language acquisition.
The Italian Journey in Nettuno isn’t just a trip; it’s a chance to live the Italian lifestyle researchers rave about. From the moment you arrive, you’ll slow down and embrace the art of leisure, enjoying long meals, meaningful conversations, and daily walks through charming streets. You’ll eat like a local, savouring fresh, seasonal ingredients in traditional dishes, just as the Mediterranean diet recommends. Your days will be filled with natural movement, whether it’s strolling through the medieval town, learning to cook from Italian chefs, or exploring Rome on foot. Of course, you’ll experience the Italian way of connecting with people, whether it’s over a cappuccino with your tutor or a lively dinner with newfound friends. This isn’t just an escape; it’s an immersion into a way of life that promotes well-being, joy, and, of course, better Italian!