Lucca Italian School Review: What It’s Really Like to Learn Italian in Italy

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Lucca Italian School Review: What It’s Really Like to Learn Italian in Italy

Have you ever dreamed about learning Italian in Italy?

I have.

Actually, I’ve been trying to learn Italian for a while, and I’ve discovered something about myself along the way: I don’t love learning a language online.

Don’t get me wrong. My online Italian teacher was great, and I learned a lot. But there’s only so much immersion you can get when you’re sitting in front of a computer with 15 people on a Zoom call.

So when I had the opportunity to spend a week at Lucca Italian School in Tuscany, I jumped at it.

And after spending five days in class, wandering the streets of Lucca, practicing my Italian, meeting people from around the world, and generally pretending I lived in Italy for a week…

I absolutely did not want to leave.

In fact, several of my classmates were staying for a second week, and I was seriously jealous.

So if you’re considering learning Italian in Italy—or you’re just curious what it’s actually like to spend a week at Lucca Italian School—come spend the week with me.

Quick Take: Is Lucca Italian School Worth It?

Yes. If you’re looking for an immersive, adult-friendly way to learn Italian while actually experiencing life in Tuscany, I think Lucca Italian School is worth considering. I spent a week there, and my biggest regret is that I didn’t stay for two.

Wondering what’s Lucca know for? I’ve got you covered!

My Experience at Lucca Italian School

First, let’s get one thing out of the way.

This is not a school review written from a distance.

I actually spent a week at Lucca Italian School as a student.

I attended classes Monday through Friday from approximately 9:15 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., lived in an Airbnb about a seven-minute walk from the school, and spent my afternoons and evenings exploring Lucca and practicing what I was learning.

The school places students into classes based on their level, and there were about nine students in my class.

I had previously completed an A1-level Italian course online, but I hadn’t practiced much in the months leading up to my trip.

So I deliberately chose a more beginner-level class rather than trying to prove something and finding myself completely lost.

Honestly?

I think it was the right decision.

Ready to learn Italian in Lucca? Check current courses, dates and prices at Lucca Italian School

What Are the Classes Like at Lucca Italian School?

Classes run Monday through Friday in the morning.

The general Italian course currently consists of about four hours of instruction each day, with classes kept relatively small. The school says its general courses have a maximum of 10 students at the same level.

And here’s something you should know before you go:

There isn’t a lot of English.

In my class, our teacher spoke very little English.

At first, this was intimidating.

But that’s also exactly what I wanted.

When you’re learning Italian in Italy, you want to actually have to use Italian.

You can’t just sit there waiting for the teacher to explain everything in English.

You have to listen.

You have to figure things out from context.

You have to try.

And sometimes you have to make a spectacularly wrong guess and hope everyone understands what you were attempting to say.

That’s part of the fun.

If you’re planning to drive, check out my guide to parking in Lucca before you go.

Our Daily Schedule

My typical school day looked something like this:

7:30-ish: Wake up and have breakfast at my Airbnb

8:45-ish: Walk through Lucca to school

9:15 a.m.: Italian class

Around 11:00: Coffee break

1:00 p.m.: Class ends

Afternoon: Lunch, exploring, errands, working, or one of the school’s activities

Evening: Dinner, wandering around Lucca, or hanging out with classmates

It was a surprisingly wonderful routine.

And that’s one of the things I loved most about the experience.

For one week, I wasn’t really touring Italy.

I was living there.

The Coffee Breaks Were One of My Favorite Parts

Every day we had a break in the middle of class.

And naturally, the Italian thing to do was go get coffee.

The school is in Lucca’s historic center, so a group of students would walk to a nearby bar for a café.

And yes, in Italy, a “bar” can mean a coffee shop.

These little coffee breaks ended up being one of my favorite parts of the day.

Not because of the coffee—although the coffee was excellent.

Because of the conversations.

I’d meet students from other classes, talk to people about where they were from, hear why they were learning Italian, and find out what their experiences at the school were like.

There was also a lovely garden at the school where students would hang out.

I spent quite a bit of time there chatting with people.

And I made some really good friends that week.

Planning a trip? Here’s how to get to Lucca.

Who Goes to Lucca Italian School?

This was one of my favorite things about the school.

The students were not all 20-something college students studying abroad.

There were people of different ages, nationalities, and backgrounds.

Some were learning Italian because they wanted to live in Italy.

Some had Italian family connections.

Some were retired.

Some were traveling.

Some simply loved Italy.

And there were students at different levels, from complete beginners to advanced speakers.

That made the school feel very international.

It also made it particularly appealing to me as a midlife traveler.

I never felt like I was the “old person” in the room.

I was simply one of the students.

And that was pretty great.

What Happens After Class?

This is where the experience really starts to feel like a language immersion trip rather than simply an Italian class.

Lucca Italian School offers cultural activities and excursions in addition to its language classes. The school currently offers options ranging from cooking and hiking to Puccini, art, cinema, photography, and olive-oil themed courses.

During my week, there were several optional activities available.

The Lucca Walking Tour

On Monday afternoon, the school offered a guided walking tour of Lucca.

There were different groups based on language level.

I joined the beginner group, where some English was used when necessary.

We walked all over the historic center with our teacher, learning about the city while also practicing Italian.

And because our teachers actually lived and worked in Lucca, they also gave us restaurant recommendations and other local tips.

Of course, we eventually stopped for an aperitivo.

Because what’s a walking tour in Italy without an aperitivo?

It was a great way to meet other students and get to know Lucca from a more local perspective.

The Vespa Museum

There was also an optional group trip to a nearby Vespa museum.

I didn’t go.

And I regret it.

One of my classmates went and came back raving about how much fun it was.

So naturally, now that I know I missed it, it’s on my list for next time.

Yes.

Next time.

Because I’m already planning to go back.

The Group Pizza Night

On our last evening, the school organized a group pizza dinner.

Everyone met at a local pizzeria, and it was another opportunity to hang out with classmates outside the classroom.

These activities aren’t mandatory, which I really liked.

You can participate as much—or as little—as you want.

If you need some alone time, go wander around Lucca.

If you want to socialize, there’s usually someone around who wants to grab a coffee, dinner, or a drink.

That balance is especially nice when you’re traveling solo.

I ate a lot of good food during my week in Lucca. If you’re planning your own trip, I’ve put together my favorite places to eat in Lucca.

What I Did in Lucca After Class

One of the things I loved about studying in Lucca was having my afternoons free.

After five days of sightseeing from morning until night, I didn’t necessarily want another packed itinerary.

Instead, I could wander.

Some afternoons I went back to my Airbnb, had lunch with groceries I’d picked up at the market, and got some work done.

Other afternoons I simply walked around Lucca.

I ate pizza.

I got gelato.

I wandered the streets.

I walked the city walls.

I did laundry.

Yes, laundry.

And honestly, that’s what made the experience feel so different from a vacation.

I wasn’t constantly trying to maximize every minute.

I was just living.

I Even Took a Day Trip to the Beach

One afternoon, I decided to get out of the city.

I took the train from Lucca to Viareggio, a beach town on the Tuscan coast.

The train ride was short and inexpensive, and within a relatively short time I had gone from medieval streets to the beach.

I rented a beach chair and umbrella, went swimming, got some fresh air, and spent the afternoon by the sea.

Then I hopped back on the train to Lucca.

That flexibility was one of the things I loved about using Lucca as my home base.

You can immerse yourself in the city without feeling trapped there.

Wondering what to do after the bell rings? Here are some of my favorite things to do in Lucca.

Pro Tip: If you go to Viareggio in the afternoon and it’s not crowded, you can negotiate the posted pricing and the bani, so don’t accept their first offer!

What Was It Like Traveling Solo at Lucca Italian School?

Honestly?

Fantastic.

Lucca is a small, very walkable city, and I felt comfortable exploring it on my own.

The historic center has very little car traffic, and I could walk from my Airbnb to school, restaurants, shops, cafés, and the city’s major sights.

But the best part about the school itself was the built-in community.

When you’re traveling alone, it can sometimes be difficult to meet people.

At a language school, that’s basically solved for you.

You’re surrounded by people who are also there to learn, explore, and experience Italy.

You have people to grab coffee with.

People to have dinner with.

People to join for an excursion.

And if you want to spend the afternoon by yourself?

That’s easy, too.

You don’t have to choose between solo travel and social travel.

You get a little of both.

Is Lucca Italian School Good for Beginners?

I think it can be, but I’d recommend having at least a little preparation if you’re starting from absolute zero.

The school offers courses for different levels, and students are placed according to their abilities. The school currently lists six levels from A1 through C2.

I had already taken an introductory Italian course and an A1 course before going to Lucca.

Even though I felt rusty, having that foundation helped.

Because once you’re sitting in a classroom where the teacher is speaking Italian, it helps to recognize at least some basic vocabulary and grammar.

If you’re a complete beginner, don’t let that scare you away.

Just understand that immersion is immersion.

You may spend the first day thinking:

“What have I done?!”

And by the end of the week, you’ll probably be surprised by how much more you’re understanding.

How Much Does Lucca Italian School Cost?

Prices change, so definitely check the school’s current rates before booking.

For 2026, the standard General Italian course is listed at €295 for one week, with 20 hours of group instruction. The school also offers mixed courses with additional private lessons and other specialized programs.

There are also specialty courses combining Italian with activities such as cooking, hiking, Puccini, art, cinema, photography, and olive oil. For example, the 2026 Speak and Cook program is listed at €695 for one week, including the language course, cooking lessons, and activities.

And here’s the important part:

Tuition does not include your accommodation.

The school can provide recommendations for hotels, B&Bs, apartments, and homestays, but you’ll need to arrange your own lodging unless you’re booking a program that specifically includes it.

Where Should You Stay When Studying at Lucca Italian School?

I stayed in an Airbnb about a seven-minute walk from the school, and I loved being able to walk to class every morning.

I would definitely recommend staying relatively close to the school if you’re taking morning classes.

You don’t want to start your day with a complicated commute.

And Lucca is such a walkable city that staying inside or near the historic center makes a lot of sense.

If you’d rather stay in a hotel, I’ve put together a separate guide: the Best Hotels Inside Lucca’s City Walls

Is a Week Long Enough at Lucca Italian School?

Technically?

Yes.

Emotionally?

No.

😂

Five days gave me a taste of what immersive language learning in Italy could be like.

But by Friday, I was just starting to get comfortable.

I was recognizing more words.

I was getting used to hearing Italian around me.

I knew my way around the city.

I’d made friends.

I had a routine.

And then it was time to leave.

Several of my classmates were staying for a second week, and I desperately wanted to stay with them.

If circumstances had allowed me to extend my trip, I absolutely would have.

In fact, I’m already hoping to return for two weeks or more.

Ready to learn Italian in Lucca? Check current courses, dates and prices at Lucca Italian School

Would I Go Back to Lucca Italian School?

100 percent.

I went to Lucca Italian School hoping to improve my Italian and get a taste of what it would be like to immerse myself in the language.

I got that.

But I also got something I wasn’t necessarily expecting:

A little glimpse into what it might feel like to actually live in Italy.

I had a morning routine.

I went grocery shopping.

I did laundry.

I had favorite places for coffee.

I knew the walk to school.

I had people to meet for dinner.

I wandered around without feeling like I needed to see another “must-see” attraction.

For one week, Lucca wasn’t just a destination.

It was home.

And that was the part I didn’t expect to love quite so much.

Should You Learn Italian in Lucca?

If you’re looking for a way to combine travel with learning something new, I think learning Italian in Lucca is a fantastic option.

It’s particularly appealing if you:

• Want an immersive Italian experience
• Prefer learning in person rather than online
• Want to travel solo but still meet people
• Are interested in Italian culture as well as the language
• Want to spend more than a few days in Tuscany
• Are looking for an adult-friendly language-learning experience
• Want to experience what daily life in Italy might feel like

And if you’re a woman in midlife wondering whether you’re “too old” to go study Italian in Italy?

Nope.

You’re not.

Go.

Final Thoughts on Lucca Italian School

When I arrived in Lucca, I thought I was signing up for a week of Italian classes.

What I got was so much more.

I got five mornings of Italian immersion.

I met people from all over the world.

I explored Lucca in a way I never would have if I had simply visited as a tourist.

I ate a ridiculous amount of pizza and gelato.

I took a spontaneous train trip to the beach.

I drank coffee with classmates.

I walked the city walls.

And I got a tiny taste of what it might be like to have a normal life in Italy.

The week went by way too quickly.

Would I recommend Lucca Italian School?

Absolutely.

Would I do it again?

I’m already planning on it.

And next time, I’m staying for two weeks.

Maybe more.

If learning Italian in Italy has ever been on your dream list, consider this your sign.

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