Learn Italian in the Heart of Italy: A Journey Through Language, Culture, and Tradition in Abruzzo

Are you ready to experience Italy beyond the tourist crowds?
Madrelingua’s Summer School in Ofena, a charming village in Abruzzo, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in both the Italian language and the vibrant local culture. Whether you’re an expat looking to improve your Italian or a curious traveler eager to dive deep into the authentic Italian lifestyle, our courses will provide you with an unforgettable learning experience.

In 2026, we’ll get you started with online courses from January to May, followed by in-person programs in June, July, and September. In August, only individual residential courses are available.

In cooperation with Abruzzissimo Magazine, our online classes combine grammar and conversation with real-life vocabulary about home, cuisine, and community life: perfect for anyone dreaming of feeling truly at home in Italy or owning a home in Abruzzo.

To make participation easy from anywhere in the world, our online lessons are scheduled to fit comfortably across multiple time zones (Europe, East Coast, and West Coast).

The residential courses in Abruzzo include cooking lessons, guided wine tastings, and plenty of opportunities to chat with the neighbors, for a truly authentic small-village Italian experience in ore home-base of Ofena. Some intensive non residential courses in June are also offered on the coast in Silvi or Tortoreto, for students already living in the area. We can also help you find holiday rentals or hotels in the area. 

Our private library is also open for individual writing and reading retreats, as well as Meditative Writing weekends in collaboration with local literary festivals.
See below for the full calendar and pricing.

Where

Hosted in our charming Palazzo in Ofena, in the province of L’Aquila, our residential courses offer a unique and immersive experience in Italian language, cookery, and wine geography.

Nestled between the majestic Gran Sasso National Park and the scenic Tirino River, Ofena is an idyllic location to study, unwind, and discover the heart of Italy. We offer residential courses where you’ll not only learn Italian but also participate in cultural activities, guided excursions, cooking lessons, and wine tastings. This is more than just a language course; it’s a celebration of the rich history and traditions of Abruzzo.

Check below for all practical details. For more information and bookings, contact us at:
📞 +39 375 5262038
📧 info@madrelingua.com

A Unique Experience Inspired by Transhumance

Our courses are inspired by the ancient tradition of transhumance—the seasonal migration of sheep between the mountains of Abruzzo and the plains of Puglia, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. This tradition offers a fascinating lens through which you’ll learn about Abruzzo’s culture, history, and the rhythms of rural life. For more information I made here a list of Festivals and traditional events in the course of the year in Abruzzo to help you choose the period that best suits you.

For Residents of Abruzzo

If you already live in Abruzzo and want to refresh your Italian, we offer the Local Learner‘s rates and extra locations in Silvi and Tortoreto, designed just for you! In these courses, you’ll get to know your neighbors better, immerse yourself in local customs, and get a deeper understanding of this beautiful region. We apply special rates, please check below or call: 375 5262038.

Online Program January- May 2026

Our online courses are organized in 6-weeks blocks to offer you different themes and maximum flexibility. The times have been carefully chosen in order to accomodate Europe, East and West Coast time-zones. For Aussies, please contact me to find a suitable solution.
• Small groups 4-8 students
• Flexibility: tailor made material and time-zone friendly schedules
• Experienced teacher: over 30 years of teaching Italian, English, and Dutch to expats and travelers. I use real-life language and intercultural elements to help you understand the values and norms of locals.

January 24 – February 28
Basic Italian Course 1: Chi sono, chi sei (introductions, basic social skills)
• 6 classes of 90 minutes
• Saturday 19-20:30 (Europe), 1-2:30 PM (NY/Toronto), 10-11:30 AM (Seattle/Vancouver)
→ €135 or €125 (special price for subscribers of Abruzzissimo Magazine)

March 7 – April 18 (we skip Easter)
Basic Italian Course 2: Cosa mangi (food and recipes for basic grammar)
• 6 classes of 90 minutes
• Saturday 19-20-30 (Europe), 1-2:30 PM (NY/Toronto), 10-11:30 PM (Seattle/Vancouver)
→ €135 or €125 (special price for subscribers of Abruzzissimo Magazine)

April 25- May 30
Basic Italian Course 3: Dove abiti (more grammar and vocabulary around places and directions)
• 6 classes of 90 minutes
• Saturday 19-20-30 (Europe), 1-2:30 PM (NY/Toronto), 10-11:30 PM (Seattle/Vancouver)
→ €135 or €125 (special price for subscribers of Abruzzissimo Magazine)

These three blocks give you a first start into Survival in Italian. From June we will open our Summer School in Abruzzo for residential courses of Italian language, cookery and culture, writing retreats, and wine-terminology for translators and interpreters.

Italian Standard Courses in Abruzzo 2026

Our summer courses of Italian run from Monday to Friday and include a total of 10 hours of language lessons (two hours per day), plus one cooking class and one guided wine tasting during the week.

Students enrolled in our residential program stay for five nights, arriving either on Sunday evening or Monday morning, as agreed. Accommodation is provided in the historic palazzo where the school is located or in authentic residences nearby, offering a true Italian living experience.

Outside of class time, students are free to enjoy the school’s library, the charming courtyard, and the panoramic terrace, perfect for relaxing, studying, or sharing a glass of wine with fellow learners.

For those eager to explore the surroundings, we’re delighted to help plan personalized itineraries, suggesting local excursions and activities that match each participant’s interests and pace.

Participants who already live or have a home in the area can choose our Local Learner option, which includes all lessons and activities without accommodation.

Italian Language Course, All Levels (on request), Ofena
1-5 June, 15-19 June, 22-26 June, June 29-July 3, July 6-10, July 13-17, July 20-24, July 27-31
• Starting from 3 participants
• 10 hours of classes, 1 cooking class with meal, 1 guided wine-tasting
Residential course: €600 (single room) or €500 p.p. (double room) includes 5 nights accommodation.
Local Learner course: € 220

Italian Language Course, All Levels (on request), Silvi and/or Tortoreto
June 8-12 (Silvi), July 27-31 (Tortoreto), August 3-7 (Tortoreto)
• Starting from 3 participants
• 10 hours of classes, 1 guided wine-tasting
Local Learner course only: € 200

Wine-terminology workshops for translators and interpreters, Ofena
June 12-14, 2026
Take the opportunity to combine professional development with leisure in the heart of Italy. Enhance your expertise on wine-production terminology, visit vineyards and historical cellars and learn wine-tasting like a pro. Extend your stay into a holiday, boost your professional skills, and write it off as a deductible training expense.
• Officially approved by the Dutch Associations of Translators and Interpreters NGTV for 7 CPD points. These points are recognized by the Wbtv register. You don’t need to be an NGTV member to participate.
• Instruction languages: English and Dutch, terminology bank in Italian, English, Dutch and Polish + the working languages of participants.
• 3 days workshop, field excursions, breakfast, 4 nights accomodation, one meal a day and guided wine-tastings: €750 (members NGTV) or €820 p.p. (non-members)

July 25-26, August 8 and 9, September 5 and 6
Meditative Writing Retreat: Writing as Introspection
• Write in the language of your choice (IT, EN, NL, PL)
• Instruction in IT & EN, Support in IT, EN, NL, PL
• 2 days of classes, 2 nights accommodation, communal meals (we cook together). All details here.
€300 (single room) or €250 (shared double room).

Date t.b.a.
La mente accanto: Writing Course with Three Italian Authors
• Classes in Italian – perfect for advanced learners
• Free to write in IT, EN, NL, ES
• 3 days of classes, 3 nights accommodation, 3 meals per day
→ €600 (single room) or €500 (shared double room),
with Early Bird discount of €100 for bookings before July 1, 2025

JULY & AUGUST – Festivals & Local Events
Abruzzo comes alive with spontaneous summer festivals full of music, food, and tradition. Your teacher will help you discover the most interesting local events.
(→ See also Historical Festivals & Traditions)

AUGUST

In the first three weeks of August, only individual residential courses are available.

 

August 22–26 – Survival Course for Beginners + The Perdonanza Celestiniana
• On the last day of the course we’ll attend the opening of this centuries-old spiritual festival in L’Aquila (August 25–30), including the once-a-year opening of the Holy Door at the Basilica di Collemaggio. We organize a class excursion to L’Aquila with a real-life language test/treasure hunt in the city.
• Starting from 3 participants
• 10 hours of classes, 1 cooking class with meal, 1 guided wine-tasting
Residential course: €600 (single room) or €500 p.p. (double room) includes 5 nights accommodation.
Local Learner course: € 220

SEPTEMBER

🍇 September 7-11, Wine Harvest & Wine Culture
Italian Language Course – All Levels
• Visit local vineyards during the harvest
• Learn to taste wine like a sommelier, guided by Barbara, your teacher and certified wine expert
• 5 days of classes, 5 nights accommodation, 1 vineyard tour with tasting
 €600 (single room) or €500 (shared double room)

OCTOBER

🌿 September 28 – October 2, Olive Harvest & Olive Oil Production
Italian Language Course – All Levels
• Pick olives on the land, enjoy a picnic among the trees
• Visit a traditional frantoio (olive mill) and learn how extra virgin olive oil is made
• 5 days of classes, 5 nights accommodation, 1 olive oil excursion with picnic
 €600 (single room) or €500 (shared double room)

Your Teachers:

At Madrelingua, we offer a team of experienced and passionate instructors who will guide you through every step of your learning journey:

  • Barbara: Founder of Madrelingua in Amsterdam and certified sommelier, Barbara will lead the food and wine activities, bringing her extensive experience in Italian cuisine and culture. As a native Italian speaker fluent in Dutch, English, and Polish, Barbara intimately knows the region and its traditions.
  • Fausto: A renowned artist who complements Italian lessons with guided landscape drawing walks. Visit his atelier and casa d’artista in Villa Santa Lucia degli Abruzzi.
  • Cinzia: A former geologist at the University of Florence and Italian teacher in the Netherlands, Cinzia is passionate about Italian movies and literature. Her knowledge of Abruzzo’s mountains and canyons will deepen your understanding of the region’s geography and natural beauty.

For Travel Companions:

Not planning to take the course? No worries—your companions can join in the fun too! They can enjoy everything from scenic walks and art lessons to cultural excursions and local activities. Just let us know, and we’ll arrange a memorable experience for everyone.

Practical Details:

  • Course Duration: arrival the evening before the start of the course, 5 nights stay, 5 days of Italian lessons (2 hours daily) and 1 cultural activity or excursion.
  • Accommodation: 5 nights in a historic palazzo with shared kitchen, loggia and internal court and library access.
  • Companions: Those not taking courses but sharing a room with students pay a cost refund of €30/night (in double or triple rooms).
  • Pricing:
    • Single Student Package (course, accommodation, activities): €600
    • Two-Person Package (1 student + 1 companion): €750
    • Two Students Sharing a Room: €1000 (€500 per person)

    Optional Extras (non included in price):

    • Excursions to L’Aquila, Sulmona, and local festivals
    • Canoeing on the Tirino River
    • E-bike tours with guides
    • Hiking in the Gran Sasso National Park
    • Olive harvesting days with a picnic and olive press tour

    Why Choose Ofena?

    Ofena, a picturesque pre-Roman village, is the perfect place to learn Italian and experience the best of Abruzzo. The friendly locals are happy to help you with your Italian, whether you’re chatting in the square or enjoying an espresso at the bar. In its alleys, small squares, and surrounding countryside, you’ll discover traces of the region’s rich history.

    Known as “the oven of Abruzzo” due to its warm and sunny microclimate, Ofena has been renowned for centuries in the province of L’Aquila for the exceptional quality of its wines, olive oil, and almonds. These cherished crops have shaped not only the local economy but also the landscape, with vineyards, silvery terraced olive groves, and almond trees creating a stunning harmony of nature and human activity. This agricultural tradition is closely intertwined with the ancient practice of transhumance of sheep and other cattle, a sustainable and ingenious way of managing the region’s challenging mountain and upland terrain. Together, these traditions reflect a profound balance between humanity and nature, showcasing the resilience and creativity of Abruzzo’s rural communities.

    From here, it’s easy to explore famous destinations like Rocca Calascio, Santo Stefano di Sessanio, and the Stiffe Caves, as well as enjoy a day trip to the nearby Adriatic coast.

    Come and immerse yourself in the beauty of Abruzzo, where tradition and nature blend perfectly with the art of learning and sharing.

    Book Your Experience Today

    For more information and bookings, contact us at:
    📞 +39 375 5262038
    📧 info@madrelingua.com

    We can’t wait to share the wonders of Abruzzo with you! 🌿