Buon Viaggio !

Speak Italian with Confidence: Before You Even Land in Italy!   

Join our immersive, human-taught travel course designed for curious explorers, first-time visitors, and language lovers.

→ Live Zoom lessons + cultural tips + real conversation practice.

✅ Free Consultation | ✅ Small Groups or Private | ✅ Taught by Native Italian Teachers

Start Your Italian Adventure Today

Immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of Italy and learn how to connect with locals with our Buon Viaggio: Italian Language and Culture for Travelers program. Whether you're ordering a cappuccino and cornetto in a quaint Florentine cafe, greeting your innkeeper or airbnb host in a Sicilian village, or ordering pizza in Naples, our Buon Viaggio course will be your key to cultural understanding and meaningful connections with locals. A little goes a long way. So join one of our groups, or grab your travel pals and let us create a class just for you. 

Why Learn  Italian ?

Italian isn't just the language of Italy; it's a doorway to one of the world's most beloved cultures. Spoken not only in Italy but also in parts of Switzerland, San Marino, and Vatican City, Learning Italian opens up a world of art, music, history, and gastronomy and will help you prolong the travel experience by immersing you in the sounds and images before you land in Italia! With just a few hours of Italian practice, you can learn some basics to help you bring smiles to everyone you meet! 

Our Italian Course Options

 Chi va piano, va sano e va lontano.
- Italian Proverb (Whoever goes slowly will go far and in good health)
How It Works

Your Online Learning
Journey Made Easy

Planning travel is challenging enough, so we try to make it easy for you! 

We offer group, individual, 2-person (semi-private) and custom course options. Opt for individual lessons for a personalized experience, bring your travel partners to learn together, or join one of our scheduled Speak! group classes to meet and connect with other travelers. No matter the class size, you're guaranteed to Immerse yourself in Italy’s rich  history, vibrant traditions, and exquisite cuisine while creating meaningful connections and unforgettable memories wherever your journey takes you.

Choose Your Course

Select a group, semi-private or individual option from the options below. Not sure which is the best for you? Reach out to us to schedule a consultation. 

Sign up + pay

Fill out our info form on the selected course checkout page and submit your payment for the course selected.

Learn and Engage

Once we receive your registration, we'll send you an email to acknowledge, answer any questions and get you enrolled in the online course academy. There, you'll be able to chat with other students and review our intro unit before starting with your first live Zoom class. 

Want to learn more? 

Course Options:
Learn with a Group, as a Couple or Solo

Private Groups
Open Groups
Semi-private
Individual
On-Demand
For 3-10 people

Buon Viaggio Private PICCOLO

Live online learning      5 hours
SHORT COURSE, BIG IMPACT! 
 Rate
$95/hr
Ideal for Families + Groups Seeking a Fun, quick prep-course: 
  • Customized to your group + Itinerary
  • Learn Greetings, Pronunciation, Culture do's and don'ts
  • Access to our online academy with tons of content! 
  • Personalized travel advice 
$ 475   
For 3-10 people

Buon Viaggio Private MEDIO

Live online learning      8 hours
LONGER COURSE, BIGGER IMPACT!
 Rate
$95/hr
Ideal for Trips Departing in 4+ Months and for Groups Eager to Learn More About the Language and Culture 
  • Customized to your group + Itinerary
  • Learn Greetings, Pronunciation, Conversatoin Basics, Culture do's and don'ts
  • Access to our online academy with tons of content! 
  • Personalized travel advice TBD
  • Lots of speaking practice ! 
$ 760    
For 3-10 people

Buon Viaggio Private GRANDE

Live online learning       10  hours
FOR LANGUAGE LOVERS 
Rate
$95/hr
Ideal for Groups Who Want to Complete our Longer Curriculum and Build a Foundation for Travel  + Life! Ideal for trips departing in 6+Months. 
  • Customized to your group + Itinerary
  • Learn Greetings, Pronunciation, Conversatoin Basics, Culture do's and don'ts
  • Learn basic verbs and how to ask and answer questions, talk about yourself and others
  • Access to our online academy with tons of content! 
  • Personalized travel advice 
  • Lots of speaking practice !  
  • Tailored to your interests and destination
$ 950    
For 2 people

Semi Private PICCOLO

Live online learning      5 hours
  • Essentials mini-course
  • Tailored to your trip
  • Suit your schedule, goals and level
  • Live instruction with a talented Speak! teacher
  • Personalized support  
$ 375 (for 2)   
For 2 people

Semi Private MEDIO

Live online learning      8 hours
  • Essentials course tailored to your trip
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Suit your schedule, goals and level
  • Live instruction with a talented Speak! teacher
  • Personalized support
$ 600 (for 2)     
For 2 people

Semi Private GRANDE

Live online learning      10 hours
  • Tailored to your trip
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Suit your schedule, goals and level
  • Live instruction with a talented Speak! teacher
  • Learn more of the language
$ 750 (for 2)    
Fully Customizable

Individual PICCOLO

Live online learning      5 hours
  • Tailored to your trip
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Suit your schedule, goals and leve
  • Live instruction with a talented Speak! teacher
$ 325  
Fully Customizable

Individual MEDIO

Live online learning      8 hours
  • Tailored to your trip and learning style
  • Progress at your own pace
  • Suit your schedule, goals and level
  • Live instruction with a talented Speak! teacher
  • Build a strong foundation in Italian
$ 520 
Fully Customizable

Individual GRANDE

Live online learning      10 hours
  • Tailored to your level and learning style
  • Progress at your own pace 
  • Interact with others on our platform
  • Customized curriculum
  • Live instruction with a talented Speak! teacher
$ 650 
Just the Basics for Travel 

Buon Viaggio PICCOLO

Live online learning      5 hours
Boot Camp Basics for Travel 
UPCOMING GROUP CLASSES
Approx. Rate
$32/hr
Class time (EST)
Days
Course dates
  • 7- 8.00pm EST
Sun-Thursday
July 13-17
$ 160   
Our Foundational Course for Travelers 

Buon Viaggio MEDIO

Live online learning      10 hours
Our foundational language-culture course for travelers !
UPCOMING GROUP CLASSES
Approx. Rate
$29.50/hr
Class time (EST)
Days
Course dates
  • 12-1.00pm EST BETA
Monday-Wednesday-Friday
April  14 - 30
1 spot left 
  • 12-1pm EST  
Mon-Wed-Fri  
May 12 -30
(no lesson 5/26) 
  • 8-9:15am EST
Tues + Thurs  
June 3-26
$ 295    
A Beginner Italian Class for Travel and Beyond  

Buon Viaggio GRANDE

Live online learning       15  hours
Learn even more Italian! 
UPCOMING GROUP CLASSES
Approx. Rate
$28.33/hr
Class time (EST)
Days
Course dates
  • 12-1pm ET
Mon-thru-Fri 
August 4- 22
  • 8-9:15am ET
Mon-Wed-Fri  
Sept 8-26
$ 425
Self-Paced 

On-Demand PICCOLO

On-demand course with no live lessons
  • Tailored to your trip
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Suit your schedule, goals and level
$ 49  

Not sure which course to choose? Compare the options below

What our Student-Travelers Say: 

Travel Snapshots: In Their Own Words

David and Susanne Drescher

Buon Viaggio (Italy)
     
My wife and I travel to Europe often and speak French, Spanish, and German—but we had no background in Italian. Rather than hacking our way through with a mix of English and other languages, we decided to try the Buon Viaggio Italian for Travelers course from Speak!
It was the perfect way to quickly get up to speed on essential verbs, phrases, and basic conversations before our summer trip to Italy. If you're looking to go from zero to functional Italian in just a few weeks, this course is a much better option than an app like Duolingo. With Speak!, you get structured content, a live instructor, real interaction with other students—and more.

Ann Marie

Buon Viaggio (Italy)
     
I'm heading to Italy for a month and took a few private lessons with Christina through the Buon Viaggio course, part of the Travel Series at Speak!—and it was amazing. I expected to learn some travel phrases, but ended up getting a full crash course in Italian language and culture. Christina customized everything to my trip, from cities and transportation to food and local tips.
She even showed me pictures of train stations and real menus, which was super helpful. The Speak! site is full of videos, recordings, and great practice tools. I highly recommend it—it’s not just a class, it’s a full travel prep experience!

Julie

Buen Viaje/Spanish Pasaporte (Argentina)
     
The Group classes have been so much fun ! Learning Argentinian Spanish and all about the culture has definitely enhanced my experience in Buenos Aires. I highly recommend Speak! to anyone wanting learn Spanish for general communication and/or travel.

Mark Cave

Bon Voyage (France)
     
Speak!'s Bon Voyage course was trés magnifique! If you're looking for a pre-travel orientation, this course hits all the right notes: destinations, rituals, customs, etymology, history, language, and an all-important introduction to the French café and restaurant. Expertly taught and thoughtfully conceived, Bon Voyage will be a key component in your travel toolkit. A++ recommendation.

Laurie Coble

Buon Viaggio (Italy)
     
I was so glad that I had taken Speak!'s Buon Viaggio Italian course, as much for learning about the cultural norms as for language practice. I was able to truly experience Italy and make the most of our time there. Being prepared in terms of understanding the culture allowed me to focus on painting some of the incredible views of Toscana. Grazie mille!

Susanne Drescher

Buen Viaje (South America)
     
Having a foundation in Spanish gave me the confidence to connect with locals. At an estancia on horseback, I practiced with my hosts and picked up new words. People really appreciated the effort—whether I was at a café, a produce stand, or in an Uber. Speaking even just a little of the local language made the whole experience more meaningful.
Franco is a fantastic teacher. His deep understanding of both Spanish and English grammar really stood out, and he customized our lessons to help me prepare for my trip to Uruguay.

Joy Marie Ruiz

Boa Viagem (Portugal)
     
Boa Viagem was really the perfect level for someone starting to dip their toes into the language. Helena is such a warm and wonderful teacher! She's really helped. me understand the nuances of the Portuguese language and culture. Knowing some of the language when you're traveling is so wonderful because you can experience the country and culture in a way that's so much richer.

Mia White

Buon Viaggio (Italian)
     
I really wanted to arrive in Italy with a functional grasp of the language. It's such a courtesy you offer to a host country to show that you've at least tried to learn the language. And it really helps you get by and enjoy yourself more deeply. I have loved the online Buon Viaggio Italian course. It was so fun, so encouraging and provided so much context. It really felt like a complete cultural experience. This course exceeded my expectations and I now feel confident about my upcoming walking trip in Italy. I plan to take the French equivalent next. Grazie mille, Speak! 

Charlotte Endres

Boa Viagem (Portugal)
     
As a working professional in the Charlottesville community, I am always looking for new avenues of learning and ways to connect with people. Through my work at UVA Facilities Management, I learned about the Boa Viagem program at Speak!, and I knew right away that I was interested in participating. I've always been excited about learning languages, and this was the perfect opportunity for me to test the waters with Portuguese. The Portuguese language is beautiful and complex, and I have wanted to learn the basics of it ever since I spent a summer living in Spain many years ago. This beta course is designed for beginners and travelers who are planning to explore Portugal. Our wonderful instructor, Helena, clarified this during our first session, and she helped us understand that there is a distinctive difference between European Portuguese versus Brazilian Portuguese. The course is very interactive and engaging. Helena provides many wonderful study materials and is incredibly supportive. Most of the class time is spent learning useful vocabulary and common phrases, practicing pronunciation, listening for aural differences, and discovering many fascinating and intriguing components of Portuguese culture. By the end of the class, you will feel confident enough to navigate travel to Portugal because Helena focuses on relevant topics such as regional food varieties and various geographical destinations. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to try it! You'll have so much fun and it's a non-intimidating, very welcoming environment. At the end of every class, I always left with a big smile on my face. Obrigada, Speak!

Key Phrases and Practical Vocabulary 

From buongiorno to arrivederci, you'll learn basics like greetings, useful expressions, and essential phrases for travel, including introductions, directions, shopping, dining, and more. Expand your vocabulary with words and phrases related to transportation, accommodation, food, shopping, and sightseeing to enhance your travel experience.

Live Instruction.
Human Connection

All Buon Viaggio courses are taught with actual human teachers, experts in the language, culture and travel experience of Italy. Connect with other travelers in our group courses and in our discussion board, where you can ask questions and share travel tips and get expert advise from our Italian team and travel partners. 

Cultural Insights

Discover insights into Italian culture, customs, and traditions to deepen your understanding and connection with the country and its people. 

Interactive Activities

Engage with interactive exercises, videos, fun quizzes, and real-life scenarios to reinforce your learning and build confidence in using Italian in practical situations with your teacher and learning partners. 

What's Included:

Buon Viaggio Italian for Travelers

Our Italian Essentials for Travelers series equips you with essential language skills and cultural knowledge to navigate Italy with confidence and ease. From ordering your favorite pasta dish to conversing with locals, understanding Italian will enrich every aspect of your journey.

“People don't take trips. Trips take people”

 JOHN STEINBECK

New Students: Buy any Speak! online academy course and save 10% !

COUPON CODE  WELCOME10

Meet the Instructors

Christina Ball, Ph.D.

Founder and Director
I created Speak! in 2004 because I believed in the power of language to break down barriers and bridge the gap between people and cultures. I'm thrilled to finally have a platform that allows us to reach more people and create customized courses, while staying true to our focus on human-centered learning with exceptional teachers.

Raffaella Misuraca, Ph.D.

Aside from teaching, one of my greatest passions is traveling. When I travel, I immerse myself in the local culture, striving to understand and experience life as the locals do. Being both Italian and American, along with my children, our identity extends beyond citizenship to language and culture. Whether in Italy or the USA, we feel at home in both places. Our lives have been enriched by straddling two worlds, enjoying the unique experiences each has to offer.

Federica Priola, M.A.

I hail from Turin in northern Italy, but I've made Rome my home, where each stone whispers a tale spanning two millennia, every street is a stage, and every bite of carbonara is a journey... provided you navigate the chaos of the metropolis! Armed with a degree in linguistics, I specialize in teaching Italian to foreigners, sharing my language and culture with eager learners worldwide.

Love traveling? Meet our partners for unforgettable journeys!

Sicily specialist

Agave Travel Creative 

Agave Travel Creative curates immersive Sicilian experiences, blending luxury with authentic connections. Led by Marcello Baglioni and Matteo Rota, their expert team crafts seamless itineraries rooted in deep local knowledge. Recognized by Condé Nast and Wendy Perrin, they showcase Sicily through culture, cuisine, and adventure.
Countries: Italy
Wander and Write

Michelle Damiani, Writing with Italy at Heart

Michelle Damiani is a travel writer and Italy trip leader based in Charlottesville, Virginia. She is the author of the bestselling memoir Il Bel Centro: A Year in the Beautiful Center, which chronicles her year living in an Italian village with her husband, three children, and two cats. Her daily life in Umbria later inspired the Santa Lucia novel series and the Murder in an Italian Village cozy mystery series, both grounded in the green heart of Italy. In addition, to help families launch themselves into the arms of adventure, she wrote The Road Taken: How to Dream, Plan, and Live Your Family Adventure Abroad. When not plotting her next adventure, you can find her on her webiste.
Countries: Italy
Experience Italy with Walks/Devour ! 

Walks and Devour Tours 

Walks Tours and Devour Tours offer immersive, small-group walking tours, day trips, and food experiences in 15+ destinations across Europe and North America. Walks focuses on exclusive access to iconic landmarks and cultural sites, while Devour Tours specializes in exploring local cuisine and culture through guided food tours.
Countries: Italy, Portugal, France, Spain

Looking for a perfect gift?

The Perfect Gift for Travelers: Language and Culture Experiences. Kick-start someone's trip with a pre-departure Speak! learning experience! 
FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Do these courses involve live instruction or are they recorded/asynchronous?

All of our courses center around live lessons with a Speak! Teacher. The hours listed with each course type refer to the hours of live instruction (5, 8, 10, 12) with a dynamic language+culture instructor. We believe that meaningful learning happens when humans speak with humans. We also know that travelers and students new to a language have lots of questions!!

Do your travel courses include homework?

Yes! Our platform includes fun cultural and language activities that you can do in-between your live lessons to reinforce what you’re learning and give you a chance to get personalized feedback from your teacher as you go. Our online academy also includes a discussion board so that you can ask questions and share your own travel tips with the community.

Can I learn with my travel partner or travel group?

Yes! You and your travel partners can either join a scheduled Speak! Group course or sign up for a semi-private (2 people) or custom group course (up to 8). If you take a semi-private or custom group class, we can adapt to your pace as well as your specific itinerary.

What’s the difference between the short (5 hr) vs. longer (8-12 hr) courses?

The 5 hour mini courses are ideal for those who just want to learn greetings, pronunciation and ask some travel-related questions. Additionally, the 5 hour course includes some of our self-study materials and travel tips. We recommend the 8+ hour course to most everyone as it includes more of the language and gives you a chance to practice!

Will I have the opportunity to continue learning the language after this course is over?

Yes! We would be delighted to continue teaching you if you wish to learn more of the language than is offered in this travel course. You can simply register for a package of 10 or more hours of individual lessons, or semi-private if you have a learning buddy.

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