ECU Tuscany: Lodgings & Meals

Lodging

Our spacious student lodgings are located just steps away from our classroom doors, very near each other in the heart of Certaldo Alto.  Shared by 2, 3 or 4 students, each apartment setting is upgraded with home comforts; full bathrooms, kitchen and living rooms, and amenities like washing machines, wifi and microwave. All are well furnished with kitchenware, bed linens coffee makers, and nice appliances. All you need to bring are towels (which can be bought at the local market). Apartments receive internet, though some may be faster than others. The school classroom and student lounge provide excellent internet connection 24/7.

Quaint kitchen with a table set for six with a red and white tablecloth in a large Italian style apartment.
A two-seater couch in a large living room with a staircase with iron railing behind.
An open concept living room and kitchenette with a wooden table set for four and a couch next to a window.
A standing shower next to a toilet and sink in a bathroom.
Two single beds in a large bedroom with a bright window and wooden vanity.

Meals

Program cost includes dinners on all class days plus dinners and breakfasts on all overnight field trips. Students normally prepare their own breakfast and lunch in their apartment kitchens and we eat our dinners together in different restaurants in Certaldo on all class days. Grocery costs are very reasonable in Italy with shops and stores a short walk away. Because students may be traveling independently on some weekends, no group meals are planned for designated free days. Friends often get together for covered dish dinners in apartments or we may even do a group cooking lesson at our local winery. On overnight trips we enjoy special dinner at restaurants that know us well and offer authentic, local cuisine. Special diets can be accommodated if we are properly notified in advance.

A large group of ECU students seated around a long table with white tablecloth for a candlelit dinner.

ECU Tuscany students seated at a wooden table outside of a restaurant where a guitarist plays.
ECU Tuscany students standing around a large table with a white tablecloth covered in family style foods.