About the Siena Program

This program, based in Siena and ending in Florence, invites adult learners to experience the intersection of tradition, innovation, and entrepreneurship in one of the world’s most celebrated culinary regions. Learning the Business of Food & Wine in Tuscany Onwards Program offers an immersive exploration of Italy’s food and wine industries, combining academic focus with hands-on learning and behind-the-scenes access to local producers, vineyards, and markets.

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Program Details

  • Duration: 10 days (Fall 2026)
  • Start Date: September 28, 2026
  • End Date: October 7, 2026
  • Group Capacity: 25, including guests
  • Land Package: $4300 USD (double occupancy rate), $5590 (single occupancy rate)

In addition to a valid passport, participants will need to obtain an ETIAS for Siena. While the official ETIAS registration dates have not been released, it is scheduled for late 2026. U.S. citizens will need to obtain an ETIAS travel authorization before entering Italy or any other Schengen country. This is an electronic travel authorization. It is not a visa, but a pre-travel screening. You may be fingerprinted upon arrival at airport. Keep an eye on the official ETIAS website for updates

About the Destination

Siena under the stars at night

Why Siena?

The intersection of culture and cuisine is taken to the next level in Tuscany, where traditional food and wine are not only a large part of the cultural identity, but also a primary economic contributor. Tuscany will be your classroom. Our courses take advantage of the region’s many resources that will help you understand key concepts of the food business in Tuscany.

Learn More About Siena

Get to Know Your New City

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Explore the Region

Discover the Tuscan countryside.

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Wander Through the 17 Contrade

The 17 neighborhoods of Siena date back to the Middle Ages.

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Taste Traditional Tuscan Dishes

There’s plenty to taste throughout Tuscany.

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Enjoy the Sights in the Piazza Del Campo

The Piazza is the perfect place to spend an afternoon.

The Student Experience

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Full Itinerary

Academics

Lectures and delivery of academic content will typically take place in the morning with excursions in the afternoons. There will be no homework, but IES Abroad will provide preparation and reading materials before departure. If you wish to take notes, please bring a notebook and pen. 

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Arrival and Orientation
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Contrade and Local Businesses
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Farm-to-Table Start-Ups
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Wine Industry
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Marketing Strategy: The European Union and Agri-Food Products
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Economic Policy in the EU and its Impact on Global Food Markets
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Wellness
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Farming Methods: New and Old
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Renaissance Art
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Italian Language & Culture

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the Onwards Learning the Business of Food & Wine in Tuscany program, participants will be able to:

Italian Identity
Identify and analyze the history and culture of Italy and Tuscany with regard to its relevance in terms of people’s social, and political identity.
Sustainable Agriculture
Understand sustainability and farm-to-table philosophies, and their effect on the economics and operations of Italian farms and vineyards.
Policy Impacts
Understand the impact of European agricultural and environmental policies.
Sustainable Development
Describe various economic and social policies for sustainable development.
Food & Wine Sustainability
Analyze sustainability in food and wine sectors.
Art & Context
Develop skills to critically evaluate Italian artworks and their historical, cultural, and socio-political connotations.

Inclusions

  • Daily breakfast
  • Group lunches or dinner included on select days
  • Accommodations: NH Siena Hotel

Activity, Weather & Attire

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Weather: Siena's weather in early October is generally mild and pleasant with daytime highs often in the low 70s°F (around 21-23°C) and cooler nights dipping to the low 50s°F (around 10-12°C) but expect crisp mornings and the possibility of some rain showers. 

Attire: We recommend a refillable water bottle, packing layers, a light jacket, and maybe an umbrella for this beautiful autumn transition period in Siena. Many areas include cobblestone streets, and we want everyone to be able to participate fully. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and if you use a wheelchair or have limited mobility, please reach out in advance so we can discuss accessibility options.

For any additional questions or inquiries, please contact onwards@IESabroad.org.