Housing and Travel
Housing and Travel
"Eat well, laugh often, love much." ~Italian Saying
Passports & Visas
If you don't have a passport or if it expires in the next 12 months, order or renew your passport soon. The passport must be valid for at least six months past your date of entry to Italy. The waiting period for a passport can be 2-3 months in some cases, although it is more likely to take 4-6 weeks. It is recommended to pay for expedited service even if you have enough time before your travels. Visit the U.S. State Department Passport website, or the website of your country, for details.
All participants will enter Italy as a tourist for a stay of fewer than 90 days. American citizens do not need a special visa. Visit the U.S. State Department Visa website for details.
Students from other countries may need visas. Please consult the rules regarding visas between your country and Italy. We will provide necessary documentation of accommodation and study, but students are responsible for completing the required visa application before the deadline as well as paying any fees. Opera Lucca assumes no responsibility for denied visas, and the tuition deposit will not be refunded. Be aware that expiring F-1 student visas can make it very difficult to receive a Schengen visa. Communicate your visa status to Dr. Massol as soon as possible.
Arrival to Lucca
Check-in and orientation is the morning of May 18, 2026. It is recommended to arrive at least two days before to settle in and adjust to the timezone. Flights to Italy tend to be cheapest on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The last day of the program is May 30th, so departure should be May 31st or later.
Lucca can be reached from regional airports in Florence and Pisa with connections on trains. Lucca is also easily accessible by train from international airports in Rome and Milan, which have daily flights from the US. For train connections, visit Trenitalia for timetables and to purchase tickets. We recommend downloading the app for convenient ticket purchases. Participants are responsible for making all travel arrangements and arriving in Lucca on their own.
More specific travel recommendations can be discussed through email.
Housing
We recommend booking accommodations soon through Airbnb, Vrbo, booking, or similar sites. More specific recommendations will be communicated after registration.