Montessori Méditerranée & Montessori’s Milano Experiences
A small group experience, exploring Montessori’s philosophy and approach whilst living as a community in the beautiful Côte d’Azur in France (Méditerranée), followed by a guided exploration of ‘Montessori’s Milano’, designed to delve deep into Montessori’s life and times in northern Italy.
Lacy and I officially started our ‘Montessori Méditerranée & Montessori’s Milano Experiences’ in the south of France at the beautiful ‘Montessori Maison’. A very powerful experience, made even more special by having two experienced Montessorians as our hosts - Jacqueline from the Netherlands and Roelie Hartwig from Australia (and creator of Montessori Tours and Travel). Lacy and I teach together in a Montessori school in San Antonio, Texas, USA. We were able to join this tour thanks to being awarded a school based grant for personal & professional development. We were so excited to receive this grant and head to France and Italy for over 3 weeks.
Day One - 15 June 2025
The day started with a peaceful meditation by the pool. The word of the day was ‘Freedom’ - such a beautiful reminder of Montessori philosophy. We visited a truly lovely Montessori school in Draguignan - École Montessori School. It was a wonderful experience observing the classroom and later spending time with the teachers / guides. We shared a delicious lunch full of great conversation, exchanging stories and experiences. And of course… we enjoyed some of the best cheese ever! After the school visit, we visited the American War Veterans Cemetery and the French Cemetery, both located within walking distance of the school. A very moving and reflective experience.
Day Two - 16 June 2025
This morning we gave our amazing hostesses some gifts from us and from our school. In the afternoon we gathered by the pool to share our experiences of the day. Today it was my travelling companion Lacy’s turn to cook dinner which was delicious. We enjoyed meaningful conversation and a wonderful lecture on Montessori Cosmic Education.
Day Three - 17 June 2025
Market Day in Saint-Tropez was today’s experience. We took the ferry then walked around this lively, beautiful town with its gorgeous yachts. Sea breeze in our hair. Blue, blue water. Browsed all the cute little shops. There was so much to see and it was so much fun. Le Motte is our home base and this afternoon we explored this sweet little village in the region full of charm, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. We loved the peaceful vibe, the beautiful scenery and local flavours. Such a great place to be. Relaxation beside the pool followed by a fresh and delicious dinner with more meaningful Montessori conversation. Everything feels light, sweet and just right. Jacqueline prepared a very tasty dinner for which we were all so very thankful.
Day Four - 18 June 2025
What an amazing day! We discovered a hidden cultural gem in Provence while visiting Château Font du Broc - history, beauty and inspiration all in one place. As we were tasting local Rosé wine, one of the ladies in our group said: “we’re doing cultural research…” - after all, this region is known for its Rosé wines. It was my turn to cook tonight, so after the wine tasting our first stop was to the prettiest ‘supermarket’ to collect the necessary ingredients. I wanted to bring a taste of Puerto Rico (where I come from) to France (where I am). I made sofrito and mayo-ketchup for the tostones and had a lot of fun teaching Lacy how to cook Puerto Rican food. Everyone agreed it was a delicious meal. Tonight was our final reflection by the pool. Today’s word was ‘the child’. Such a meaningful way to end our time in France. As we shared our last dinner together we were full of gratitude. What a wonderful Montessori experience this has been - so much learning, connection and inspiration. Lacy and I were so grateful for this opportunity.
Day Five - 19 June 2025
Our last day in France. Saying goodbye to this beautiful country, our peaceful Montessori Maison and our amazing host Jacqueline was bittersweet. Felt so grateful for the unforgettable experience. Travelling by train we headed off to our next Montessori adventure - ciao France (said with a French accent), buongiorno Milan. We changed trains in Cannes then onto Ventimiglia where we had enough time to wander around for a bit and dip my hand into the Mediterranean Sea. I just had to connect with the water. What a moment! Thank you Lacy for encouraging me to do that. Then it was ciao Ventimiglia and onto the next train to Milan. Grateful for the sea breeze. Next the city vibes and more Montessori adventures. We arrived in Milano ready for style, espresso and more Montessori magic. Observing the sunset and taking in the view from the rooftop of our hotel on our first night in Milan was absolutely beautiful, especially while enjoying an aperitivo. Dinner tonight was our first ‘cena italiana’ - delicious and full of flavour - just as we imagined! It felt so good to ‘mangiare’ like the Italians do.
Day Six - 20 June 2025
Today we explored the vibrant city of Milan. We strolled through the streets and visited Il Duomo - so grand and imposing, truly breathtaking. We wandered around Piazza del Duomo, indulged in some delicious gelato (yes! again!) and even stopped by the fanciest Starbucks Lacy and I have ever seen. A bit of shopping perfectly wrapped up this day of adventure in Milan. We ended the day with another lovely dinner, where we welcomed the newest member of our tour, Kimberly. She had been a school director and taught in Taiwan. The food was delicious and the conversation both enlightening and inspiring.
Day Seven - 21 June 2025
After an amazing array of food at the breakfast buffet, we visited a very old and special place in Milan called Castello Sforzesco. It was built many, many years ago and people used it to live, work and protect the city. Inside this castle we saw big stone walls, long hallways, and quiet courtyards. There were also beautiful paintings and sculptures made by famous artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. It was interesting to imagine how people lived and worked there so long ago. We learnt that a castle can be a place for art, history and learning.
Day Eight - 22 June 2025
This morning’s activity was with Mascia, a trained Munari art teacher, who walked us through a fascinating and fun food stamping activity, suitable for children as well as adults. At the end of the session we were all very proud of our colourful pieces of handiwork. Aika took us to her favourite cathedral, restaurant for lunch and gelato shop. It was a full and varied day.
Day Nine - 23 June 2025
We had the incredible opportunity to visit the second Italian Casa dei Bambini. Here Maria Montessori trained teachers and worked closely with children and their families. Aika, a Montessori Guide in Milan, took us to visit this historic space and introduced us to Sonia who directs a small Montessori school for children aged 0–3 years in the same grounds of where the second Casa once was. The environment for 0–3 is beautiful. Parents participate alongside their children, continuing the spirit of collaboration that Montessori believed in so deeply. Maria Montessori delivered her third training course in Milan in 1911. It was mesmerising to imagine her presence - teaching, guiding and shaping the future of education. It is powerful to reflect on how her work in Italy was eventually interrupted when she was forced to leave Italy during Mussolini’s fascist regime. Tonight we moved out of Milano and into Bergamo - about a 45 minute drive from Milano. After checking into our rooms, we walked to our restaurant experiencing the charm of the city’s winding hills and stunning views. We ended the evening with a delicious dinner at a lovely local small restaurant.
Day Ten - 24 June 2025
A big day out - to Gonzaga, home of Gonzagarredi Montessori Materials. But first we visited the Casa dei Bambini Internazionale ‘Maria Montessori’ not far from the small town of Gonzaga. We toured the historic town of Gonzaga where the first Montessori materials were produced. It was amazing to explore a place so closely connected to Maria Montessori’s legacy and the roots of her educational materials. What a wonderful experience it was to be invited by our host, Michele dal Trozzo, to take part in a fun and unique event - the first of its kind in town. It was a progressive garden party dinner. We felt so welcomed, like we truly belonged to this community. We strolled through four beautiful homes and gardens, each offering a different ambiance with music or storytelling and of course, delicious Italian food. It was a magical and memorable night, filled with warmth, connection and a true sense of belonging.
Day Eleven - 25 June 2025
Bergamo’s Città Alta is a charming medieval hilltop town. We walked through its cobbled laneways and streets, feeling like we had stepped back in time. So much to see. So much to do. So much to taste. Our final dinner of this tour was in a restaurant with stunning views in the old town. We enjoyed an interesting and delicious menu. The company was great with lovely conversations and a perfect way to close our time together, in Bergamo, in Italy.
Day Twelve - 26 June 2025
Arrivederci Bergamo - thank you for the beauty, the views, the memories. Today Lacy and I said goodbye to Roelie and Kimberly who went onto Rome. We went onto Florence - ready for more Italian magic.
Marisa,
San Antonio, Texas, USA
.
For more information, contact us.
A small group experience, exploring Montessori’s philosophy and approach whilst living as a community in the beautiful Côte d’Azur in France (Méditerranée), followed by a guided exploration of ‘Montessori’s Milano’, designed to delve deep into Montessori’s life and times in northern Italy.
Lacy and I officially started our ‘Montessori Méditerranée & Montessori’s Milano Experiences’ in the south of France at the beautiful ‘Montessori Maison’. A very powerful experience, made even more special by having two experienced Montessorians as our hosts - Jacqueline from the Netherlands and Roelie Hartwig from Australia (and creator of Montessori Tours and Travel). Lacy and I teach together in a Montessori school in San Antonio, Texas, USA. We were able to join this tour thanks to being awarded a school based grant for personal & professional development. We were so excited to receive this grant and head to France and Italy for over 3 weeks.
Day One - 15 June 2025
The day started with a peaceful meditation by the pool. The word of the day was ‘Freedom’ - such a beautiful reminder of Montessori philosophy. We visited a truly lovely Montessori school in Draguignan - École Montessori School. It was a wonderful experience observing the classroom and later spending time with the teachers / guides. We shared a delicious lunch full of great conversation, exchanging stories and experiences. And of course… we enjoyed some of the best cheese ever! After the school visit, we visited the American War Veterans Cemetery and the French Cemetery, both located within walking distance of the school. A very moving and reflective experience.
Day Two - 16 June 2025
This morning we gave our amazing hostesses some gifts from us and from our school. In the afternoon we gathered by the pool to share our experiences of the day. Today it was my travelling companion Lacy’s turn to cook dinner which was delicious. We enjoyed meaningful conversation and a wonderful lecture on Montessori Cosmic Education.
Day Three - 17 June 2025
Market Day in Saint-Tropez was today’s experience. We took the ferry then walked around this lively, beautiful town with its gorgeous yachts. Sea breeze in our hair. Blue, blue water. Browsed all the cute little shops. There was so much to see and it was so much fun. Le Motte is our home base and this afternoon we explored this sweet little village in the region full of charm, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. We loved the peaceful vibe, the beautiful scenery and local flavours. Such a great place to be. Relaxation beside the pool followed by a fresh and delicious dinner with more meaningful Montessori conversation. Everything feels light, sweet and just right. Jacqueline prepared a very tasty dinner for which we were all so very thankful.
Day Four - 18 June 2025
What an amazing day! We discovered a hidden cultural gem in Provence while visiting Château Font du Broc - history, beauty and inspiration all in one place. As we were tasting local Rosé wine, one of the ladies in our group said: “we’re doing cultural research…” - after all, this region is known for its Rosé wines. It was my turn to cook tonight, so after the wine tasting our first stop was to the prettiest ‘supermarket’ to collect the necessary ingredients. I wanted to bring a taste of Puerto Rico (where I come from) to France (where I am). I made sofrito and mayo-ketchup for the tostones and had a lot of fun teaching Lacy how to cook Puerto Rican food. Everyone agreed it was a delicious meal. Tonight was our final reflection by the pool. Today’s word was ‘the child’. Such a meaningful way to end our time in France. As we shared our last dinner together we were full of gratitude. What a wonderful Montessori experience this has been - so much learning, connection and inspiration. Lacy and I were so grateful for this opportunity.
Day Five - 19 June 2025
Our last day in France. Saying goodbye to this beautiful country, our peaceful Montessori Maison and our amazing host Jacqueline was bittersweet. Felt so grateful for the unforgettable experience. Travelling by train we headed off to our next Montessori adventure - ciao France (said with a French accent), buongiorno Milan. We changed trains in Cannes then onto Ventimiglia where we had enough time to wander around for a bit and dip my hand into the Mediterranean Sea. I just had to connect with the water. What a moment! Thank you Lacy for encouraging me to do that. Then it was ciao Ventimiglia and onto the next train to Milan. Grateful for the sea breeze. Next the city vibes and more Montessori adventures. We arrived in Milano ready for style, espresso and more Montessori magic. Observing the sunset and taking in the view from the rooftop of our hotel on our first night in Milan was absolutely beautiful, especially while enjoying an aperitivo. Dinner tonight was our first ‘cena italiana’ - delicious and full of flavour - just as we imagined! It felt so good to ‘mangiare’ like the Italians do.
Day Six - 20 June 2025
Today we explored the vibrant city of Milan. We strolled through the streets and visited Il Duomo - so grand and imposing, truly breathtaking. We wandered around Piazza del Duomo, indulged in some delicious gelato (yes! again!) and even stopped by the fanciest Starbucks Lacy and I have ever seen. A bit of shopping perfectly wrapped up this day of adventure in Milan. We ended the day with another lovely dinner, where we welcomed the newest member of our tour, Kimberly. She had been a school director and taught in Taiwan. The food was delicious and the conversation both enlightening and inspiring.
Day Seven - 21 June 2025
After an amazing array of food at the breakfast buffet, we visited a very old and special place in Milan called Castello Sforzesco. It was built many, many years ago and people used it to live, work and protect the city. Inside this castle we saw big stone walls, long hallways, and quiet courtyards. There were also beautiful paintings and sculptures made by famous artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. It was interesting to imagine how people lived and worked there so long ago. We learnt that a castle can be a place for art, history and learning.
Day Eight - 22 June 2025
This morning’s activity was with Mascia, a trained Munari art teacher, who walked us through a fascinating and fun food stamping activity, suitable for children as well as adults. At the end of the session we were all very proud of our colourful pieces of handiwork. Aika took us to her favourite cathedral, restaurant for lunch and gelato shop. It was a full and varied day.
Day Nine - 23 June 2025
We had the incredible opportunity to visit the second Italian Casa dei Bambini. Here Maria Montessori trained teachers and worked closely with children and their families. Aika, a Montessori Guide in Milan, took us to visit this historic space and introduced us to Sonia who directs a small Montessori school for children aged 0–3 years in the same grounds of where the second Casa once was. The environment for 0–3 is beautiful. Parents participate alongside their children, continuing the spirit of collaboration that Montessori believed in so deeply. Maria Montessori delivered her third training course in Milan in 1911. It was mesmerising to imagine her presence - teaching, guiding and shaping the future of education. It is powerful to reflect on how her work in Italy was eventually interrupted when she was forced to leave Italy during Mussolini’s fascist regime. Tonight we moved out of Milano and into Bergamo - about a 45 minute drive from Milano. After checking into our rooms, we walked to our restaurant experiencing the charm of the city’s winding hills and stunning views. We ended the evening with a delicious dinner at a lovely local small restaurant.
Day Ten - 24 June 2025
A big day out - to Gonzaga, home of Gonzagarredi Montessori Materials. But first we visited the Casa dei Bambini Internazionale ‘Maria Montessori’ not far from the small town of Gonzaga. We toured the historic town of Gonzaga where the first Montessori materials were produced. It was amazing to explore a place so closely connected to Maria Montessori’s legacy and the roots of her educational materials. What a wonderful experience it was to be invited by our host, Michele dal Trozzo, to take part in a fun and unique event - the first of its kind in town. It was a progressive garden party dinner. We felt so welcomed, like we truly belonged to this community. We strolled through four beautiful homes and gardens, each offering a different ambiance with music or storytelling and of course, delicious Italian food. It was a magical and memorable night, filled with warmth, connection and a true sense of belonging.
Day Eleven - 25 June 2025
Bergamo’s Città Alta is a charming medieval hilltop town. We walked through its cobbled laneways and streets, feeling like we had stepped back in time. So much to see. So much to do. So much to taste. Our final dinner of this tour was in a restaurant with stunning views in the old town. We enjoyed an interesting and delicious menu. The company was great with lovely conversations and a perfect way to close our time together, in Bergamo, in Italy.
Day Twelve - 26 June 2025
Arrivederci Bergamo - thank you for the beauty, the views, the memories. Today Lacy and I said goodbye to Roelie and Kimberly who went onto Rome. We went onto Florence - ready for more Italian magic.
Marisa,
San Antonio, Texas, USA
.
For more information, contact us.
