The "pure Italian" myth
Tuscan Italian (Florence, Siena) is conventionally called the "standard" because Dante wrote in Florentine. Modern standard Italian comes from this lineage. But all Italian regions have audible accents — there's no truly accent-free city.
Florence
Florence highest concentration of language schools — Scuola Leonardo da Vinci, Istituto Europeo, Linguaviva, ABC. €280–500/week. Florentine accent close to standard but with distinctive aspirated c (the "Hard C" softened to h-sound). Santa Croce base.
Rome
Rome Scuola Romit, Torre di Babele, Dante Alighieri. Roman accent has its own character (truncated final vowels). Bigger city, faster pace, more difficult immersion at beginner. Trastevere learning-friendly.
Bologna
Bologna Bologna Italian Cultural Center, Cultura Italiana. University city (1088) with intellectual atmosphere. Locals speak good standard Italian; less tourist English.
Siena
Università per Stranieri di Siena (the foreigners' university for learning Italian) — DITALS certifications. Sienese Italian historically considered the "purest." Smaller, quieter than Florence; more focused study environment.
Milan
Milan Scuola Tessa Italian School, Linguadue. Northern Italian context, business-Italian useful. Milan accent slightly more clipped. Higher cost of living than rest of Italy.
Perugia
Università per Stranieri di Perugia (the foreigners' university — sister to Siena's). Umbrian university town, hilltop medieval old town, lower prices. Strong with serious study.
Strategy
4-week minimum for results. Homestay > apartment for immersion. Combine course + cooking class for cultural saturation. Cooking classes companion.