For Artists

La Dolce Vita for Artists


  • 10-day discovery of Tuscany designed especially for artists.
  • Explore Italy’s history and culture in the picturesque towns of Florence, Siena, Arezzo, and Cecina di Mare.
  • Have the unparalleled opportunity to paint in these iconic locations.
2018 dates will be forthcoming
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A Trip To Tuscany Is One Of Those Rare Life Experiences That Cannot Be Overrated.

Immerse yourself in the lively rhythms of the Italian way of life as you travel though the beautiful Tuscan countryside. Gaze at magnificent Renaissance artworks and ancient treasures as you explore the cultural centers of Florence and Siena. Meander through the picturesque hillside town of Arezzo and the seaside town of Cecina di Mare. Be inspired by the beautiful cypress trees, vineyards and olive groves that define the Chianti area. And all along the way, enjoy the culinary delights that are so iconic of this region. We invite you to relax into the Tuscan way of life as you capture the allure of this beautiful land – its culture and history, its cities and hillside villages, and its endearing people.

Travel Map

Tuscany Map Artist Travel

Highlights

  • Tour world-renowned museums and galleries that overflow with works by some of the most beloved artists of all time – Michelangelo, Botticelli, and da Vinci.
  • Take in the view from the top of Florence’s historic Duomo, and explore the various towns in and around the Chianti region.
  • Enjoy the incomparable experience of capturing the beauty of these exceptional places on canvas and in photographs.
  • Learn the process and technique of fresco painting used prominently by Renaissance artists and enjoy an evening of dining with local artists.
  • Enjoy traditional Tuscan cuisine and entice your palate by sampling local wines, olive oils and cheeses.
  • Stay at a scenic country estate located in the heart of the Chianti region and enjoy the warm and gracious hospitality of your host and estate owner, Sergio Sardelli. For information on the country estate, visit Il Cellese and view the photos on our Tuscany photo page.
Cost

2018 pricing will be forthcoming.


Prices are per person, double occupancy per room (2 single beds). For single occupancy room (1 bed) supplement, add $400. Airfare is not included in the cost. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for complete details.

Meals included are indicated as B, L and/or D (breakfast, lunch and dinner) at the end of each days activities.

Itinerary – 10 Days

Days 1 and 2 – U.S./Florence, Italy/Chianti

Depart on an overnight flight to Florence and arrive to meet up with our group in the early afternoon outside customs. We will have lunch near San Miniato where there are magnificent views of Florence and visit the Basilica San Miniato al Monte which stands atop one of the highest points in the city. The Basilica is one of the finest Romanesque structures in Tuscany and one of the most beautiful churches in Italy. Afterward, we will take a stroll to Zecchi Colori where you can purchase art supplies. From there, we will drive through the heart of Chianti, one of the most beautiful areas of the Italian countryside and arrive at the country estate that will be our home while in Italy. Meander through the estate grounds, boasting both a vineyard and oil grove, before our welcome reception and dinner. Il Cellese (L, D)

 

 

Zecchi Colori

Firm Zecchi has succeeded in finding, reviving or reproducing all the colors and materials used by pre-Renaissance and Renaissance painters. Massimo Zecchi has extended a 10% discount on all art supplies purchased by our group.

http://www.zecchi.it/

Days 3 – Florence

Today we will be immersed in the Renaissance as we tour the Uffizi Gallery, one of the oldest and most famous art museums in all of Europe. The gallery boasts a collection of art by such notable artists as Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Caravaggio, to name a few. Stroll though Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio, and view the Giambologna sculptures at the Loggia di Lanzi. We will visit the magnificent Basilica di Santa Croce, the largest Franciscan church in the world. Santa Croce is most notable for its sixteen chapels, many of them decorated with frescoes, and it is the burial place of some of the most illustrious Italians – Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, Foscolo, Gentile and Rossini. Stop for lunch on your own and spend the afternoon exploring and painting at leisure. We will meet up for dinner in Florence. (B, D)

 

Basilica di Santa Croce


Basilica di Santa Croce

Day 4 – Florence

Climb to the top of the Duomo for a spectacular view of Florence. Then stroll across the Ponte Vecchio toward the Palazzo Pitti and Gardino di Boboli. Along the way, we will view the Pontormo painting inside Santa Felicita Church. After a tour of the Palazzo Pitti and gardens, enjoy the afternoon painting. This evening, local artists will join us for dinner at our country estate. (B, D)

 

Boboli Garden Sculpture


Boboli Garden Sculpture

Day 5 – Florence

Visit the Accademia to view, among other famous works, Michelangelo’s David. Tour the Medici Chapels, built as a celebration to the Medici family, a banking family whose influence fostered and inspired the birth of the Italian Renaissance and the majority of Florentine art and architecture. Enjoy lunch on your own at one of the many local trattorias and spend the afternoon painting. We will meet up for dinner in Florence. (B, D)

 

Michelangelo's David


Michelangelo’s David

Day 6 Il Cellese

Join us after breakfast to learn the process and technique of fresco painting. Spend the day exploring, relaxing, and painting at Il Cellese. This country estate, with its vineyard, olive groves, and hillside location, occupies one of the most scenic vistas in Chianti. Join us in the afternoon for a cheese tasting at Celesse Point, a shop in the local town of Castellina, owned by our estate host. While in town, visit the local art gallery and then join local artists as you paint the afternoon away capturing the beauty of this charming little town. (B, L, D)

 

Painting in Tuscany


Painting in Tuscany

Day 7 – Siena

A short drive brings us to the Tuscan gem of Siena. Soak up the medieval flavor of this historic city on a walking tour that includes Piazza del Campo and the colorful, marble-clad cathedral. Stop for lunch on your own and spend the afternoon exploring and painting at leisure. We will meet up for dinner in Siena. (B, D)

 

Siena


Siena

 Day 8 – Cecina di Mare

The city of Cecina sits right on the beautiful Mediterranean, a location for vacation cottages and wonderful seafood. We will visit the beautiful Pine Forest Park that leads to a very attractive and relatively secluded beach. The pine forest provides an excellent venue for painting or drawing. We will pack a picnic lunch and visit a restaurant by the sea for dinner. (B, L, D)

 

Pine Forest Park


Pine Forest Park

Day 9 – Arezzo

Today we will visit Arezzo, which sits high-up overlooking the magnificent landscape of the Chianti countryside. We will view Piero Della Francesca’s amazing and moving fresco cycle on the Legend of the True Cross at the Basilica di San Francesco. Arezzo, known for having maintained its medieval qualities in most locations of the old city, is a wonderful city to explore and paint. Have lunch at one of the local establishments and then enjoy painting the spectacular panoramic views from the expansive park at the top of the city. We will gather for a farewell dinner at our country estate. (B, D)

 

Arezzo


Arezzo

Day 10

Transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)