Arts Sojourn : Plein Air Painting in Italy
Our Next Sojourn

Upcoming Sojourns:

Arts Sojourn in Tuscany 2007
Trip Info At a Glance:
June 21 - July 1, 2007
Cost: $2475.00
$350.00 non-refundable deposit due with application. Balance must be received no later than April 1, 2007.
Hotel: Hotel Ilaria
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Our Sojourns for 2007 begin in Lucca, a remarkable ancient walled city in the northwest region of Tuscany. Lucca 's broad streets, grand piazzas, and massive defensive walls tell of its historic wealth and political power. Opportunities for plein air painting abound in picturesque Lucca. Vehicular traffic is restricted within the historic center, making it a pleasant place for wandering. You can explore Roman excavations beneath the church of San Giovanni, or climb to the top of the Torre Giunigi. Spend a relaxing morning in the botanical gardens, or admire some of Tuscany's most impressive cathedrals, including the eleventh century, San Michele, the twelfth century San Frediano, and the Duomo di San Martino, with its fifth century carvings and works by Ghirlandaio, Civitali and Nicola Pisano. These are just a few of Lucca 's abundant historical sites. You will also have ample time to just stroll or ride a bike along the wide park-like walls that completely encircle the city - so much a part of the Luchessi experience. There will be ample time to enjoy the evening passegiatta, and the animated night-life and café scene. The elegant shops along Via Filungo should be enough to satisfy even the most diehard shoppers. Our ten day Tuscan Sojourn will enable you to experience this great city in a way that a brief tourist stop never can.

We have long-wanted to bring a group to Lucca ; but never found the perfect hotel situation until now. In 2006, after some serious pavement pounding, we finally discovered Hotel Ilaria within the walls of the old city. We were immediately impressed; from its attractive garden entrance, to the luxurious bi-level suites in the fourteenth century hotel annex, Residenza dell'Alba. It is obvious that great care and attention has been given to the renovations and management of this elegant four-star hotel. Every room is sound-proofed and air conditioned with nicely appointed furnishings, including tiled private baths with hairdryers. There is a lovely outdoor terrace where we will host our evening "show and tell" meetings, as well as a complimentary coffee shop that is open all day for hotel guests. You will also have free use of the hotel bikes, wireless broadband internet point, and audio guides for planning your own walking tour of Lucca. We are absolutely confident that the level of service and accommodations at Hotel Ilaria will meet the standards of even the most discriminating traveler. You will enjoy a very extensive continental breakfast buffet at the hotel each morning and, as a special treat, we have arranged for nine of our evening meals to be taken at "Gli Orti di Via Elisa," a typical Tuscan trattoria , just around the corner from the hotel, where you may select from a varied menu of authentic Tuscan specialties as well as their delicious pizzas.

While Lucca is very impressive in its own right, its prime location makes it an ideal home base for visiting many other important Tuscan towns. Pisa and the spas of Montecatini Terme, are practically next door, as is the famous beach town of Viareggio on the Mediterranean coast. The great city of Florence is only an hour and a half away by direct train - a very easy day trip. As part of our Tuscan Arts Sojourn we are also including a day trip by charter coach to the remote Etruscan hill town of Volterra. We believe that you will be captivated by the breathtaking views from Volterra's Balze cliffs, its archeological museum, Roman and Etruscan excavations, and the surprisingly rich Duomo and Pinacoteca, filled with beautifully restored masterworks. Volterra is just far enough off the tourist trail to give the town a refreshing, relaxed atmosphere. We look forward to sharing it with you.

All breakfasts and nine dinners are included in our price of $2475 per person sharing a double room. Ten night accommodations, airport/hotel transfers to and from Galileo Galilei airport in Pisa and the excursion to Volterra are also included, along with all art activities and our pre-departure and in-country orientation services. We have a limited number of singles and luxurious bi-level suites available at extra cost.

The painting workshop will be conducted in an informal manner, as a group of friends, painting and sharing experiences in a supportive environment. There is no regimentation. You may paint when, where, and as little, or as much as you like. We will meet together regularly as a group to discuss our artwork and experiences. Matthew Daub is always available for those desiring to participate in a painting demonstration or for a one-on-one consultation. Participants may work in any medium of their choosing; however careful consideration should be given to the material's portability and its practicality for international travel. Arts Sojourn is neither a guided tour nor a traditional artists' workshop. As such it should not be expected that participants will be escorted at all times while in Italy. The Sojourn is a unique vacation experience, enjoyed by artists and non-artists alike. It combines the substantial advantages of group travel with the freedom of a self-directed vacation. Adventurous, though not necessarily experienced travelers of diverse ages and backgrounds are invited to apply. We will be sending an extensive information packet to all participants. If your goal is to share in a rich and rewarding cultural experience in Italy with soon-to-be good friends we welcome you to join us. For complete trip details please click here.

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