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• Arts Sojourn in Umbria
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Arts Sojourn in Umbria: The Green Heart of Italy

Trip Info At a Glance: May 31 - June 15, 2008 Cost: $2375.00 $350.00 non-refundable deposit due with application. Balance must be received no later than March 15, 2008. Hotel: Hotel Bosone Palace Sign up Form Click here for Important Trip Information (including dates, cost and flight info.)

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Important Trip Information
(including dates, cost and flight info.)

GUBBIO: UMBRIA'S NORTHERN JEWEL

Our first Arts Sojourn for 2008 immerses us in “The green heart of Italy”: Umbria. For those of you unfamiliar with this region - think Tuscany with its similar landscape, cuisine and climate, but with fewer crowds to deal with. Our first stop will be in Gubbio; Umbria's hidden jewel to the north. Gubbio's high and remote position has left it relatively unspoiled. Its tangle of steep medieval streets and monuments are as original as any you will find; a joy for artists and non-artists to explore. The Palazzo Ducale, Roman amphitheater and antiqurium are just a few of the many surprises that await you. Gubbio is also known as one of Italy's major ceramic centers, with many fine ceramic workshops interspersed among Gubbio's trattorias and cafes.

OUR ACCOMMODATIONS IN GUBBIO

Our home in Gubbio is the four star Hotel Bosone, one of the area's finest hotels. Hotel Bosone is very much an “old world” affair; a fifteenth century palace with soaring vaults in the entry and lavish frescoes adorning the walls and ceiling in the elegant breakfast room. Its stately, dignified ambiance will make you feel as though you are an honored guest – and you are! Along with its storied history Hotel Bosone features modern conveniences such as hairdryers, mini bars, and individually adjustable air conditioning in every room. We have reserved only the hotel's deluxe rooms, many with excellent views, for our Sojourn guests. We will dine on the beautiful outdoor terrace at the Bosone Garden restaurant, just around the corner from the hotel. This restaurant features a contemporary take on traditional Umbrian cuisine with a level of preparation, presentation and service that should please our most discriminating travelers.

OUR DAYTRIP TO ASSISI

After four days in Gubbio we will head south by charter coach to Assisi for lunch and a visit to the Basilica di San Francesco; one of the most unique and dramatic of the great churches of Italy. The Basilica is really two churches in one. The lower church, dark and brooding, contains the tomb of Saint Francis and some of his earliest followers. The upper church is filled with light and exuberantly decorated with Giotto frescoes.

 

THE HISTORY OF SPOLETO

We continue our Sojourn to Spoleto; another wonderfully preserved, ancient hill town in the south of Umbria. Spoleto features a thoroughly medieval historic center as well as significant archeological sites dating back to Roman times. It is stunningly picturesque, from its cobbled streets and piazzas, to its fourteenth century castle and famous Ponte delle Torri, an ancient bridge built on Roman foundations in one of Italy's most dramatic natural settings. Spoleto's never-ending maze of steep winding streets and distant views fire the artistic imagination. Its churches and museums, redolent with history; are filled with important masterworks by artists such as Filippo Lippi, Pinturicchio, Perugino and others.

Spoleto is best known for its renowned contemporary performing arts Festival dei Due Mondi, which transforms the town into an international stage in late June and July. We have timed our visit to experience the town at its lively best, just before the crowds move in. You can browse Spoleto's numerous interesting shops and galleries; order an espresso at a sidewalk cafe' or enjoy a cono at a gelateria . Of course, there are unlimited possibilities for the creative artist.

OUR ACCOMMODATIONS IN SPOLETO

Our home in Spoleto is the Hotel Clitunno, a family operated three star that we have greatly enjoyed on two previous Arts Sojourns. It is ideally situated in the heart of Spoleto's historic center; retaining its old world charm along with every modern convenience. We have reserved the hotel's finest “old-style” rooms exclusively for our Arts Sojourn guests. Each room is unique and furnished with period pieces. Roman walls were discovered during a renovation in 2002 and are now architectural features in the new breakfast room. The Tomassoni family operates Hotel Clitunno with a special consideration and kindness. This is what brings us back again and again, along with Signora Tomassoni's fine kitchen, featuring careful preparation of authentic Umbrian cuisine.

Spoleto's location on the main train line provides easy access to other Umbrian towns of great cultural and artistic significance. The charming medieval town of Spello is less than half an hour away. Perugia can be reached in forty five minutes and even Rome can be accessed directly by train in less than an hour and a half. Your fourteen days on our Umbrian Arts Sojourn will be an unforgettable experience.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

All fourteen nights lodging as well as all breakfasts and dinners are included in our price of $2375.00 per person sharing a double room. Ground transportation to and from Fiumicino airport in Rome to the hotels and from Gubbio to Spoleto with the stopover in Assisi is included, along with all art activities and orientation services. A limited number of single rooms are available for an additional supplement.

When we receive your application we will you send an extensive information packet to help you prepare for your trip. We begin each Sojourn with an orientation session on location to acclimate participants to the area. You will be amazed at how easy it is for even first-time travelers to get around. Our goal is to help you feel comfortable in your surroundings so that you can get a true taste of Italy firsthand and accomplish your own travel and artistic goals. 

THE PAINTING WORKSHOP

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 meet together every evening as a group to discuss our work and travel experiences and always take our evening meals together. Non-artists are always welcome and traditionally have enjoyed the Sojourns as much as the artists do.

Our group leader, Matthew Daub, is a university art professor and nationally known watercolorist with works in many important public and private collections including the Metropolitan Museum. Matthew 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 choice; 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 that has been enjoyed by artists and non-artists for ten years. We combine 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. If your goal is to share in a rich and rewarding cultural travel experience with soon-to-be good friends, we welcome you to join us.

Click here for
Important Trip Information
(including dates, cost and flight info.)