Arts Sojourn : Plein Air Painting in Italy
Our Next Sojourn

Upcoming Sojourns:

The Italian Riviera: Sestri Levante and the Cinque Terre

Portoverne
Trip Info At a Glance:
June 13 - June 22, 2009
Cost: $2995.00
$350.00 non-refundable deposit due with application. Balance must be received no later than March 15, 2009.
Hotel: Hotel Vis a Vis
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Important Trip Information
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Important Trip Information
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Liguria is Italy’s Mediterranean coastal region stretching from just above Pisa all the way to France. It features some of the most spectacular scenery in all of Italy. Sestri Levante is a beautiful seaside resort ideally situated midway between Portofino and the spectacular Cinque Terre. This will be our fourth visit to Sestri and we consider it to be one of the great “finds” on our Arts Sojourn itinerary. Sestri’s seaside promenade is lined with palm trees and outdoor cafes, making for a relaxing and picturesque vacation town. Sestri has an exciting nightlife and the best beaches in this part of Italy, but it still has the soul of a Ligurian fishing village in its old center. The Bay of Silence, just below our hotel, is ringed with pastel-painted houses and hotels. Fishermen still pull their boats right up onto the sand amidst the sunbathers.

Sestri Levante is the perfect home base for plein air painting as well as sightseeing excursions along the coast. The ancient port city of Genova is only a short forty five minute train ride away and many very charming small coastal towns, such as Rapallo, Santa Margherita, and Camogli are even closer. Portofino is a pleasant boat ride away. The famous Cinque Terre are five magnificent towns perched on the rocky cliffs just to the south of Sestri. They are easily accessed by either excursion boat or a short train ride. We will lead our group to the Cinque Terre as part of our introduction to the area. If you have not yet been to this part of Italy now is the time as it is becoming increasingly popular; and with good reason.

OUR ACCOMMODATIONS IN SESTRI LEVANTE

 

Manarola on the Cinque Terre
Manarola on the Cinque Terre

Hotel Vis a Vis is one of our favorite luxury four star hotels. Sitting high above Sestri Levante on a mount overlooking two picturesque bays, it is surrounded by private gardens, but despite this tranquil location, the town below is easily reached via an elevator bored eighty meters down through the mountain. Every room in the hotel has individually adjustable air conditioning as well as its own private balcony or terrace. The spacious outdoor heated pool and solarium overlook the Mediterranean Sea and the Bay of Silence. You will not believe the view!

The cuisine and dining service at Hotel Vis a Vis are truly exceptional. The glass-walled panoramic dining room is on the top floor of the hotel and offers magnificent views of both mountain and sea. You will savor your morning coffee while enjoying an extensive buffet breakfast as the mist rises from the mountains. You will see the sunset over the Mediterranean every night from your dining table. The dinner menu always features the freshest Ligurian seafood dishes and rivals any of the best restaurants in town. We think you will agree that this is a very special hotel in a very special place.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

Houses along the coast
Houses along the coast

All breakfasts and dinners are included in our price of $2995 per person sharing a double room as well as nine night’s luxury accommodations, hotel transfers to and from Galileo Galilei airport in Pisa, all art activities and our pre-departure and in-country orientation services. See important trip information for complete details.

When we receive your application we will you send an extensive information packet to help you prepare for your trip. We will begin the Sojourn with an orientation session on location to help you acclimate to the area. Our goal is to help you feel comfortable in your surroundings so that you can get a true taste of this beautiful region of Italy firsthand and accomplish your own travel and artistic goals at your own pace.

THE PAINTING WORKSHOP

Hotel Vis a Vis solarium
View from the Hotel Vis a Vis solarium

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 experiences and always take our evening meals together. Matthew Daub is available for those desiring a painting demonstration or for a one-on-one consultation, but we try to keep the atmosphere of our Sojourn workshops laid back. 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. Non-artists are always welcome and have traditionally enjoyed the Sojourns as much as the artists do.

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 over 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.)