• Overview
• Arts Sojourn in Tuscany
• Arts Sojourn Italian Riviera
• Surf & Turf Sojourn

Surf and Turf Sojourn: Tuscany and the Italian Riviera

Trip Info At a Glance: June 3- June 22, 2009 Cost: $4995.00 $350.00 non-refundable deposit due with application. Balance must be received no later than March 15, 2009. Hotel: Hotel Ilaria, Hotel Vis a Vis Sign up Form Click here for Important Trip Information (including dates, cost and flight info.)

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

For 2009 we are offering the option of our “Surf and Turf” Sojourn. Yes, we know the name is corny – you can call it “mare e terre” if that sounds more appealing to you, but either way, you will have the opportunity to sample the best of two diverse regions of Italy by combining both of this year’s Arts Sojourns into one substantially discounted package. Tuscany and the Italian Riviera are not far apart geographically, but you will feel as though you are setting foot in two different worlds with the opportunity to explore some of Italy’s most desirable destinations including Florence and the Cinque Terre.

LUCCA AND TUSCANY

On the Tuscan leg of our Surf and Turf Sojourn you will have ten full days to view some of the world’s great art treasures in and around Lucca; an elegant and exciting walled city. The birthplace of Puccini, Lucca is renowned for its culture and cuisine. You will reside in total comfort in one of Lucca’s finest luxury hotels; the four star Hotel Ilaria, featuring air conditioning, a turn-down service, free bicycles, and internet point, a spa and sun deck as well as a complimentary snack bar for its guests. The outstanding buffet breakfast at Hotel Ilaria is served outdoors in the winter garden and is one of the best we have encountered on our many visits to Italy. We have made arrangements to eat eight of our evening meals at one of Lucca’s best-regarded trattorias; Gli Orti di Via Elisa - very popular with the locals. You will be able to order off the regular restaurant menu and choose from a wide selection of Tuscan specialties and wood-oven pizzas. Two special dinners will be served at Il Giglio; cited by the NY Times as having “the best combination of authentic food, pleasant surroundings and professional service” of the many fine restaurants in Lucca.

Lucca itself is a dream of art, architecture and culture. It offers a spectacular array of shops, gelaterie, and cafes. You can paint or ride a bike along the massive city walls, or read a book in the botanical gardens. There are concerts on many evenings. From Lucca, you can take easy day trips into Florence or Pisa and we will introduce you to the nearby spa town of Montecatini Terme and the charming hill town of Montecatini Alto. The lush Tuscan landscape has drawn artists from many countries to its atmospheric rolling hills.

SESTRI LEVANTE AND THE CINQUE TERRE

Part two of our Surf and Turf Sojourn takes us to the resort town of Sestri Levante on the Italian Riviera; a complete change of pace from Tuscany. The Ligurian landscape is dominated by turquoise seas and rocky cliffs. Color is everywhere, so notable in the pastel-painted houses that line the Mediterranean coast. Opportunities for plein air painting abound in Sestri. You will have a relaxing nine day getaway in another fine four-star hotel. Hotel Vis a Vis sits high above the sea in the midst of lush private gardens with spectacular views on every side. Swim in the hotel’s heated pool or sunbathe in the solarium overlooking the Mediterranean. Hotel Vis a Vis offers a fabulous dining experience in their top floor panoramic dining room with authentic fine cuisine featuring the freshest Ligurian seafood. The Mediterranean coast from Genoa to Pisa is easily accessible from Sestri Levante, including Portofino and the spectacular Cinque Terre. You will spend a relaxing nine days soaking up the sun in one of the most scenic spots in all of Italy.

Now here’s the best part; we are offering this extended Surf and Turf Sojourn at a substantially discounted price - $4995 for a full 19 days in two spectacular locations – all breakfasts and dinners included! That’s almost $1000 off the combined regular price of each individual Arts Sojourn. For more details, study the individual sections on our website.

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 will meet together regularly as a group to discuss our artwork and experiences and we eat our evening meals together. Matthew Daub is always available for those desiring to participate in a painting demonstration or for a one-on-one consultation, but we keep the structure loose to allow as much freedom as possible. 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; combining 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 send an extensive information packet to all participants upon receipt of your application. 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.

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