Surf and Turf Sojourn: Tuscany and the Italian Riviera

Trip Info At a Glance: June 3- June 20, 2013 Cost: Call for pricing $350.00 non-refundable deposit due with application. Balance must be received no later than March 15, 2013. 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 2013 we are once again offering our “Surf and Turf” Sojourn option. Yes, we know the name is corny – call it “mare e terre” if that sounds more appealing to you, but either way you can experience 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 as you explore some of Italy’s most desirable destinations, including great art cities such as Florence, and the natural beauty of the Cinque Terre.

LUCCA AND TUSCANY

We begin our Surf and Turf Sojourn in Tuscany, with ten full days amidst some of the world’s great art treasures. Lucca is an elegant and historic walled city offering great painting locations as well as a spectacular array of shops, gelaterie, restaurants and cafes. There is much to do for both artists and non-artists in Lucca, but its northwest Tuscan location also make Lucca a great base for visiting other nearby Renaissance cities and towns such as Florence and Pisa. Our hotel, the four star, Hotel Ilaria, is one of Lucca’s finest, featuring air conditioning, a turn-down service, free bicycles, internet point, a spa and sun deck, as well as a complimentary snack bar for our guests. An outstanding buffet breakfast is served outdoors in the winter garden, and is one of the best we have experienced on our many visits to Italy. On this Sojourn we are also including two outstanding evening meals; a welcome dinner at one of Lucca’s best-regarded trattorias, Gli Orti di Via Elisa, and a sumptuous gourmet dinner at Lucca’s most famous fine restaurant; the renowned Buca Di Sant’ Antonio. Join us and see for yourself why atmospheric Tuscany has attracted so many artists from all over the world.

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 for a complete change of pace. Opportunities for plein air painting abound in Sestri; with the landscape dominated by the rocky cliffs of the Mediterranean coast. Color is everywhere, from pastel-painted houses with flower boxes full of red geraniums, to the vibrant turquoise sea. The entire coast from Genoa to Pisa is easily accessible from Sestri Levante, including towns like Portofino and Camogli, as well as the spectacular Cinque Terre - only twenty minutes away. Our home is the four-star, Hotel Vis a Vis, situated in the midst of lush private gardens with spectacular views on every side. After painting you can swim in the hotel’s heated pool or sunbathe on the solarium, and Sestri’s sandy beaches are just a short, easy walk from our hotel. All breakfasts and dinners are included on this leg of our Surf and Turf Sojourn and you will find the dining experience at Hotel Vis a Vis rivals the finest restaurants in town, but with better views! Come and enjoy a relaxing seven days with us, painting and 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 - only $4225 for a full 17 days in two spectacular locations – with all breakfasts and nine dinners included! That’s almost $800 off the combined regular price of each individual Arts Sojourn. For more details be sure to see the individual trip sections on our website.

THE PAINTING WORKSHOP

The painting workshop is 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 regularly as a group to discuss our artwork and experiences and we eat most of 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.)