A week in Tuscany Italy !
Non painters enjoy this holiday and artists find an abundance of inspiriation, ancient architecture, terracotta roofs, sweeping landscapes, gnarled olive groves, grapevines, gardens with fig trees and pomegranates.
I have hosted this annual holiday for over ten years and look forward to returning to a place where I always find fresh subject matter

I provide painting sessions to suit all abilities, demonstrations, professional tuition and helpful advice in a friendly non competitive atmosphere. with a small group to ensure that everyone benefits from tuition.
In Hotel Torretta you will taste delicious food and wine and experience excellent service and 4 star accommodation.
Deposit of €500 or full payment will secure your place before Friday 16th May 2025.
. FLY TO PISA - I have organised the rest - airport transfers, -4 star Hotel, half board , guided tours and day excursions to quiet medieval villages to experience the mystique of rural Tuscany at a leisurely pace, train tickets to Florence and taxi to Pitti Palace galleries guided tour and the famous Boboli gardens. Non painters welcome
Summary of what is included in this unique package .
To check availability and secure a place Contact trudidoyleart@gmail.com or to make inquiries. Or text 087 6658500
To Book your place -Contact Trudi at trudidoyleart@gmail.com and make your payment by direct bank transfer. I will send you my bank details to make the transfer
(Alternatively pay by credit card via PayPal. If you decide on this method I will email an invoice to you with a link to make a secure payment ( you don’t need a pay pal account- just a credit card ) However there is an extra 3.5% charge incurred on PayPal card transactions but it is a very safe method of payment.)
Deposit of €500 or full payment will secure your place before Friday 16th May 2025
Full Balance must be paid by Friday 4th July 2025
Hotel cancellation policy
Penality of 50% for cancellation 30 to 15 days before the arrival
Penality of 100% for cancellation from 14 days before the arrival
Please take out your personal travel insurance .
Sunday. 28th September. Morning -A guided tour of Montecatini ending with a visit to magnificent Tettuccio spa building ( a world heritage site ) and a complimentary welcome drink and light repast inside the historical Café in the Spa. Sunday afternoon free to settle in and explore Montecatini. A short introductary watercolour lesson before dinner with Trudi at the Hotel for those who wish to avail of it.
Then on by taxi to Medieval Massa ,one of the oldest villages in Tuscany for an Italien lunch at the only local café, spend the afternoon as you like, watch the world go by or wander the charming lanes or up to a viewing point to draw or paint the rooftops or vistas en plein air. "Massa has a population of about 300 people. It is a stone stronghold that dates back to the third century, is surrounded by chestnut groves, olive trees, vineyards, and fields of grain. This medieval village retains the charm and mystery of the old world . The old city gates which once were closed at night and in times of peril for protection, are still intact - Porta ai Campi and Porta Fontanta -once the only routes in and out the village". The taxi will pick us up in the afternoon and take us back to Hotel Torretta. Dinner at the hotel.
Tuesday 30th September.
I have chosen the
Afternoon will be guide free to spend however you choose; explore
*** Return at leisure to Montecatini by train ( ticket included) Dinner at Hotel Torretta
Wednesday 1st October. Free day . A basic lesson in painting outdoors using watercolour will be arranged at a time to suit . Dinner at Hotel Torretta.
( )Perhaps may I suggest this is the day for an excursion via cable car to Montecatini Alto hill town. for lunch -the old town red cable car is a few minutes from the hotel -The cable car up the hill runs every 20 minutes - an experience not to be missed. ! ) Dinner at Hotel Torretta.
Thursday 2nd October. Montecarlo fortress and town.
Departure by taxi in the morning to Montecarlo not known to many and delightful to visit. (about 15 km from Montecatini).
Entrance to the fortress at 10:30 am. The Rocca del Cerruglio fortress belongs to a private family who open to the public between May and October. Tickets are included ( We may meet the owner as we gain access –a very affable gentleman ) We can remain inside until 1 o clock. The fortress takes it’s name from the hill on which it is located, and which was once the site of much older fortifications representing an important strategic garrison between two valleys both visible from the fortress; – The Plain of Lucca and the poetically named Valley of the Clouds ( Valdinievole) - Oppertunities to paint the vistas from the vantage of the fort . Then enjoy lunch in one of the many excellent cafes in the town. In the afternoon you have free time to explore, relax and people watch or sketch or paint . The taxi will pick us up and take us back to Hotel Torretta. Dinner at the hotel
Friday 3rd October Free day. Morning painting session, optional. Dinner at the hotel
*** ********- - - - - - - -*************
Suggested flights - will be facilitated by a transfer taxi both ways .
Flight from Dublin with Ryanair Sat 27th departing at 19.15 arriving at Pisa airport 22.55
Flight from Pisa with Ryanair Sat 4th Oct at 17.00 arriving at Dublin airport at 18.15
This return flight suggestion is currently costing €171.18 ( Basic travel light fare)
More about Tuscany -Average weather in September
"I had a wonderful art holiday in Tuscany with Trudi -it was fab -- well recommend to anybody interested in going". Susan M. Ireland
"Don't hesitate to book - I had a stimulating and fun week in Tuscany with Trudi - food, trips, Hotel la Pia, company and wine -all superb.." J.E. California .USA