Cultural Holiday in Montecatini, Tuscany

In April 2009 I visited Montacatini to find just the right place to meet my criteria -namely a small comfortable Italian owned hotel, with character , friendly service and excellent food and wine in the heart of Tuscany in which to base a relaxing painting and cultural holiday. I found La Pia Hotel run by Maria and her family. This is the unique holiday experience I have come up with . All of these images are photos taken by me during the trip last year.


Anyone interested in an all inclusive holiday with like minded people ?- Want to do some painting with the benefit of advice from a tutor? Enjoy viewing world famous masterpieces ? Long to bask in the Tuscan sunshine?
If the answer is yes to the above , this Italian experience will suit you. A unique holiday in Montecatini , including trips to visit Florence and Sienna, from Wednesday 18th August to Weds 25th.2010.



The itinerary
Wednesday 18th August. Arrival at Pisa Airport where you will be met by our courier and taken to your hotel La Pia by bus. Meet your tutor Trudi Doyle for an informal introduction to painting outdoors , dinner at Hotel
Thursday, 19th Aug. Montecatini Terme (morning) A guided tour of
Montecatini and the Tettuccio spa building with welcome drink in the historical cafe, situated inside the Tettuccio building. Dinner at the hotel.
Friday, 20thAug - . Painting day with artist Trudi Doyle in Buggiano and Massa , two beautiful medieval villages by bus. . Dinner at the hotel
Saturday 21st Aug. Florence - Departure for Florence by train with our courier .You will be met by the English speaking local guide of Florence at the Uffizi Gallery. Guided visit of the Uffizi gallery in the morning. Lunch break. Guided visit of the historic centre in the afternoon. Dinner at the hotel.
Sunday 22ndAug. Painting day tutored by Trudi Doyle / Free day, your choice . Dinner at the hotel.
Monday, 23rd Aug. Free day or optional excursion to Sienna. Dinner at the hotel.
Tuesday, 24th Aug. Free day / shopping / sightseeing / relaxing -or painting day tutored by Trudi Doyle your choice. Dinner at the hotel.
Wednesday 25th Aug. Departure day - transport to Pisa airport by bus.

Deposit of €200 will secure your place on this wonderful holiday in Italy . Contact me - trudiart@eircom.net - for booking / inquiries . 10 places available .


The cost of the Holiday €875 per person -great value in high season ( no single supplement) €50 reduction for artists or non painting partners ( not needing tuition )
Holiday includes: Seven nights Half Board accomodation at La Pia Hotel, Montecatini , all rooms en suite and air conditioned , (breakfast buffet and evening meal with wine or soft drink included each day , breakfast on last day )
Transfers by bus or taxi to/from Pisa airport (Luggage service & courier on arrival included ).
A local guide (2 hours and half) in Montecatini plus entrance ticket for Tettuccio spa building & welcome drink.
Bus or taxi (full day) for a painting day excursion to 2 Medieval villages Buggiano & Massa
Full day Excursion Train ticket for Florence and ticket & reservation for Uffizi gallery plus guide, Local guide and courier in historic Florence ( afternoon)
Painting tuition with Trudi Doyle .( view her paintings on www.trudidoyle.com ).
Parking fee for the bus or taxi.
Use of fold up-artist- chair.