Art Holiday in Italy -August 2011

If you are interested in an all inclusive ART HOLIDAY  with like minded people ?- Want to visit Italy and do some sketching and painting with the benefit of expert guidance and advice from a tutor?                           Enjoy viewing world famous masterpieces ?  dining on delicious freshly cooked  dishes at a friendly Itialien  family run hotel each evening ? want 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 painting trips and a visit to Florence -  Wednesday 24th August to Wednesday 31th 2011.

-La Pia Hotel

In April 2009 I visited Italy  to find just the right place to meet my criteria -namely a small comfortable Italian owned hotel, with character , friendly service, excellent food and wine in the heart of Tuscany  but away from the milling tourists in which to base a relaxing painting and cultural holiday.
 I found La Pia Hotel run by Maria and her family.
  Last August  2010 I took a group there for a week and had a wonderful time. Maria the proprietor could not have been more welcoming or helpful. She speaks perfect English , having spent time in London studying  and extends a friendly welcome to everyone ensuring that all are happy with their accommodation  and  services.  I am delighted to be able to offer this  unique holiday again this year .
These images are photos taken  during last years holiday  and will give you a flavour of  the lovely atmosphere of this corner of Tuscany.

The itinerary

Wednesday 24th August..
Arrival at Pisa Airport where you will be met by our courier and taken to your hotel -Hotel La Pia in Montecatini  by bus contact trudiart@eircom.net   with you arrival time to arrange a transfer if not flying from Dublin.  Meet at Dublin airport if you are from Ireland  - Meet your tutor Trudi for an informal meet and greet later at the Hotel


Group with Maria & Trudi outside LaPia 

 Thursday, 25th Aug. DAY 1 -Montecatini Terme (morning) A guided tour of  lovely Montecatini and the Tettuccio spa building with welcome drink in the historical cafe, situated inside the magnificent Tettuccio building.(This short tour was really  interesting and  and well enjoyed by all last year and a lovely social introduction to new companions) Afternoon free to settle in, explore surroundings -or start sketching or painting with Trudi's guidance in the tranquil tree lined square outside La Pia hotel  or in the studio room designated by Maria for  informal classes. .
Dinner at La Pia hotel always surpasses expectations and is full of variety each evening . One has a choice of dishes , delicious fresh salads,  anti pasti, a choice of starters, main courses and deserts .
Last year everyone agreed that the quality of the food, wine and service could not have been be surpassed  - fresh, delicious and varied.


Archway  Massa


Friday, 26thAug - . Painting day  in Buggiano and Massa ,you  will visit  two beautiful medieval villages by bus and spend the day  painting en plein air with guidance from your tutor. Lunch en route . Both towns offer  a feast of painting choices -  a possible painting composition at every turn. This day is full of variety and fun and is a very social time for the group -getting to know each other and painting at  leisure.Portable chairs  for painting en plein air provided.

Return by bus with time to relax and freshen up .  Dinner at the hotel.



"The Birth of Venus"  Boticelli ( Uffizi Gallery)



Browsing in Florence

  Saturday 27st 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, enjoy a  guided visit to the Uffizi gallery in the morning view  magnificent masterpieces by Leonardo Da Vinci , Boticelli and many others . Time to explore the gallery further or browse the  galley art shops . Lunch break -                                   


Trudi & "David" sculpture 



Guided tour  ( one hour)of the historic centre  in the afternoon,  have your own time to explore beautiful Florence -browse the sites and shops or just sit outdoors or in a cafe and watch the world go by . Return by train to Montecatini to relax before dinner at the hotel.





MontecatiniAlta



Sunday 28th Aug. Painting day  in Montecatini alta- the ancient upper town  reached in a few minutes by a quaint red cable car giving extensive views of the surrounding landscape en route.



Red cable car



Lunch in one of the many cafes  Sketching and painting guidance by your  tutor. Time to stroll and explore or return to hotel  to relax before dinner.

Dinner at the hotel.

Monday, 29th Aug. Free day or optional excursion  to Sienna  . Dinner at the hotel.

Tuesday, 30th Aug.  Free day / shopping / sightseeing / relaxing -or Painting day tutored by Trudi Doyle  - your choice. Dinner at the hotel.

Wednesday 31st Aug. Departure day - transport to Pisa airport by bus- a short stop - an hour - will be included at Pisa to view the famous tower and historic town.

Deposit of €300 will secure your place on this wonderful holiday in Italy . Contact me - trudiart@eircom.net - for booking /inquiries . 10 places available  on holiday .
UPDATE - JULY 1st - 5 PLACES  AVAILABLE  
Update July 25th - Late Offer €50 off - 3 places available - 
 The cost of this 'all in' Holiday- €875 per person  £775 sterling -  same as last year -great value in high season ( no single supplement) ( now €825/ £735 )
If you want to know more I will send a brochure and booking form and  answer any queries by phone or email   trudiart@eircom.net . Ring Trudi 00353  059 9156299  / 0876658500
A list of suggested materials etc. for your painting days will be sent to you. 

THIS HOLIDAY INCLUDES -
 Seven nights accommodation at La Pia Hotel, Montecatini , all rooms en suite and air conditioned  -six days half board - breakfast buffet and evening meal with wine or soft drink included each day -Thursday 25th, Friday 26th , Saturday 27th , Sunday 28th, Monday 29th  and Tuesday 30th.   Breakfast on last day Wednesday  31st.


Transfers by bus or taxi to/from Pisa airport (Luggage service and courier on arrival included ).


A local guide (2 hours and half) in Montecatini plus entrance ticket for Tettuccio spa building and complimentary  welcome drink and snack.


Transport by Bus or taxi (full day) for a painting day excursion to two  beautiful rural medieval villages Buggiano and Massa


Full day Excursion  including return  train ticket to Florence and entrance reservation ticket  for  the Uffizi gallery plus guide, local guide and courier in historic Florence .


Painting tuition with professional artist and experienced tutor Trudi on three painting days .


Parking fee for the bus or taxi and use of fold up-artist chair all included.
 . email trudiart@eircom.net

PLEASE NOTE -
{Flights are NOT  included.
Ryanair have  flights at convenient times Dublin /Pisa on the 24th and 31st . If travelling from the UK or  elsewhere please let a know as I will arrange transfers from Pisa airport with the hotel.





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Cypress trees near Montecatini