Itinerary
Tuscan/Emilia-Romagna Tour 2008
Malcolm Beattie Painting Workshop
Next Tour: 1 September to 14 September 2008
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Further information:
Janette Garbuio or Marina Cook
(03) 9752 3088
About Our Tour
Tuscan/ Emilia-Romagna Tour – the best of both regions!1 September until 14 September 2008
The patience of an art instructor, together with the energy of a tour guide - this tour is perfect for friends and family, with different interests, wanting to experience idyllic Italy together.
This tour is a truly unique experience as it allows travelers to step back in time where life wasn’t ruled by traffic, heavy schedules or bustling crowds. Near the border of Tuscany in Italy, you will reside in a township called Palagano. Palagano and its surrounding hills are usually where city-living Italians spend their summer holidays to escape their tourist-flooded cities (over 5 million Italians live in Rome alone!).
The hills have many ancient stone buildings, towers and churches. Religious artefacts, ranging from 10th to 16th century can be observed and photographed. The passionate residents, who are proud of their heritage and embrace newcomers like family, are there to make your trip unforgettable.
You have the opportunity to visit places, which are undiscovered by other tour companies. Day tours are organized to Modena, Lucca, Ferrara and the Garfagnana regions in Tuscany, to visit the contrasting cities and medieval architecture.
There is plenty to see in the Emilia-Romagna/ Tuscan Hills. Art galleries, museums, monuments, tasting local produce the region is famous for, walking along tracks that reveal medieval ruins, visiting remote villages and castles can be done through guidance or at your own leisure.
If you are in no hurry, this tour also allows you time to relax and simply soak in the atmosphere (ideally with a glass of vino in hand!). If you have any special interests you would like to pursue whilst on tour, please let us know as we aim to accommodate.
Tuscan / Emilia Tour September 2008
with Malcolm Beattie
For sightseers and photographers: At all locations, you have the ability to venture at your own pace.
For painters: At all locations, there is always time to paint and appreciate the countryside. For all places within walking distance, we will also have access to various transportation for people preferring to use the time painting instead of walking. Included in the price is daily tuition painting from Malcolm Beattie.
| Monday 1st Sept* | Our private bus will pick us up at Bologna Airport or designated hotel and travel to Palagano. We arrive at the family owned pensione – Il Dragone, in time to relax and soak in the atmosphere before having a traditional Italian home cooked dinner. (D) |
| Tuesday 2nd Sept | SAVONIERO – We walk through the countryside for beautiful panoramic views and iconic buildings. We visit the fresh parmesan and ricotta cheese factory to appreciate their workmanship and sample their award winning cheese. Lunch can be at the local trattoria or why not have a picnic in the countryside (B&D) |
| Wednesday 3rd Sept* | GARFAGNANA – Our private bus will take us through the scenic mountains, into the Tuscan region. We will begin at Castel Garfagnana, a beautiful town surrounded within a castle wall, dating back to 700AD. After many painting/ sightseeing opportunities, we then venture to a gorgeous village with red stone buildings called SASSO ROSSO. There are some interesting photo opportunities to capture before heading towards SAN PELLEGRINO, a famous church with 360 degree views and a very interesting story to tell. (B&D) |
| Thursday 4th Sept | BUCCASSUOLO – A local bus will take us to a cluster of villages situated on a rocky hill. Pathways lead to forests, which grow mushrooms, cherry blooms and wild flowers. Venture along the windy paths and immerse yourself in another lifestyle. After visiting this village, you will never want to return to the rat race! (B&D) |
| Friday 5th Sept* | FERRARA – Our private bus will take us to a town, which is considered as the jewel of Emilia-Romagna. It is the region’s greatest walled towns, comprising of Castello Estense – complete with moats, towers and information on the historic battles from 1385AD. If you are wanting more, there is also an Art Museum and a Palace to absorb. (B&D) |
| Saturday 6th Sept | VITRIOLLA – This neighbouring town is within walking distance and has tower homes which were built by Contessa Matilda during the 10 th century to defend the area. Additional buildings were constructed in the middle ages, including villas and the bell tower. The township was also built in the middle ages and there are Pathways, off-the-beaten track, lead to interesting pockets of stone buildings surrounded by colorful gardens and farm animals. (B&D) |
| Sunday 7th Sept | PALAGANO - Welcome to the Sunday Market. This is a chance to paint/ walk and mingle with the paesani (local townsfolk) who flock to Palagano to play card games, drink with friends and relax. The paesani also welcomes anyone who wants to experience an Italian speaking church service in their 15 th century church. Being a mountainous region there are breathtaking landscapes and walking trails to explore/paint. (B&D) |
| Monday 8th Sept* | MODENA – Our Private Bus will travel to Modena, which is one of the more significant cities in Emilia-Romagna. Monday morning is market day, which delight our bargain hunters. Italian shoes, clothes and bags can be purchased and afterwards you will be able to spend the rest of the day exploring the architecture, library gallery, churches, and beautiful shops. We have discovered a wood fire oven pizza restaurant…. and pizza made in the typical Italian style! (B&D) |
| Tuesday 9th Sept | Free Day – The painters will have time to touch up their artwork. Or you can have a lovely walk re-visiting Savoniero, Vitriolla or Palagano. For people wanting to explore further areas, there is an opportunity to catch the local bus and travel to SASSUOLO, which has a market day on Tuesdays. (B&D) |
| Wednesday 10th Sept | MONTEFIORINO – A local bus will travel to the 10 th century castle, situated on top of the mountain The castle was constructed by Count of Montecuccol and, over time, the town slowly built itself around it. The castle has now turned into Musuem dedicated to the Italian Resistance, who were instrumental in the American victory over the Fascists in World War II. (B&D) |
| Thursday 11th Sept* | FIUMALBO – Our private bus takes us to the medieval town on the border of Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna. Small narrow streets reveal a town steeped in history. Learn about the clash of the whites versus the reds – each protecting their church and their beliefs. The landscape consists of a beautiful old church, stone bridges and a Seminary Abbey. (B&D) |
| Friday 12th Sept* | LUCCA – Our private bus takes us again through the beautiful mountains to Lucca, a magnificent city in Tuscany. Enclosed by city defense walls, this city has narrow lanes, which meander along various medieval buildings, including an 180BC Roman amphitheatre. Learn about a prince’s love for his wife at San Michele’s Church and the history behind the towns defense. (B&D) |
| Saturday 13th Sept | Free Day . This is a great opportunity to relax or finish off any paintings prior to the Grand Feast provided by the local townsfolk. On this night, we celebrate our time together, by demonstrating some of our paintings we created or to bid our final goodbyes to the paesani who made us feel like welcome. For the sightseers, there is an opportunity to travel to the local township of PAVULLO, or a perfect opportunity to take a picnic lunch to an area you enjoyed… for one last moment in this precious area. (B&D) |
| Sunday 14th Sept | PALAGANO – Our final day in this beautiful area. This will be the day to say your farewells to the locals and complete any last minute photographing/ walking/ shopping before leaving this area until the next time. (B&D) |
| Monday 15th Sept | Departure in the morning for Bologna Airport / Bologna Train Station. |
* - Notes use of private bus. All other places are can be accessed via walking, private cars (if available) or public transport (at own cost). Please note: to ensure you have the tour of a lifetime, the itinerary may be changed at anytime. (B = Continental Breakfast, D = Dinner)
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