Arrival at our accommodation time to rest before our MEET AND GREET at 5pm. Time for a short orientation before going for Dinner nearby at 7pm. Accommodation: Venice Dinner at the discretion of individual Painting: No workshop. Preparation talk.

A short meander through the streets of Venice to our location to paint views canals, bridges and stately palazzo under shady arches. Afternoon to visit another quiet location close by to capture the afternoon light before having time to explore this vibrant city. Accommodation: Venice Meals Included: Continental Breakfast Workshop: 9:30-4pm

Ferry to paint on this lovely island filled with shops and factories, where glassmakers live away from the main land to preserve their secrets. You will have time to walk the main canal where lovely shops filled with amazing coloured glass will tempt the onlooker. If weather permits, we will arrive at St Marks Square approximately 5pm to have time to paint the sunset before returning to our accommodation. Everyone will be given a three day ferry pass for their personal use. Accommodation: Venice Meals Included: Continental Breakfast Workshop: 9:30-4pm including 2 hour lunch break

We ferry to the RIALTO to paint this ancient beautiful centre. Views of the Grand Canal , boats and gondolas, markets stalls and the vibrancy of Venice will embrace you while you capture it while painting. After lunch, we will travel to a new location for painters, while non-painters will have time venturing through the intricate laneways. You will have time to travel by ferry on the main canal to explore even by evening. Accommodation: Venice Meals Included: Continental Breakfast Workshop: 9am – 4pm (includes a lunch break)

Travel again by ferry to find a delightful island where famous lace makers can be found. This island was a fishing village which still maintains its tradition of colourful houses which were used to distinguish the families who lived within. After lunch time you will have time to explore this colourful island and maybe fine a special gift to bring home. For our non painters can ferry to Torcello to explore Janette, before returning to Burano and travel back to our accommodation. Accommodation: Venice Meals Included: Continental Breakfast Workshop: 10.30am – 4.30pm (includes a lunch break)

This is a Free day but you also have the opportunity to travel by bus with Janette to the Alps. You will have time to explore the alpine city of Cortina, surrounded by the majestic mountains before returning to Venice in the late afternoon. Whether you are in Venice or at the Alps, it will be a fine opportunity to draw in your sketchbook during your wanderings. Accommodation: Venice Meals Included: Continental Breakfast No Workshop – FREE DAY

Stroll to the old Ghetto area to paint. This interesting quite area which has synagones and a large square with trees and canals. Yet just a short walk and turn, you will be in the hustle and bustle of the shopping lane. After lunch a short walk to Magdalena square for views of small bridges, narrow canals and chimneys, which are unique only to Venice. This is a good place for a Gondola ride and to walk and explore the many alley ways which will lead one to exciting venues. Accommodation: Venice Meals Included: Continental Breakfast Workshop: 9am to 4pm (includes a lunch break)

After breakfast, a private taxi will collect us to take us to Tragetto where my bus will be waiting for us. We will bus to the Bay of Poet, stopping along the way for lunch. The views on the way across Italy are beautiful and will fill us with anticipation of our next destination. After settling in our new hotel, we will have a short orientation of our new town and have time to take La Passegata (the walk) before our delicious meal at our hotel. Bring your swimming gear if you want to go for a swim because there is a lovely beach opposite our hotel, Accommodation: Bay of Poets Meals Included: Continental Breakfast and Dinner No Workshop

Paint all day in one location under shady trees with views of the beautiful bay with its castle in the distance, boats and colourful buildings. This area became inspiration for many artists, poets and writers. Many admirable constructions still remain from the past. Non painters can walk to the ancient castle and explore the area, with time to relax with Janette. At sunset in our hotel or a nearby café will be the perfect way to close the day with a refreshing Aperitivo before enjoying our evening meal. Accommodation: Bay of Poets Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner Workshop: 9am to 4pm (includes a lunch break)

A lovely morning walk to our ferry to explore the Cinque Terre by boat. Ticket is included. We will ferry all the way to Monterosso and will have time to explore before returning to get the next ferry for Vernazza for our lunch break. “Vulnetia” was its ancient Latin name. The web of “arrugi” (narrow lanes) and steep stairways converges in the main square overlooking the sea. This is the centre of the village, which opens up to a large bay. Nearby, stands the church dedicated to Saint Margaret of Antioch (1318), with its foundations in the sea. After lunch, we take the ferry to Riomaggiore, the jewel of Cinque Terre. The towns of the Cinque Terre are settled along a charming road down to the “Marina”, you will find the typical coloured houses which seem to cling to one another, with the boat dock in the middle. Then catching the last ferry to return to our port of Lerici where we can stroll back to our hotel with our drawings. Accommodation: Bay of Poets Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner NO WORKSHOP

We will take the local bus up and over a mountain with breathtaking views of the sea and cliffs to TELLARO. This secret bay (Italians do not tell the tourists!), you will discover a lovely fishing village to paint located on the sea edge, with a small pebbled beach with boats and under pass ways and steps twisting around the clinging houses. The church lighthouse is on the edge of a rocky formation facing the sea. So beautiful and quiet. Accommodation: Bay of Poets Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner Workshop: 9:30am to 4pm (includes a lunch break)

Today will be market day as we stroll through the stalls to our views. It is a lovely stroll or you can use the local bus to Lerici. I will provide the bus tickets for you. Above the port is the forbidding medieval Castello di Lerici, which dominates the holiday villas below. Accommodation: Bay of Poets Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner Workshop: 9:30am to 4pm (includes a lunch break)

We will take the local bus up and over a mountain with breathtaking views of the sea and cliffs to Telado. This secret bay (Italians do not tell the tourists!), you will discover a lovely village to paint located on the sea edge, with a small pebbled beach with boats and under pass ways and steps twisting around the clinging houses. The church lighthouse is on the edge of a rocky formation facing the sea. On our return by bus to Lerici , there will be time to stroll through the shops before returning to our hotel Accommodation: Bay of Poets Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner Workshop: 9:30am to 4pm (includes a lunch break)

There are many locations which will temp you but today we will go to the town of Sarzana. It has lovely buildings surrounded with a defence wall and a greatly fortified castle which protected the territory for Pisa. We will take time to sample the coffee house filled with beautiful petit cakes before we settle to paint. We will catch the bus and return after lunch for time to prepare for your departure the next day. Accommodation: Bay of Poets Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner Half day workshop

Departure by shared Taxi in the morning to LA SPECIA TRAIN STATION for departure.

Arrival at the airport for pickup to our hotel located in Selinunte – Kartibubbo in Torretta.
Transfer will be arranged around 10.30 am and 3.00pm approximately.
Meet and greet at 6.30 pm in our hotel with dinner to follow 7.00 pm

(D) Kartibubbo in Torretta

Enzo our guide will lecture about the ancient Greek colonization in Sicily and the Roman age while we are transferred to the archaeological park of Selinunte. One of the most important Greek colonies in Sicily situated on the southwest coast of the island. Nowadays one of the largest and most impressive archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. Visit by electric cars are an option.

Free time for lunch on the beach of Marinella di Selinunte. In the afternoon back to the archaeological park to paint the temples.

(B,D) Karibuddo in Torretta

Departure to the lagoon of the stagnone for a boat ride to Mozia., settled by the Phoenician in 8th century BC
Paint the location and lunch locally before leaving to drive along the famous “Salt Road” to enjoy a painting session along the incredible scenery of dazzling salt pans dotting with windmills.

(B,D) Karibuddo in Torretta

A beautiful town on the coast. It has a colourful fishing port with arabic and spanish elements in its baroque style buildings which will give the artist many options to paint and explore.

Lunch at a local trattoria. Afternoon time to paint the township with its narrow side streets which open into charactacteristic squares.

(B,D) Karibuddo in Torretta

The capital of Sicily will be revealed by Enzio who will relate the history and take us for a sight seeing stroll to discover its best monuments, churches and interesting sections of this city. Time for quick drawings as we rest at a café or shady square.

Departure for lunch to Monreale a small town with historical importance because of its impressive cathedral built during the Norman age, famous in the world for the mosaics that coveres its interior walls.

(B,D) Karibuddo in Torretta

We will reach this fascinating medieval town by cable car.  The sober historic town is surrounded by defensive town walls crowned by a castle, and dominates the surrounding area from its mountainous height of approximately 750 meters above sea level. Tour of the town and settle for some painting time.

Free time for lunch.

Afternoon dedicated to paint the wonderful sceneries offered by the town and its landscapes. Return by cable car to return to our bus.

(B,D) Karibuddo in Torretta

Travel to visit and paint the traditional fish market and the historical picturesque baroque town which till have the ancient roman gates to the old town.

Lunch at Leisure.

Afternoon time to discover another aspect of the town to paint or follow our guide Enzo to view various options. Return to our hotel to organize your luggage for departure in the morning.

(B,D) Karibuddo in Torretta

Bring along your sketch books for a travel day as we depart to visit an exceptional historical archaeological park testimony to “Magna Graecia” presence in this area. This site is an UNESCO World heritage listed. It recount a millenary history began in 6BC.

Time for drawing or exploring before leaving to lunch along the way to Modica. Viewing and exploring Modica with time to taste the famous chocolate and tea before leaving for our hotel located at Ragusa.

(B,D) Poggio Di Sole

According to legend Noto was founded in 448BC. It is one of the most beautifully built towns in Europe. Noto is famous for its fine C18 honey coloured buildings considered masterpieces of original Sicilian baroque style which were constructed after the tragic 1693 earthquake which totally destroyed the town. The painters will have time to capture their surroundings.

Lunch will be at a local tavern. Time in the afternoon to paint and explore.

Return to our hotel to prepare your luggage for departure in the morning

(B,D) Poggio Di Sole

It is a beautiful island separated from the main land by a narrow channel but connected with two bridges. The Piazza del Duomo and Archimede created a popular place for the people to gather for entertainment and shopping. Lunch at a local trattoria and then time to paint in the afternoon before leaving for our new hotel in Catania

(B, D) Le Dune

A quiet day to immerse in the timelessness of the Sicily’s countryside. We are in a small traditional Sicilian village made famous because it was the location for some scenes of the “Godfather”. Artists will paint near the Bar Vitelli , the place where Michael Corleon asked Apollonia’s father to meet his daughter.

After lunch a visit to the surround area including the stunning Alcantara Gorges with its clear and cold waters.

(B, D) Le Dune

Departure for Etna the largest volcano in Europe and the tallest mountain in Sicily. The big mountain which the ancients thought to be the forge of the god Vulcan and Cyclops always influenced the life of the people living in the surrounding area. We will be driven thought the National Park to walk and view from the mountain the cities and sea below.

We will lunch at Naxos fishing sea town .  In the afternoon we can paint the harbor of Naxos , the first Greek settlement with views of the coastline mountains with a sapphire sea.

(B, D) Le Dune

This will be a quiet day with views called the Cyclopes Riviera.

The village has a long maritime history and a story of Odysseus and the one eyed Cyclops.  The Faraglioni rocks and Ionian sea will be our settling.

Lunch at your leisure and time to explore.

(B, D) Le Dune

This beautiful historical baroque hilltop town will provide spectacular panoramas, beautiful gardens and evidence of its ancient past with a Greco-Roman theatre built in the 3 Century with views of Mt Etna in the distance and the sea below.

Lunch at leisure. We will have time to paint and draw after exploring the main shopping road.

(B, D) Le Dune

[day number=”15″ date=”30/05/2017″ title=”Catania”]

The city has had a long and eventful history which made it one of Italy’s important and flourishing cultural, artistic and political areas. Due to its location near Mt Etna, the city has been buried 17 times.

We will have time to shop and explore with our guide Enzo who enjoys relating the history of Sicily to everyone.

Bring your sketch book for quick drawings.

Return to our hotel to organize your luggage for departure in the morning.

(B, D) Le Dune

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Departure for Catania airport or train station in the morning for you to continue on your journey.

(B)

[day number=”1″ date=”11/09/2017″ title=”Arrival”]

Our private bus will pick us up at our designated hotel at 11:30am or Marconi Airport (Bologna) at 12.00pm and travel to RIOLUNATO , situated in the Frignano Region of the Apennines. We arrive at the family owned Hotel in time to relax and soak in the atmosphere before having a traditional Italian home cooked dinner.

(D) Accommodation: Riolunato

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[day number=”2″ date=”12/09/2017″ title=”Riolunato”]

RIOLUNATO – This quiet town is just perfect for painting the old rustic fresco buildings, ancient doors and cobble pathways inside this unique township. Following the road down from the town there is the beautiful Bridge of the Moon.

For non painters an opportunity to walk to CASTELLO to find a hidden ancient C10 tower and church filled with ancient artefacts which were gifted by pilgrims from the crusaders.

(B&D) Accommodation: Riolunato

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[day number=”3″ date=”13/09/2017″ title=”Fiumalbo”]

FIUMALBO – Today is your opportunity to paint this medieval town on the border of Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna and is surrounded by two rivers. Small narrow streets reveal a town steeped in history.

Learn about the history of the whites and the reds religious sect as each protect their church and their beliefs. The landscape consists of beautiful old churches, stone bridges and a Seminary Abbey encircled by mountains.

There will be an opportunity for non-painters to explore another township PIEVEPELAGO before returning for lunch and a drive up and walk down from Eagle’s nest.

(B&D) Accommodation: Riolunato

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[day number=”4″ date=”14/09/2017″ title=”Garfagnana”]

GARFAGNANA –today we will take drive through the scenic mountains, into the Tuscan region, along the medieval road, just like the pilgrims of yesteryear.. We will visit Castel Garfagnana, dating back to the roman era. It is a beautiful town surrounded within a castle wall, built in the dark ages..

After many painting/sightseeing opportunities, we then venture after lunch to a gorgeous village with red stone buildings called SASSO ROSSO. There are only pathways made of stone from one house to another and we can spend an afternoon painting or exploring. On our return we will visit San Pellegrino – the C600 pilgrim hostel.

(B&D) Accommodation: Riolunato

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[day number=”5″ date=”15/09/2017″ title=”Sestola”]

SESTOLA – This snow resort town set high in the forested Mt Cimone mountain will inspire the artists as they view the majestic castle of Sestola ( 900AD) which is perched on the edge of a ravine.

It is in the best location to paint under lovely shady trees in a garden square with lovely fountain and surrounded with lovely stone buildings.

Opportunity to explore the old roads radiating from the town and afterwards settle yourself down at the local restaurants or café for a refreshing drink of wine.

In the afternoon an opportunity to visit within the fortress to draw the historical farming articles and explore the many chambers which have breaktaking views of the Friagano region.

(B&D) Accommodation: Riolunato

[/day]

[day number=”6″ date=”16/09/2017″ title=”Lucca”]

LUCCA – Our private bus takes us down through the beautiful mountains to Lucca, a magnificent city in Tuscany. Enclosed by city defence 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 and the history behind the town’s defences.

This an opportunity to draw some sketches as you rest at a local café. On our return a stop to walk over the 1000 years old bridge called The Maddelenna build by Matilda of Tuscany before we return to our Hotel.

(B&D) Accommodation:Riolunato

[/day]

[day number=”7″ date=”17/09/2017″ title=”Cutigliano”]

CUTIGLIANO – is classified as the most beautiful Borga ( cluster of buildings) in Tuscany.
It is hidden deep in the Apennine Mountains. It is surrounded by dark forests and winding roads.
There the quaint buildings held secret meetings by the warlords of the region from the medieval era.

(B&D) Accommodation: Riolunato

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[day number=”8″ date=”18/09/2017″ title=”Modena”]

MODENA – Our bus will travel to Modena, which is one of the more significant cities in Emilia-Romagna.
This is our opportunity to visit the Library to see the most beautiful book in the world. Then a stroll to the ancient centre from here we can spend time to explore.

There is a large city market centre and variety of exclusive stores. In front of the World Heritage Romanist Cathedral and in the large cobble public square you can sit and take a coffee break under the ancient arches.

You will be free to spend the day exploring the architecture, the Este Duke’s Palace, churches filled with Baroque architecture and art and beautiful shops before leaving for BOLOGNA to catch our train to VENICE .

Arrival at our accommodation time to rest before our MEET AND GREET at 6.30pm. Time for a short orientation before going for Dinner nearby at 7pm.

(B) Accommodation: Venice

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[day number=”9″ date=”19/09/2017″ title=”Canal of Venice”]

CANAL OF VENICE

A short meander through the streets of Venice to our location to paint views canals, bridges and stately palazzo under shady arches. Afternoon to visit another quiet location close by to capture the afternoon light before having time to explore this vibrate city

Continental Breakfast/ Accommodation: Venice

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[day number=”10″ date=”20/09/2017″ title=”Murano”]

MURANO – The Island of Glass

Ferry to paint on this lovely island filled with shops and factories, where glassmakers live away from the main land to preserve their secrets. You will have time to walk the main canal where lovely shops filled with amazing coloured glass will tempt the onlooker.

If weather permits, we will arrive at St Marks Square approximately 5pm to have time to paint the sunset before returning to our accommodation. Everyone will be given a three day ferry pass for their personal use.

Continental Breakfast/ Accommodation: Venice

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[day number=”11″ date=”21/09/2017″ title=”Center of Venice”]

CENTER OF VENICE – RIALTO /The Grand Canal

We ferry to the RIALTO to paint this ancient beautiful centre. Views of the Grand Canal , boats and gondolas, markets stalls and the vibrancy of Venice will embrace you while you capture it while painting.

After lunch, we will travel to a new location for painters, while non-painters will have time venturing through the intricate laneways. You will have time to travel by ferry on the main canal to explore even by evening.

Continental Breakfast / Accommodation: Venice

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[day number=”12″ date=”22/09/2016″ title=”Burano”]

BURANO – Island of Lace

Travel again by ferry to find a delightful island where famous lace makers can be found. This island was a fishing village which still maintains its tradition of colourful houses which were used to distinguish the families who lived within.

After lunch time you will have time to explore this colourful island and maybe fine a special gift to bring home. For our non painters can ferry to Torcello to explore Janette, before returning to Burano and travel back. to our accommodation.

Continental Breakfast /Accommodation: Venice

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[day number=”13″ date=”23/09/2017″ title=”Treviso”]

TREVISO – the Walled City

Train to the walled medieval city of Treviso. Within the city walls, there are watermills and canals which are still used today. Explore the town with its high towers, Palazzo dei Trecento (C13) and because the town was built in the centre of the River Site, you can visit the ancient buildings of the old fish market.

The Museo Civico is worth a visit as it depicts the artists of the region.
There is time for exploring, shopping, photographing and drawing before returning to Venice by train.

Continental Breakfast/ Accommodation: Venice

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[day number=”14″ date=”24/09/2017″ title=”Venice – Jewish Quarter”]

VENICE – Jewish Quarter

Stroll to the old Ghetto area to paint. This interesting quite area which has Jewish constructions and a large square with trees and canals. Yet just a short walk and turn, you will be in the hustle and bustle of the shopping lane.

After lunch a short walk to Magdalena square for views of small bridges, narrow canals and chimneys, which are unique only to Venice. This is a good place for a Gondola ride and to walk and explore the many alley ways which will lead one to exciting venues.

Continental Breakfast/ Accommodation: Venice

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[day number=”15″ date=”25/09/2017″ title=”Bay of Poets”]

DEPARTURE TO BAY OF POETS

After breakfast, our tragretto will collect our suitcases for the train station as we take one last stroll along the canal grande to the station to catch our train.
We will train and take our private bus to the Bay of Poets.
The views on the way are beautiful and will fill us with anticipation of our next destination.
After settling in our new hotel, we will have an orientation of our new town.

Continental Breakfast / Dinner Accommodation: Bay of Poets

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[day number=”16″ date=”26/09/2016″ title=”San Terenzo”]

SAN TERENZO – Venere Azzurra Bay View

Paint all day in one location under shady trees with views of the beautiful bay with its castle in the distance, boats and colourful buildings. This area became inspiration for many artists, poets and writers.

Many admirable constructions still remain from the past. Non painters can walk to the ancient castle and explore the area, with time to relax with Janette. At sunset in our hotel or a nearby café will be the perfect way to close the day with a refreshing Aperitivo before enjoying our evening meal.

Included: Breakfast & Dinner /Accommodation: Bay of Poets

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[day number=”17″ date=”27/09/2017″ title=”Portovenere”]

PORTOVENERE – Cinque Terre

A short stroll to our ferry. Ticket is included for our ferry from Lerici to Portovenere to paint all day on one location. Time to wander to explore this picturesque village established in Roman times. The village was built on a rocky crag overlooking the emerald sea and framed by three islands: Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto, which weave their spell on everyone.

From the castle on top of cliffs, there are superb views of the Cinque Terre and island of Palmaria. Let yourself enjoy the fresh seafood and ice creams in one of the many restaurants located in the Quay.
For non painters, there is opportunity to take an extended ferry to the other islands.

Included: Breakfast & Dinner/ Accommodation: Bay of Poets

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[day number=”18″ date=”28/09/2017″ title=”Tellaro”]

TELLARO – Hidden bay of Lerici

We will take the local bus up and over a mountain with breathtaking views of the sea and cliffs to TELLARO.

This secret bay (Italians do not tell the tourists!), you will discover a lovely village to paint located on the sea edge, with a small pebbled beach with boats and under pass ways and steps twisting around the clinging houses. The church lighthouse is on the edge of a rocky formation facing the sea.

On our return by bus to Lerici , there will be time to stroll through the shops before returning to our hotel

Included: Breakfast & Dinner/ Accommodation: Bay of Poets

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[day number=”19″ date=”29/09/2017″ title=”Vernazza”]

VERNAZZA – Cinque Terre

A lovely morning walk to our ferry to explore the Cinque Terre by boat. Ticket is included. The beauty of the Cinque Terre ( 5 lands) is by sea.

WE will ferry all the way to Monterosso and will have time to explore before returning to get the next ferry for Vernazza for our lunch break.
The village was named “Vulnetia” by the Romans. The web of “arrugi” (narrow lanes) and steep stairways converges in the main square overlooking the sea. This is the centre of the village, which opens up to a large bay. Nearby, stands the church dedicated to Saint Margaret of Antioch (1318), with its foundations in the sea.

After lunch, we take the ferry to Riomaggiore, the jewel of Cinque Terre. The towns of the Cinque Terre are settled along a charming road down to the “Marina”, you will find the typical coloured houses which seem to cling to one another, with the boat dock in the middle. Then catching the last ferry to return to our port of Lerici where we can stroll back to our hotel or bus with our drawings.

Included: Breakfast & Dinner/Accommodation: Bay of Poets

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[day number=”20″ date=”30/09/2017″ title=”Lerici”]

LERICI –the Harbour

Today will be market day as we stroll through the stalls to our views of the fishing boats. It is a lovely stroll or local bus to Lerici. Above the port is the forbidding medieval Castello di Lerici, which dominates the holiday villas below. Today, it houses a museum of geopaleontogy and is a venue for art exhibitions and concerts.

The bay will be filled with boats and behind a secret carven filled with paintings which lead to the castle above and beyond the sea cliffs to capture in our painting.

Included: Breakfast & Dinner/ Accommodation: Bay of Poets

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[day number=”21″ date=”01/10/2017″ title=”Saranza”]

SARAZANA – Mystery Tour or Free day

There are many locations which will temp you but today we could go on a mystery tour taking the local bus with Janette. On our return time to walk along the promenade for the last time and enjoying a cheerful drink near the sea at our hotel before returning to prepare for your departure the next day.

Included: Breakfast & Dinner/Accommodation: Bay of Poets

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[day number=”22″ date=”02/10/2017″ title=”Departure”]

Departure by shared Taxi in the morning to LA SPECIA TRAIN STATION to continue your journey.

*Please note: to ensure you have the tour of a lifetime, the itinerary may be changed at anytime. The workshops times are ultimately at the discretion of the Teacher.

(B = Continental Breakfast, D = Dinner)