10 to 24 September 2023 - Painting Workshop with Antionette Blyth - Paesano Tours
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10 to 24 September 2023 – Painting Workshop with Antionette Blyth

Dates: 10th – 24th September 2020

Length: 14 nights/15 days

Price: $5,890 AUD per person
1st Deposit of $700 due at time of booking

Your host – Antionette Blythe

PAINTERS OF ALL LEVELS

Take an inspirational journey through the beautiful Tuscan/Emilia Romagna Hills regions. An experience you won’t soon forget. Our tours cater for artists to paint buildings, people and scenery off the typical tourist trail.

Many cultural experiences and activities for non-painters too.

EXPERIENCE CULTURE

Museums, markets, galleries and tasting local cuisine are just some of the activities that you will find on this tour. We will give you insight into the unknown areas, not generally found by the general public. 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!).

WALKERS/PHOTOGRAPHERS

An excellent way to explore the countryside with like-minded people. You have the choice of being in a guided group or you have the ability to explore the area in your own time. We have varying activities suitable for novice or experienced walkers.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1

Time to explore the center of Bologna before our private bus will pick us up at our designated hotel at 11:00am or Marconi Airport (Bologna) at 11.30 am and travel to PALAGANO , situated in the Frignano Region of the Appenines.mountains. We will lunch along the way.

We will arrive at the family owned Hotel in Palagano.and have time to relaxing and soak in the atmosphere before having a traditional Italian cooked meal. A studio will be provided during our stay.

(D)Accommodation: Palagano

Day 2: PALAGANO

Time to paint the town which is located in the Valley of the Dragon surrounded with iconic buildings. View the friendly paesani on their way to the shops or coffee while you are settled to paint the beautiful scenery surrounding this township.

Their 15th century church will welcome anyone who wishes to visit and the shops are open till lunchtime. After lunch , we will find another shady spot to paint but there is always time for a country walk by following a forest pathway to a borgo of ancient stone houses.or just spend some time in our lovely studio to finish your work.

(B&D) Accommodation: Palagano

Day 3: MONTEFIORINO / VITRIOLLA

Our bus will wind up to the hill top town and its 12th century castle. The castle was constructed by the Count of Montecuccolli and called the Rock. The township is clustered along the ridge with sweeping views of the Dolo Valley and the valley of the Dragon.
The castle has a Museum dedicated to the Italian Resistance, who were instrumental in the victory over the Fascists in World War II.

There will be opportunity of painting a market scene and after lunch a trip to VITRIOLLA to paint near Ca Tonelli , a borga of ancient tower houses. For the ones who wish to walk there is a lovely stroll from Montefiorino to Vitriolla which is filled with holy Mestra and tower buildings and other ancient constructions.

(B&D) Accommodation: Palagano

Day 4: GOMBOLA

Our private bus will take us for a short visit in the morning to the Pameggiano Cheese Factory to appreciate their workmanship and sample their award winning cheese.

With our bus, we will go back into time, a trip to paint C15 watermill which is still working grinding the local grains. Then for lunch up the hilltop of Gombola to paint within this old quiet deserted center with views of the magnificent mountains valleys.

For the ones who wish to walk to the Borga of Gombola (cluster of stone houses), there are windy pathways which lead through the countryside, with forests, where wild mushrooms grow, streams run and wild flowers bloom. Immerse yourself into another lifestyle

(B&D) Accommodation: Palagano

Day 5: MODENA

Our bus will travel to Modena, which is one of the more significant cities in Emilia-Romagna.

You will stroll to the ancient center from here you can spend time to explore. There is a large city market center and variety of excusive 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 to see the Ferrari of Marenello and a visit with refreshments at the holy shire of the powerful Duke Este called Fiorano. It is full of the most beautiful frescos from the 17 century Italian Artists.

(B&D) Accommodation: Palagano

Day 6: PALAGANO / RIOLUNATO

Today we will have time to paint in town. After a light lunch we will travel up higher into the mountains to stay at Riolunato.

This quiet town is just perfect for painting the old rustic fresco buildings, ancient doors and cobble pathways. You can following the road down from the town to see the beautiful C13 Bridge of the Moon. We will have a studio for painting at our hotel.

(B&D)Accommodation Riolunato

Day 7: CUTIGLIANO

CUTIGLIANO is classified as being 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. The quaint stone buildings and alley ways will give you plenty of opportunity for painting.

You will discover the history surrounds you because this was the medieval town were the secret meetings of the warlords of the region- “Captains of the Mountains” were held.

(B&D)Accommodation: Riolunato

Day 8: FIUMALBO / Pievepelego

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 ancient 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. Non painters opportunity to visit Pievepelego.

There will be an opportunity for non painters to explore after lunch a drive up and walk down from Eagle’s nest.

(B&D) Accommodation: Riolunato

Day 9: 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 surrounded with lovely stone buildings.
For non painters opportunity to explore the old forest paths to the Largo della Ninfa as it ascends from the township. You will return to a local restaurant or café for a light lunch and refreshing drink of wine.

This area is reknown for its truffles and porcini mushrooms which can be purchases to bring home.
Afternoon entrance into the castle to paint and examine the ancient articles within.

Tonight, organize an overnight bag for two nights while leaving your luggage in your room. Your luggage will be safe in your room.

(B&D) Accommodation: Riolunato

Day 10: LUCCA

Our private bus takes us down 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 amphitheater. Learn about a prince’s love for his wife and the history behind the town’s defense.

This is an opportunity to draw some sketches as you rest at a local café. On our return a stop to walk over the Maddelenna Bridge build in the Matilda of Tuscany era before we go to our new hotel.

(B&D) Accommodation: Castelnuovo di Garfagnana

Day 11: CASTELNOVO DI GARFAGNANA

The history of this town dates back to the 8 century. Its location on the Serchio River made it the main market town of this region. It has views of the Apennine and Apuan Alps with towers and majestic buildings for the artist to depict and explore.

The non artist will have time to explore the winding paths to the defense castle which overlooks the town or find a hidden café to enjoy scenic views of the river which sweeps past this town.

You will have time to rest or walk into town to enjoy the atmosphere.

(B&D) Accommodation: Castelnuovo di Garfagnana

Day 12: CASTIGIONE/ Sasso Rosso/ Hostel St Pellegrino

Our bus will take us through the scenic mountains, into the Tuscan region, along the medieval road, just like the pilgrims of yesteryear. We will visit Castel Garfagnana, a beautiful town surrounded within a castle wall, dating back to the Roman Era and the dark ages.

After many painting/sightseeing opportunities, we will 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 for a coffee.

(B&D)Accommodation: Riolunato

Day 13: PAVULLO / MONTECUCCOLO

Every one will have time to explore and do their own drawings even while the largest market in the region is on. This is where the town people came to gossip and chat before stopping for a coffee or a purchase.

After lunch our bus will bring us to the original castle of the Montecuccuoli, the lords of the Frignano area.
There will be time for the artists to paint within the old square with roses and colourful gardens amount the unique borgo of buildings and C14 church outside the walls of this mighty fortress. There is always time to walk within the countryside and enter the castle museum after 3 pm before leaving.

(B&D) Accommodation: Riolunato

Day 14: RIOLUNATO

Time to relax. To take the last walks and finish or paint the last painting in the old center or from our studio which has beautiful views of the valley.
Lunch at the local trattoria or at our hotel.
For non painters an opportunity to walk to CASTELLO to find a hidden ancient C10 tower and church filled with ancient artifacts which were gifted by pilgrims from the crusaders
Time to display your works before preparing your bags for our early departure for Bologna the next day.
(B&D) Accommodation: Riolunato

Day 15

Departure in the morning 7.00 am to arrive at Bologna Train Station – expected time of arrival 9.30 am – then to Bologna airport.

Tour Inclusions

  • Painting workshop and critiquing as per itinerary
  • Historical explanation of the Region and the Arts
  • Welcome drinks and nibbles
  • Twin share accommodation with en-suite facilities* – All breakfasts & homemade dinners (including basic drinks)
  • Private bus
  • Specialty food tastings
  • Bi-lingual speaking tour guides (Italian/English) – Options of a variety of activities
  • Personal tours by local experts & guided walks – Being part of the Italian community
  • Maps, historical booklet & lifetime of memories – Farewell drinks while displaying your art to the locals
  • Flights not included and travellers are responsible for booking their own flights. Once we have the required minimum numbers, we will contact you so you can then arrange your flights. Time permitting, we may visit other interesting places not mentioned in the itinerary.

*Single supplement rate available for an extra $700AUD