En Plein Air Painting in Tuscany with                                       Jesi Pace-Berkeley

APRIL 18 – 25, 2025

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Imagine a week dedicated to art in the land of da Vinci, Michelangelo and Modigliani among many others. A fascinating week exploring medieval towns like Lucca and San Gimignano, a landscape of great beauty. A week of inspiring experiences under the direction of your  instructor, Jesi Pace-Berkeley, the knowledge of our guides, the talent of our chef, and the delicious wines of the region.

            

         

 

 

 

 

              

 

               

 

 

 

 

Details/Pricing:

  • 8 days / 7 nights
  • Inclusive Experience Price $4350/per person, single room occupancy, $200 discount per person for shared room (only 4 rooms / 8 spaces available for this option)
  • Maximum number of guests = 12
  • Deposit to hold space = $1000
  • Balance to be paid as follows:
    • Half of due amount by December 15, 2024
    • Final balance due 1 month before program starts or by March 18, 2025

                 

 

What is Included:

  • Private or shared accommodation (as preferred) at Villa Cerretello in Montaione
  • Daily buffet breakfast
  • Pre trip orientation for those who can attend
  • Use of villa site
  • Lunches (pre arranged group menu)
  • Locally inspired dinners
  • Wine with meals
  • Transfers to /from Pisa airport at recommended times – Special one way request $200
  • Transportation to/from day trips
  • On-site art classes, discussions and critiques                                                                       
  • Five days of glorious Tuscany En plein air painting
  • Guided tours of area
  • Trips to regional towns
  • Admission fees to scheduled activities                                                                            
  • Private wine, olive oil and balsamic vinegar tasting
  • Tourist taxes

* Airfare, personal shopping and changes to provided meal menus are not included

 

Suggested Packing: 

Besides the basic packing and travel needs, here are a few things to think about bringing with you:

Comfortable shoes
Plug adaptors / converters (standard EU plug)
Hat, Journal, Sunscreen

 

Art Supplies:

Feel free to bring the supplies you prefer. To make your travel easier, a portable outdoor easel and acid-free paper to take home after the workshop can be purchased in advance, and be ready for your arrival. Should this be of interest, please arrange with our local hosts.

 

 

Itinerary

Day 1- Arrival at Galileo Galilei airport, Pisa -   

Day 2 - Meet for breakfast at 8:00 and be ready for a prompt departure at 9:00  to Pietrasanta - Popular with sculptors and painters, the town is a gathering place for artists from all over the world. As we walk around, you will discover multiple sculptures in the streets, art galleries, and, hopefully, an open exhibition at the main square, Piazza Duomo. We will visit the church of Sant'Antonio e San Biagio Abato where Colombian artist Fernando Botero painted two murals that he donated to the town where he spent his last years and where he is now buried. A typical local lunch will be served at Trattoria Gatto Nero. Group continues to visit Pietrasanta's magnificent sculptures - 16:00 return to Villa - Dinner       -

Day 3- Meet for breakfast at 9;00 and be ready for departure to  Certaldo Alto A medieval hilltop gem reached by funicular, tour and sketch, traditional Tuscan lunch, afternoon at leisure, return to the villa - Dinner

Day 4- Meet for breakfast at 8:00 and be ready for departure to Castello di Verrazzano The castle dates back to an Etruscan and then Roman, settlement. The Verrazzano family held the castle for centuries and the navigator Giovanmi da Verrazzanni is said to have been born there in 1485.Tour winery, wine and olive oil tasting, lunch, En plein air painting. Return to villa - Dinner

Day 5- Meet for breakfast at 8:00 and be ready for departure to San Gimignano  Spectacular Tuscan hill town southwest of Florence. Encircled by 13th-century walls, its old town centers on Piazza della Cisterna, a triangular square lined with medieval houses. It has a skyline of medieval towers, including the stone Torre Grossa. The Duomo di San Gimignano is a 12th-century church with frescoes by Ghirlandaio - Lunch, En plein air painting.

Day 6 - Meet for breakfast at 8:00 and be ready for departure to Florence  A day filled with art and architecture. Visit piazza del Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and say hello to David at  famous Accademia museum. Tour and lunch. Afternoon at leisure

Day 7 - Meet for breakfast at 8:00 and be ready for departure to Volterra,  The oldest city in Italy, is rich in history and beautiful andscapes, to be admired as you stroll. Here you can buy delicate alabaster crafts. Tour, lunch and En plein air  painting of Medici Fortress. Return to villa to pack. Farewell dinner.

Day 8 - Breakfast, farewell and transfer to the airport for return to the US.

Upon returning to the villa every day, participants will have time to work on their sketches and paintings under the direction of your talented instructor, Jesi Pace-Berkeley. We hope that you will discuss your daily experiences and challenges as you enjoy dinner.