THE DETAILS:
The heart of Tuscany
September 18-25, 2027
(Our private Tuscan Villa has 6 bedroom all en-suite - this trip is limited to 8 participants, see rooming options)
Arrival Airport: Florence, Italy (FLR)
Destination airport transport provided by Alyssa and Chris
Alyssa can help with flight arrangements and traveling as a group if you desire
Highlights of Our 7 Days:
Stay in our beautiful 6 bedroom/ 7 bathroom restored 18th century Tuscan Villa just outside of Montalcino, Italy and in walking distance to the village of Montisi.
See and experience the beautiful, colorful scenery of this legendary landscape – sunrise and sunset skies, rolling hills, olive groves, vineyards, and ancient hilltowns! Throughout our week we will explore by foot and day trips throughout Tuscany from medieval villages to countryside views from which we will be inspired and capture the beauty of this place through photos, in sketchbooks, plein-air painting in watercolor, acrylic/oil, and pastel. We will also immerse ourselves in the embracing Italian culture of slowing down, living off the land, eating incredible food, drink, and of course, making art!
Visit Montipulciano, Pienza, Buonconvento, Montalcino and more along with nearby villages, markets, vineyards, and walking paths through the countryside!
As we wander we will dine on amazing local delicacies and sample the pasta, meats, cheeses, olives, and wines for which the area is renowned. After a long day of walks, art, and exploring, a good glass of wine or a Aperol Spritz awaits as we watch the sunset or gather to keep creating or lounge poolside to recount our days explorations! At home, we will be treated with the wonderful culinary creations using local ingredients by our own chef and renowned restauranteur, Chris Goss, as he treats us to his interpretations of local Tuscan cuisine.
Learn how to affectively use your sketchbook to “capture the moment” and “paint the light” through drawing, painting, and words. Create a precious memory book to which no series of photographs can capture alone, embedding your memories, experiences, and all the sights, sounds, and scents of the Tuscan hills. Join in to group artmaking evening events where we wine, dine, and create together and enjoying the relaxing process of making art together!
Most of all, we will enjoy, savor, and relax in this beautiful place with a new group of friends and artists!
What Is Included:
7-nights / 8 day accommodations in our private villa near Montalcino, Tuscany
All transportation – airport transfers and day trips via private car
All meals and drinks – both at home and dining out
Sketchbooks and all artmaking materials!
What Is Not Included:
Round trip airfare
Trip insurance
Spending money
The Cost:
$4695 - Shared room with en-suite bathroom (2 rooms available)
$5395 - Private room with en-suite bathroom (3 rooms available)
Deposit of $500 due at registration to hold your space
50% payment due December 1, 2026
Remaining balance due April 15, 2027
Extended 5 Nights/6 days in Umbria & Cortona:
What Is Included:
5-nights/6-days accommodations in mountain top Umbrian villa with 4 bedrooms/4 bathrooms and 360 degree views of the landscape. (Another pool awaits so don’t forget your swimsuit!)
All rooms have en-suite bathrooms and each can be private or shared
All transportation – airport transfers and day trips Umbria via private car
All meals and drinks – both at home and dining out
All additional art materials for more in-depth art making
The Cost: (only four rooms available for this special trip extension for a maximum of 6 participants)
$2550 per person - private (queen bed)
$2050 per person - shared (1 room with 2 twins, other rooms have queen bed)
Additional deposit of $250 due at registration to hold your space
Remaining balance combined with your other trip fees due in December and April.
The Fine Print:
To protect your investment, I strongly recommend to take out trip insurance through a reputable insurance such as World Nomads, Travel Guard, or Allianz. If, God forbid, life throws you a lemon, you won’t lose your money. Workshop Cancellation: In the unlikely event the workshop is canceled by Alyssa DeLaBruere, all payments received will be refunded. Personal expenses like travel expenses will not be reimbursed, and are considered each individual’s own liability. Alyssa DeLaBruere will do her best to provide you with a safe and pleasant environment but cannot be held liable for illness, terrorism, or natural disasters and shall not be held responsible for any damages, loss, delay, omission, or irregularity which may occur, whether by reason of any act, negligence, or default of any company or person engaged in carrying out any of our arrangements or otherwise in connection herewith. Alyssa DeLaBruere cannot be held responsible for a client’s sickness or personal accident, forces of nature, or other problems. By registering for this retreat, you agree to these terms.