2012 Painting Itinerary*

 

Saturday

Arrival at any time after 3.30 pm to the 4-star Hotel in the lovely historical town Lodi (South of Milan). Welcome drink on arrival, dinner and holiday/course intros.

Sunday

LODI
Full day in this lovely little town with its splendid medieval and Renaissance city centre. The city is famous for its dairy products (such as mascarpone), for its ceramics and for the Sanctuary of the Incoronata. Packed lunch.

Monday

BOBBIO
Little medieval village set in beautiful rural hilly landscapes and founded by the Irish Saint Colombano in 614 a.C.
It has a 14th century Castle, a 15th century Abbey, and a lovely old Romanic Bridge crossing the river Trebbia. An ideal opportunity to paint and do some shopping. Lunch at a restaurant that offers the typical cuisine of the Region Emilia Romagna, much appreciated also by Italians.
Return to the Hotel to relax and enjoy evening meal. 

Tuesday

COMO

The jewel-like oasis of tranquillity. Inspiring everyone, Como is the romantic image of the lakes, its cobalt-blue waters lined with magnificent mountains, lush gardens, and grand villas. There is plenty of opportunities here for painting. A packed lunch is provided if required. Return to the Hotel for dinner.

Wednesday

VIGEVANO
Morning in Vigevano, lovely Renaissance town where you can sketch and paint in its famous Piazza Ducale designed by Bramante and called the “Ideal town”, or stop in a street Caffè to relax and watch the world go by. Packed lunch.

Thursday

MILAN
Guided tour to the city centre with its Duomo Cathedral and the medieval Castle Sforzesco, and to the famous and mysterious Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, or the Theatre La Scala (depending on ticket availability).
You may choose to take a packed lunch or eat in one of the many good restaurants there. Free afternoon for some shopping in the capital of fashion. Back to the Hotel for evening meal.

Friday

CASTELL’ARQUATO
(guided tour) Charming and picturesque medieval burg.
There is much to paint here from the terracotta Podestà Palace to the Castle Fortress to the old buildings and narrow streets.
Lunch at the medieval Stradivari Palace.
Return to the Hotel for dinner. Then finish work in progress and evaluation of your week.

Saturday

Departure after breakfast.
* The organization reserves the right to vary the programme at any moment if circumstances dictate or for any other reason.

NOTE: The itinerary at BEAUTIFUL ITALY ART HOLIDAYS is flexible. Due to the tranquillity and open spaces in and around the hotel, you have the option to stay at the hotel and continue painting if you choose not to join the trips on any day.

HOLIDAY SUMMARY:
  • 7 nights
  • 6 days of painting tuition
  • Full-board accommodation (7 breakfasts + 7 dinners with wine + 2 lunches during trips + 4 packed lunches)
  • The following day trips:
    • BOBBIO, the medieval village with beautiful hilly landscapes;
    • LAKE COMO, the jewel-like oasis of tranquillity;
    • VIGEVANO, the Renaissance town designed by Bramante and called the “Ideal town”;
    • MILAN, with exciting guided tours to masterpieces such as Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, Duomo Cathedral, or the Opera Theatre La Scala (depending on ticket availability). Free afternoon with the opportunity to make great shopping in the “capital of fashion”;
    • CASTELL’ARQUATO, the picturesque unforgettable medieval burg.
  • Flexibility to continue painting in the quiet of the hotel grounds/garden or the studio room if you prefer not to join the trips, especially if you have found a wonderful subject you really want to paint.