OVERVIEW

*NO PREVIOUS ART BACKGROUND REQUIRED. All levels are welcome, and participation is voluntary. Projects and classes will be offered as a completely exploratory, non-intimidating and personal experience.

VENICE

Come away with us for a week in the magical part of Italy known as Venezia! Venice is a place unlike any other in the world, and to see it is to transport yourself back to the days of Casanova, masked balls, and Carnevale. Oh, but there is so much more to Venice than what the usual tourist visit can offer. This art retreat will allow for a deeper knowledge of Venice, its canals, and neighboring islands.

The retreat will be hosted at the beautiful luxury boutique hotel, Palazzo Vitturi, a Byzantine / Gothic Venetian Palazzo built during late 1200's and adorned by fine neo-classical original frescoes. Feel a timeless atmosphere where you're transported to the old days of glorious Venice, with the original beams, the Murano chandeliers, the typical Venetian flooring, the capitals and decors: every detail will give you a flavour of romance and exclusivity to your time in Venice.

CUISINE

Delicious Italian food is part of the retreat experience, including breakfast and dinner daily, and a gourmet Michelin wine-tasting lunch at one of Venice’s only wineries. Ingredients are local and seasonal, and our meals will be inspired by the Venetian traditions. We will be visiting some of Venice's most historical cafes and restaurants, like Florian, during our visit, as well as smaller local in-the-know osterias and trattorias for more traditional experiences. We'll visit some fabulous restaurants around the city and enjoy chef tasting menus and of course, wine!

SURROUNDING AREA

Guests will not only enjoy the hotel property with its traditional decor, but will also have plenty of time to explore the city, the lagoons, canals, and other nearby islands - all with their own personality. The week begins with a guided walking tour to allow guests to get their bearings in the maze of canals, to see the major sites, and learn about the rich artistic heritage of this city. Another day will start with a private boat trip to Burano, the island of colorful picturesque houses and lace-making. Here we’ll have a chance to do some plein-air painting and drawing in a quaint piazza. Next our day will include a stop for a tour of one of Venice's only wineries, complete with wine-pairing and chef tasting lunch at their award-winning restaurant. Later in the week we will enjoy a visit to a historical mask-making workshop where we’ll be able to create original masks of our own, learning more about the most famous site in the city, St. Mark’s Basilica, and other noteworthy sites. A visit to the Peggy Guggenheim Museum will allow us to catch up to more modern times with the art that has affected this city in such important and beautiful ways. We couldn’t leave Venice without a magical ride on its famous gondolas, and in fact during our stay, guests will get to experience all the major forms of water transportation that the city offers, and there's also plenty of time to explore on one’s own as well. 

ART

Daily art classes will be offered in a beautiful studio space with frescoed ceilings and large balcony windows overlooking the piazza. The classes will tie in with all of our painting and drawing activities as we enjoy our excursions in the city during the day. Please note that all art materials needed will be supplied. Our courses are carefully designed for complete beginners with no previous experience as well as intermediate artists who would like to improve their skills/techniques, and, of course, practicing artists looking for a new inspiration. Julian, the host and instructor, has nearly 30 years of experience teaching students of all ages and abilities, and always strives to create a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Read more about his story on the ABOUT page. These unique courses also reflect the culture, art, and history of the area and are interwoven with art-history excursions, providing inspiration, variety and interest throughout the week. Above all, this is a real opportunity for developing artists to work in small groups alongside an experienced teacher.

* Participation in classes and activities is optional throughout the retreat. All levels welcome!

DETAILS / PRICING

• 6 days / 5 nights (June 20-25, 2022)

• Regular Inclusive Retreat Price = £1,995 (shared room*) +£365 (single room supplement)

• Deposit to hold space = £600

• Max # Guests = 10
  * Guests traveling alone can choose the shared room and we match up based on guest profile. Rooms are spacious with separate beds and private bathrooms.
  ** Final balance due 45 days before retreat start date.
  Read full cancellation policy in our Terms & Conditions.

INCLUDED*:

• Hotel accommodation (spacious bedrooms, luxury bathrooms, linens)

• Daily Breakfast and Dinner, selected lunch

• Aperitivo at famous Venetian cafe

• Transportation to/from day trips

• Daily art classes

• Venice sites + walking tour

• Evening gondola tour

• Private boat to Burano

• Plein air classes

• Visit to private island with winery + restaurant with wine pairing and chef’s tasting menu

• Visit to Peggy Guggenheim Museum

• Mask-making workshop

• City hotel tax

* airfare not included

DAYTRIPS *:

• Walking overview of Venice - (St. Mark's Square, Bascilica/Doge Palace, Bridge of Sighs, Rialto Bridge, Grande Canal, Frari, etc)

• Island boat tour - Burano + winery island

• Venetian Market

• Visit to Peggy Guggenheim Museum

• Gondola ride

• Mask-making workshop visit and on-site class

* *tentative schedule, activities may be substituted based on weather and seasonability. All activities are carefully chosen based on the best experience for the guests.

LOCATION:

• Nearest major airport: Venice Airport "Marco Polo" (VCE)

• Other major airports easily reachable by train: Bologna Aeroporto G. Marconi di Bologna (BLQ), Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP)

• Venice Train Station: Santa Lucia

SUGGESTED PACKING:

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

• General art supplies are provided, but feel free to bring any specific materials that you prefer

• Smart phone with camera and/or digital camera

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Plug adaptors / converter

• Hat, sunscreen, and a smile