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.

FLORENCE

Join us in the heart of the Italian Renaissance, Florence, Italy where we’ll spend days exploring this rich city full of masterpieces and inspiration for every level of artist. We will be staying at a luxurious palazzo in the heart of the city center with a gorgeous large space for our art studio and just a stone’s throw away from plenty of other on-site locales where we can sit and draw en plein air. Julian will be your guide to the art history of the city and our days will be balanced between creating our own pieces, learning about other inspirational works, and enjoying the vast array of things that the city has to offer at this time - the Christmas markets, scrumptious Italian cuisine, wine tastings, and lively shops.

LODGING

Our homebase on this retreat will be the fabulous Peruzzi Residences where we’ll enjoy exclusive and private use of the entire palazzo.

A grand wrought iron and pietra serena staircase (or the quaintest Florentine elevator) sweeps up to the five luxury suites, while a fully equipped apartment sits cozily off the courtyard. The airy reception greets guests between 8am and midday before a straightforward and secure self-check-in system takes over in the afternoon.

Especially exciting … are the shared spaces at Peruzzi Urban Residences. A heritage-filled lounge lined with a long table is set to host talks, private dinners and wine events— the Malenchini family have been producing Chianti for over a century— as old prints depicting the four continents adorn the walls. An impressive space marked by two ancient pillars doubles as the breakfast hall for roomers and an events space. —The Florentine

At Peruzzi Urban Residences, you are in the heart of Florence and all it offers. Only two minutes’ walk from the Piazza della Signoria and magnificent Santa Croce, it’s an easy stroll from your luxury accommodation to the city’s museums and cultural heritage, enticing restaurants and shops and authentic downtown cafes.

CUISINE

Delicious Italian food is part of the retreat experience, including breakfast and dinner or lunch daily, and a private wine-tasting on-site by the palazzo’s owners who produce wine just outside the city in the Chianti region. Ingredients are local and seasonal, and our meals will be inspired by the Tuscan traditions. We will be visiting some of Florence's most historical cafes and restaurants, as well as smaller local in-the-know osterias and trattorias for more traditional experiences.

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 sites, shops, and markets. The week begins with a guided walking tour to allow guests to get their bearings, see the major sites, and learn about the rich artistic heritage of this city. Throughout the week we will explore each main district of the city - one for each day. This will allow us to get a concentrated overview of the unique sites and history of each, as well as pair it with restaurant stops, churches, open air art exhibits, and time to sit and draw/paint in each of the four districts. Each day will be broken down into time to work in our “studio” space at the palazzo, a walking tour and art on location, art history tour, and cultural treats.

ART

Daily art classes will be offered in a beautiful studio space in our private palazzo. 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 (Nov 28 - Dec 3 2022)

• Regular Inclusive Retreat Price = £1,850 (shared room*) +£495 (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.

BOOK TOGETHER WITH THE VENICE COURSE AND SAVE £100 AND A FREE TRAIN TICKET BETWEEN THE RETREATS

INCLUDED*:

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

• Daily Breakfast and Daily Dinner or Lunch

• Daily art classes

• Plein air classes

• Art materials

• Florence sites + guided walking tour

• Private wine tasting

• Aperitivo at panoramic rooftop bar

• Coffee at famous Florentine cafe

• Entrance into churches / museums

• Artisanal craftsman workshop

• Exploration into the 4 main districts of Florence

• City hotel tax

* airfare not included
**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: Florence Peretola Airport (FLR), Nearest major international airport: Pisa Galileo Galilei International Airport (PSA)

• Other major airports easily reachable by train: Bologna Aeroporto G. Marconi di Bologna (BLQ), Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)

• Florence Train Station: Santa Maria Novella (SMN)

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