Welcome to The Retreat and Studio, a beautifully restored country house nestled in the stunning Le Marche Region of Italy. This enchanting destination has been a haven for artists for over 15 years, hosting Painting Holiday Italy and The Retreat Art Workshops. Here, immerse yourself in creativity within a spacious art studio, surrounded by breathtaking countryside views. Enjoy peaceful walks, indulge in delicious local cuisine, and connect with fellow art lovers. It’s the perfect place to unwind, get inspired, and unleash your artistic potential while enjoying the beauty of the Italian countryside.

Experience a rejuvenating art escape at The Retreat, nestled in the stunning Le Marche Region of Italy. This beautifully restored country house has served as a creative haven for over 15 years, hosting Painting Holiday Italy and various art workshops.

Enjoy beautifully appointed en-suite bedrooms that promise comfort and relaxation. Take advantage of the spacious guest lounge, gym, and furnished terraces while sipping tea or coffee from the all-day refreshment area. Wander through the expansive garden with panoramic views, unwind by the pool, or participate in yoga sessions in the serene exercise area. This is the perfect backdrop for creativity and relaxation!

Welcome to The Retreat and Studio, a beautifully restored country house nestled in the stunning Le Marche Region of Italy. This enchanting destination has been a haven for artists for over 15 years, hosting Painting Holiday Italy and The Retreat Art Workshops. Here, immerse yourself in creativity within a spacious art studio, surrounded by breathtaking countryside views. Enjoy peaceful walks, indulge in delicious local cuisine, and connect with fellow art lovers. It’s the perfect place to unwind, get inspired, and unleash your artistic potential while enjoying the beauty of the Italian countryside.

Typical Day:

7:30-9:00 Breakfast

9:00 – 12:00 Painting Demonstration and practical session in studio or on location

12:30   Lunch at The Retreat or in restaurant on daysout

15:00  afternoon painting excursion or cultural activity

18:30  Review of work and aperitivi

19:30  Dinner

Times and schedule may change on a daily basis, depending on activities and transfer times, etc

INCLUDED*

• 7 nights Accommodation / 8 Days

• Daily breakfast, lunch, dinner, aperitivi, coffee/tea breaks at The Retreat

• tuition & demonstrations

• studio and plein-air sessions

• all day open studio

• painting excursions to select locations in the area

• Paint & Sip in vineyard with wine tasting.

• Sight-seeing visit to the Renaissance city of Ascoli Piceno

• cultural and sight-seeing visits to local towns

• standard oil painting kit

• A4 and A3 canvas panels

• use of studio easel and field easel

• pick up and drop off at San Benedetto del Tronto train or coach station for all main-line and Rome and Rome airport connection

*Airfare & Travel insurance not included

The Culinary Experience

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine, expertly crafted by our nutritional chef, Jana. With her extensive experience, including running a cooking school and creating over 2000 healthy recipes, each meal is a delightful journey for your taste buds. Enjoy fresh and nourishing breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, alongside her specialty aperitiviti boards at apertivo hour. Every dish is uniquely inspiring and tailored to meet all dietary requirements.

Jana's focus on energizing meals promotes both creativity and wellness, allowing you to relax and savor each moment. Don’t forget to leave space in your notebook for new recipes!

PICK-UP/DROP OFF:

 Arrival Day (first itinerary day)

Pick-up: 16:00-17:00 from San Benedetto del Tronto coach stops and train station.

Minibus Transfer to the Retreat

After settling into your rooms, we will gather for welcome drinks on the terrace. This is the perfect opportunity to meet the other guests and get familiar with your surroundings.

The tutor will provide an outline of the program during this retreat, discussing individual levels of ability and the exciting expeditions planned for the course. Enjoy the refreshing drinks as you start your journey together!

Enjoy a delicious welcome dinner in the company of fellow painters who have joined from all around the world. This is your opportunity to sample some of the superb, fresh local ingredients and exquisite wines that will accompany each mealtime during this art escape to Italy.

Each meal focuses on different culinary highlights, showcasing the vibrant flavours, aromas, and colours of Mediterranean cuisine. Get ready to have your taste buds spoilt as you indulge in an unforgettable dining experience that celebrates the heart of Italian gastronomy.

Plein-air painting session

Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature with a plein-air painting session. This unique experience allows you to step outside and capture the stunning landscapes around you. Guided by a skilled artist, you’ll learn techniques to paint directly from nature.

Bring your creativity to life as you create your very own masterpiece to take home. This is not just painting; it's a moment to connect with the environment and express your artistic side!

mediterranean Cooking class or continuation of painting.

Mediterranean Cooking Class:

Dive into the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean in this hands-on cooking class! Learn to create authentic dishes using fresh ingredients, guided by a passionate chef. From zesty lemon pasta to stuffed artichokes, you’ll master traditional recipes that bring the essence of the Mediterranean to your kitchen. Enjoy a delightful meal at the end, savoring the fruits of your labor alongside fellow food lovers. This experience is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their culinary skills while enjoying a taste of culture!

Or

Continuation of Painting: Unleash your creativity in a serene environment as you continue your painting journey. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, this session offers personalized guidance tailored to your skill level. Explore new techniques, experiment with colors, and connect with fellow artists. Take time to reflect and express yourself on canvas, all while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. It’s a wonderful opportunity to relax, create, and perhaps discover a new passion!

Review of work done during the day and pre-dinner drinks

Wrap up your day by reflecting on the work completed, celebrating your achievements, and discussing insights with your team. This time allows for gratitude and recognition of hard work, fostering a collaborative spirit.

Afterward, unwind with pre-dinner drinks in a cozy atmosphere. Sip on expertly crafted cocktails or choose from a selection of fine wines as you enjoy pleasant conversations. This is the perfect opportunity to relax and recharge before an exciting evening ahead!

Painting Practice and Demonstration Session

This engaging experience is perfect for artists of all skill levels. Watch as a talented instructor showcases techniques, offering tips on color mixing, brushwork, and composition. After the demonstration, you’ll have the opportunity to practice what you've learned with personalized guidance. Whether you want to refine your skills or try something new, this session promises to be both educational and enjoyable. Bring your materials and let your imagination flow!

Enjoy sampling locally produced wines with a selection of local delicacies.

Paint in a local vineyard.

Experience the beauty of creativity and nature by painting in a local vineyard. Surrounded by rolling hills and lush grapevines, this unique activity invites you to unleash your inner artist. As you sip on a glass of the vineyard's finest wine, let the stunning landscape inspire your brush strokes. Whether you're a seasoned painter or a complete novice, the friendly instructors will guide you through the process, ensuring a fun and relaxing atmosphere. Capture the vibrant colors of the grapes and the charm of the vineyard, creating a masterpiece to remember. This delightful experience combines art, nature, and great company for a truly memorable day.

Time for another delicious and well-deserved al fresco dinner after a creative day in the vineyard

After a day filled with creativity at the vineyard, it's time to unwind with a delightful al fresco dinner. Enjoy the fresh air and stunning views as you savor a carefully curated meal, featuring local ingredients and exquisite flavors. Each dish is prepared to complement the wines you’ve sampled throughout the day, creating a perfect harmony of taste. The warm glow of sunset adds a magical touch, making this dining experience truly unforgettable. Gather around the table, share stories, and relish the simple pleasure of good food and good company under the stars.

Embark on a delightful painting adventure in the charming seaside towns of Torre di Palme, Pedaso, or Grottamare. Each town boasts a picturesque beach front paired with a historic medieval center, known as 'paese alto,' perched high above the sparkling Adriatic Sea. Here, you’ll be captivated by stunning coastal scenes

and impressive viewpoints. Wander through narrow, ancient alleyways that lead you gently towards breathtaking vistas, or discover hidden 'scorci' that offer unique angles for your art. This experience promises to inspire creativity against a backdrop of natural beauty and rich history.

Or plein-air session in location selected by the tutor according to the theme of your course.

Celebration of a fantastic week of painting, great personal achievements and new friendships forged over a delicious farewell dinner.

Recapture favourite moments, make plans for the future and no doubt, your next trip to Italy for more unique artistic and personal experiences

🧳 What to pack:

Comfortable casual clothing and sensible shoes for walking, sandals, for the summer and comfortable shoes for when we are out and about all day. It rains even in Italy, and at times heavily. A rain coat, umbrella, layered clothing, a hat and long sleeves for sun-protection are recommended.

Adequate clothing for painting, clothes may get stained. Aprons will be provided.

Spring/Autumn: Days are usually mild and sunny but it can be cooler in the mornings and evenings. We recommend layers and a raincoat as well as a jumper

All art materials, studio & field easels, aprons are provided.

⚡230V 50HZ

2-pin (SCHUKO) & 3-pin Plugs

Find more information here: https://www.tripsavvy.com/electricity-in-italy-1548048

🌤️. Weather forecast:

https://www.ilmeteo.it/meteo/force

Non-painters: Non-painters are welcome on all our painting excursions and outings where there is plenty of opportunity for sight-seeing and exploring the local area and life-style. 

🛂 Entry requirements for Italy: It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet any entry requirements into Italy with regards to identification, Visa and Health Certificates/Vaccine Prove or any other legal documentation required.

Not sure if you need a Visa or ESTA: find out more here: https://www.italia.it/en/italy/practical-information/travel-document-italyThe ‘other’guests: Our guests come from all over the world and have a multitude of cultural, religious and educational backgrounds. We aim to provide a setting that enables our guest to share experiences and ideas in order to be able to develop their artistic abilities further in a group setting.              

⚠️ What’s expected from you: We would like all our guests to enjoy their stay with us thoroughly and leave here in the safe knowledge to have created some work to be proud of and to have enjoyed a relaxing holiday and cultural experience in Italy. We kindly request that guests respect day and night-time hours to ensure a peaceful stay for other guests. In shared bedrooms or communal spaces, we would like to ask that mobile phone-calls, skype calls, pc and internet use, etc may not be undertaken after 22:00 if they are likely to affect other guest’s sleep.

We kindly request that other guest’s views, religions and cultural backgrounds are respected and no offensive remarks may be made. Guests, whose behaviour is causing upset or disruption to the course and enjoyment of other guest’s holiday experience, may be asked to leave and no refund will be given.

Physical requirements: You need to be reasonably physically fit with the ability to walk unaided as you will need to carry your painting equipment in order to work in the urban and semi-rural environment as well as walk on uneven surfaces. A carrier for your art materials will be provided.

Travel and medical Insurance:

It is the course participants responsibility to purchase travel insurance in case of flight cancellation, trip cancellation, travel delays, repatriation, etc to cover any expenses lost or incured in un-forseen events.

Our Cancellation policy is outlined in the Terms and Conditions received upon booking your painting course.

It is the course participants responsibility to arrange adequate medical insurance covering medical emergencies. EU citizens must carry their EU medical card to be entitled to free emergency medical care but may have to re-claim costs in their home EU country.

📞 Contact Numbers:

Please ensure that you have supplied us with your mobile/cell phone number. Please also give it to your tutor on arrival, so that you can be contacted if need be: Your tutor John can be reached on (0039) 3348939297 by calling, texting or whatsapp.

In case of emergency only, if you cannot get hold of John, please contact Jana with your name, mobile number (incl. International dialing code) stating any problems you need help with, your location if necessary, etc by calling or texting to: (3349034401) call, text or whatsapp.

Free-wifi is available in your accommodation and throughout many free-wifi spots throughout the city. International phone/data cards are available in many tobacco/newspaper outlets.

John W. Skelcher Email: theretreat@rocketmail.com

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