A Southern Italian Art Retreat - Tour Introduction

TOUR CONCEPT 

This retreat is designed for artists and painting enthusiasts eager to immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty and vibrant culture of Southern Italy’s Apulia region, the homeland of instructor Silvia Belviso. Our mission is to provide a unique artistic experience where participants can draw inspiration from some of the region’s most authentic and captivating locations. Puglia, with its charming historic villages, vibrant landscapes, and serene lifestyle, offers the perfect backdrop for creative expression.

Instead of a hurried itinerary, this retreat promotes a slower, more immersive experience, allowing ample time for painting sessions in stunning settings. You’ll have the opportunity to paint in picturesque spots, whether it’s a tranquil village square or a serene coastal view.

In addition to painting, the retreat will feature cooking classes, vineyard visits, and exclusive access to private palaces and Masserie. Enjoy private meals with local families while exploring hidden gems that embody Puglia’s rich traditions and artisanal craftsmanship.

WHO IS THIS RETREAT FOR?

This retreat is ideal for:

• Artists and painting lovers seek to capture the beauty of Italy in their work.

• Travelers in search of an authentic and creative experience in one of Italy’s most charming regions.

• Anyone looking for a peaceful and inspiring environment to nurture their passion for art.

WHO IS THIS RETREAT NOT FOR?

This retreat may not be suitable for:

• Children.

• Travelers who prefer fast-paced itineraries.

• Those seeking traditional tourist spots instead of hidden, authentic locations.

• Individuals who may have difficulty walking through village streets and countryside areas.

STYLE & LEVEL

• Accommodation: A stunning, traditional Masseria Pugliese (Apulian Farmhouse).

• Transportation: High-quality private transport (Minibus throughout the retreat).

• Experiences: Focus on art, culture, and personal connections.

GROUP SIZE

16 guests + 2 Retreat Leaders 

USEFUL INFORMATION BEFORE BOOKING

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE INFORMATION

Please remember that when booking flights, your arrival day will be the following day, since US-to-Italy flights are always overnight. Therefore, to get to Italy on May 19th, you must fly out from the US on May 18th.

Flights-wise, here are a couple of options:

• Charleston to Bari: Fly from Charleston (or your closest US international airport) to Bari International Airport. United offers the only nonstop from the US to Bari, flying from Newark about four times a week. From Charleston, that means just one connection in Newark. The route is seasonal, and the 2027 schedule hasn't been released yet, so seats and days may be limited. Other routes typically connect through Rome, Milan, or another European hub, with one or two layovers. We recommend comparing options on Google Flights or Skyscanner, and arriving by 1 PM on May 19 to join the group transfer. On departure day, transportation is provided to Bari Central Station or Bari Airport.

• Charleston to Rome: Some travelers prefer to fly round-trip into Rome (cheaper and with fewer flying hours), especially if you want to spend a few days exploring the Eternal City or Puglia at your own pace. From Rome, you can take the train to Bari Centrale. The train ride from Rome to Bari takes approximately 4 hours. Trains are modern and comfortable, allowing you to enjoy the charming scenery. Trains also offer Wi-Fi and snacks. On departure day, you would take a train back to Rome, where we would recommend spending one last night before flying back. Please let us know if you need help booking train tickets. 

Please aim to land at the Bari Airport or arrive at the Bari train station by 1 p.m. on May 19th so everyone can join the included transfer to the farmhouse.

On departure day, we guarantee one transfer back to Bari for the whole group. Departure follows breakfast, generally between 9 and 10 AM. If you need to get to Bari earlier, we can arrange a private transfer for an extra cost.

BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS

• Please put down your deposit today to secure your spot

• Spots are limited to 16

• Please don't book your flights until the tour is confirmed. We will send you a notice as soon as we have received a minimum number of deposits (8)

• Our Puglia D'Autore Retreat allows you to pick between a spot in a double room or in a twin room. If traveling by yourself, you will be randomly paired with someone of the same sex and will not be required to pay any extra

• Our Puglia D'Autore Retreat allows up to 4 travelers to upgrade to a Double Room for single use throughout the retreat. The extra cost to upgrade to a Single Room is 900 Euros. 

CANCELLATION POLICY

We require a first, non-refundable EUR 650 deposit to confirm the traveler’s participation in the tour. The deposit is transferable.

We require a final payment 90 days before departure. In case of tour cancellation, the following policies apply:

From the day of booking up to 90 days before departure, I for Italia retains the non-refundable deposit.

• Between 90 and 60 days before departure: 30% of the tour price.

• Between 59 and 30 days before departure: 75% of the tour price.

• From 29 days before departure to the date of departure, or failing to arrive at the point of departure of the tour: 100% of the tour price.

For any questions or information, please email us at: info@iforitalia.com

TRAVEL INSURANCE

At I for Italia, your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities. For this reason, we require all travelers to carry travel insurance that meets the following minimum coverage:

• Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical Coverage: At least 50,000 USD for emergency medical expenses

• Emergency evacuation & repatriation: At least 100,000 USD

• Accidental Death & Dismemberment: At least 25,000 USD

• Travel dates covered: From your departure from home until your return

We strongly recommend that your policy also include:

• Trip cancellation and interruption

• Baggage loss or delay

• Travel delay

• Personal liability

I for Italia partners with Red Point. We recommend their Harbor travel and medical insurance policy, as it would give you peace of mind if anything were to happen to you while visiting Italy. Click here to get a quote from Red Point Harbor.

While we partner with Red Point, you're not required to purchase travel insurance through them. Please do your research and buy a policy that satisfies you. We accept any travel insurance provider, provided we have a policy number, the company’s 24-hour emergency contact number, and confirmation of the minimum coverage specified above. You must provide proof of coverage before your trip begins. If travelers do not have travel insurance, they may be prevented from joining the trip.

In 2020, Silvia Belviso and Dru Blair established the Blair Center for the Arts, bringing their extensive artistic expertise to the Charleston community. Silvia, an internationally renowned Italian painter, moved from Southern Italy to Charleston in January 2020. Her work, inspired by ocean scenes and ranging from realism to impressionism, is on view at the prestigious local Mary Martin Gallery. Dru, initially pursuing a career in medicine, discovered his passion for art during his senior year at Furman University. After earning a master’s degree in Fine Art and working as a commercial illustrator, he founded the Blair School of Realism in 1997. Dru has traveled the world as a guest instructor, sharing his knowledge of photorealistic painting techniques. Together, Silvia and Dru offer a wide range of art classes at Blair Center for the Arts, nurturing creativity and skills in students of all ages and levels.

- Experience the authentic heart of Apulia, with its stunning rural landscapes, world-renowned historic villages, and traditional Masserie.

- Embark on breathtaking hikes through beautiful, untouched locations.

- Stay in some of the finest Masserie in the region, offering a perfect blend of luxury and tradition.

- Immerse yourself in local culture with a range of unique and memorable experiences.

Italy is world-famous for its beauty, home to a record 58 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It offers a captivating blend of history and art, age-old traditions and modern design, breathtaking landscapes, and extraordinary food and wine.

However, there's a lesser-known side to Italy that reveals unexpected secrets and timeless charm—a true, authentic Italy that feels almost ancestral: Benvenuti in Puglia!

Join us on an 8-day journey to discover Puglia, a region that leans toward the East, historically a center of trade and cultural exchange. Even today, Puglia maintains its "glocal" identity—open to the world and welcoming to visitors, while deeply rooted in its local traditions.

This journey will guide you through the rich history, vibrant art, and delightful flavors of this extraordinary region.

Andiamo!

Arrival at Bari* or Brindisi International Airports.

*US-Bari Direct Flights

Flying to our May 19–26, 2027 Salento retreat? United now offers the first nonstop flight from the US to Puglia, flying Newark to Bari. The route is seasonal, with only four flights a week, and the 2027 schedule isn't confirmed yet, so seats may be limited. If you'd like to fly direct, book as soon as the schedule is released.

Alternatively, if you will already be in Italy before the painting retreat start date, we can arrange transfers from the Lecce or Bari train stations as well. (Please note that transfers can only be guaranteed for those arriving on the designated arrival day)

Please aim to land at the Bari Airport or arrive at the Bari train station by 1 p.m. on May 19th so everyone can join the included transfer to the farmhouse.

On the way south, we'll stop for about two hours in Polignano a Mare, the enchanting town perched on cliffs above the Adriatic. Stroll its whitewashed lanes, take in the sea views, and enjoy a gelato or a coffee in the sun.

Arrive in Salento and settle into the ancient, charming Masseria!

Meet your Retreat Leaders around 6 PM for a first aperitivo, followed by a retreat presentation. 

Welcome dinner at the Masseria and overnight stay.

Your Masseria (Typical Apulian Farmhouse)

Masseria del Bosco is a beautifully restored 19th-century masseria that offers a true taste of Apulian country life, along with all the comforts and space you need to enjoy your painting sessions!

Set in the heart of the Grecìa Salentina, just 4 km from the crystal-clear waters of Torre dell'Orso and nestled between Lecce and Otranto, Masseria del Bosco is a welcoming agriturismo where the charm of the past lives on in its star-vaulted ceilings and old stone walls.

Surrounded by 25 hectares of silvery olive groves and shady oaks, the masseria is a peaceful green retreat. Here, days slow to the rhythm of the countryside: a swim in the pool framed by traditional dry-stone walls, a quiet corner for sketching under the trees, and evenings at the table enjoying Salento recipes made with produce from the land.

After breakfast at the Masseria, it's time to embrace the first morning of painting along with the Retreat Leaders. 

9:30 AM to 12:30 PM - Painting Time with Dru and Silvia 

Join Silvia and Dru for a painting demonstration of the skills and techniques you will learn and develop over the week. 

Enjoy a lovely lunch at the Masseria, and some relaxing time, before exploring the stunning "capital" of the Salento region: Lecce.

In the afternoon, you will reach this stunning city in the southernmost part of Apulia. Known as the "Florence of the South," Lecce is famed for its stunning Baroque architecture.

Join a beautiful guided tour of the city! You will spend the afternoon exploring the city's highlights, including the picturesque Piazza Duomo, the Basilica di Santa Croce, and several Baroque churches. We'll also pass by the historic Carlo V Castle and visit the iconic Piazza Sant'Oronzo, where the Roman Amphitheater takes center stage.

During the visit, you’ll delve into Lecce’s traditional art of papier-mâché (cartapesta), with a visit to an authentic artisanal boutique that keeps this Baroque craft alive. You'll also see a brief demonstration of ancient paper-making techniques.

In the evening, we will enjoy dinner at a typical tavern in Lecce's city center before heading back to our Masseria!

After breakfast at the Masseria, we will enjoy a relaxing morning on a private boat ride along the gorgeous coast of Otranto! 

Hop on our private bus to reach Otranto, and get ready for a leisurely morning spent on the water. 

Here we will embark on a two-hour sail along the Salento coastline to experience some of Puglia's most enchanting sights and beaches. The skipper will advise, depending on wind conditions, whether to sail south or north of the city. While on the boat, you will also be delighted by an excellent aperitif made of local products as well as prosecco!

In the afternoon, return to the Masseria, where you will take part in a painting session along with Dru and Silvia.

Afterward, we will explore the Santa Cesarea coastal area beach and the fascinating site of Torre Sant'Andrea before heading to Otranto. In this historic, traditional Pugliese coastal town, we will visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, a Romanesque masterpiece famous for its medieval floor mosaics depicting Pantaleone's Tree of Life.

In the evening, we'll enjoy a fantastic dinner at a typical local restaurant before returning to the Masseria. 

After breakfast at the masseria, it's time for our first morning of painting with your Retreat Leaders.

9:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Painting Time with Dru and Silvia
Join Silvia and Dru for a painting demonstration introducing the skills and techniques you'll learn and develop throughout the week.

Enjoy a lovely lunch at the masseria and some time to relax before heading out to explore two of Salento's most charming towns.

Afternoon: Galatina & Cutrofiano
In Galatina, step inside the Basilica of Santa Caterina d'Alessandria, whose walls are covered floor to ceiling in breathtaking 14th-century frescoes. Then treat yourself to a pasticciotto, the famous custard-filled pastry said to have been born right here, and visit the studio of a local artist who generously shares her easels with our group. Just a few minutes away, Cutrofiano has been known for its ceramics for centuries. Wander its artisan workshops, watch the craftspeople at work, and discover the town's Ceramics Museum.

Evening: Pasta-Making Class
Back at the masseria, roll up your sleeves for a hands-on pasta-making class, then enjoy the fruits of your labor together at dinner. Buon appetito!

After breakfast at the Masseria, we’ll have a painting workshop from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, followed by a light lunch at the Masseria. 

9:30 AM to 12:30 PM - Painting Time with Dru and Silvia

After lunch, continue indulging your creativity with more painting time alongside your maestros.

After this creative time, we’ll continue to Minervino di Lecce to visit a local historical winery, where tradition meets innovation in the heart of Puglia’s wine country.

We’ll uncover the craft behind some of the region’s most celebrated wines, followed by a dinner and guided tasting at their elegant restaurant — a perfect expression of Pugliese hospitality and flavor.

Afterwards, return to the masseria for a peaceful overnight stay under the Salento sky.

After breakfast at the Masseria, we’ll continue our painting workshop from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM, followed by a light lunch.

9:30 AM to 12:30 PM - Painting Time with Dru and Silvia

After lunch, board our private bus for a transfer to Cutrofiano. Here we will visit an Ancient Masseria known for its excellent wine and extra virgin olive oil production.

The family has been running this historical place since 1935. Here is a chance for our artists and travelers to learn about Puglia's farming culture and traditions!

During the tour, you will visit its vineyards, olive groves, ancient cooperage, and underground oil mill. After exploring and learning about the Masseria, we will enjoy an en plein air painting session.

End the day with a traditional dinner, featuring local products, before heading back to our Masseria for an overnight stay.

Let's enjoy one last full day in the Salento region!

After breakfast at the Masseria, we’ll continue our painting workshop from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM, followed by a light lunch.

9:30 AM to 12:30 PM - Painting Time with Dru and Silvia

In the afternoon, enjoy a few more hours of creativity and art in the peaceful masseria setting!

We’ll end the day at the agriturismo "Lu Schiau", where you’ll savor traditional Salento organic, farm-to-table dishes.

Let's spend one more night toasting and cheering to new friendships and the third year of the Blair Center for the Arts Painting Retreat in Puglia!

Return to the Masseria for one last night in Puglia!

After breakfast, we’ll check out and transfer to Bari, the capital of Puglia and a historic trade crossroads with the East. Depending on your departure plans, we will drop you off at the Bari Train Station or the International Airport. 

It is time to say... “Arrivederci in Puglia”!

Please let us know if you're planning to spend more days in Italy. I for Italia will be more than happy to help you assisting in your travel plans! 

If time permits, and depending on flight schedules, we can explore the Old Town, famous for the Basilica of San Nicola and its charming alleyways, where we may spot local women making traditional orecchiette pasta by hand.

You will be able to enjoy some free time for strolling or shopping in Bari’s city center. Lunch at a restaurant can also be arranged if desired.

On departure day, please note that we guarantee one transfer back to Bari for the whole group. The departure time follows breakfast, generally between 9 and 10 AM. If you need to get to Bari earlier than that, we can arrange a private transfer for you at an extra cost.