Arrival at Bari or Brindisi International Airports.

Alternatively, for those travelers that will already be in Italy before the painting retreat starting day, we will be able to 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)

Arrival in Salento and accommodation in the ancient, charming Masseria Limbitello!

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 Limbitello is a very authentic, local Masseria that will provide you with a quintessential Apulian experience, while providing you with all the comforts and space to enjoy your painting sessions!

Very close to the sandy, untouched beaches of Salento, Masseria Limbitello is a true charming agriturismo offering the chance to experience authentic Italian life. 

Surrounded by 30 hectares of cultivated land, the masseria is immersed in lush nature, where the silence of the countryside is broken only by the chirping of cicadas, the rustling of the wind, and the gentle touch of the sun.

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 be reaching this stunning city located in the southernmost part of Apulia. Known as the "Florence of the South," Lecce is famed for its stunning Baroque architecture.

Take part in 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 Amphitheatre takes center stage.

During the visit, you’ll delve into Lecce’s traditional art of papier-mâché (cartapesta), with a visit to an authentic workshop that keeps this Baroque craft alive.

In the evening, we will enjoy dinner in a typical tavern restaurant 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 along the gorgeous coast of Otranto! 

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

Here we will embark to sail three hours 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!

3 PM to 5 PM - Painting Time with Dru and Silvia 

In the afternoon, you'll enjoy a small painting session en plein air in the fascinating site of Torre Sant'Andrea!

Afterward, we’ll explore the historic center by the sea, with a visit to 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, enjoy a morning painting along with your Blair Center for the Arts experts!

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

In the afternoon, we’ll transfer to Torre dell'Orso, an ancient town with breathtaking landscapes. 

A bay with soft, fine sand stretches for nearly a kilometer between two cliffs, bordered by gentle dunes and a dense pine forest. From here, you can admire two natural sea stacks known as 'The Two Sisters.' According to legend, two sisters, enchanted by the beauty of this coastline, dove into the sea and tragically drowned.

Return to the masseria where you will have fun taking part in a traditional Apulian cuisine cooking class!

Salute to another glorious day!

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

In the afternoon, we’ll transfer to Galatina, one of the most charming towns in the Salento region. Here, we’ll visit the Basilica of Santa Caterina, renowned for its stunning frescoes from the Giotto school, considered one of the most beautiful churches in southern Italy. 

After lunch, it's time to get ready to reach another stunning, traditional Masseria. Aboard our private bus, we will transfer to Cutrofiano and visit an Ancient Masseria, a historic Masseria known for its excellent wine and extra virgin olive oil production. Here we will tour the Masseria and learn about its fascinating history. 

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!

We’ll tour the Masseria, including 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.

Afternoon Painting Time with Dru and Silvia

We’ll finish the day with a delightful dinner at the Masseria, featuring local products made onsite.

Return to the Masseria for an overnight stay.

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, you will be visiting Gallipoli, a very ancient city whose historic center is made of an "island" connected to the mainland by a bridge. The ancient city is surrounded by the mighty ancient walls and is rich in Baroque churches.

After exploring the historic center, we’ll continue to Minervino di Lecce to visit the historic Menhir Winery and uncover the production process behind one of Puglia’s most celebrated wines. 

Our visit will conclude with a delightful dinner and wine tasting at the winery’s restaurant.

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

After breakfast, we’ll depart for Grecìa Salentina, a region of 13 municipalities south of Lecce, steeped in Salento’s great traditions. We’ll visit the town and the magnificent Corigliano d'Otranto Castle.

Here, you’ll have the choice to visit the Kora Contemporary Art Center in Castrignano dei Greci, explore the magnificent Castle of Corigliano d’Otranto, or enjoy a visit to Stefania Bolognese’s mosaic art workshop.

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 of toasting and cheering to new friendships and a very first 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 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.