How do you express your experiences on paper? How do you capture beauty with paint? In the 19th century, artists and writers visited South Italy, seeking beauty as part of "The Grand Tour." This artist's retreat continues that tradition.

All levels are welcome! Whether you are an experienced artist or have not touched a pencil in years, this retreat is designed to fill you with inspiration and wonder. 

Each day will begin with technical demonstrations and practical advice for painting and drawing in the studio and on location. Jenny will offer a suggested focus for the day (both artistic and philosophical) for each place we visit. In the morning, we will revisit our work and review the visual information gathered, generating new questions for the next adventure. 

Jenny Kroik is a New York City-based illustrator. The inspiration for her whimsical, sensitive paintings comes from the people she sees around her. With her work, she attempts to capture a fleeting moment or feeling of time and highlight the beauty and wonder in each person and their environment. 

Jenny has worked for various clients on illustrations for books, magazines, advertising, products, and websites; she has also shown her work in several US galleries. For over a decade, Jenny has taught drawing and painting at universities and institutions, including the University of Oregon, F.I.T., New York Botanical Garden, and the 92nd Street Y. She has illustrated three covers for The New Yorker and numerous cartoons and illustrations for the New Yorker online.

Here's what workshop guests from 2023 had to say:

"This creative getaway hosted by Jenny and Danielle was unlike anything I ever experienced. The group size of about ten allowed for intimate connections with some wonderful new people, while leaving plenty pf freedom and autonomy to get alone time. As an animal lover I was overjoyed to have Daniele's dog staying at the Borgo greeting us every morning at breakfast. The food prepared for vegans and people with other dietary restrictions was outstanding - be sure to let them know what you need ahead of time. Jenny has a beautiful style not only in her visual work but also her demo and art instruction. I definitely need to do this again!"

- Kerry

"I loved this trip to Italy so much. Fun, restorative, and creatively inspiring. I loved learning, from Danielle and others, about the local art and culture - like interesting details about the history of the food in Southern Italy, and insider tidbits about the art and architecture in the region, etc. I would definitely recommend this trip (and already have!), especially to folks who would like a  vacation where they make a lot of art while also absorbing wonderful culture. Also, the food is AMAZING, and plentiful. The itinerary and details of the trip were so thoughtful; there were so many interesting and enriching experiences on this trip that I never would have known about, or thought to do, on my own, e.g. dinner at the Michelin-star restaurant Le Trabe, visiting the ruins of Paestum, etc. Also, Jenny Kroik is an incredible artist and person, and I loved seeing her demos and making art with her everyday. The hotel where we stayed, Borgo la Pietraia, is stunning - it literally looks like paradise. Everyone we met on this trip was lovely, kind, and accommodating. 10/10! "- Jenna Lechner

"I joined in on “Jenny Kroik’s Grand Tour” for a week on a whim having liked her work via Instagram and The New Yorker magazine. It was the best decision. I spent a week with a group of keen amateur and professional artists at the stunning Borgo La Piatraia Hotel overlooking the beautiful Cilento coastline of Southern Italy. My main draw was the art experience sketching and painting every day with Jenny and the group in the hotel studio or en plein air at the various towns, villages, restaurants, archeological sites etc we visited. I never felt intimidated. The staff and guides were all entertaining, dynamic and knowledgeable. We ate wonderful food in a variety of settings,  walked, swam and had time to chill although Jenny’s enthusiasm was infectious. I loved it and felt like l was with my best mates or family. It went too quickly. I hope we keep in touch." Mark Cooper, Wales, UK

"I was not excited to go on a group tour because I have trouble trusting that the tour guide has good taste. I dread accidentally seeing only Times Square in a place I don't know. I didn't need to worry with Feast. Danielle has a clear interest and passion for the places we visited. It wasn't a generic tour package - we visited places that felt savvy and authentic. I can tell that Danielle does it well because she genuinely cares about showing real places and real people in Italy. Everyone we connected with was so generous of spirit and welcoming. I felt taken care of in a real way, not a Four Seasons way, and that's exactly what I could ask for in a tour. Brava Danielle!" Olivia Kingsley

If you'd like to speak with Danielle, make an appointment here for a 30 minute Zoom call. 

The group will meet at 2 pm at the Naples train station (Napoli Centrale), then transfer by private coach to Borgo La Pietraia. After check-in and some time to relax on the property, the workshop officially begins with a 5-course dinner. 

First, we'll have lunch at a buffalo mozzarella farm, then enjoy a guided tour of the temples of Paestum with plenty of time for sketching and painting. 

Visit Vietri-sul-Mare, the most local and residential town on the Amalfi Coast, to be inspired by the views and the dozens of ceramic artisans who have their studios there. 

Learn to cook classic dishes of the Mediterranean Diet with Chef Mario Stellato.

We'll visit Prignano Cilento, where we'll have lunch at the luxurious Santomiele showroom, famous for confections made with rare white figs. We'll visit De Concilis to meet the winemakers in the afternoon, tour the barrel room, and have time for afternoon sketching. 

Enjoy a free day to relax and work on your art. 

Guests may choose to spend the day at a local day spa on the coast.

Go for a morning hike near the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Granato. In the afternoon, enjoy a zero-kilometer lunch on a local farm, then explore the ancient village of Trentinara. 

After breakfast, we'll depart for Naples at 10 am, arriving shortly before noon.