Plein Air Tuscany & Umbria For independent artists who wish to create art in Tuscany & Umbria without instruction! A lower-cost alternative to travel workshops!
Cortona, Italy May 5-12, 2012
View Cortona videos
Experience the thrill and beauty of a wonderful part of Italy, and even more so, taking these memories you've created home with you! This workshop is for beginners to advanced artists and will be conducted outdoors on location. Artists work in their choice of media.
Our one-week itinerary offers five full days of sessions in historic medieval Cortona and its surrounding countryside including Lucignano & the Val di Chiana, as well as Orvieto and Lago Trasimeno! Family & friends invited as well!
Picture Yourself...
among the sights and sounds of beautiful and romantic Tuscany: olive groves, vineyards, centuries-old buildings, winding streets, texture and vibrant sunlight.
Feel Yourself...
in the warm ambiance of Cortona, overlooking Lake Trasimeno and the Val di Chiana, originally fortified by the Umbrians, claimed by the Etruscans, touched by the Renaissance, almost unchanged for centuries, one of Tuscany's jewels.
Experience...
the joy of creating art en plein air in a relaxed and inspiring atmosphere with the camaraderie of a small group of artists.
Enjoy...
great Italian food, delightful wines, new friends, breath-taking vistas, history and the hospitality of the people of Cortona.
Cortona city center
Authentic Tuscan countryside
Isola Maggiore waterfront
All-inclusive* workshop includes: Escorted group travel Florence to Cortona May 5, 2012**** Six painting days on location Seven nights accommodations in historic Cortona** (Private room & bath) Local Etruscan Museum & Museo Diocesano All meals*** (Italian breakfast, lunch and dinner) Daily wine tasting opportunities Day trip to Lake Trasimeno & Isola Maggiore Day trip to Orvieto
Day trip to Lucingnano & Val di Chiana A farewell wine tasting dinner Tuscan Cooking Class & dinner **Included with "Hotel Italia" plans only. See details. ***Included with "Group Meal Plan" only. See details. ****Specific departure time from Florence airport only; time to be announced, return train ticket to Florence provided (not escorted) *All-inclusive plans are "Hotel Italia" plans only. Air travel and ground transportation to/from Cortona is not included and is the responsibility of each participant.
Hotel Italia proud partner of Toscana Americana Workshops since 2003
Hotel Italia in the city center
Itinerary
5/5 Saturday– Arrival in Cortona
-Arrival and Check-in in Cortona
-7:00p Welcome to Cortona wine and chocolate tasting.
-8:00p Dinner in Cortona
5/6 Sunday - Cortona
-9:00-12:00p Morning session
-12:30p Lunch
-2:00-5:00p Afternoon session
-7:30p Wine tasting
-8:00p Dinner in Cortona
5/7 Monday - Cortona
-9:00-12:00p Morning session
-12:30p Lunch
-2:00-5:00p Afternoon session
-7:30p Wine tasting
-8:00p Dinner in Cortona
5/8 Tuesday- Lake Trasimeno & Isola Maggiore
-9:30-12:30 Morning session
-12:30p Lunch
-1:30-4:30p Afternoon session
-7:30p Wine tasting
-8:00p Dinner in Cortona
5/9 Wednesday - Lucignano & Val di Chiana
-9:00-12:00p Morning session
-12:30p Lunch
-2:00-5:00p Afternoon session
-7:30p Wine tasting
-8:00p Dinner in Cortona
5/10 Thursday - Orvieto
-Day trip to Orvieto session with lunch provided.
-TBA Train to Cortona
-7:30p Wine tasting
-8:00p Dinner in Cortona
5/11 Friday- Cortona
-9:00-12:00p Morning session
-12:30p Lunch
-2:00-5:00p Afternoon session
-7:30p Wine tasting
-8:00p Final wine tasting dinner in Cortona
5/12 Saturday- Departure
- Morning Check-out
- Departure from Cortona or we can help you plan an extended stay!
Note: Toscana Americana reserves the right to alter this itinerary.
All times are approximate.
Supply List
Bring what you feel will serve you, as well as your camera for photo refrenceing!
Paper towels may be purchased in Cortona as well as a variety of art supplies and oderless turpentine.
Cortona from Poggio
About Cortona...
Cortona is one of the true jewels of the Tuscan “hill towns.” Cortona, which is often called the “City of Art,” has its origin as an Etruscan city that pre-dates Roman times with sections of its walls dating back some 2500 years. As is typical of Tuscan hill-towns, Cortona is a walled city that, for purposes of defense, was built atop a prominent geographical point. The stone buildings and streets not only have the romance, style, and charm that are particular to Tuscany, but also speak of the lives and times Cortona has witnessed. An encounter with Cortona is an encounter with music & art, with history and with spirituality. Getting to know this timeless city is a real rediscovery of our past. Cortona offers testimony to its history as well as an enchanting view of the landscape enclosed by Lake Trasimeno and the Apennine mountains.
Angela Lucani was born and raised in Cortona and never tires of living within the walls of this vibrant Tuscan hilltown! She trained as an elementary school teacher and taught in various locals within Cortona from its mountain villages to the growing post-war part of Cortona known as Camucia. Angela has always been passionate about Tuscan cooking, which she began to learn at an early age aiding her mother in the kitchen. She maintains respect for local cooking traditions and recipes and shares that with Italians and foreign visitors through cooking classes conducted both in Italy and in America. She has extensive knowledge of Cortona's various areas, from the mountains to the fertile Val di Chiana, and continues to learn about its long and colorful history. She is also passionate about travel and enjoys learning about and experiencing customs, traditions and characteristics of other countries, cultures & people. Her travels destinations have included the United States, England, Egypt, South America, France, Ireland, Germany, Austria and Greece. She enjoys serving as a bridge between visitors to Tuscany and the local culture.
Patrick Mahoney (Miami University BA'80, MA'82) lives in Cortona where he continues a thirty-year career in the field of Arts & Entertainment producing events, workshops and tours and providing opportunities to share the Italy experience with travelers, artists and people who share his interests for foods, wine, art, culture. Patrick's passion is to conceive and realize various ways in which the human spirit can express and demonstrate its capacity to create. His ability to fearlessly think, conceive, and work "out of the box" has earned him the attention of artists & musicians, colleges & universities, public & private organizations, and business and industry. Patrick brings integrity and a unique vision to Toscana Americana and he is committed to realizing the opportunity for participants to create in an atmosphere of peace, joy, respect and mutual support. As a "slow traveler" and a supporter of "slow food" Mr. Mahoney rides trains, walks, lingers over lunch, dinner or a cup of espresso, stops to smell the roses and savors the sensory feast wherever he is!
