Why choose Toscana Americana Workshops?
We at Toscana Americana Workshops have one objective...to create wonderful opportunities for people from around the world to engage in their passion with fellow artists, crafters and creators in inspiring locations and cultures. Enthusiasm, caring faculty, guest service, attention to detail and overall value are our strengths. Add to that over 30 years in arts and entertainment and special event planning, love of travel and our familiarity with Cortona and its community. Talk is easy...we stand and deliver! Read testimonials from past participants and faculty about their experiences with Toscana Americana Workshops.
Why enroll early?
Early enrollment can ensure your participation in our small group programs. With group sizes usually limited from 8 to16 participants space can fill fast. Additionally, we are more likely able to fulfill your preferred Enrollment Plan choice. And though we have options for guest rooms with our hotel and accommodation partners we can actually reserve and secure needed rooms early with confirmed enrollment. Early enrollment can aslo be helpful regarding planning flight reservations...which may be made at cost savings when reserved early. We also create an email group among early enrollees which serves as a forum for introductions, finding travel partners and making travel plans.
Accommodations
Your accommodations are provided as part of your chosen Plan. Most Plans offer tow-star or three-star hotel options. Four-star hotel options are quoted upon request. If your preferred hotel or accommodation Plan is not available at the time we receive your enrollment form we will notify you and offer you a comparable alternate choice. Participants are responsible for all room service, in-room telephone and other personal charges incurred as part of their stay. You will be asked to present your passport upon check-in as well as a credit card to cover additional charges, if any. Your passport may be held for a few hours and will be returned. Not all hotels/accommodations offer air conditioning.
Escorted Group Travel
Escorted group travel from Florence may be included as part of your selected workshop. Note that when escorted group travel is offered it is offered as one-way from Florence to Cortona only on the date specified for your selected workshop. Meeting points vary depending on the workshop. Meeting point may include Santa Maria Novella train station in Florence. We do not include return travel from Cortona to Rome or Florence, however, escorted travel service may be arranged for additional fees.
Rome Fiumicino Airport to Rome Termini station via the "Leonardo
Express" (and return to airport)
At Rome Termini all the trains arrive and depart from platform 25. The Leonardo Express operates every day even in the event of a rail strike, from 6 am to 11 pm approx., every half-hour guaranteeing
coordinated departures in both directions, with journeys lasting 31 minutes. The fare is 14 euro per person.
Group Meal Plan
The Group Meal Plan (GMP) is included with all “All-inclusive” hotel Plans or
when the Group Meal Plan has been chosen and indicated on the enrollment form
or if included at a later date. This plan provides Italian breakfasts (generally offered
at your hotel), lunches, evening dinners, as well as daily aperitifs. Lunches and
dinners are group style at restaurants in Cortona or at our day trip destinations (ie:
Florence and Siena). Participants may order food from the food menu unless a
prefix menu has been chosen by Toscana Americana Workshops. Local wine
pre-selected by Toscana Americana Workshops is served with the meal as part of
the meals. Individuals may choose to order other wines and they will be responsible
for those additional costs. Catered lunches and/or picnic style lunches may be served at other than restaurants during certain workshops.
Dining, Drinking & Tipping
Cortona offers many cafes, bars and restaurants, several with outside table service.
Try something new as you relax between workshop sessions. Coffees, wines,
juices and other drinks and light fare are available. Unlike in Rome and the larger
cities you may pay after your service by paying your server or bring your bill (il
conto) to the register. When leaving tips, tip the wait person directly. The coperto,
or cover charge, at restaurants generally contributes little to the wait staff. Though
tips are not required, they are appreciated and demonstrate your level of
satisfaction with the service provided. MYTH BUSTER: It is OK to tip!
Here are a few nice locations: The terrace at Hotel San Luca; under the loggia at
Teatro Signorelli; Bar Sport at piazza Signorelli; cafes at Piazza della Republicca;
and on Via Nazionale. MYTH BUSTER: Not all, but many Italians drink
cappuccino after noon and in the evening! So go ahead...enjoy a
cappuccino anytime!
Non-Participating Guests
Non-Participating guests are included on the opening reception at La Saletta and
on the day trips to Florence and Siena. Non-Participating guests who have chosen
an “all-inclusive” plan or the Group Meal Plan (GMP)are also included in the wine
tastings and meals. With advance notice and based upon availability other
excursions and tours may also be arranged at additional cost. Available may be wine tours, golf, hiking, horseback or trails rides, bicycle rental, scooter rental. Day trips are possible to Arezzo, Orvieto, Assisi, Florence, Montepulciano, Perugia, Piensa, Montalcino Siena and Lake Trasimeno. Thursday is market day in Camucia, below Cortona. Val di Chiana Outlet Village is also open daily.
Shipping Workshop Supplies and Materials to Cortona
Due to delays in arrival of some shipments due to Italian Customs concerns we do
not recommend shipping your art supplies. If you do choose to ship Cortona is
served by FedEx, DHL and other shippers. Non-commercial items may be
shipped to your hotel address. We will gladly provide addresses to fully enrolled
Participants. Be sure to note the contents as "personal effects/personal items for art
vacation". Most insured packages will be inspected by Italian customs.
You may be responsible for import duties assessed by Italian customs.
Plan on at least 21 days for your shipment to arrive in Cortona.
Also add "Hold for "Your Name Here"" on the shipping carton.
Telephone and Internet
Public telephones are found near Hotel San Luca (behind Route 66) and outside
Porta Colonia. It is best to purchase a phone card for the appropriate destination at
any of the Tabacchi shops. Internet is now available at most hotels, hours limited. Your hotel may also offer Internet services at additional charges. Participants are responsible for all use of the phones in their respective
rooms. Using a fixed landline allows more actual minutes of talk time. Cell phones
tick away minutes about twice as fast.
Electric converters
If you intend to use electrical items be sure to purchase an adapter for Italy before you leave. If you forget they may be purchased in Cortona. See the grounded and non-grounded samples at: http://www.globalconnections-int.com/lewis_n__clark_adapters.htm
Weather
Spring and Autumn weather is generally warm during the day and cool at night with chance of some precipitation. Summer months can have extended periods of very warm to hot days with comfotable nights. The sunlight can be brilliant and clear days will provide views across the valley toward Montepulciano and Mt Amiata.
Extended stays
If you need travel assistance we can help arrange day trips, excursions & extended travel as well as ticketing and accommodations.
Florence & Siena
Florence and Siena are two wonderful cities in Tuscany, historically related yet with unique qualities and assets. and may be included on some itineraries.
In Florence we may have the opportunity to visit the Uffizi Gallery, including works by Botticcelli & Michaelangelo. The Uffizi Gallery covers an area of about 8.000 sq.m.. and contains one of the most important collections of art of all times, including classical sculpture and paintings on canvas and wood by 13th to 18th century Italian and foreign schools. The Gallery of the Uffizi was also the first museum ever to be opened to the public. Its four centuries of history make the Uffizi Gallery the oldest museum in the world. And there is much more to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, than can be taken in in a single day, so we will also have plenty of time to wander about the historic center to enjoy shopping, sightseeing, people-watching, and of course, enjoying a break at one of the many outdoor cafes! The Central Market and the outdoor market at San Lorenzo; the Duomo; Ponte Vecchio; Piazza della Signoria and more. Not all listed sites are included on all itineraries. For much more detailed info about Florence and to view images visit Florence info online at http://www.florenceitaly.net/
Walking the streets of the old quarter in Siena is like taking a step into the past. A walled city situated on three hills in the centre of the Tuscany region, Siena is an almost intact medieval city with its narrow streets and the unique, shell-shaped Piazza del Campo. Outside the old quarter, you will find everything from lush green vineyards, valleys and wooded countryside to fumaroles and barren areas. In a city known for its art, you may wish to visit the National Gallery, the Town Hall, the Cathedral and Cathedral Museum. It is also worth visiting the smaller galleries, museums, libraries and churches in the towns and villages scattered throughout Tuscany. The medieval and renaissance elements of the region have been preserved throughout the centuries by the citizens of Tuscany, and are beyond compare. The centerpiece of Siena is Il Campo, one of Europe’s most wonderful piazzas. We will have plenty of time to wander and shop or just relax and sip a cappuccino! Siena info online: http://europeforvisitors.com/europe/articles/bls_siena_info_intro.htm
What to bring/packing
Note: Do not pack prohibited items in carry-on luggage! They may be confiscated.
See http://ricksteves.com/plan/tips/womenpacking.htm for packing ideas, tailor them to your style and intentions.
Money and Security
Moneybelt: Passport, plane ticket, debit card, credit cards, traveler's checks, railpass, international driver's license (if you're renting a car, may be obtained at AAA offices in USA)
Security: Bury copies of your passport, plane ticket, and prescriptions in the bottom of your luggage
Inform your credit and debit card companies of your travel dates and destinations to avoid problems
Packing
• Pack light, buy it if you need it. The basics are available in Cortona.
• Preferably your pack should no more than 20 pounds.
• Limit yourself to one carry-on size bag: 9" x 21" x 13".
• Pack your bag as a trial run before your trip with everything you think you want to take to be sure it is not too heavy or unmanageable!
Currency – the Euro
Euros may be obtained at self-service ATMs at the airports and in Cortona using a bank or debit card. You may also purchase euros from your bank or financial institution before departure.
For ease of use think of Euros as dollars (euros) and cents (centissimi). Italy, as part of the European Union, uses the Euro. Coins include 1, 2, 5, 20, and 50 centissimi (cents)and one and two euro values. To see examples of the coins see: http://www.euro.ecb.int/en/section/euro0/coins.html
Paper currency includes 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 & 500 notes. For more info see: http://europa.eu.int/euro/entry.html
Travel
Be sure to inform us of your travel itinerary. Also, be sure to keep the address and phone number of your hotel in Cortona in the event you are separated from your luggage. Also, it is a good idea to bring a carry-on with essentials you would like to have should your luggage be separated from you. Also note the Toscana Americana Workshops number in Italy: Patrick at 329-07-77-215.
Hotel Oasi, Via delle Contesse, 1- 52044 Cortona (AR) Italy Tel. 0575 630354
Hotel Italia Via Ghibellina, 5/7 52044 - Cortona (AR) Italy Tel: 0575 630254
Hotel Sabrina Via Roma, 37 52044 - Cortona (AR) Italy Tel: 0575 630397
Hotel San Luca Piazza garibaldi, 1 52044 Cortona (AR) Italy Tel: 0575 630460
Villa Marsili Viale C.Battisti, 13 52044 Cortona (AR) Italy Tel: 0575 605252
Hotel San Michele Via Guelfa, 15 52044 - Cortona (AR) Italy Tel: 0575 604348
If possible, plan to arrive in Italy at least one day before the workshop and depart from Italy at least one day after the workshop to provide a comfortable travel experience. Expect a full day of travel from either west coast or east coast of the USA to Italy. Most cheaper flights make one to two stops (London, Paris, Zurich, Amsterdam) while there are some non-stops from certain US points of departure. Flight times vary, here are some samples: Boston-London (7 hours), London-Paris (1 hour), Paris-Florence/Rome (2 hours). Then Florence-Cortona 1.5 hours by train. Rome is 2.5 hours to Cortona. If traveling to Cortona by train the station is Cortona/Camucia on the Florence-Rome line. From the train station in Camucia blue buses make the uphill trip to Cortona. Purchase tickets at the shop outside the station to the right. Board buses marked “CORTONA” outside the station to the left. Taxis are also available.
Florence Amerigo Vespucci Airport
Florence/Firenze Arrivals & Departures
Florence Amerigo Vespucci Airport is nearest to Cortona. Carriers serving this airport include: Air France, Alitalia, Lufthansa, and Sabena. Florence's Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR) is only 4 km or about 2-1/2 miles from the city center. The "Volainbus" (see timetable) connects the airport with the SITA terminal next to Florence's main railroad station throughout the day. Allow 25 minutes for the bus ride, or 15 minutes if you travel by taxi. Because the Florence airport is so close to the city, there's no need to stay at an airport hotel. Instead, you can book a room at any hotel in the city center, many of which are within walking distance to the SITA bus and the Santa Maria Novella train stations.
Bus to Florence city center: From the Florence Airport you should take the 'SITA' shuttle to the Florence down-town terminal SITA Bus Station at 17 Via S. Caterina da Siena, (across the street from the Santa Maria Novella train station). Departures from the airport every 30 minutes in connection with flights. Find the buses ahead and to the right after leaving the arrival area, tickets are available on board the bus.
Travel time: approximately 25 minutes. Ticket price: € 4.00.
Florence Taxi service:
RADIO TAXI - 0577 49222
TAXI VAN - 0577 289044
By train from Florence's Santa Maria Novella train station to Cortona is about one and one-half hours. Purchase your tickets at the agent windows or use the interactive ticketing kiosks “Bigllietti Veloce”. Be sure to validate your tickets before boarding the trains. As always, keep personal belongings close and stay aware. Stops are not announced. From Florence, Cortona is usually one or two stops after Arezzo. The stop is "Cortona/Camucia", after Castiglion Fiorentino. The next stop, Terontola, also serves Cortona.
Cortona Taxi:
Enzo Adreani Cell: 3358196313 or 0575604245. Approx € 15,00.
Fiumicino Airport to Rome/Cortona
Purchase ticket for Rome Termini at station located across from international arrivals terminal (Approx. a 30 minute trip.). Choose Termini if you are staying in or visiting the historic center of Rome or if you are traveling north to Cortona/Camucia immediately, about a 2.5 hour trip to Cortona/Camucia. You may purchase your ticket to Cortona at the airport also or at Termini station at the agent windows or use the interactive ticketing kiosks). Validate ticket before boarding in yellow ticket machines near trains.
Train Travel to Cortona/Camucia
For train schedules from Rome Fiumicino Airport, Rome Termini Station, Pisa and Florence see the easy-to-use Trenitalia website, with an English language option! http://www.trenitalia.it
Tickets: To Cortona From are approximately: Florence €7,40; Rome €9,40
Travel from Camucia/Cortona Station to Cortona
Bus and Taxi service is available to and from Cortona from both train stations in Camucia (closest, 10 minutes) and Terontola (15 minutes).
Taxi: Enzo Adreani Cell: 3358196313 Land line: 0575 604 245
Taxi: Francesco Cell: 338 837 1243
For may helpful ideas regarding travel, packing, safety, health, guidebooks visit: http://ricksteves.com/plan/tips/tips_menu.htm
Prohibited items
The list of prohibited items on airlines changes. Visit http://www.tsa.gov/interweb/assetlibrary/Permitted_Prohibited_8_23_2004.pdf
Passports
Valid passports are for entry to Italy by any non-EU person. Many US Post Offices now handle passport applications and photos.
For more info about US passports visit: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
Customs
Read about US Customs at: http://www.customs.ustreas.gov/xp/cgov/travel/
Phone numbers for American Embassy?
Embassy of the United Statesvia Vittorio Veneto, 119/A00187 Roma, ItalyTel. (+39) 06.4674.1 (switchboard)Fax (+39) 06.4674.2356
Local hospital?
-Hospital Of Santa Margherita in Fratta Tel.0575/6391-Emergency Aid Dial 112
What is the average temperature?
April/May Days 60’s to low 70’s. Nights 50’s to mid 60’s
Where can we get our laundry done? How much might it cost?
There are no laundry services in Cortona’s historic center other than those provided by hotels for their guests. Turn-around times vary from one to three days…depending on weather! Dry cleaning is available with a 2-3 day turn-around. Laundry services may be found in Camucia, 2-3 day turn-around.
Will we be able to purchase toiletries such as toothpaste?
Molesini’s Despar Market and the Farmacia Centrale both offer toiletries, a larger selection at the pharmacy. English spoken at the pharmacy. Found on Via Nazionale.
Will we be able to purchase art supplies?
Nocentini’s sell art supplies and books. Found on Via Nazionale. Also in Arezzo, Florence & Siena.
Is the water safe to drink?
Yes, the water is safe to drink, though many people prefer to buy the mineral waters and waters with gas.
Is there a bank close by? How should I change my money?
There are several banks in Cortona’s city center. We recommend using ATM cards/Debit cards because of their ease of use and the possibility of getting cash anytime of day. Info your banks that you intend to travel and use your card abroad. All ATMs (Bancomats) have English language directions.
How much is an average meal?
The average meal may be €25,00. With appetizers, entrees, desserts, water, wine, caffe, etc it can be €35,00 and up to over $150.00 per person.
Will most people speak English?
About half of the local business people speak some degree of English. Many other locals do as well. If you know any Italian the locals are pleased to hear you speak it!
What is the physical activity level for getting around Cortona?
Cortona is a real Tuscan “hill town”. Other than Via Nazionale and the two piazzas the stone-paved and cobbled streets go either up or down. There are always gentle alternate routes for getting most anywhere intown.
Florence (Firenze)
State Museums interactive website: http://www.firenzemusei.it/index2.html
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