Art Courses - Exploring art in Tuscany

Our art courses are normally based at delightful Casa Cornachi - for more information click on the Holidays tab above and then follow the Accommodation links.

We have had a great deal of interest in future courses and anticipate that we will be running courses in the future. We are also always happy to quote for tailor-made courses for small or large groups.

If you would like more details of future events and would like to be added to our mailing list to receive information on future courses, please use the 'Contact' link at the top righ of this page.   If you would prefer a tailor-made course for you and a few friends please do call us on 01962 713330 to discuss your exact requirements.

Sample itinerary for one of our coures

Imagine the ultimate venue in which to learn and develop your artistic skills; an outdoor studio with a vast array of different landscapes, stunning backdrops and ancient buildings to draw, sketch and paint.

The Tuscan countryside, immortalised in the recent film ‘Room with a View’, has long been a magnet for those looking to capture its shapes and colours on paper or canvas.

Our art course, based in the countryside south of Florence, is aimed at budding artists looking to develop their existing skills and learn new techniques under the guidance of Kate Dicker, our experienced English tutor.  Kate is an exhibiting artist with an MA in Fine Art and her own work has concentrated on landscapes on Tuscany.

During the week we will make use of the converted farm where we are staying, the nearby Tuscan hill towns and the surrounding countryside as subjects for our creativity. Kate will be tutoring in a variety of different skills including pen, pencil, pastels, charcoal and watercolours.

All the materials required will be provided, as will transport for the group to travel out from the accommodation each day. All you need provide is a desire to enjoy the course and a little inspiration!

We welcome individuals or couples on our courses and for the first time we are running a cookery course and art course on the same dates, based at the same accommodation. Perhaps you might wish to join our art course, whilst your partner takes part in our cookery course?  You can share a room at the Casa Cornacchi and enjoy meals together, whilst taking part in different activities each day.

Art and More

Of course, one couldn’t spend a week in this beautiful area of Italy without fully absorbing its atmosphere and the course allows time for relaxing and exploring local towns.

Our trips out each evening to local restaurants will also allow you sample the local traditional cuisine. This will complement the meals cooked by those attending our cookery course which will run at the same time at casa Cornacchi.

There will of course also be some time for shopping (including a day in Florence), with a chance to purchase fine Italian clothing, gifts, wine and local produce.

The two half day trips to Siena and San Gimignano will allow time for those that would like to explore the fascinating Tuscan culture to do so in more depth.

Our Price Includes:

The price of around £900 per person includes:

Return transfers between Pisa Airport and the villa

Seven nights accommodation at the Casa Cornacchi, situated in north eastern Tuscany. Twin or double rooms, all with en-suite or bath / shower room. Single occupancy available at a supplement.

Breakfasts taken at the villa each morning

Art classes each day run by our English tutor, Kate Dicker

All the equipment provided to partake in the course including sketchbooks, pencils, charcoal, paints and pastels

Dinner each evening at a different traditional, local restaurant. Wine and soft drinks included

Wine and soft drinks during lunch, taken either at the villa and prepared by those on our cookery course, or in local restaurants

Transfers for all detailed excursions and dinner venues

The services of a Tuscany Too representative to coordinate the week’s events

The services of a Tuscany Too member of staff to help assist with table preparation and washing up for meals taken in the villa

Pre-dinner drinks

Optional afternoon trips to Siena and San Gimignano with a chance for shopping plus an optional day trip to Florence (with a guided tour)

Wine tasting and estate tour

The financial security of our substantial ABTA bond

Optional Extras

Flights from the UK to Pisa (thomsonfly now fly from Bournemouth to Pisa – www.thomsonfly.com)

Personal travel insurance

Single occupancy of a double bedded room - from £149 for the week

How to Book

Bookings will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis although we will be pleased to hold a room ‘on option’ for you for a maximum of 48 hours whilst you look at flight options.

We will require a £150 per person non-refundable deposit, together with a completed booking form, to confirm your booking.

We are happy to accept payments by cash, cheque or BACS. Credit card payments are also accepted, but they do attract an additional 2% charge.

Please ensure that you have adequate travel insurance and a new-style E111 card (available via the internet or from your local post office).

All monies paid are protected by our membership of ABTA – membership number W3334.

Please note that this special course is subject to minimum number of participants. If this minimum number is not reached, we reserve the right to refund any deposits paid in full and to postpone or cancel the course.