Arts Sojourn : Plein Air Painting in Italy
Our Next Sojourn

Upcoming Sojourns:

Arts Sojourn in le Marche: Undiscovered Ascoli
Trip Info At a Glance:
June 16 - June 26, 2010
Cost: $2075.00
$350.00 non-refundable deposit due with application. Balance must be received no later than March 15, 2010.
Hotel: Albergo Piceno
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There is a side of Italy that few tourists get to see – so evocative and genuine. We invite you to join us for a Sojourn on the road less traveled; to le Marche region, situated between the Apennine Mountains and the Adriatic Sea. In 2005, a New York Times travel article asked, “Is Le Marche the new Tuscany?” The writer went on to speculate; “This is what Tuscany must have been like 10 or 20 years ago….” Actually, you would have to travel much further back in time to experience a Tuscany as pristine as le Marche. If you are looking for a culturally rich vacation in a region of Italy not yet ruled by foreign tourism this could be the Arts Sojourn for you!

ASCOLI PICENO: Le Marche’s Hidden Treasure

Our destination is Ascoli Piceno; one of le Marche’s most unspoiled and significant small cities. Ascoli sits in an idyllic position, surrounded by mountains and nestled between two rivers. The ancient town traces its origins back to the 6th Century BC. You will be amazed by the architectural detail that has survived the centuries. There are about fifty defensive towers (more than in Tuscany’s famous San Gimignano) that are still standing today and Ascoli is home to on one of Italy’s largest and best-preserved Roman bridges. Ascoli Piceno is the ideal town for plein air painting and exploring the winding streets of the medieval quarter, discovering authentic shops and markets, and stopping to enjoy an espresso or aperitivo at an outdoor café table.

There will always be plenty to see and do on your Sojourn, whether you decide to paint or not. Le Marche’s rugged Adriatic coastline features miles of beautiful sandy beaches and our hotel has an arrangement with a private bathing establishment in the nearby resort of San Benedetto del Tronto. They offer an optional shuttle service at an extremely reasonable price. In addition we can arrange walking tours of Ascoli and hiking in the surrounding countryside with English-speaking guides as well as wine tastings and cooking classes for those so inclined. Many charming hill towns are easily reached by public bus from Ascoli.

       

OUR ACCOMMODATIONS IN le Marche

Our hotel is the fashionable Albergo Piceno; a former 17th century palace right in the heart of Ascoli’s historic center. Hotel Piceno’s architecturally sensitive renovations have been carried out with great care and the staff works to make every guest comfortable. The guest rooms feature all modern conveniences including air conditioning, mini bar and safe, satellite TV and tiled private baths with hair dryers. You will be able to relax in the hotel’s spa and fitness room. A delicious Italian breakfast buffet is served in the hotel breakfast room. Albergo Piceno is just a few steps from many of Ascoli’s exceptional restaurants, pizzerias, and trattorias.



WHAT IS INCLUDED?

Ten night's luxury accommodations at Albergo Piceno, along with all breakfasts are included in our price of $2075 per person sharing a double room. Hotel transfers to and from Fiumicino airport in Rome, all art activities and our pre-departure and in-country orientation services are also included. A limited number of single rooms are available at extra cost. See IMPORTANT TRIP INFORMATION for complete details.

When we receive your application we will you send an extensive information packet to help you prepare for your trip and book your flight. We will begin the Sojourn with an in-country orientation session to help you acclimate to the area. Our goal is to help you feel comfortable in your surroundings so that you can get a true taste of this beautiful region of Italy firsthand and accomplish your personal travel and artistic goals at your own pace.

 

THE PAINTING WORKSHOP

The painting workshop is conducted in an informal manner; as a group of friends, painting and sharing experiences in a supportive environment. There is no regimentation and no pressure to perform. You may paint when, where, and as little, or as much as you like. Matthew Daub is always available for those desiring a painting demonstration or for a one-on-one consultation, but we try to keep the atmosphere of our Sojourn art workshops laid back; the emphasis is always on painting for pleasure. We meet together as a group almost every evening to discuss our art and travel experiences. Participants may work in any medium of their choice; however careful consideration should be given to the material's portability and its practicality for international travel. Non-artists are always welcome and have traditionally enjoyed our Sojourns as much as the artists do.

An Arts Sojourn is neither a guided tour nor a traditional artists' workshop. As such, it should not be expected that participants will be escorted at all times while in Italy. The Sojourn is a unique vacation experience that has been enjoyed by artists and non-artists for well over a decade. We combine the substantial advantages and savings of group travel with the freedom of a self directed vacation. Adventurous, though not necessarily experienced travelers of diverse ages and backgrounds are invited to apply. If your goal is to share in a rich and rewarding cultural travel experience with soon-to-be good friends, we welcome you to join us.

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Important Trip Information
(including dates, cost and flight info.)