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Artists in Umbria
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Painting & Photography in Umbria

 

Staying in Montefalco

  
EUR 1800 pp in twin share  

EUR 300 Single Supplement		  

FROM:    Foligno Railway Station at 11.00 am or Spoleto hotel

Beginning on Sundays in 2010 - 12 September or dates on request
 To Book  or enquire    Mary Rossi Travel 1 300 65 66 79 (Australia)       
     
 

Under the guidance of a number of local artists and photographers there will be drawing and painting sessions as well as photography opportunities using both the characteristic landscape and the medieval architecture which define the visual character of Umbria. 

A feature of the itinerary will be the trips to private homes and studios of local artists and viewings of their work including detailed explanations and practical demonstrations of their  working methods in oil painting, portraiture, photography and etching,

Umbria is a dream landscape of serene valleys and fortified hill towns, vineyards and olive groves and the program provides an opportunity to experience Umbria’s out of the way places while exploring an extraordinary wealth of artistic and natural beauty, and some of the oldest architecture in Europe in a setting of unsurpassed beauty.  A visit to the ceramics city of Deruta will inspire dramatic new colour combinations characteristic of the strong majolica designs found there.

This is a practical art tour in which you will have the possibility to derive inspiration from the beautiful Umbrian landscape, the collage of ancient and medieval architecture, the magnificent early renaissance fresco cycles as well as the dramatic local artisan ceramic designs.

  
 
You will be staying in one comfortable centrally located accommodation at the Fabrizi family estate located just outside the walls of the medieval hilltown of Montefalco. The accommodation is ideally situated for our visits to nearby towns and villages. In 1991 a cluster of four of the farm buildings was converted into high quality accommodation, with a swimming pool added later. There are twenty-two rooms, all with their own bathroom and private entrance. Meals are held in a pleasant dining room and there are lounge areas in two of the buildings. There is a garden and terrace with spectacular views across the Vale of Umbria to Assisi, Trevi and Spoleto. This is often used as an outdoor eating area but is also a wonderful place to read or just take in the sun. The rooms are not air-conditioned, but the thick walls and shady trees keep the temperature pleasant even on hotter days. The region also produces some of the finest natural produce in Italy. The estate is still a working farm producing its own wine and olive oil which are used to prepare the delicious simple meals which are such a feature of the tour. Dinner is usually at the accommodation unless otherwise described.
 
 

This is a preliminary itinerary and will be altered to accommodate the availability of the various artists. However the essential content of the itinerary will remain the same. B L D means that breakfast, lunch and/or dinner will be included that day.

Day 1    SUNDAY    ARRIVAL                                                    L D

You will be met at Foligno railway station to be transferred to your accommodation at the Fabrizi estate near Montefalco.  Time to settle in before we stroll into Montefalco for an afternoon orientation before returning to Camiano for a welcome dinner and relaxing evening.

Day 2    MONDAY   FOLIGNO & NEIL MOORE                                                    B L D

In the morning we travel to a tiny hilltop village, home to renowned artist Neil Moore.  Neil renovated the ruins of a 13th century castle turning it into their home and Neil's studio.  In our first master class Neil will introduce us to his work, style and techniques which have been influenced by 20 years immersed in the rich history and artistic heritage of Umbria.  Having been called an" Aussie Renaissance man", Neil describes his paintings as "magic realism" a combination of ancient  and modern - like Italy itself with its lively culture grown out of the wonderful past that is ever - present.  His work can be viewed on his website at www.neilmoore.it. In the afternoon we travel first to Foligno to the local art supply shop to stock up on any materials you might be needing.

Day 3       SPELLO   & PRIVATE STUDIO VISIT                                            B  D

Today we head to the stunning medieval town of Spello, dressed in fairytale pink and cream stone and home to a great treasure of art, "The Annunciation" by Pinturicchio.   The essence of Spello however are the tiny laneways lined with flower clad balconies tended with great devotion by the local people.  There is great choice of subject matter today as you may be inspired by toga clad Roman sculptures standing guard over the entrance gates or perhaps  capturing the spirit of the cobblestone laneways with all their beautiful detail unchanged for centuries.  In the afternoon we visit the studio of Australian artist in the town of Trevi.

Day 4     CLITUNNO & PRIVATE STUDIO VISIT                                          B D

You will be accompanied to the mysterious Tempietto di Clitunno a relic from paleo- Christian times when the area was worshipped as providing water to the entire valley from its numerous springs. Time for sketching in the limpid atmosphere of the small lake and the temple itself. In the afternoon we visit the studio of an American artist resident here for the last ten years.

Day 5    DERUTA & MONTEFALCO FRESCOES                                          B D

In the morning we travel to Deruta, to watch the artists working on the dramatically colourful maiolica ceramics designs which are characteristic of the town. Under the guidance of Neil Moore, we meet this afternoon at the church of San Francesco in Montefalco. With special permission we are able to set up in the apse of the choir under the gaze of the beautiful 15th century  frescos by Benozzo Gozzoli. Inspired by the revolutionary frescos attributed to Giotto in Assisi, Gozzoli  indulges in his favourite cityscapes, especially the background view of Montefalco painted over 500 years ago. We are able to emulate the skill of the renaissance master as we work under the watchful eye of Neil in this unique setting. 

Day 6    SPOLETO                                                           B L D

The special qualities of the morning light are captured  as we head into Spoleto where we begin with a short orientation stroll entering the town over the dramatic "Ponte delle Torri", a medieval aqueduct bridge with 10 towering arches to the main square. 

Day 7     BEVAGNA &  STUDIO VISIT                                                          B D

Our drive to nearby Bevagna winds along the edge of a hill where we can clearly see the cities of Spello and Assisi across the broad valley. It is the piazza in Bevagna, considered to be one of the most evocative in Umbria which draws us today.  Decorated with two of Umbria's most splendid Romanesque churches built with Roman ruins believed to be taken from the pagan temple of Isis,  recycled with subtle geometry, incorporating muscular stone interiors and unusual Egyptian capitals. There is  much more to the walled town of Bevagna however, with a delightful main shopping street displaying traditional crafts that makes for great diversion as we find a special place to set up easel for the last time.  This evening we enjoy a final farewell dinner.

Day 8  DEPARTURE

Transport to/from Foligno station at the end of the tour

 
 
The price of the tour is EURO 1800 (AUD 3452) per person in twin share accommodation. A deposit of EURO 300 (AUD 600) per person is required to reserve a place on the tour. This deposit is non-refundable unless the tour is cancelled.  Single supplements in double rooms are available at an additional cost of single use EURO 300 (AUD 600) . A limited number of actual single rooms at EURO 180 (AUD 360).  The full balance is due 60 days before departure. The tour is costed on a minimum of five (5) people travelling and is limited to eighteen (18) places. Subject to final tour numbers and exchange rates the price may vary slightly. You will be notified immediately of any change.
 
 

  • Transport to/from Foligno station at the beginning and end of the tour (Rome transport provided if taken as tour extension)

  • Accommodation for 7 nights in Montefalco
  • Dinner every night including fresh local produce and local wines

  • Half board for 7 days

  • Admission to sites, museums and galleries

  • All land travel by air-conditioned coach
  • Admission to all galleries, museums and historical sites included in the itinerary
  • The services of a tour leader throughout the tour

  • Airfares

  • Some meals while visiting local towns are not included in the tour price. We have however carefully chosen a selection of local restaurants and negotiated very reasonable prices for generous set menus of regional specialities usually including excellent local wines. You will have the choice of making your own arrangements.

  • Travel insurance (this is essential)

  • Entry fees other than those specifically mentioned on the itinerary

  • Taxi, or personal transport costs, phone calls or tips

  • Wine outside of normal meals

  • Laundry: This can be organised with the staff at the accommodation

  • We ask that participants have achieved already a level of proficiency and are responsible for the provision of their own materials.
 
 

We ask that participants have achieved already a level of proficiency and are responsible for the provision of their own materials. Stools and a few easels & basic bits and pieces will be on hand and there is a shopping excursion early on to pick up supplies, but essentially you will be responsible for your own provisions.

What kinds of people go on Living Italy tours?   The single feature which distinguishes the Living Italy groups is their desire to understand and appreciate in depth the places they visit. The interests of the group are usually wide-ranging - history, fine arts, music, architecture, food, reading etc. The age of group members varies greatly, but most would be more than forty years old and have travelled. With a maximum of twenty-eight places on the tour the group is large enough for you to find like-minded friends, but small enough for us to get to know you all.

How fit do you have to be? In order to visit and enjoy the natural attractions of the countryside and the historical centres of towns it is necessary to be able to walk well, as bus and car access can be difficult. While there are no medical restrictions on who may book a place on the tour, you should be fit enough to stroll for periods of up to an hour (with short breaks) and you should specially note that the towns are not called 'hilltowns' for nothing!. Wherever possible we break up walking tours with coffee stops and extended lunches and we have tried to mix busy and relaxed days in the itinerary. Remember that it is always possible to take time off from the program whenever you like.
 
 

You will be accompanied throughout the tour by a team of local Umbrians - artists and residents who will travel with you most days, and featuring father and son Piero and Giuseppe Fabrizi who own and run the excellent accommodation at Montefalco. The team has collaborated now for over ten years and will ensure events run smoothly for your holiday experience.