Illuminate Your Creativity
If you've been seeking a new source of creative inspiration, why not travel back in time to a corner of Italy that has been known for centuries for producing some of the finest artisans in the world? Our Italy for the Artist tour may be just what you need to light the fires of your imagination. You may even discover a new medium or means of expression that will give you a previously undiscovered creative outlet.
Italy has long been considered the seat of artistic creativity. Is it the gorgeous landscapes and incredible architecture that supply the needed inspiration? Perhaps it is the passion of the Italian artist that drives them to beautify the world around them. They may even be motivated by the sensual delights of Italian wines and cuisine. Whatever supplies the impetus, you may begin to feel that spark yourself when you explore the history of Italian creativity and witness it as it still exists in the modern day.
Artists like da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael and Botticelli are hailed as geniuses whose work stands the test of time. Being surrounded not only by their creations but also by the sights, sounds and scents that may have inspired them will no doubt prove inspirational to others as well. Through our explorations of the artistic scene in Italy past and present, we'll uncover time-honored techniques and gain insight from those who are considered masters of their chosen craft in the present day. Your faith in the creative process will be restored and reinforced by this magical journey.
Of course, explorations of this magnitude need to be fueled by some of the finest food and wines that the Italian countryside can deliver. Each meal becomes an adventurous feast when it includes unusual local delicacies and rare vintages that can't be found just anywhere. We've tirelessly worked to uncover hidden gems and undiscovered masterpieces, all with the hope of sparking creativity for all of the people who indulge in our Italy for the Artist tour.
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Description
As an artist, there is almost no more inspiring place to travel to than Italy. We're thrilled to have put together a trip to visit some of the most creatively stimulating cities in the country, from Florence to Verona to Venice. We'll be touring the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, Romeo and Juliet's home, Lake Garda, and even two islands in Venice on a private boat tour. We'll be making stops at artisans' workshops, a sculpture garden, a crystal museum, and a paper and ceramic museum. We’ll also dive into the creativity ourselves with a cooking class, wine tastings, and meet-ups with Venetian velvet, lace, and glass artisans. By the time we leave, we'll know how alabaster is made and how gondola oars are crafted, and will have tasted the very freshest olive oil--all of which will fuel our artistic drive.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Fly into Florence
Private Transfer from airport to hotel
Afternoon tour of artisans’ stores
Homemade welcome Dinner in a chef’s home
4 Night Stay in city center hotel with daily breakfast
Day 2
Florence
Full Day Tour of ‘Classic’ Florence
Including tours of: Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo, the Baptistery, and the Accademia.
Dinner on own
Day 3
Day in Tuscany
Half day tour that includes: Market shopping w/ olive oil tasting & cooking class with a chef (lunch included)
Second half day tour of Sculpture Gardens of the Parco Della Scultura
Dinner on own
Day 4
Day in Volterra
Demonstration in Volterra of the production of alabaster
Crystal Museum in Colle Val D’Elsa
Dinner included at local restaurant
Day 5
Florence to Verona
Private Transfer to Verona Hotel with vineyard tour & tasting on route
Afternoon walking tour of:
Tour of Piazza della Erbe
Piazza dei Signori
Piazza Bra & the Arena
Romeo & Juliet’s homes
Dinner included
4 Night Stay at Artist Villa Hotel w/ daily breakfast included
Day 6
Verona
Tour of Ceramic Laboratory in Nove
Walking Tour of Bassano del Grappa w/visit to a paper and ceramic museum
Lunch on own
Transfer to Asolo
Optional Tours in Asolo:
Gardens of Freya Starks
Palladian Villa Barbaro
Temple and Plaster Casts Gallery of Antonio Canova
Dinner on own
Day 7
Day in Valpollicella
Full day tour of Valpollicella w/ private driver & english speaking guide
Wine Tasting at TWO wineries
Lunch w/ wine pairing
Dinner on own
Day 8
Day in Lake Garda Region
Full day tour of Lake Garda w/ private driver & english speaking guide
Boat Excursion w/ visits to Sirmione & Garda
Dinner Included
Day 9
Verona to Venice
Private Transfer to Venice
Water Taxi to hotel
Tour with focus on mask making
Tour with a Remèr, artisan making oars used on gondolas
Dinner included at local restaurant
Day 10
Venice
Half day private tour of San Marco & Doge Palace
Afternoon meet up with local artisans
Fabric Maker (visit the producer of Venetian velvet fabric)
Glass Marker (visit the laboratory for making glass tassels)
Dinner on own
Day 11
Venice
Private Boat Tour w/ stops on two islands: Murano & Burano
Visit with local glass maker & lace maker
Farewell Dinner included
Day 12
Depart Venice
Private Transfer to airport
Flight back to NY
Customize
Customize This Trip
Would you like to learn more about this trip and have us customize an intinerary for your group? We work with groups of all sizes and needs.
Let us work with you to build the dream vacation of a lifetime.
Other Destinations
Northern Italy Vineyard Tour
The Best of Burgundy
Lisbon, Porto & Douro Valley
History & Tastes of Scotland
Italy for the Artist
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