Come with me on a fabulous painting and touring excursion in Salento, Italy in the Puglia region. This area is a cultural, historic and creative wonderland, known for its hill towns, centuries old farmlands and miles of the Mediterranean coast. We will focus our artists’ eyes on the stunningly beautiful countryside and villages for inspiration. This is an abstract painting class, although students’ work could be semi-realistic. We’ll spend some time taking in the landscape and photographing our surroundings. We will then return to the studio and try to paint our response to that landscape, We’ll work in acrylics, using fluid acrylics and textural mediums to create both visual and actual textures. We’ll study the horizon lines in our photos and start building our paintings there. We will explore our emotional response to the beauty of the area and paint from that perspective. These will be moments that bring you wonder and inspiration that fills your soul and feeds your creative muse. Time will also be spent on some tours of the area and we will experience the local food and wine specialties.
*PLUS BONUS COMPANION PACKAGE for non-painters with Piero as your guide: opportunities to explore surrounding historical villages, horseback ride, golf, visit archaeological site, visit nearby festivals, discover flowers fields or just drink with the locals! ****Non-Painter discount of $300
$4.199 per person ($800 fully refundable deposit*)
15 - 21 September 2024
Book Now to save your spot! Discount $300 for returning people and non-painters.
Terms and Conditions, including our refund policy, are located on the Book Your Tour page.
Dates and pricing
Private transfer to and from Brindisi, BDS airport (*see time stipulations)
6-night hotel accommodation, breakfast included at https://www.borgoterra.com/
6 dinners - 5 lunches beverage included
Welcome Aperitif with the artist
Opportunities to meet local artists and artisans
Private workshop with the Aloe plant
Boat day trip and lunch by the seaside
Day trip to Otranto
Wine, extra virgin olive oil and food tasting
Private studio at Palazzo Micali
All activities for “non painters” included in the itinerary
Exclusive week-long class Jacqueline Sullivan
Week-long private guide with Certified International Sommelier
whats included
ITINERARY 15 - 21 SEPTEMBER 2024
DAY 1
-Arrival (*Brindisi BDS is the recommended airport). In our commitment to making your traveling experience to Puglia as easy and convenient as possible, your host, Piero Pagliardini, will meet you at the airport (*see time stipulations) and escort you to the hotel
-Take time to settle in, unpack and explore before we all meet up. The hotel is within walking distance of shops, markets, restaurants, and village life unspoiled by time.
-Jacqueline, and our host and native Italian, Piero Pagliardini, will welcome you over drinks and give an overview of the week to come. Then pizza time! Enjoy the best pizza in town in an authentic Italian pizzeria. End the night with a stroll, a nightcap, and a good night’s sleep.
Day 2
-Wake up to the smell of pastries and espresso. Enjoy a local breakfast at the hotel followed by our first full studio day painting class with Jacqueline. Landscape session.
-Break for a light lunch in the village center (aka in Italy – two courses only).
After lunch, time to relax or work independently on your project, followed by afternoon studio class with Jacqueline.
- After class, we will explore village life, the “Antica Terra” charm. Learn about Martano’s traditions, spanning over centuries, including its castle, the old Palazzos and the fascinating Menhirs.
Non painters will have the opportunity to discover the Grecìa Salentina: scenic drive to visit nearby villages, to sit with the locals for an espresso and gelato. With Piero you will never get bored!
- Time to relax then group dinner at one of the best restaurants in town!
Day 3
- Enjoy a local breakfast of cappuccino and pastries at your hotel.
Full studio day painting class with Jacqueline!
- Non painters will venture out for a visit of the Trulli, the traditional dry stone huts with a corbelled roof. We’ll go to visit Alberobello. (1 hr drive) . Lunch in Alberebello!
- Painters break for lunch and more studio time in the afternoon.
- Late afternoon private Aloe plant workshop
-Dinner in one of the best restaurant in town!
Day 4
- Grab your swimsuit and sunscreen: a boat day trip to the seaside is awaiting you!
Enjoy the marvelous sea in Puglia: this unpolluted and crystal clear water will take your breath away. We will be able to explore the coastline from an other point of view, while sipping a nice glass of wine, and taste outstanding grilled fish made by the local fishermen. Then, time to unwind on a sandy beach, with a gelato or an aperitif.
- Dinner in town
Day 5
- Leisurely morning and breakfast at the Hotel.
- Full studio day. Usual break for lunch then return to the studio for your class with Jacqueline ! We will finish up our paintings and review lessons shared.
-Non-painters we will visit the west coast. on the Ionic side. Completely different landscape from the coast of the day before, here soft sandy beaches. Visit to Gallipoli! Return in the afternoon for relax time.
- Late afternoon will visit a typical masseria, where olive oil, wine and other traditional Apulian products are produced. You will taste them all and try to decide which one is your favorite! Dinner at the Masseria
Day 6
-Breakfast at the hotel followed by half studio day! Last day of class with Jacqueline! We will finish up our paintings and review lessons shared.
-Break for lunch at the hotel restaurant.
-Free afternoon to relax and say hello to the new friends! Time to pack at the hotel.
-Meet that evening for a farewell dinner where we will raise a glass (or two, or three!) to our week in Puglia. Cin-cin! Cheers! And a warm salute until next year!
Day 7
- Departures (*Please arrange departures for after 4:00 p.m.).
Time Stipulations:
- Pick-ups at BDS Brindisi airport will be offered between 12:00-3:00 p.m. In order to arrive for your flight with ample time, we recommend scheduling departing flights after 4:00 p.m.
- Pick-up and Departures from other locations, or at times outside these parameters can be arranged at an additional fee.
-We recommend booking a night or two in Salento at the end/beginning of your trip to explore this beautiful land and to make your departure/arrival flights more convenient. Please contact us for recommendations.