JOHN COSBY is an american impressionist painter
"While standing on location in a place I have never visited, I begin to recognize what is different about it from all the other places I have been. I try to capture that, the uniqueness," says Cosby
When you paint a scene in any medium there are many decisions that need to be made, both before and during the execution of the painting. In my years of teaching I have found that growth comes most quickly from both in studio and outside instruction, skills that are best delivered in the studio environment and then applied in nature. We will be studying the landscape, architecture and people of this wonderful hill town and the surrounding area. I will present a design and color talk and with animated graphics and lecture to build your understanding of how to control the eye in a painting. I will also teach through Demonstration at my easel and a lot of personal attention at yours. Painting requires making many decisions and if you have the tools to implement them you can capture the look you want in your work, I do my best to put those tools at your disposal.
Refer to the website for details but this 7 day trip will have 5 days of painting and instruction plus some interesting side trips. We will take most meals as a group.
Look forward to sharing this special time with you and your plus one if you bring one.
With his bold contemporary style Cosby has captured the imagination of some very important collectors. His work can be found in many private, public and corporate collections around the world. Cosby is recognized internationally. Currently there is a documentary being made about Cosby’s life adventures and accomplishments. This will be released in late 2022 or early 23
You can find out more about John Cosby https://www.cosbystudio.com/
$5,799 per person ($800 fully refundable deposit*)
for our non-painter or returning people discount contact us at italianatours@gmail.com
4-13 October, 2025
Book Now to save your spot!
Terms and Conditions, including our refund policy, are located on the Book Your Tour page.
Dates and pricing
Private transportation to and from Brindisi BDS airport to Martano (please check our time stipulation on day 10)
9 nights accommodation with breakfast at the charming hotel https://www.borgoterra.com/ all bedrooms ensuite (NO supplement for single)
9 dinners 6 lunches with full beverage service, including wine
Welcome aperitif with John and Piero
Entrance to the ………
Private studio at stunning Palazzo Micali
Opportunities to meet local artists
Private trip…………….
Private …………………………..
Visit and wine tasting at winery …………………
Private ……………………………
Private transportation on all excursions
Exclusive 10 days with John Cosby, 19 hours of workshop guaranteed + plein air sessions
All activities for “non painters” included in the itinerary!
Week-long private guide with Certified International Sommelier Piero
whats included
2025 itinerary
Day 1
-Arrival *Brindisi BDS is the recommended airport. We recommend booking a night or two in Brindisi at the end/beginning of your trip to explore this beautiful city and to make your departure/arrival flights more convenient. Please contact us for recommendations.
- In our commitment to making your traveling experience to Salento 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.
- John, and our host and native Italian, Piero Pagliardini, will welcome you over drinks and give an overview of the 10 days 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.
- Will have the opportunity to discover the Grecìa Salentina: scenic drive to visit nearby villages. Sit with the locals for an espresso or gelato. With Piero you will never get bored.
-Break for a light lunch in the village center (aka in Italy – two courses only).
That afternoon 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.
-Time to relax and then meet back up for a group dinner at one of the best restaurants in town!
Day 3
- Wake up to the smell of pastries and espresso. Enjoy a local breakfast at the hotel followed by our first studio painting class with John 9-12:00pm
- 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! Return late afternoon.
-Break for a light lunch (aka in Italy – two courses only).
- Afternoon Plein Air session with John in a truly authentic location, 2-5:00pm. *plein air locations are carefully selected to be near basic amenities such as public restrooms and establishments to buy water.
- Time to relax then group dinner at one of the best restaurants in town!
Day 4
-Wake up to the smell of pastries and espresso. Enjoy a local breakfast at the hotel, followed by a morning workshop with John! 9-12 noon
-Non-painters we will visit the west coast. on the Ionic side. Completely different landscape from the coast of the weast side, here soft sandy beaches called the Maldive of Italy. Opportunity to visit Gallipoli on your own. Piero will provide transportations and logistic info. Return in the afternoon for relax time.
-Break for a light lunch
-Afternoon studio class with John 2-5pm
- Dinner in town. One of our favourites!
Day 5
-Leisurely morning and breakfast at the B&B.
-Full studio day with plein air. Morning Plein Air session near the studio. 9-12 noon.
-Usual break for lunch
Afternoon continues with the workshop with John. 2-5 pm
- Non painters, grab your passports! We’ll take a trip to San Marino, one of the world’s smallest countries, hidden within central Italy. San Marino, set atop Mount Titano, 2,480ft above sea level, is said to be the world's oldest surviving republic. The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will have time to explore the city as well as find a secret spot where we can enjoy a delicious lunch.
-Meet that evening for an another amazing dinner back at the Braveria. By this point you will know why!
Day 6
-- Enjoy a local breakfast at the hotel (have you tried the chocolate pastries yet?), followed by a leisurely stroll through the traveling open-air market. Explore the shops, booths, and flower boutiques, while nibbling on samples of olives, cheese and porchetta. This is a fan-favorite and great opportunity to stock up on souvenirs!
- Meet for a drive through the Le Marche countryside for a trip to Cartoceto, a village famous for the best and only DOP olive oil imported from Le Marche. We will visit the inimitable Vittorio Beltrami and his famous Gastronomia. Lydia Bastianich has called Beltrami “The Einstein of Cheese”and not just because he looks like Albert Einstein but because he is a genius cheese maker. His pecorino di fossa - a sheep’s milk cheese wrapped in grape leaves and buried under stone for 90 days is indescribably intense, earthy, and like nothing you have ever tasted. From the cheese cellar, we’ll walk over to his shop where the family Beltrami will prepare us an in-depth sampling of cheeses, cured meats, and breads, along with wine pairings and house made sweets. Lunch included!
-Return and relax. For painters, opportunity to work independently on your project
Non painters, free afternoon. Ask Piero for suggestions.
-Group dinner in town at “L’ Armonia one of the most popular restaurants.
Day 7
- 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 multiple points of view, while sipping a nice glass of wine and delicius aperitif. Then, time to unwind on a sandy beach for a luch at the marveoulus Laghi Alimini and relax for the rest of the day.
- Return to our location. Dinner in town
Day 8
- Enjoy breakfast with lots of coffee at the B&B.
- Get ready for your last class with John to review and disccuss your projects. 9-12 am
-Lunch on your own
- Then we will travel to Sant’Angelo in Vado for the Grand Opening of the National White Truffle Festival. Free time to wander the streets, viewing local artists, musicians, and cooking shows. Visit old wine cellars, aired out and transformed into pop-up bars, for a glass of local wine and sampling of fresh truffles.
-We will regroup for a classic truffle dinner (non-truffle items will be available).
Day 9
- Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the B&B.
-Then we’ll head back to the Truffle festival for free time and lunch on your own. Ask Piero for an itinerary of the day’s events, which can include street performers, cooking demos, and much more!
- Return to our homebase late afternoon for a group aperitif and farewell dinner where we will raise a glass (or two, or three!) to our week in Marche. Cin-cin! Cheers! And a warm salute until next year!
Day 10
- - We recommend booking a night or two in Brindisi at the end/beginning of your trip to explore this beautiful city and to make your departure/arrival flights more convenient. Please contact us for recommendations.
- 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.