Painting Holidays in Bologna
Bologna is Italy’s foodie heartland, the centre of an exceptional food-producing region, where some of Italy’s most famous produce is made, including tortellini, Parma ham, Parmesan, and balsamic vinegar. The city itself is a medieval beauty, housing the world’s oldest university and attractive colonnaded streets – great for sketching, or just for wandering, perhaps taking photos to use later. And on our trip to Ravenna, visit churches containing world-famous mosaic art, lit up by cleverly positioned stained-glass windows.
Our base is in the peaceful hills south of Bologna, where you’ll have painting sessions on various aspects of colour, materials and style. Our tutor is used to teaching every level of artist from beginner to accomplished, so no need to worry about how good you are. He’s talented, encouraging and patient. You’ll also have plenty of time to relax and enjoy delicious Italian food and wine in stunning surroundings.
Dates for 2019
| Date | Price | Availability | Enquiry | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jun - 8 Jun | £1599 | Sold Out | ||
| 8 Jun - 15 Jun | £1599 | Sold Out | ||
| 14 Jun - 21 Jun | £1599 | Sold Out |
At a Glance
- Large hilltop villa with a pool, surrounded by outstanding views.
- Day trips exploring historic Bologna and Ravenna.
- Enjoy on-site sketching with our experienced and helpful art tutor.
- Dine on delicious Italian food cooked by a private chef, and also at trattorias.
Your Holiday Price Includes
- No single supplement
- Private, en-suite accommodation
- Experienced painting teacher on site throughout your stay
- 5 days painting tuition with various drawing excursions
- Visits to Bologna, Ravenna
- 2 meals at local restaurants
- All meals and wine
- Transport throughout in private minibus
- Group transfers from Bologna Guglielmo Marconi airport.*
* Provided you are able to meet them. Please ask for transfer times.
Where you're going to stay
Our villa is a beautifully restored large farmhouse, situated in rural Tredozio on top of the highest hill. Enjoy the tranquility and unforgettable views of the surrounding area and the Apennine hills. The sun rises from the Romagnole Apennines to warm up the large swimming pool and al fresco dining area, and sets behind the Tuscan Apennines. The hills stretch endlessly from the villa, and you can easily stroll on nearby tracks, as well as simply relax with a drink in the large garden, gazing at the limitless view. It’s a peaceful painters’ paradise.
Painting in Bologna - Itinerary
Day 1 (Saturday)
Group transfer to the villa from Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport.
Welcome to Bologna! Our Flavours transfer will meet you at the airport and take you to our villa where you can settle in and meet your teacher and chef. Dinner this evening is at the villa, prepared by your chef.
Day 2 (Sunday)
Your first painting session: an introduction to watercolour techniques.
After breakfast, you will have an introductions to watercolours, looking at basic techniques, different kinds of paper, brushes etc. Relax in the afternoon. Dinner is at the villa.
Day 3 (Monday)
A day of painting followed by dinner at the villa.
Demonstration of landscape painting after breakfast, looking at different ways to apply watercolour and mixing media like pastel and coloured pencil. Following lunch, there will be an outing to use the techniques. Dinner is at the villa.
Day 4 (Tuesday)
Explore the impressive city of Bologna today, with lunch out.
After breakfast, you will spend the day exploring Bologna, sketching, sight-seeing or shopping at leisure. Lunch will be at our favourite trattoria in central Bologna. Return to the villa late afternoon for dinner.
Day 5 (Wednesday)
A painting session on the elements of composition and colour.
After breakfast there will be a lesson in the elements of composition and colour. Lunch is served on the terrace. The afternoon is free to enjoy as you wish. Dinner is at the villa.
Day 6 (Thursday)
Visit Ravenna, with the chance to see famous mosaic art, then a trattoria dinner.
A chance today to try a larger and more ambitious work using the sketches and ideas accumulated so far. Following lunch, the afternoon will be spent in the medieval town of Ravenna, known for the colourful mosaics adorning many of its central buildings. You’ll have a chance to explore, sketch and do some shopping before dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 7 (Friday)
Spend today relaxing by the pool or painting, plus a chance to display your work.
A leisurely morning to spend developing your work at the villa. For the rest of your last day, you are free to paint or relax by the pool. Dinner is at the villa with a group show of your paintings.
Day 8 (Saturday)
Breakfast then transfer back to Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport.
After breakfast, you’ll have some time to pack before our driver takes you on our group transfer back to Bologna Airport for your flight home. Arrivederci!
* Please note the itinerary is subject to change depending on the weather.
How to Get There?
Direct flights from the UK to Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport are from London Gatwick or Manchester, although other regional flights are available. For each of our holidays, we provide a group transfer on arrival and departure to Bologna Airport. Our team in the office are happy to advise you on our group transfer times to help with your travel arrangements – simply contact us »
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