Painting Holidays in Umbria
Group Painting Holidays for Solo Travellers in Umbria, Italy
What does every artist need? A muse, of course. And, for travel enthusiasts, there’s no better inspiration than natural beauty, and while all of Italy is picture-perfect, the lush greenery of Umbria is something special.
Umbria is known as the ‘green heart’, sitting right in the middle of Italy as the only region that doesn’t border another country or the coast. This gives visitors a unique glimpse into Italian culture, offering what some say is the most authentic experience. Just like its next-door neighbour Tuscany, Umbria is incredibly verdant, with an undulating landscape offering spanning views of farmland, olive groves and greenery, all the way to the horizon.
This earthly oasis is interspersed with medieval hilltop towns and historic sites, making it a unique place to capture on canvas. The effect that Umbria has on artists is nothing new this place has long been home to influential creatives throughout history and while it may not be as famous as Tuscany (which we think is a good thing!) it does have an incredible portfolio of art-filled galleries of its own, as well as ancient architecture and jaw-dropping churches.
Take Orvieto Cathedral, for example, a site you’ll visit on your trip to Umbria with us, which proudly showcases Luca Signorelli’s Apocalypse. This fresco was studied by Michelangelo before he painted the Sistine Chapel and depicts a powerful end-of-world scene that has survived centuries. Here, you can pick up your paintbrush in the same towns where some of the world’s best artists have walked and worked, under the guidance of our experienced tutors and alongside fellow Flavours guests.
All experience levels are welcome on our painting holidays in Umbria, from those who have never even doodled on the back of a napkin, to those who have been painting for years. We work with some brilliant tutors who are able to lead the group as a whole, as well as work with you individually.
Throughout our painting holiday, we’ll be staying in a gorgeous, authentic farmhouse that sits at the centre of a family-run farm. Not only does this accommodation offer a gorgeously authentic experience, but it also boasts jaw-dropping views (more inspiration for you!), an outdoor pool, and even a spa. As always, you’ll have your own room and an en suite, as well as freshly cooked Italian dishes every day, courtesy of your private chef.
Villa Accommodation
Villa Tesoro is a family-run farm at the crossroads of Tuscany, Lazio, and Umbria. This hidden treasure in the heart of the Italian countryside is the perfect destination to enjoy the best that all 3 regions have to offer. With a pool and spa this converted farmhouse does not disappoint.
Your Holiday Price Includes:
- 5 days painting tuition on and-off site with our experienced painting tutor.
- Private, en-suite accommodation with pool.
- All meals and wine, including 2 meals at local restaurants.
- Visits to local towns as per itinerary
- Transport throughout stay in private minibus.
- Group airport transfers*
- No single supplement
* Provided you are able to meet them. Please ask for transfer times.
Dates for 2025
| Date | Price | Availability | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 May - 7 Jun | £1899 | Available | Ask a question » | |
| 7 Jun - 14 Jun | £1899 | Available | Ask a question » | |
| 30 Aug - 6 Sep | £1899 | Available | Ask a question » | |
| 6 Sep - 13 Sep | £1899 | Available | Ask a question » |
Painting in Umbria - Itinerary
Day 1 - Group transfer to the villa.
Benvenuti! Welcome to Umbria! Our friendly host will meet you at Perugia airport and introduce the group, before escorting you to the pre-arranged transfer as we head off to Villa Tesoro, an authentic, family-run farmhouse. Be greeted with welcome drinks on the terrace, before some time to unpack and freshen up for dinner at the villa.
Day 2 - Your first painting session
Meet for an Italian-style breakfast with the group before starting your first session with our art tutor. We’ll discuss the course outline, aims, and expectations before starting. Here, you can share your level of expertise with the tutor and begin thinking about what you’d like to work on. Afterwards, we’ll enjoy lunch at the villa thanks to the private chef and the afternoon is yours. Take a dip, stretch out in the sun, or keep sketching, it’s totally up to you. We’ll clink glasses for an aperitivo before dinner at the villa.
Day 3 - A visit to Orvieto
After breakfast, your tutor will use Umbria’s beautiful scenery to demonstrate landscape painting to the group, looking at different ways to mix media, such as watercolour, pastels, and coloured pencils. Get comfortable in the grounds and soak up the villa’s fantastic views. After lunch at the villa, we’ll take an excursion to Orvieto to practise these techniques. That evening, it’s time for another glass of Prosecco and dinner at the villa.
Day 4 - Visit to Pitigliano, Sorano, and Sovana
Day 5 - Painting lesson in the morning, an afternoon to relax or paint some more
After breakfast, as usual, it’s another art lesson with your tutor. We’ll cover the elements of composition and colour, with plenty of time to practise our techniques. Enjoy lunch on the terrace before taking the afternoon as your own. If you haven’t visited the spa yet, be sure to check that out! That evening we’ll have dinner at the villa, created up by your private chef.
Day 6 - Visit to Lake Bolsena
Enjoy your cup of coffee, and then it’s time for a self-led session where we’ll build on what we’ve learned. The tutor will answer questions, help you improve your technique, and offer suggestions. After lunch at the villa, we’ll take an excursion to Lake Bolsena for the afternoon, sketchbooks in hand. We’ll stay into the evening, trying out an independent restaurant for dinner, recommended by the chef. Lake Bolsena
Day 7 - Spend today relaxing by the pool or painting.
For your last full day in Umbria, we’ll start with breakfast as usual before taking the morning to finish your final pieces. After lunch at the villa, take the afternoon to relax – or keep adding those last-minute touches! That evening we’ll gather for an exhibition of our work and take a look at the group’s pieces, discussing what we’ve learned. With a glass of wine in hand, it’s time to enjoy a special, farewell supper.
Day 8 - Breakfast before our transfer back to Perugia airport
After one, last breakfast, we’ll have a little bit of time to get packed up and prepared for the transfer back to Perugia airport. Our host will make sure everyone is checked in safe and sound, before saying goodbye. Until next time!
* Please note the itinerary is subject to change depending on the weather.
No Single Supplement
A room to yourself. We never charge a single room supplement.
Solo Traveller Friendly
Over 70% of our guests travel solo taking advantage of our no single supplement policy.
Travel Information
We have found the best flight options for you to book that will meet our complimentary transfer. Please see the details below to help with your travel plans:
- On the first day of your holiday (not September and October dates), your transfer driver will meet you in the arrivals hall of Perugia Santegidio airport at 10:30 am (Direct flights with Ryanair from London Stansted).
- On the first day of your holiday (September and October dates), your transfer driver will meet you in the arrivals hall of Perugia Santegidio airport at 11:15 am (Direct flights with Ryanair from London Stansted)
- On the final day of your holiday, you will be collected and dropped off at Perugia Santegidio airport by 8:15 am (Direct flights to London Stansted with Ryanair).
Download Our Holiday Brochure
Our brochure includes detailed holiday itineraries, dates and prices, experiences shared by fellow travellers, profiles of our team in Italy, and travel tips.
If you might be interested in activities other than Painting, you can find out more about the Pilates, Cooking, Photography activity holidays that we offer in Puglia.
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