Painting Tours: Italy – Tuscany
Don't be a tourist.
Be our guest.
Be our guest.
For centuries artists have drawn their inspiration from the Tuscan landscape. This trip not only conjures paintings of superb Renaissance art and landscapes famous for its rolling hills, olive groves, cypress trees, winding vineyards and grand estates but also tastings of local products like wine and olive oil in the Chianti region. The cherry on the cake will be the visit of the superb Renaissance town of Siena.Day 1: Welcome Reception
We will pick you up at the Florence airport. Upon your arrival at our hotel located in the sublime Chianti countryside, you will have time to settle in, explore the private park around the villa, take a walk in the hills or even dive in the pool. 
In the evening, you will enjoy a welcome reception followed by a delicious dinner.
Days 2, 3 & 7: Under the Tuscan Sun from our Homestay
The Chianti area in Tuscany is one of the most beautiful in the whole region. It offers a unique landscape, with green, gentle hills covered with wide fields of vineyards and olive groves, small stone villages, characteristic parishes and countryside homes in stone.
You can view it all from the estate where we are staying. No need to drive anywhere. You will have endless painting vignettes to paint. 
Wine is one of Italy’s delights.
Our agriturismo is a wine and olive oil producer. We will have a chance to visit the cellar and of course taste wine and olive oil.
This domain is an exquisite location, so characteristic of the Chianti region.
Day 4: Medieval and Renaissance Town of Certaldo
Certaldo is one of Tuscany’s most evocative hill towns enclosed in its 13th century walls.
The city still retains traces of its majestic past which gradually unfurls as you wander through the narrow streets to discover a palace, a church, a cloister, a convent,
Away from the tourist crowd, you will enjoy the peace and quiet of this wonderful medieval village. Numerous painting vignettes await you in this gem of Tuscany.
Certaldo’s charm lies in its historical patrimony. At the end of the day, why no visit the palace of Certaldo? Or you may prefer a glass of wino with gelato.
Day 5: Spectacular City of San Gimignano
San Gimignano is one of the most beautiful towns in Tuscany: gorgeous walled medieval architecture with 14 towers tall enough to be visible from miles around.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990, San Gimignano will offer you endless opportunities for painting.
We will paint the village from the countryside, surrounded by grapes and olives and no other tourists around. We have found the perfect spot! 
Afternoon: You can choose to paint in the village or do some shopping: leather, gelato and local products including safran and the famous white wine, the Vernaccia di San Gimignano.
Day 6: Enchanting City of Siena
Siena is one of the principal cities of Tuscany, known throughout the world for its famous horse race, Il Palio.
Since we will be spending the day in Siena, you will have time to do some painting and some visiting of this beautiful city.
We will start the day painting an incredible view of the city.
You will then have free time for lunch and to explore on your own. Don’t miss : Piazza del Campo, the Duomo in Siena, or the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, one of the most outstanding examples of Romanesque-Gothic church in Italy. The Duomo was built to impress and it does. the Palazzo Pubblico contains many works of Sienese art. The Torre di Mangia provides a breath-taking view of the city. Inside are an astonishing number of busts, statues, frescoes, and painting. The octagonal marble pulpit by Nicola Pisano is amazing, as are the works by Donatello, Bernini, and Michelangelo.
Day 8: Departure
It is time to say Arrivederci! But don’t worry – you’ll be back. We just know it! After our last breakfast together, we’ll drive you to the Florence airport.
Not scheduled in 2020.
Accommodations: Stunning Estate in Tuscan Countryside
Nestled in the marvelous Tuscan countryside, surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and lush blooming meadows, the estate is the perfect place for our painting workshop.
The estate boats an excellent location, in the heart of Tuscany, 25 miles from Florence and Siena, allowing us to become acquainted with the artistic, historical, natural and oenogastronomical wonders of this region without having to drive long distances.
The estate houses rooms and apartments with timber ceilings with exposed beams, “cotto” floors; they are also furnished with rural art decor, according to the country style of the tuscan tradition and perfectly respectful of the atmosphere of the place.
The apartments have a full kitchen, a living room and 2 bedrooms with either shared bathroom or en-suite bathroom.
The rooms in the main villa all have en-suite baths.
We will allocate either rooms or apartments based on availabilties.
The estate is an active olive oil and wine producer overlooking the unforgettable landscape of Valdelsa crossed by vineyards, olive-groves and regular rows of cypresses.
It offers many terraces, one swimming pool and a productive wine cellar.
Gourmet Food and Possibility of a Cooking Class
The Estate has its own chef, Frederica. She has has been cooking in well known cooking schools.
The estate is an agriturismo, meaning proponent of 100% local and organic. The chef makes a special effort to create recipes made from the ingredients supplied mostly on the estate or by producers located less than 100 miles away. The refined cuisine of Frederica based on fresh, seasonal and organic local product is an invitation to take a culinary journey into the Tuscan cuisine.
If you are interested in learning some Tuscan recipes, Frederica will be more than happy to give you a cooking class (2 persons minimum, 75 euros per person).
How to Book
To Make Your Reservation for a French Escapade Tour please follow the steps below and review our Cancellation Policy:
1
Check Availability
Send us an e-mail to check availability. Include the dates of the workshop you are interested in (not just the destination since we do have several workshops at the same location) and the number of people you will be reserving a spot for.
2
Submit Registration Form and Send $600 Deposit
After receiving confirmation of availability, complete and submit the Reservation Form and send your $600 deposit
3 methods of payment:
- pay by check, (if you live in Canada, it needs to be a money order), payable to French Escapade LLC, 2389 Blackpool Place, San Leandro, CA 94577
- pay by wire transfer (let us know and we will provide you with our account number)
- pay by credit card using www.paypal.com (3.5% convenience fees applies)
3
Receive Confirmation
We will send you a written confirmation of your reservation along with an information package for your trip (info about pick up and drop off, recommended insurance, name of a travel agent, what to bring, etc…). Do not make any travel arrangement before we tell you that the trip has a guaranteed departure.
4
Submit Remaining Balance
Your remaining balance is due 90 days prior to departure. Make sure to review below our cancelation policy in case you need to cancel the trip.
Cancellation Policy
| If you cancel the trip: | Cancellation Fee per Person |
|---|---|
| More than 90 days before departure | The $600 deposit is forfeited (however $500 can be transferred-only one time-to another trip with a departure date within 2 years of cancelation date) |
| 61-90 days before departure | 50% of total cost forfeited |
| 31-60 days before departure | 75% of total cost forfeited |
| 0-30 days before departure | 100% of total cost forfeited |
| If French Escapade cancels | You get a full refund |