Our Retreat Italian painting holidays are aimed at all levels. Each day, there are demonstrations given by your experienced tutor who has over 25 years’ experience teaching painting to at all levels of ability. Your tutor will assess each participants’ skill level to tailor instructions and demonstrations to individual learning needs. The program is flexible and adaptable to the nature of the group to make for a fun and relaxed learning experience for everyone. At the end of the course, you will have produced a body of work to be proud of. Read about a typical day at our Italian Painting Holiday venues.

Beginners can relax because the demonstrations are thorough and detailed, there is on site assistance at all times and your tutor will encourage you with constructive advice along the way.

Intermediates can engage and excel at their level and gain insight into areas that maybe new to them or need to be practiced with guidance.

Advanced level students will enjoy the benefit of equipment and studio without the hassle of extra luggage! Whilst your instructor will give critique in any aspects of your work that could be improved, you can enjoy the demonstrations and feel free to improvise with your own skill set.

Yoga, Cooking and other activities. Some of our courses offer a combination of painting and drawing with other activities. Those are pitched at all levels of ability and provide an opportunity to engage in a more learning and well-being activities for a more intense retreat experience. Tutors of extra activities are all fully English-speaking and have years of teaching experience in their fields.

We welcome non-painting guests on all our courses and can come along on all painting trips, excursions, enjoy the many activities the area has to offer or simply relax, soak up the atmosphere or go for walks. Read more on what non-painters can do at The Retreat.

Travelling by yourself in Italy is easy and there are many convenient and transport options to get around by yourself. We provide all the information you need for arriving at your retreat and for making it easy to plan for your arrival and on-ward journey. We are always happy to assist with suggestions and ideas for those guests who are making a stay with us part of a tour around the country. Many of our guests attend a course by themselves to enjoy engaging in an activity holiday where they can enjoy the company of like-minded people. We also welcome many friends, couples and families on our courses.

Most dietary requirements are catered for, including vegetarian, non-dairy or non-gluten and vegan. We also accommodate exclusions for religious reasons. Important is to state your requirements on the registration form provided at the time of booking.

We provide a fresh healthy diet of varying meals each day sourced from local produce.

At The Retreat guests find hair-dyers, towels and linen, and a selection of essential toiletries provided.

Wi-Fi is available for guests use, so that you can easily stay in touch with loved ones.

It is not necessary to bring equipment or materials. Quality equipment including brushes, drawing equipment, fixative, paints (watercolour, oils, acrylics),canvas, paper,  pots, pallets, easels and carry boxes and trolleys are all provided for the duration of the course. Parasols, easel weights, tables, easel shelves and turpentine etc as well as a spacious studio equipped with day-light lighting make for a quality learning environment at The Retreat. We literally have everything an artist needs.

We accept a maximum of 8 painters on our courses to ensure maximum attention to all participants. Classes sizes run usually on 6-8 painters with extra non-painting partners.

There are plenty of beautiful countryside walks to scenic locations around The Retreat, a library, swimming pool, and some sports equipment for guests to use. After painting sessions, there is always time to relax on the terraces before enjoying an apertivi with the other guests to talk about the day’s achievements.

Car hire is not necessary during any painting, cookery or yoga courses at the Retreat.

Private B&B and self-catering apartment guests (available outside course dates only) will need a car, as this is accommodation rental only.

Each course listing on the website has recommended airport arrival destinations. With provide a detailed booklet with comprehensive information on how to plan for your arrival, what to pack, useful links, and more upon booking. We are always happy to help and assist with specific questions in these matters.

Of course! All tutors and acting agents connected with the Retreat speak English as do the other guests.

Just send an email or fill out the contact form on our website with your preferred course and preferred room option. We will send you a booking form with all details.