New adjusted Spring 2026 dates coming soon!
Wednesday, – Arrival in Cortona
-12:00 noon Depart Florence airport escorted group travel to Cortona
-1:30p Arrival and Check-in in Cortona at Hotel
-Free Afternoon
-6:00p Welcome to Cortona wine and chocolate tasting
-7:00p Evening dinner in Cortona
Thursday, - Cortona
- Morning Session — 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Slide presentation: The Evolution of Abstract Art
•Origins, contemporary directions, and the beauty of personal creative expression
•Introduction to expressive mark making
•Hands-on exploration of tools, texture, and intuitive painting
- 12:30–2:00 PM — Light Lunch
- Afternoon Session — 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
•Finding themes & inspiration for abstract work
•Sketching demo: capturing shape, color, and texture
•Working with graphite, colored pencils, markers, pastels & inks
•Preparing for tomorrow’s plein air sketching excursion
- 6:00 PM – Wine / aperitifs
- 7:00 PM – Dinner in Cortona
Friday, — Day Trip to Siena
- 9:00 AM – Depart Cortona for Siena
•Group exploration of Siena’s architecture, textures & color palette
•On-location sketching: shapes, patterns & organic inspiration
- 12:30 PM — Light Lunch
- Afternoon Sketching
•Working with color—interpreting florals, still life & landscapes abstractly
•Capturing gesture, essence, rhythm, and emotional tone
- 4:30 PM – Return to Cortona
- 6:30 PM – Wine / aperitifs
- 7:00 PM – Dinner in Cortona
Saturday, — Cortona
- Morning Session — 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM
•Mixing harmonious color palettes
•Understanding value: why it matters & how to use it
•Demonstration + guided exercises
- 12:30–2:00 PM — Light Lunch (TBA)
- Afternoon Session — 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
•Abstract painting session
•Exploring color combinations that inspire joy
•Introducing shapes, layers & subtle texture
- 6:00 PM – Wine / aperitifs
- 7:00 PM – Dinner in Cortona
Sunday, — Cortona
- Morning Session — 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM
• Design Elements & Composition
• Slide presentation + hands-on composition exercises
• Reviewing and refining your abstract paintings with a focus on shape, value, balance & focal point
- 12:30–2:00 PM — Light Lunch (TBA)
- Afternoon Session — 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
•Loose floral & still-life sketching
•Translating sketches into abstract paintings
- 6:00 PM – Wine / aperitifs
- 7:00 PM – Dinner in Cortona
Monday, — Pienza & Montepulciano
- 8:45 AM – Depart for day trip to Pienza & Montepulciano
- Morning Session
•Gathering inspirations, textures & color notes in your sketchbook
•Exploring themes: landscapes, architecture, and emotional impressions
- 12:30–2:00 PM — Light Lunch
- Afternoon Session
•Sketching with composition, focal point, texture and color harmony
- 4:30 PM – Return to Cortona
- 6:30 PM – Wine / aperitifs
- 7:00 PM – Dinner in Cortona
Tuesday, — Cortona
- Morning Session — 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM
•Final refinements on your paintings
•Optional one-on-one critique
•Group celebration & sharing of your creative process
•Recognizing how your authentic self emerges through your work
- 12:30–2:00 PM — Light Lunch
- Afternoon — Free Time
Enjoy a relaxed afternoon exploring Cortona, shopping, resting, or packing.
- 7:00 PM — Farewell Wine Tasting Dinner - A special evening together celebrating the week of creativity and connection.
Wednesday, - Checkout & Departure
- 8:00am Escorted group travel departure from Cortona to Florence Airport
Note: Toscana Americana reserves the right to alter this itinerary. All times are approximate.
Note: Transfers are provided only for programmed meals and activities away from the hotel.
Note: All guests are responsible for handling their own luggage/baggage....we suggest to pack light.
Note: No refunds are given for any unused aspects of the itinerary or for any activities outside the above itinerary.