This tour is designed to give the participants the opportunity to intimately explore and photograph in and around Cortona , one of the true jewels of the Tuscan “hill towns.” Cortona, which is often called the “City of Art,” has its origin as an Etruscan city that pre-dates Roman times with sections of its walls dating back some 2500 years. As is typical of Tuscan hill-towns, Cortona is a walled city that, for purposes of defense, was built atop a prominent geographical point. The stone buildings and streets not only have the romance, style, and charm that are particular to Tuscany, but also speak of the lives and times Cortona has witnessed. Our excursions to Pienza & Montepulciano as well as Montalcino & the Val d'Orcia & Val d'Arbia and Lake Trasimeno (in Umbria) will give the participants an opportunity to photograph in these locations, broadening their understanding and appreciation of life in central Italy. The workshop is designed for all levels of photographer. Workshop taught in English and Italian. Read more about this workshop below...
Picture Yourself...
among the sights and sounds of beautiful and romantic Tuscany & Umbria: olive groves, vineyards, centuries-old buildings, winding streets, texture and vibrant sunlight.
Feel Yourself...
in the warm ambiance of Cortona, overlooking Lake Trasimeno and the Val di Chiana, originally fortified by the Umbrians, claimed by the Etruscans, touched by the Renaissance, almost unchanged for centuries, one of Tuscany's jewels.
Experience...
the joy of photography in a relaxed and inspiring atmosphere with the camaraderie of a small group of learners.
Enjoy...
great Italian food, delightful wines, new friends, breath-taking vistas, history and the hospitality of the people of Cortona.
All-inclusive enrollment options include: Instruction on location Escorted group travel Florence to Cortona & return**** Seven nightsthree-star accommodations in historic Cortona**
Local museums and events
All meals***(Italian breakfast, lunch & dinner) Daily wine tasting opportunities
Day trips to Montepulciano & Pienza, Lake Trasimeno, Montalcino, Val d'Orcia & Val d'Arbia
A farewell wine tasting dinner
**Included with "Hotel" plans only, see details
***Included with "Group Meal Plans" only, see details
****Specific departure time only; to be announced *All-inclusive plans are Hotel plans only. Air travel is the responsibility of each participant. Florence (FLR) is the suggested arrival and departure airport in Italy.
Villa Santa Margherita proud partner of Toscana Americana Workshops since 2003
About Cortona...
Cortona is one of the true jewels of the Tuscan “hill towns.” Cortona, which is often called the “City of Art,” has its origin as an Etruscan city that pre-dates Roman times with sections of its walls dating back some 2500 years. As is typical of Tuscan hill-towns, Cortona is a walled city that, for purposes of defense, was built atop a prominent geographical point. The stone buildings and streets not only have the romance, style, and charm that are particular to Tuscany, but also speak of the lives and times Cortona has witnessed. An encounter with Cortona is an encounter with music & art, with history and with spirituality. Getting to know this timeless city is a real rediscovery of our past. Cortona offers testimony to its history as well as an enchanting view of the landscape enclosed by Lake Trasimeno and the Apennine mountains.
Itinerary
Day 1– Arrival in Cortona
-Arrival and Check-in in Cortona at Hotel.
-7:00p Welcome to Cortona wine and chocolate tasting at La Saletta.
-8:00p Evening dinner in Cortona
Day 2 - Pienza & Montepulciano
-9:00-1:00p Morning Session
-1:00p Lunch
-3:00-6:00p Afternoon Session
-7:30p Wine tasting TBA
-8:00p Evening dinner in Cortona
Day 3 - Cortona -9:00-1:00p Morning Session: Upper Cortona
-1:00p Lunch
-3:00-6:00p Afternoon Session: Lower Cortona
-7:30p Wine tasting TBA
-8:00p Evening dinner in Cortona
Day 4 - Val d'Orcia & Montalcino & Val d'Arbia
-Day trip to with lunch provided
-7:30p Wine at TBA
-8:00p Dinner in Cortona
Day 5 - Cortona
-9:00-1:00p Morning Session
-1:00p Lunch
-3:00-6:00p Afternoon Session
-7:30p Wine at TBA
-8:00p Dinner in Cortona
Day 6 - Cortona
-9:00-1:00p Morning Session
-1:00p Lunch
-3:00-6:00p Afternoon Session
-7:30p Wine at TBA
-8:00p Dinner in Cortona
Day 7 - Lake Trasimeno & fishing villages
-Day trip to with lunch provided
-7:30p Wine at TBA
-8:00p Dinner in Cortona
Day 8 – Cortona
-Morning Check-out and departure from Cortona or we can help you plan an extended stay!
Note: Toscana Americana reserves the right to alter this itinerary. All times are approximate
What to bring...
Participants are required to provide their own camera(s), lenses, memory cards and tripod. We also suggest a laptop computer with preferred viewing and editing software. If shooting film, provide your own film suitable for a week of photography. Developing is available in Cortona though requires a few days service. No dark room studio service is available for participantuse. Some of items may also be purchased at photography shops in Cortona and Florence.
Note: Do not pack prohibited items in carry-on-luggage! They will be confiscated. Bring your smallest, lightest weight version of each item. Remember that you will need to carry your own gear as we travel from one painting location to another.
