Description:
Carmen Gardner’s artistic celebration of Maui is a luminous tribute to the people, special moments and natural beauty that, together, make Maui “no ka oi.” "When folks ask me why I paint, I've wondered myself at the answer . . . what should I say? Because it brings me joy? Because I want to share that joy with others? The answer comes to me every time I pick up a brush. Every time I mix a color or watch pigment mingle on the canvas . . . I realize then, it is about the process. For me, the deeper meaning in what I paint, lies in my passion to share the Maui we treasure: The greens are greener here, the ocean bluer, the skies full of drama and light . . . Maui is teaching me to see. I hope to continue learning to view Maui not only through the eyes of an artist, but through the eyes of her beautiful people, and that I may one day come close (as Georja O’Keeffe once said) to “adequately saying with color and shapes that for which I have no words.
$3,799 per person ($800 fully refundable deposit*)
new dates October 22-27, 2024
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Terms and Conditions, including our refund policy, are located on the Book Your Tour page.
Dates and pricing
Private transfer to and from Bologna, BLQ airport (*see time stipulations)
6 night accommodation with breakfast at the charming B&B www.ilparcoducale.it all bedrooms ensuite (NO supplement for single)
6 dinners - 5 lunches beverage included
Opportunities to meet local artists and artisan
Private truffle hunt
Private cooking class at Mulino della Ricavata + wine tasting
Entrance to the church of the Dead
Private trip to San Marino
Private trip to Assisi
Private transfer to the National White Truffle Festival
All activities for “non painters” included in the itinerary
Exclusive week-long class with Carmen Gardner
Week-long private guide with Certified International Sommelier
whats included
22-27 october - itinerary
DAY 1
-Arrival (*Bologna BLQ is the recommended airport). In our commitment to making your traveling experience to Le Marche as easy and convenient as possible, your host, Piero Pagliardini, will meet you at the airport (*see time stipulations) and escort you to the B&B.
-Take time to settle in, unpack and explore before we all meet up. The hotel is within walking distance of shops, markets, restaurants and village life unspoiled by time.
-Carmen, and our host and native Marchigiano, Piero Pagliardini, will welcome you over drinks and give an overview of the week to come. Then pizza time! Enjoy the best pizza in town in an authentic Italian pizzeria. End the night with a stroll, a nightcap, and a good night’s sleep.
DAY 2
-Wake up to the smell of pasties and espresso. Enjoy a local breakfast at the hotel.
-In the morning we will explore village life, including a visit to the famous “Church of the Dead” and other historical sites. Learn about Urbania’s traditions, spanning over centuries, including its rich ceramic art culture.
-Break for a light lunch in the village center (aka in Italy – two courses only).
-Afternoon in the studio with Carmen.
Non painters, in the afternoon, have the opportunity to discover Sant Angelo in Vado, a town rich in history (e.g. the Roman Villa called “The Domus of Myth,” culinary traditions, and beautiful churches, to name a few!). Scenic drive to visit nearby villages to sit with the locals for an espresso and gelato. With Piero you will never get bored.
-Time to relax then group dinner at La Braveria, one of the best restaurants in town!
DAY 3
-Enjoy a local breakfast of cappuccino and pastries (or le paste) at your hotel.
-Day trip to Assisi, home of St. Francis, the patron saint of Italy. In a loose yet structured manner, we’ll wander the main squares and churches of this enchantingly spiritual city.
-Group lunch followed by an optional afternoon handcrafted watercolors workshop with Gallo Colors (A. Gallo Colors - Acquerelli Artigianali (agallocolors.com) . This workshop is offered as an add-on at an additional price.
-Return home for a relaxing dinner with carefully selected wines and good conversation!
DAY 4
-Leisurely morning and breakfast at the B&B.
-Grab your passports! Day trip to San Marino, one of the world’s smallest countries, hidden within central Italy. San Marino, set atop Mount Titano, 2,480ft above sea level, is said to be the world's oldest surviving republic. The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Carmen will start the trip with a lecture on taking reference photos. Then time to explore the city and buy souvenirs. Back in the afternoon free time and relax!
- Back at the “Braveria” restaurant. By this point, you will know why!
DAY 5
-Breakfast at the hotel
-- Ready for a TRUFFLE HUNT with a professional local guide. Our seasoned truffle hunter, Andrea, along with his dog, Pialla, will lead us on an autumn walk through the forest in search of truffles. Mud boots provided. If hiking isn’t your thing, spend the morning painting in the studio, shopping, relaxing in a café and exploring local treasures in the village.
Light lunch all together!
In the afternoon be ready for a unique experience!Cooking class with one of the best local chefs in Urbania to make “pasta fatta a mano” and other traditional courses. Our class will be held in the spectacular Mulino della Ricavata, a 12th century mill that will leave you breathtaken. Private wine pairing.
DAY 6
-Leisurely morning and breakfast at the B&B.
Breakfast at the hotel followed by a morning STUDIO time!
Last day of class with Carmen! We will finish up our paintings and review lessons shared. Break for lunch at the hotel restaurant, then back to class. We will finish up our paintings and review lessons shared.
· Time to wash up and then head into town for the opening of the National White Truffle Festival! Once a year, the town airs out its old wine cellars and turns these secret rooms into re-purposed wine bars. Float from one wine cellar, or cantina, to the next, enjoying the variety of local and national wines paired with savory truffle-based delicacies.
· Free afternoon to explore and enjoy the festivities
Meet that evening for a farewell dinner where we will raise a glass (or two, or three!) to our week in Le Marche. Cin-cin! Cheers! And a warm salute until next year!
DAY 7
- Depart the B&B at 10:00 AM. It is a two-hour trip to the Bologna BLQ airport (*Please arrange flight departures for after 2:00 p.m. in order to have enough time at the airport for check-in and security.).
Time Stipulations
-Pick-ups at BLQ Bologna airport and Bologna Centrale Train Station will be offered between 12:00-3:00 p.m.
-Departures at BLQ Bologna airport and Bologna Centrale Train Station will be offered from 12:00 noon onward. In order to arrive for your flight with ample time, we recommend scheduling departing flights after 2:00 p.m.
- Pick-up and Departures from other locations, or at times outside these parameters can be arranged at an additional fee.