Tuscany

The place where heaven meets earth

Don’t miss this opportunity to paint the Timeless Beauty of Tuscany – With Painting in Paradise, your trusted source for amazing plein air trips!
All-Inclusive Plein Air Retreat to Tuscany, Italy

Featuring four nights at Hotel Castello di Leonina Relais which was once a noble residence. This 13th-century castle is set in Asciano and has beautiful views of the hills. It features a wellness corner, a Finnish sauna and a swimming pool with hydromassage. This hotel is highly recommended by one of our guests who will be attending. She raved about the hotel and how beautiful the grounds were.

3 nights

Hotel FH55 Hotel Villa Fiesole

Situated in the Tuscan hills, the tranquil Villa Fiesole Hotel, a renovated historic house, parts of which date back to medieval times, welcomes its guests with breathtaking romantic views of the historic city of Florence and the surrounding countryside.

Join myself and artist/teacher Saara Knapp for an unforgettable all-inclusive plein air retreat set in the heart of Tuscany. Immerse yourself in the golden light and rolling hills of Italy’s most inspiring landscapes as you paint ancient hill towns, olive groves, and the iconic towers of San Gimignano.

This exclusive retreat offers more than just painting—it’s a full sensory experiences. With panoramic views, gourmet cuisine, and peaceful surroundings, it’s the perfect setting to relax and create.

What’s Included:🎨 painting instruction & demos with Saara Knapp. All locations will be close to restrooms.  🏰accommodations, including nights at Castello Leonina and Villa Fiesole Hotel,

 Tuscan cuisine, drinks and dining experiences. 🚌 All ground transportation to painting sights and activities, snacks and activities.

Whether you're an experienced painter or seeking fresh inspiration, or even a beginner, this retreat offers a rare chance to grow your skills in a truly magical setting—with every detail taken care of.

Limited spots available. Reserve yours now and let Tuscany’s timeless charm awaken your artistry.

About the Artist/Teacher

Saara Knapp is a Finnish-American artist based in Florence, Italy. She is a graduate of the Florence Academy of Art’s full time painting program in 2021 and has now been teaching there for 4 years for their programs.

Saara's works can be found in private collections throughout the world, and she has participated in exhibitions in the USA, Europe, and Asia.

Day 1 June 5

We will meet at 5:00 pm ( or later based on everyone’s arrival plans) at the Hotel FH55 Hotel Villa Fiesole

Hotel for our welcome pizza party.

Day 2 June 6

Breakfast at your leisure

9:00 am

Saara will start with classes on drawing and mixing colors

Lunch and then Plein Air paint the beautiful views at the hotel.

Dinner at hotel or other restaurant

Day 3 June 7

Breakfast at your leisure.

We will explore the Roman ruins in Fiesole and then we will plein air paint.

Dinner will be a cooking class

Day 4 June 8

Breakfast at your leisure.

We will do a portrait painting lesson at the hotel and then pack up and have lunch on site. If you prefer to Plein air paint instead of portraits you may. You may also continue portraits during our Plein air sessions if you choose to do so as Saara has a lot of portrait painting experience.

Then head to Sienna to see the city and have lunch. We will have some time to tour the City of Sienna.

After that, we will head to Casale De Leonina Relais Hotel

Check in at hotel, relax a bit and then meet at the Terrace.

Late afternoon relax on the beautiful terrace at the hotel and take in the amazing Tuscan scenery.

Dinner at Leonina

Evening chocholate walk and explore the grounds of the hotel.

Day 5 June 9

Breakfast at your leisure

Full tourist day of exploring on a tour to Montepluciano.

Go to Montepluciano for some wine and olive oil tasting. Visit the beautiful town and do some shopping. Montepulciano is a charming hill town perched on a 605 m limestone ridge in the province of Siena, southern Tuscany, maintaining its medieval layout blended with Renaissance.

Renowned wines: Montepulciano is celebrated for its Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (a DOCG wine), along with Rosso di Montepulciano and Vin Santo

Dinner back at Leonina

Day 6 June 10th

Breakfast early and off to San Gimignano to tour the town.

We will have lunch here and will have gelato at the famous award winning Gelateria Dondo.

We will then paint at a location outside of the main city at a winery that has wonderful views.

Dinner at Leonina or on the way back.

Day 7

Breakfast at your leisure. Choose between a silver jewelry making class in Chianti where you will make a piece of jewelry to take home, or a pasta and Tirramassou cooking class in Sienna, or enjoy a massage or spa treatment at the hotel. There may be other options as well.

Lunch will be where you are on your activity. Then back to Leonina Relais for a sunset plein air session at Leonina hotel.

Festive last dinner evening

Day 8

Breakfast and viewing of all the paintings and prepare to leave to the airport or an added on journey.

If time permits you can also have a swim or paint a short while on your own.

Lunch will be served before you depart.

We will supply everything needed. Just let us know what medium you will be painting with. It is highly suggested that you purchase something similar to this to carry your paintings home. These are lightweight and you can put this in your luggage so that you will be assured of a safe way to bring your panels home. This one holds six.

https://www.raymar.com/collections/wet-painting-carriers/products/painting-carrier-tiered-track-multi-width

Cost:

2 painters sharing a room $5,695 each, please ask about rate for no l

Single painter $6,759

$2,000 deposit upon booking. Balance due two months prior to the trip.

Rooms are private hotel rooms with private bathrooms with either one bed or two beds.

Please note that travel insurance will be required as this is a non-refundable trip.

Please contact:

Brandon Hughbanks
Senior Travel Insurance Specialist to book your insurance directly. You may also use your own insurance provider if you desire. It must cover the dollar amount and health coverage.

Toll Free:1-866-979-6753 Ext. 3636
Direct: 402-343-3636
Fax: 402-343-9959
CA License # 0I86487

SMS CA License Number 0802699
bhughbanks@travelinsurancecenter.comwww.travelinsurancecenter.com

Also if you would like to have your airline reservations made by a well recommended travel agent you are welcome to call below. She charges $100 per person per ticket.

Julie-Ann Skalko, CTC

CADENCE

7701 Hershel Ave, La Jolla Ca 92037

1-858-551-8881

1-800-92-JULIE

Julie@cadencetravel.com