By Dawn-Angela Seeley, Artist, Instructor & Tour Facilitator

So, for those of you who own cottages, and who have known me for many years, you will recall I always said that I would never go back to the same vacation place twice? And yet, once I found my second home in Italy, where my spirit is happy, I have been back for 16 years! So now I get it — why cottagers go back every summer to open the cottage, spring clean, prepare for the summer family gatherings, maintain a second abode and close it up every Fall. You found your place where the landscape is familiar and your spirit is at peace.  Now I get it!

Here is what we will be doing on DAY 1 of our TUSCANY & VENICE TOUR: July 1, at  8am., in the coolness of a Tuscan morning, we will visit a local farmers market & breakfast in the Medieval village of Monterci. An optional Painting Workshop will be held on-location while the non-painters browse the market wares and select fresh local produce to prepare an evening meal. This is what the Italians call “gastronomy“.

Hot? Escape the midday sun and return to our 18th century country house for an afternoon at Vecchia Valdigatti’s infinity-edge pool, surrounded by the Appenine Mountains, enjoying a simple Tuscan picnic. I will teach an optional Great Compositions Workshop for PHOTOGRAPHERS & ARTISTS. Kids will learn how to take a great photograph for their Tuscany portfolio. After dinner, a local church concert in the moonlight. Itinerary? We have itineraries for adults and separate ones for kids to enjoy the cultural experience of a lifetime with local Italian friends. Much more than Pizza & Gelato! Contact me for itineraries: artist@artonlocation.ca.

(Watch for my next blog: Meeting the Friendly Tuscan Wolf! In person!)