On DAY 8 of our TUSCANY & VENICE TOUR this July: Sunday : We will take a short road trip to Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis, who founded the Franciscan religious order in 1208. Take your time, relax at a cafe in front of the Basilica, or go in, see the art of Caravaggio, take some quiet time to reflect in the church or for some photography and sketching in the beautiful court yards. This is my favourite thing to do… avoid the crowds, sit on the side lines and people watch. Plan ahead, freeze a bottle of water to carry with you and find a shaded spot to pull out that sketch book and a 6B pencil! Some students bring watercolour pencils (just add water later at the infinity edge pool at our Vecchia Valdigatti Country House). While the history buffs take in a tour, we artists take in the architecture and religious icons.