june 13 - 20, 2026
tuscany
8 day art retreat

$4,800 Inclusive 8-Day Price
$1,200 Deposit to hold your space. Register with link below.

Join an immersive painting retreat in Tuscany focused on plein air practice, historical techniques, and artistic development. The retreat begins in Florence at Villa Fiorale. We will visit Michelangelo’s David and the Uffizi Gallery, followed by travel to the historic estate of La Torre alle Tolfe just outside of the hilltop city of Siena with an Italian guide.

Participants will paint on location the Chianti countryside, working in gouache and oil while engaging with the landscape and light that shaped Early Renaissance art. An additional half-day workshop introduces traditional Sienese techniques of egg tempera and gold leaf gilding in the city of Siena. Plein-air instruction emphasizes observation, composition, value, and color relationships, supporting the development of an individual artistic voice.

Artist Fotini Christophillis bring 20 years of teaching and studio experience, combining instruction with an exploratory approach. Optional activities in Florence may be offered before or after the workshop.

The price includes accommodation, transportation, daily hotel breakfasts, and four dinners which cover the welcome dinner in the city center of Florence as well as final celebratory dinner with wine tasting. Meals (other than those listed), painting supplies, and airfare are NOT included. Partners are welcome; additional days are available for an extra charge.

OVERVIEW

This immersive painting retreat is based in a historic estate and diversified organic farm and winery La Torre alle Tolfe, a 10 minute drive from city centre of Siena, overlooking the rolling hills of Tuscany. This unique retreat reflects the culture and history of the area and is interwoven with painting and art history excursions throughout the Chianti countryside and within the city centers of Siena and Florence. The program is designed for beginners, intermediate, and practicing artists interested in working from direct observation in an intimate and invigorating setting.

Participants will receive personalized instruction and feedback while developing technical skills and confidence working on site. Each day will be lively and fun, while ensuring that artists return home with a cohesive body of work in oil and gouache.

ART FOCUS

This workshop is designed for those seeking the depth made possible by an extended retreat in a welcoming and supportive environment. Participants will work on location, supported by experienced instructors and a small group of like-minded artists. 

The program balances art-making in an engaging, flexible atmosphere. Artists will receive individualized feedback tailored to their experience level. Goals will be met with technical growth and a personal visual language. A materials list will be provided upon registration by May 1st. Any questions are welcome. Contact Fotini Christophillis by email fotinipaintings@gmail.com.

SIENA AND THE CHIANTI COUNTRYSIDE

Siena, a principal city of Tuscany and a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the heart of the Early Renaissance and is known internationally for Il Palio horse racing. Painting locations include views of the city’s historic medieval architecture and surrounding countryside.

Optional guided tours of Siena will explore local art history and architecture, including the Duomo of Santa Maria Assunta and Piazza del Campo. Morning and afternoon painting sessions will focus on rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves, and cypress trees.

ACCOMMODATION

Upon arrival in Florence, you will be met at the airport followed by a group transfer to the Villa Fiorale, the enchanting 15th century Medici Hunting Lodge. The estate is fully preserved with original features, set among olive groves and Italian-style gardens on the hills above Florence, a 7 – 10 minute drive from the city center. We provide pastries and coffee in the morning and a welcome dinner in the city center of Florence.

Then participants will stay in the historic villa of La Torre alle Tolfe, overlooking the rolling hills of Tuscany. The estate includes comfortable and spacious accommodations, a restaurant, a seasonal pool, tennis and bocce courts, sustainable vineyards and olive groves, and stunning views of the Tuscan gardens, the Medieval tower of Le Tolfe, and the Siena skyline.

Each room in the villa has its own particular style and is decorated with traditional and period Tuscan-style furnishings from the family collection. Art and tradition are infused throughout the entire villa property.

The Ristorante La Torre alle Tolfe, the property’s on-site restaurant, will provide daily delicious breakfasts, three group dinners, and other optional meals. The restaurant offers seasonal menus of the local Tuscan traditions using only fresh and local products, simply prepared to ensure that the quality and flavors are at their very best.

This will be an ideal environment to immerse into the plein air painting experience, reconnect with nature, and experience the beauty of Chianti.

Fotini Christophillis - HOST AND ARTIST INSTRUCTOR

Fotini Christophillis has over 20 years of experience teaching artists of all levels internationally and throughout the United States. She emphasizes a supportive and relaxed environment combined with focused instruction, so students feel comfortable to take risks and develop their artistic voice. Her individualized approach connects with each student’s needs and interests, encouraging students to make discoveries and build confidence while developing their technical skills.

She has taught for multiple semesters as an adjunct professor with the University of Georgia’s studies abroad program in Cortona, Italy, teaching painting in the field, museums, and historic studio spaces. She brings her passion and expertise for painting, art history, Italian culture, and travel together in this retreat program..

(Read more about her work and background [HERE].)

MARCO CARATELLI - GUEST ARTIST INSTRUCTOR

Marco Caratelli, born in Siena in 1979, is a graduate of the Istituto d’Arte in Siena and specializes in traditional Sienese painting techniques. His work focuses on egg tempera and gold leaf gilding, following methods described by Cennino Cennini in the 14th century.

He is known for recreating Biccherne panels and gilded icons, using aged wood and pure gold leaf, preserving the materials and techniques of medieval and Renaissance Siena.

(Read more about his work and background [HERE].)

Plein air painting and urban sketching

The retreat emphasizes thoughtful approaches to composition, value, light, and form while encouraging experimentation and personal interpretation. Participants will learn strategies for documenting travel experiences through sketchbooks and on-site painting.

Optional urban sketching sessions in Siena will focus on architecture, space, and gesture, supporting immediacy and observational accuracy. Through direct engagement with place, artists will develop work that reflects an authentic sense of presence.

DETAILS & PRICING

8 days & 7 nights

• Inclusive Retreat Price: $4,800 for shared room occupancy*, $6,000 single room occupancy
• Deposit to hold space: $1,200
• Final balance due by May 15th, 2026
• Participant with non-painting companion: $6,800 for shared room
• Max # Guests – 8

*Guests traveling alone can choose a roommate for a shared room or we match up based on guest profile.

Fotini is in Italy February 20 – April 20 securing accommodations, researching painting sites, and confirming all program activities and logistics.

INCLUDED

• All transfers from/to Florence airport, from Florence to Siena, and all program excursions
• A gift of a travel sketchbook with gouache upon arriving
• Accommodations
• Daily breakfast
• Four dinners including a welcome dinner and celebratory closing dinner and wine tasting
• Daily art instruction
• Art history activities
• Guided tours of area
• Wine tastings
• Materials for workshop with Marco Caratelli
• Tips & taxes

Not INCLUDED

• Airfare
• Most art supplies
• Most lunches and some dinners
• Travel insurance

Optional ACTIVITIES

• Art history in Siena - guided walking tour, museum visits, Cathedral, etc
• Cultural activities in Siena, local market, and free time

Itinerary

Day 1 – Welcome to Florence
Arrive in Florence and transfer to the Villa Fiorale. Settle in and enjoy a special welcome dinner with aperitivo in a restaurant in the city center Florence. Each attendee receives a travel sketchbook and gouache field set.

Day 2 – Florence & Siena
Morning walking tour of Florence’s historic center, including the Duomo, followed by visits to the Uffizi and Accademia Museums to see Michelangelo’s David. After visiting the museums, we will shop at Zecchi art supply store in Florence before departing for Siena with Italian guide and driver. Evening arrival La Torre alle Tolfe and dinner on your own.

Day 3 – Siena City Centre
Breakfast at villa property. Brief morning art history walk through Siena’s City Centre.

Half-day workshop with Italian artist Marco Caratelli, learn the traditional techniques of the Early Renaissance of gold leaf gilding and egg tempera. Workshop to also include travel sketchbook gouache painting or free time in Siena.

Optional group dinner in Siena at a local favorite restaurant recommended by artist Marco Caratelli.

Day 4 – La Torre alle Tolfe
Breakfast at villa property. Morning gouache demo by Fotini and painting session. Lunch provided on site for purchase. Afternoon oil demo and painting session. Coffee/tea break with light snacks. Group dinner at The Ristorante La Torre alle Tolfe.

Day 5 – La Torre alle Tolfe
Breakfast at villa property. Enjoy another day of plein air painting: gouache in the morning, oils in the afternoon. Lunch provided on site for purchase. Coffee/tea break with light snacks. Group dinner at The Ristorante La Torre alle Tolfe.

Day 6 – La Torre alle Tolfe & Siena 
Breakfast at villa property. Morning plein air painting with optional lunch provided on site purchase. Afternoon options in Siena include guided art history tour or independent exploration. Golden hour apertivo sketching in Piazza del Campo. Evening free and dinner on your own in Siena.

Day 7 – Torcibrencoli Winery & Closing Celebration at the Villa
Breakfast at villa property. Final plein air painting excursion to Torcibrencoli Winery, with lunch provided on site for purchase with complimentary wine tasting. Closing celebration at La Torre alle Tolfe which includes golden hour group aperitivo and art sharing, followed by dinner at The Ristorante La Torre alle Tolfe with local wine tasting.

Day 8 – Departure
Farewell breakfast at villa property and transfer to Florence for departures...extended stay optional.

INFORMATION

For any questions, please contact:
Fotini Christophillis
fotinipaintings@gmail.com