Painting Holidays in Puglia
Nicknamed the heel of Italy, Puglia, in Italy’s warm south, offers a charming laid-back atmosphere. The sun-baked land is dotted with fortified castles and whitewashed trulli, Puglia’s distinctive conical-shaped dwellings, and carpeted with a silvery sea of ancient olive groves. It also has an incredibly rich natural larder. The area produces most of the country’s extra virgin olive oil, excellent full-bodied wines and is famous for intensely flavoured olives, almonds and figs. Other specialities include orecchiette pasta, seafood risotto, fava beans and burrata, the supremely creamy cheese similar to mozzarella. You won’t go hungry between your painting holiday sessions here in Puglia.
Sights to savour with your artistic eye include the turquoise sea and long sandy beaches, as well as 13th-century Swabian castle, the city of Lecce’s Baroque churches, the hillside views from Specchia and Otranto cathedral’s amazing mosaic floor, the work of a 12th-century monk. There’s plenty of inspiration for sketching and painting, with help and advice from our resident tutor.
Villa Accommodation
Villa Ortelle is an stunning masseria situated in the heart of Ortelle, surrounded by tradition and history. Originally a 19th century farmhouse, that has been lovingly restored in the last few years and now is a stunning mix of traditional and modern - a perfect oasis to relax. The garden has been decorated with Mediterranean plants and flowers and the stone of Lecce is as always the main feature.
Your Holiday Price Includes:
- 5 days painting tuition on and-off site with our experienced painting tutor.
- Private, en-suite accommodation with pool.
- All meals and wine, including 2 meals at local restaurants.
- Visits to local towns as per itinerary Lecce, Otranto and Specchia
- Transport throughout stay in private minibus.
- Group airport transfers*
- No single supplement
* Provided you are able to meet them. Please ask for transfer times.
Dates for 2025
Reserve your holiday by paying a deposit of £599 today.
| Date | Price | Availability | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 May - 18 May | £1899 | Sold Out | |||
| 18 May - 25 May | £1899 | Sold Out | |||
| 1 Jun - 8 Jun | £1899 | Sold Out | |||
| 8 Jun - 15 Jun | £1899 | Available | Ask a question » | ||
| 15 Jun - 22 Jun | £1899 | Available | Ask a question » | ||
| 22 Jun - 29 Jun | £1899 | Available | Ask a question » | ||
| 7 Sep - 14 Sep | £1899 | Available | Ask a question » | ||
| 14 Sep - 21 Sep | £1899 | Available | Ask a question » | ||
| 21 Sep - 28 Sep | £1899 | Sold Out | |||
| 28 Sep - 5 Oct | £1899 | Available | Ask a question » | ||
| 5 Oct - 12 Oct | £1899 | Available | Ask a question » |
Painting in Puglia - Itinerary
Day 1 - Group transfer to the villa.
Benvenuti! Welcome to Puglia! You will arrive at the villa where you can settle in, meet your teacher, chef and host. You have the afternoon to relax and explore your surroundings followed by welcome drinks. Dinner this evening is at the villa, prepared by your chef.
Day 2 - Your first painting session: watercolour techniques.
This morning you have your first sketching and painting session with your teacher. This will include discussing the course outline, aims and expectations and getting started. In order to draw, the artist must “see” and your teacher will get you “seeing” and drawing with some practical exercises in beautiful surroundings! The session will be followed by lunch prepared by your chef. The afternoon is yours to continue sketching and painting, or to relax by the pool. Dinner is prepared for you at the villa.
Day 3 - A visit to Specchia to take in the views.
After breakfast, you will head to Specchia, built on a hilltop position, characterized by noble palaces, historic churches and narrow streets. You will return to the villa for a delicious lunch and then will the afternoon with your tutor to work on your technique. Dinner will be at villa prepared by your chef.
Day 4 - Painting session, followed by visit to Castro.
This morning, another painting lesson with your teacher before lunch at the villa. This afternoon, you’ll visit Castro where you’ll have a chance to sketch and explore, enjoy an aperitivo whilst taking in the atmosphere with the locals. You will then return to the villa for dinner.
Day 5 - Spend today relaxing by the pool or painting.
Today’s lesson will take place after breakfast and you will develop your watercolour and drawing skills in another painting session with your teacher. The afternoon is yours to continue painting, or to spend relaxing around the villa and pool. Dinner tonight is at the villa.
Day 6 - A day trip to explore Lecce, Puglia’s most splendid city, plus a stunning local cathedral.
Following breakfast, you’ll have some time to continue with your paintings or relax by the pool. After lunch you’ll be leaving for an afternoon sight-seeing, firstly to Lecce to enjoy a walking tour around the “Florence of the South”. This undiscovered gem hides a wealth of beautiful architecture – it’s even known as the Pearl of the Baroque. You’ll have time for some sightseeing (don’t miss the Roman Amphitheatre or the Basilica di Santa Croce), and some shopping before dinner at a local trattoria.
Day 7 - Spend today relaxing by the pool or painting.
Today is your final day of drawing and painting, with time to finish off your works and relax at the villa. Later this evening, we’ll have an exhibition of your artwork to the group, followed by a special farewell dinner prepared by your chef.
Day 8 - Breakfast before our transfer back to Brindisi Airport.
After breakfast, your transfer will collect you and return you to the airport. Arrivederci!
* Please note the itinerary is subject to change depending on the weather.
No Single Supplement
A room to yourself. We never charge a single room supplement.
Solo Traveller Friendly
Over 70% of our guests travel solo taking advantage of our no single supplement policy.
Travel Information
Download Our Holiday Brochure
Our brochure includes detailed holiday itineraries, dates and prices, experiences shared by fellow travellers, profiles of our team in Italy, and travel tips.
If you might be interested in activities other than Painting, you can find out more about the Pilates, Cooking, Photography activity holidays that we offer in Puglia.
All your questions answered
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