Experience the Timeless Beauty of Tuscany...
Wildlife Art Retreat in the Heart of Chianti...
Immerse yourself in the beauty, culture and countryside of Tuscany on this exclusive wildlife art retreat hosted by renowned wildlife artist Sarah Stokes.
Your home for the week will be a lovingly restored 15th century Tuscan hamlet reserved exclusively for our guests. Nestled amongst the rolling Sienese hills in the heart of Chianti, the borgo is surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, cypress trees and ancient woodland, creating an inspiring setting that feels a world away from everyday life.
Steeped in history, it was once a medieval village and today retains all of its original Tuscan character. Stone buildings surround a charming central courtyard where breakfast is served on warm autumn mornings, while beautifully restored rooms feature exposed beams, terracotta floors and timeless rustic elegance. For one wonderful week, this enchanting corner of Tuscany will be exclusively ours.
Whether you're travelling on your own or with a friend or partner, you'll soon feel part of a welcoming group brought together by a shared love of wildlife and art.
Throughout the week, Sarah and the supporting team will guide you through a series of wildlife painting projects inspired by Tuscany itself. Full details of the programme will be announced soon, but subjects are expected to include the striking European bee-eater and one of the region's beautiful deer species. With three experienced artists on hand throughout the retreat, there will be plenty of individual guidance, encouragement and support, whatever your level of experience.
Alongside the painting sessions, you'll also discover some of Tuscany's most iconic places. Enjoy a guided tour of the magnificent city of Siena, just a short drive away, visit the famous hilltop town of San Gimignano with its medieval towers and artisan shops and spend an evening exploring the beautifully preserved walled village of Monteriggioni before enjoying dinner together within its ancient walls.
Designed to balance creativity with relaxation, there will also be time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Chat with fellow artists over a glass of local wine, relax in the gardens or find a quiet corner to sketch while taking in the timeless beauty of the Tuscan countryside.
The Venue is approximately one hour from Florence Airport and around 90 minutes from Pisa International Airport. A return group transfer from Florence Airport is included, making your arrival and departure as straightforward as possible. This retreat is subject to minimum participant numbers, but with lots of people already on the waiting list, we are confident it will be very popular.
With its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, wonderful food and warm Italian hospitality, Tuscany has inspired artists for centuries. We hope you'll join Sarah and the team for a memorable week of wildlife art, creativity and friendship in one of Italy's most beautiful regions.
Tuscany Art Retreat Itinerary
Take a look at what awaits you during this wonderful week in Tuscany. From inspiring wildlife art tuition and time to develop your skills, to exploring medieval towns, enjoying delicious Italian food and soaking up the beauty of the Chianti countryside, every day has been carefully designed to offer the perfect balance of creativity, culture and relaxation.
Whether you're an experienced artist or picking up a paintbrush for the first time, Sarah Stokes and the supporting team will be on hand throughout the week, providing plenty of individual guidance, encouragement and inspiration in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
Please note that the itinerary may be subject to minor changes due to local conditions or operational requirements.
Day One
Guests will be met at Florence Airport and Florence Santa Maria Novella Railway Station (fixed timings) and transferred to the venye. Transfer Time Approximately 1 hour. Upon arrival, guests can settle into their rooms, explore the beautiful grounds and enjoy their first taste of Tuscan hospitality. Evening Welcome drinks Introduction to the week with Sarah Stokes and the Olive & Plum team Overview of workshops and excursions Dinner at the venue.
.png)
Day three
Painting & Siena
Morning Wildlife Art Workshop
Continue your wildlife painting with Sarah.
Morning refreshments.
Lunch
Afternoon Painting Session
Continue painting before heading out later in the day.
Afternoon & Evening – Siena
Depart after lunch for Siena.
Enjoy a guided walking tour of this magnificent medieval city before having free time to explore, browse the shops or simply soak up the atmosphere.
Dinner together in Siena before returning.
Day five
Painting & San Gimignano
Morning Wildlife Art Workshop
Morning refreshments.
Lunch
Afternoon Wildlife Art Workshop
Continue painting before heading out.
Late Afternoon & Evening – San Gimignano
Depart at approximately 4.00pm.
Spend the evening discovering the famous medieval towers, artisan shops and beautiful piazzas before enjoying dinner together in this UNESCO World Heritage town.
Return to venue.
Day seven
Final Painting Day & Gallery Evening
Morning Wildlife Art Workshop
A final opportunity to complete your paintings and receive individual feedback from Sarah.
Morning refreshments.
Lunch
Afternoon
Time to add the finishing touches and prepare artwork for the evening.
Gallery Evening & Celebration Dinner
Our final evening celebrates everything achieved during the week.
Guests will display a selection of their favourite artwork before enjoying a farewell dinner together, reflecting on a wonderful week of creativity, friendship and discovering Tuscany.
Day Two
Wildlife Art & Monteriggioni
Following breakfast, guests will enjoy a gentle guided walk through the surrounding countryside. The estate lies alongside the ancient Via Francigena pilgrimage route and is surrounded by woodland, meadows and traditional Tuscan landscapes. Depending on the season, guests may spot butterflies, birds of prey, wildflowers and perhaps even roe deer. This walk offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in the Tuscan environment and appreciate the wildlife, flora and natural beauty that surrounds the estate. Sarah will then introduce the first wildlife subject of the week, with demonstrations and plenty of individual tuition. Sharon Gibson will be on hand throughout the day to offer encouragement and one-to-one support.
Lunch At the venue.
Afternoon Wildlife Art Workshop
Continue developing your first painting.
Evening – Monteriggioni
Depart around 5.00pm.
Spend the evening exploring one of Tuscany's best preserved medieval villages. Wander the ancient streets, browse artisan shops or enjoy an aperitivo before dinner together inside the historic walls. Return to the venue.
Day four
A Day to Create
A full day dedicated entirely to wildlife art.
Morning and afternoon painting sessions with Sarah, supported throughout by Sharon Gibson.
Morning refreshments.
Lunch.
Evening – Tuscan Pizza Party
Relax with a fun pizza evening at the borgo, enjoying authentic Italian pizza in the company of fellow artists.
Day six
A Day to Paint
A full day devoted entirely to wildlife art.
With uninterrupted time at the easel, Sarah will guide guests through the next stage of their wildlife paintings while Sharon provides plenty of individual support and feedback.
Morning refreshments.
Lunch
Evening – Tuscan Pasta Party
Gather together for a relaxed pasta evening celebrating traditional Tuscan cuisine and wonderful company.
.jpg)
Day eight
Breakfast A final breakfast before departure. Transfers Transfers will be provided to: Florence Airport (approximately 1 hour) Florence Santa Maria Novella Railway Station (approximately 1 hour)
The art experience of a lifetime
Throughout the week, renowned wildlife artist Sarah Stokes will lead a series of inspiring wildlife painting sessions, sharing her techniques through demonstrations, step-by-step tuition and plenty of practical advice. Sarah will be supported throughout the retreat by artist Sharon Gibson, who will be on hand to offer individual guidance, encouragement and assistance, ensuring everyone receives plenty of personal attention as they develop their skills.
Painting sessions will take place in a spacious teaching room or, weather permitting, in the beautiful courtyard, where you'll paint beneath the Tuscan sky surrounded by centuries-old stone buildings and the peaceful atmosphere of this historic hamlet. With only a handful of carefully planned excursions during the week, there will be plenty of dedicated time to relax, paint and fully immerse yourself in the creative experience.
Inspired by the wildlife of Tuscany, Sarah has designed a programme centred around a carefully selected collection of subjects, expected to include the vibrant European bee-eater and one of the region's graceful deer species. Working primarily in watercolour and charcoal, with other media introduced where appropriate, Sarah will guide you through each project, helping you develop confidence while improving your understanding of colour, tone, texture and the distinctive characteristics of wildlife.
Whether you're joining us as a complete beginner or already have experience, you'll be encouraged to work at your own pace in a friendly and supportive environment. By the end of the week, you'll head home with a collection of artwork, new techniques and lasting memories of a wonderful week spent painting in the heart of Tuscany.
On our final evening, we'll celebrate the week's achievements with a relaxed gallery evening, where everyone will have the opportunity to display their artwork, reflect on their progress and enjoy seeing the wonderful variety of work created throughout the retreat.
During this inspiring wildlife art retreat, Sarah will guide you through a range of techniques designed to help build both your confidence and artistic skills. While the final programme is still being developed, you can expect to explore topics such as:
-
Developing accurate drawing and observation skills.
-
Understanding shape, tone, colour and composition.
-
Learning Sarah's approach to painting wildlife in watercolour, charcoal and other selected media.
-
Creating convincing textures, from feathers and fur to natural landscapes.
-
Building confidence with colour mixing, brushwork and mark-making.
-
Simplifying complex subjects into manageable, enjoyable stages.
-
Capturing the character, movement and personality of wildlife.
-
Adding depth, atmosphere and natural backgrounds to your paintings.
-
Working from high-quality reference photographs to create finished wildlife artwork.
-
Receiving individual feedback and guidance to help you develop your own artistic style.
-
The final painting programme and wildlife subjects will be announced nearer the retreat.
Price & What's Included
The price of your Tuscany Wildlife Art Retreat includes seven nights' accommodation with exclusive use of this enchanting 15th-century Tuscan hamlet throughout your stay.
Whether you're travelling on your own, with a friend or as a couple, you'll enjoy a wonderfully relaxed week combining expert wildlife art tuition, authentic Tuscan hospitality and visits to some of the region's most beautiful medieval towns.
Your Retreat Includes
Wildlife Art Tuition
-
Daily wildlife art workshops, demonstrations and tuition with renowned wildlife artist Sarah Stokes.
-
Personal support throughout the week from artist Sharon Gibson.
-
Plenty of dedicated painting time in the beautiful surroundings.
-
Access to a private WhatsApp group approximately two weeks before departure.
Accommodation
-
Seven nights' accommodation with exclusive use of the estate.
-
Choice of Standard, Superior, Deluxe or Suite accommodation (subject to availability and room category booked).
-
All bedrooms feature private ensuite facilities
-
Full access to the gardens, courtyard, swimming pool and communal areas throughout your stay.
Food & Drink
-
Daily breakfast.
-
Light lunches on painting days.
-
Homemade cake with tea and coffee during morning painting sessions.
-
Welcome drinks on arrival.
-
Dinner each evening, including:
-
Dinner
-
Traditional Tuscan Pizza Party.
-
Traditional Tuscan Pasta Party.
-
Group dinner in Monteriggioni.
-
Group dinner in Siena.
-
Group dinner in San Gimignano.
-
-
Water, soft drinks and a selection of local wines served with evening meals.
Excursions
-
Guided walking tour of Siena with an experienced local guide.
-
Visit to the medieval hill town of San Gimignano.
-
Evening visit to the beautifully preserved walled village of Monteriggioni.
Transfers
-
Return group transfers between Florence Airport and Borgo Gallinaio at the designated transfer times.
-
Return group transfers between Florence Santa Maria Novella railway station and Borgo Gallinaio at the designated transfer times.
Workshop Facilities
-
Tables, chairs and basic workshop equipment.
-
Use of water pots and paper towels during painting sessions.
Additional Information
If you have any dietary requirements or food allergies, please let us know before you travel so we can cater for your needs wherever possible.
Note: if you are bringing a non-participating partner, they will get everything in the package except the art workshops.
Not Included
-
Flights.
-
Transfers outside of the fixed group transfer times.
-
Travel insurance (mandatory).
-
Art materials (a recommended materials list will be provided before the retreat).
-
Drinks and refreshments purchased outside those included with the programme.
-
Personal expenses and souvenirs.
-
Optional activities not listed within the itinerary.
Got any questions?
Location & Travel
Getting to Tuscany
The nearest airport is Florence Airport (FLR), approximately one hour from Borgo Gallinaio. We also offer collection from Florence Santa Maria Novella Railway Station for guests arriving by train.
For those travelling from elsewhere in Europe, Pisa International Airport (PSA) is approximately 90 minutes from the borgo and provides an excellent alternative. Guests arriving into Pisa will need to make their own way to the venue or to Florence to join the group transfer.
Included Transfers
A complimentary return group transfer is included from both Florence Airport and Florence Santa Maria Novella Railway Station at the designated transfer times on arrival and departure days.
Full transfer details, including recommended flight and train arrival times, will be provided once your booking is confirmed.
