Travel transforms us! Our heightened senses fire up as we explore new places. We find ourselves moving through glorious landscapes to confront renowned works of art that make our hearts pound. This was a remarkable year of travel for me and my adventurous guests! Traveling with like-minded people makes the experience even more special.
Italy is a traveler’s dream. Every time I go, I am looking for the most iconic adventures. I partnered with Danielle Thurston and Trisha Rivera, from T R Luxury Travel. Together, we envisioned an art-driven journey to dazzle the heart and mind. But Danielle and Trisha went much further, including three remarkably grand historic hotels, and incorporating what amounted to and Italian culinary tour. Three specially-selected Historian-guides led the way, providing personality, in-depth knowledge and insight.
Our Itinerary began in the eternal city of Rome. Ruins of the ancient empire, Renaissance villas, Baroque churches and visits to the old Jewish synagogue were highlights of the trip.
The Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, the Vatican and the old Jewish Quarter were just a part of our active itinerary. Seasonal artichokes were served with many of our meals and street-vendors selling chestnuts stood on the corners.
The Tuscan Countryside invokes an emotional response. We visited the well-preserved medieval hill towns of Pienza, Montepulciano, Monteriggioni, San Gimigniano, and stayed in a Renaissance Palazzo in beautiful Siena.
Waking up early to attend art Classes at a Tuscan farmhouse! Learning how to perceive contour, shape and subtlety while painting still lifes in watercolor, followed by wine-tasting, cheese sampling, and prosciutto.
The Renaissance comes to life in Florence. The Galleria dell'Accademia, Uffizi, Palazzo Pitti, Palazzo Vecchio to and San Lorenzo to visit Michelangelo’s Medici tombs are important pilgrimages for art lovers. A guided visit to the great Synagogue of Florence was especially poignant. This was the first Synagogue created by Jewish hands in Europe, completed in 1882.
After thirty years of global travel and over a decade hosting guided Art-Tours to the world’s most beautiful cities, the biggest impression I have is that PEOPLE make each trip memorable. We are left with the deep gratitude we have in our hearts, to be able to take advantage of our health and ability to see the great art of the world.
Learn about our next Art-DrivenTravel Experience by visiting JohnPaulsArtWorld.com
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