Cultural Activities
In addition to your lessons, master classes, and rehearsals, you also have the opportunity to select from a range of curated cultural activities. Some are included for participants and some you may select for a fee. See below to add to your experience!
INCLUDED FOR STUDIO AND FESTIVAL PARTICIPANTS (Guests May Add):
Held at the Villa on Via Santa Lucia #59 on the evening of July 6, we welcome everyone with fabulous pizza from La Gustea Cucina. Yes, this is an actual photo of their pizza! Included for all Studio and Festival Participants. Guests and Visiting Artists may purchase.
We will provide you with tickets for 3 different attractions in Sarteano: the Castle dating from 1100 AD, the town’s impressive Civic Archeological museum and entrance tickets to the Beccafumi Art gallery. You may explore these sites at your leisure or visit the castle with a guided group from the Festival. Included for Studio and Festival Participants. Any other guest participant may add this activity. $15/p.
Enjoy a day trip to the cliff-top town of Montepulciano, famous for its wines, local shopping and amazing views. The bus trip is included for all Studio and Festival Participants. Guests or Visiting Artists may purchase.
Enjoy one last group dinner after the final concert on July 19th! This extensive dinner includes multiple courses (appetizers, pizzas, main dish, dessert and wine) under the stars at Locanda dei Tintori Ristorante. Included for Festival Artists. Studio Artists who are staying in town, Visting Artists, and Guests may add this activity.
Cultural Activities that ALL may add:
If you join the group on our day trip to Montepulciano, you may also choose to enjoy a discount on a multicourse meal (wine, pasta, main course, and dessert!) at the legendary Cantina Gattavecchi that boasts cellars dating back to Roman times! This activity includes multicourse meal and visit to the underground cellars! And don’t worry - the winery can ship! :)
Enjoy the thermal baths in the nearby city of Chianciano! Dedicated to Theia, the mythological mother of the Moon goddess Selene, the Chianciano thermal baths boast multiple indoor and outdoor pools, water jets, whirlpools, a wellness center with a sauna and a Turkish bath. Their waters come from the thousand-year-old Sillene spring source. Includes evening spa entrance, buffet dinner with wine, live music, and shuttle transportation. Reservations are planned for Saturday evenings. Subject to availability. Adults only. Also offered July 17.
Enjoy the thermal baths in the nearby city of Chianciano! Dedicated to Theia, the mythological mother of the Moon goddess Selene, the Chianciano thermal baths boast multiple indoor and outdoor pools, water jets, whirlpools, a wellness center with a sauna and a Turkish bath. Their waters come from the thousand-year-old Sillene spring source. Includes evening spa entrance, buffet dinner with wine, live music, and shuttle transportation. Reservations are planned for Saturday evenings. Subject to availability. Adults only. (also offered July 10)
WED JULY 7 Trip - Week 1 - The Garden of La Foce, considered one of Italy’s most beautiful private gardens, was conceived to enhance the Renaissance house and expand the spectacular view over the valley of the Orcia and Mount Amiata. The harmony between buildings, garden and nature makes La Foce an ideal example of Tuscany's architectural and cultural evolution in the 20th century. Shuttle provided. Any participant may add this activity. https://www.lafoce.com/en/garden. Also offered July 14
Join us for a guided Pietraporciana Nature Reserve Hike! Trail options for beginner and more experienced hikers. Enjoy shaded paths, epic forests, and a wonderful view from the top of the mountain. Trail hike approx 1-1.5 hours. Multicourse Garden Lunch with wine to follow! 20 min Shuttle ride included. https://www.visittuscany.com/en/attractions/pietraporciana-nature-reserve/
Any participant may add this activity. Also offered July 18.
The Tomba della Quadriga Infernale, is an ancient burial site is famed for its stunning frescoes and intricate decorations that offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Etruscan people. We will enjoy a guided tour of the site which includes multiple underground tombs and stunning vistas of the surrounding valley. Study shoes recommended. Shuttle provided from town. Any participant may add this activity. $15/p.
Join us for a guided Pietraporciana Nature Reserve Hike! Trail options for beginner and more experienced hikers. Enjoy shaded paths, epic forests, and a wonderful view from the top of the mountain. Trail hike approx 1-1.5 hours. Multicourse Garden Lunch with wine to follow! 20 min Shuttle ride included. https://www.visittuscany.com/en/attractions/pietraporciana-nature-reserve/
Any participant may add this activity. Also offered July 11.
FOR JULY 14 (second week participant) The Garden of La Foce, considered one of Italy’s most beautiful private gardens, was conceived to enhance the Renaissance house and expand the spectacular view over the valley of the Orcia and Mount Amiata. The harmony between buildings, garden and nature makes La Foce an ideal example of Tuscany's architectural and cultural evolution in the 20th century. Shuttle provided. Any participant may add this activity. https://www.lafoce.com/en/garden. Also offered July 7.
The Tomba della Quadriga Infernale, is an ancient burial site is famed for its stunning frescoes and intricate decorations that offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Etruscan people. We will enjoy a guided tour of the site which includes multiple underground tombs and stunning vistas of the surrounding valley. Study shoes recommended. Shuttle provided from town. Any participant may add this activity. $15/p.