Itinerary for your photography holiday at The Old Olive Press

Below is an typical itinerary for your Photography holiday, however the locations may change depending on the size of the group, age of participants, if they have been here before and factors such as weather.

Itinerary

Day 1

  • When you arrive at Pisa airport we will be there to meet you. We will then transport you to Terenzano by mini-bus or car arriving in the village in time for lunch.
  • Once you have settled into your accommodation a light lunch will be served in the courtyard followed by a welcome and run through of the weeks activities. You will then be free to explore the village and surroundings.
  • If you enjoy ‘wild swimming’ there are some wonderful locations nearby; a trip to the cascade will make a refreshing change.
  • Pre-dinner aperitivo with drinks and nibbles will be served early evening in the courtyard, followed by dinner.
Picture of the cascade; a lovely natural pool and waterfall

Day 2

  • Continental breakfast.
  • The morning will be spent around Terenzano with tuition.
  • For lunch we will take you to ristorante Spino Fiorito, a lovely traditional restaurant a short drive away in Reusa. After lunch we will visit the village of Codiponte where there is a delightful Romanesque church.
  • The rest of the afternoon will be spent around Terenzano, with one-to-one tutorials by request.
  • Aperitivo followed by dinner.

Day 3

  • Continental breakfast.
  • After breakfast we will take you to the nearby town of Verrucola.
  • Lunch will be at ristorante Il Castello, a superb local family run restaurant.
    After lunch you will continue around Verrucola, with tea and coffee available from ristorante Il Castello.
  • Transportation back to Terenzano, with option to stop at Fivizzano en-route.
  • Free time. Relax by the pool, go for a stroll through the olive groves...
  • Aperitivo followed by dinner.

Day 4

  • Continental breakfast.
  • Transport to Fivizzano. Tuesday is market day in Piazza Medicea. You will spend the morning around Fivizzano, with individual tuition.
  • Lunch will be at Osteria Il Sogno.
  • The afternoon can be spent around Fivizzano, with tea and coffee available from one of the many local bars.
  • Transportation back to Terenzano.
  • Free time.
  • Aperitivo followed by dinner.
Picture of the town of Verrucola with its dominating castle

Day 5

  • Continental breakfast.
  • After breakfast we will take you to Il Convento dei Carmine. The Convent is a fine venue with its frescoed cloister and extensive grounds. You will spend the morning around the monastery. Lunch will be a picnic in the grounds of the monastery followed by tea or coffee.
  • The afternoon will be spent around the monastery, with individual tuition.
  • Transportation back to Terenzano for tea, coffee and cake.
  • Free time.
  • Aperitivo followed by dinner.

Day 6 - Non-tuition day

  • Continental breakfast.
  • We will drop you off at Aulla railway station where you will take a direct train to Lucca, the journey should take one and a half hours and the ticket is included in the cost of your course.
  • Morning and afternoon sightseeing in Lucca. Lunch is not provided for, but you will be able to buy your own lunch or a snack at one of the many bars and restaurants around the city.
  • Train back to Aulla early evening.
  • Aperitivo followed by dinner.

Day 7

  • Continental breakfast.
  • Monte dei Bianchi is a 30 minutes drive from Terenzano, a small mountain village with remains of a monastery and a recently restored monastic vineyard. You will spend the morning around Monte dei Bianchi, with individual tuition.
  • For lunch we will take you to Albergo Ristorante Da Remo, a highly rated restaurant a short drive away in Monzone.
  • Transportation back to Terenzano for tea, coffee and buscuits.
  • Free time.
  • As its your last evening, we will take you out for pizza in Fivizzano. After dinner you can go for a stroll, enjoy an icecream or even a digestivi in one of the many local bars.
Ex-convent of Carmine cloister
Painters sitting down for lunch as Spino Fiorito

Day 8

  • Early Continental breakfast.
  • Depart for Pisa Airport shortly after breakfast at around 7 am. If your flight is leaving later in the day, you are able to leave your luggage at Pisa Airport and spend a few hours sightseeing in Pisa. There is a shuttle service (People Mover) which departs for Pisa Centrale every few minutes.

The emphasis is on enjoying the painting process in an informal, friendly atmosphere, and as part of a group. The workshop is suitable for absolute beginners to experienced painters. It is an ideal chance for those who have dabbled and would like to learn a little more.

We can cater for dietary requirements and are more than happy to accommodate any special dietary needs you may have. Please let us know when you book.

What to bring

Your tutor will inform you before the course with a suggested list of materials. The following will be provided for you, if necessary:

  • Portable chairs
  • Water bottles

As for clothing, the weather is likely to be warm but it can rain, so a waterproof will be advisable. Good walking shoes are essential.

soft toy wolf sitting on a comfy double bed Accommodation Image of the chapel at Monte dei Bianchi Local Info Our logo. Hand drawn picture of The Old Olive Press Programme