Beyond the Yalla Dog

Wine tasting in Chianti

Next wine tasting tours planned monthly Feb-December  - small group prices up to 6 places available at  €75 per head. Larger group prices depend on numbers

The tours are private – we visit selected vineyards in a comfortable new air-conditioned Mercedes 4×4

Tours usually begins 10.00 in Piazza del Carmine and include a trip through the Tuscan country side to the villages of Impruneta, (Terracotta workshop tour included at no additional cost), The capital of Chiantishire,  Greve and a full tour of at least 2 wineries. We return to Florence around 18.00.

Portrait and landscape painting in Watercolour workshop with Glynis Barnes Mellish, one of the UK’s leading water-colour artist – October 2011

Following  eight successful water-colour painting weeks over the past three years, when we had fabulous weather and a great group of artists, we are delighted that Glynis will able to return to Florence for our next course in May 2012.

Glynis has lots of experience as a teacher and her demonstations and practical advice offer something for everyone. – We also have fun!

So, whether you are a complete beginner or an accomplished artist who would like the stimulus of working in a small group we hope that you would like to join us during our next week of Italian Culture to be held in the Hotel Villa Le Rondini in the hills surrounding Florence in May 2012. See our page on the watercolour course with Glynis.

If you need accommodation we can arrange for you have special rates with a choice of in staying in a villa in Galuzzo which is just outside of Florence, or staying in the prestigious Villa le Rondini hotel where the course will be held –  or at a pleasant b&b San Frediano mansions near the centre of Florence – or take an apartment near the Ponte Vecchio – or even a 5 star hotel in the centre of town.

If you chose to stay in town you can also enjoy the night life in one of the world most fascinating cities.

Whichever accommodation you choose you will have the opportunity to paint in the home of the Renaissance with friendly guidance from an expert tutor with world wide credentials.

Next sketching and painting course in Florence with Alfonso Tejada

Painting in Plein Air – anticipated May 2012 . Email Penny for further information.

Instructor Alfonso I.Tejada: BArch. MArch and U.D

Instruction fees

€350  for 5 days
€660  for 10 days

Accommodation costs and tours will be designed to suit the needs – and the purse – of the participants
Costs will be quoted in Canadian Dollars on request.

Fresco workshops with Dr Alan Pascuzzi

Fresco workshop in Alan’s studio – learn the technique of the old masters, paint and  take home your own fresco painting

Cost €75 per person – contact Penny by email to arrange a lesson

Plate Painting with Enzo Formisano

Following early Etruscan designs learn how to paint your own plate – take home a lasting and unique souvenir of your Italian holiday.

Cost €50 for a half day workshop – includes the cost of priming and firing the plate - Contact Penny to arrange a date

Paper Marbling at Alberto  Cozzi

Learn how to make your our Florentine wrapping paper

cost €35 per lesson – includes 2 pieces of hand made paper to take home and use to wrap that special present – or simply frame it up!

Contact Penny to arrange a date

Visit some of the famous Gardens of Florence with Dr Katie Campbell in May 2012

Join Dr Katie Campbell in a tour of some of the remarkable gardens in and around Florence that have been developed over the years by English or American exiles who had time and money to devote to developing their passion for beautiful gardens.

Full programme on Gardens of Florence page – if you are interested please contact Penny as soon as possible.

Dr Katie Campbell is the author of the book Paradise of Exiles – the Anglo-American Gardens of Florence.

Available on Amazon, through my recommended reading page – see menu

Stop press

Katie is also planning to do some Garden Tours under the flag of Beyond the Yalla Dog  in the UK during 2012. We are working up a programme now!

Cookery Classes 2011 - click for link to cookery class page

Music in the Bargello -Tamsin Waley-Cohen

We hope Tamsin will be invited back to direct this prestigious series of concerts again in 2012