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.

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Your home for the week will be the beautiful Borgo Gallinaio, 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, Borgo Gallinaio 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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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Designed to balance creativity with relaxation, there will also be time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Borgo Gallinaio. 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.

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Borgo Gallinaio 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. 

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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.​​

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.

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Painting sessions will take place in a spacious teaching room within Borgo Gallinaio or, weather permitting, in the borgo's 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.

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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.

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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.

Lovingly restored from a 15th-century medieval hamlet, Borgo Gallinaio is nestled amongst the rolling hills of Chianti, surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, cypress trees and ancient woodland. Rich in history and full of authentic Tuscan character, it provides the perfect setting to relax, paint and experience the timeless beauty of rural Tuscany.

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The borgo is arranged around a charming central courtyard, where breakfasts are enjoyed on warm autumn mornings and, weather permitting, some of our painting sessions will take place beneath the covered outdoor seating area. Beyond the courtyard you'll find peaceful gardens, panoramic terraces and a secluded swimming pool tucked amongst the trees – the perfect place to unwind after a rewarding day of painting or exploring Tuscany.

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With exclusive use of the entire estate, you'll be free to make yourself at home. Find a quiet corner to sketch, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the grounds, chat with fellow artists over a glass of Chianti or simply soak up the atmosphere of this beautiful and historic setting.

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Accommodation

Each of Borgo Gallinaio's beautifully restored bedrooms is individually designed, blending traditional Tuscan charm with modern comforts. Expect exposed wooden beams, terracotta floors, rustic furnishings and views across the courtyard, gardens or surrounding countryside.

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Every room features:

• Private en-suite bathroom

• Air conditioning

• Complimentary Wi-Fi

• Traditional Tuscan furnishings and décor

We are delighted to offer a range of accommodation options to allowing you to choose the accommodation that best suits your needs, including Standard Double Rooms, Superior Double Rooms, Private Suites, and Twin Rooms.

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Private Ensuite Rooms

For guests who enjoy the comfort and privacy of their own room, choose from our Standard Double Rooms, Superior Double Rooms, Private Garden Suite or our spacious Private Suite with Bath. Each offers its own unique character while providing a peaceful retreat after a day of painting and exploring Tuscany.

Our private rooms are ideal for solo travellers and are also available for guests wishing to share with a non-participating partner (for an extra £2,495).

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Twin Ensuite Rooms

We also offer comfortable twin en-suite rooms in two booking options.

Twin Room – Book with a Friend is ideal for two friends travelling together and wishing to share a room throughout the retreat.

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Twin Room – Solo Traveller Share is perfect for solo guests looking to keep costs down while enjoying the company of another like-minded artist. We'll thoughtfully pair you with another solo guest of the same gender before the retreat.

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Whichever accommodation option you choose, you'll enjoy the warm hospitality, peaceful surroundings and authentic atmosphere that make Borgo Gallinaio such a special place to stay. Just a short drive from Siena, Monteriggioni and San Gimignano, it provides the perfect base for an week of wildlife art in the heart of Tuscany.

Arrival & Welcome

Guests will be met at Florence Airport and Florence Santa Maria Novella Railway Station (fixed timings) and transferred to Borgo Gallinaio.  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 Borgo Gallinaio

Wildlife Art & Monteriggioni

Following breakfast, guests will enjoy a gentle guided walk through the Borgo Gallinaio estate and 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 Borgo Gallinaio.

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 Borgo Gallinaio.

Painting & Siena

Morning Wildlife Art Workshop

Continue your wildlife painting with Sarah.

Morning refreshments.

Lunch At Borgo Gallinaio.

Afternoon Painting Session

Continue painting before heading out later in the day.

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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 to Borgo Gallinaio.

A Day to Create

A full day dedicated entirely to wildlife art.

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Morning and afternoon painting sessions with Sarah, supported throughout by Sharon Gibson.

Morning refreshments.

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Lunch at Borgo Gallinaio.

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Evening – Tuscan Pizza Party

Relax with a fun pizza evening at the borgo, enjoying authentic Italian pizza in the company of fellow artists.

Painting & San Gimignano

Morning Wildlife Art Workshop

Morning refreshments.

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Lunch at Borgo Gallinaio.

Afternoon Wildlife Art Workshop

Continue painting before heading out.

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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.

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Return to Borgo Gallinaio.

A Day to Paint

A full day devoted entirely to wildlife art.

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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.

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Morning refreshments.

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Lunch at Borgo Gallinaio.

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Evening – Tuscan Pasta Party

Gather together for a relaxed pasta evening celebrating traditional Tuscan cuisine and wonderful company.

Final Painting Day & Gallery Evening

Morning Wildlife Art Workshop

A final opportunity to complete your paintings and receive individual feedback from Sarah.

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Morning refreshments.

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Lunch at Borgo Gallinaio.

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Afternoon

Time to add the finishing touches and prepare artwork for the evening.

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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.

Breakfast

A final breakfast at Borgo Gallinaio before departure. Transfers Transfers will be provided to: Florence Airport (approximately 1 hour) Florence Santa Maria Novella Railway Station (approximately 1 hour)

Price & What's Included

The price of your Tuscany Wildlife Art Retreat includes seven nights' accommodation at the beautiful Borgo Gallinaio, 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.

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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 of Borgo Gallinaio.

• Access to a private WhatsApp group approximately two weeks before departure.

Accommodation

• Seven nights' accommodation at Borgo Gallinaio 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 borgo's 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 at Borgo Gallinaio.

  • 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.

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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.