and experience your own personal creative renaissance in the midst of local cultures in our wonderful and inspiring destinations in Italy, the Greek Isles, the West Indies and France. Toscana Americana Workshops' enthusiastic faculty and participants come together from around the world with open hearts and minds to explore, learn and create together in a sharing and supportive small group environment.

Workshops are suitable for all levels of proficiency with emphasis on personal growth and experience at an individual pace.

Toscana Americana Workshops offers all-inclusive enrollment options for workshop participants and guests packed with value with included features such as three-star accommodations; opening wine and chocolate reception; all meals featuring local cafes and restaurants; daily wine tasting opportunities; local ground transportation; day sightseeing and shopping trips to such cities as Florence, Siena, Assisi, Arezzo, Perugia and the wine and cheese centers of Motepulciano (Vino Nobile), Montalcino (Brunello)and Piensa (Pecorino cheese); Tuscan cooking class; museum visits and events; and a final wine tasting dinner!

Visit us online to view all our currently offered

 workshops and programs as well as:

• Listing of all workshop categories
• Listing of our faculty
• Photo galleries
• Answers to frequently asked questions
• Travel info
• Related links

What past participants have to say...

"Photographer's Eye on Tuscany"…

"…many, many thanks for a wonderful experience. You were a most gracious host - all of us enjoyed our time with you as well as the entire experience in Cortona."

Christopher Grey, Professional Photographer/Instructor

"We have returned home with such great memories of "Photographer's Eye on Tuscany", thanks in part to your attention to detail. More importantly, we learned much more than we expected! You were a gracious host and your many kindness did not go unappreciated."

Jim & Loy, Arizona, USA

"I would like first to sincerely thank you for the great and unforgettable time I spent with you and the group, and I have to admit that I spent quality time, and I have learnt much…It was really great to know all of you in Italy, and I did not only benefit from the course, but I benefited from every single info I got from you… and it gave me great pleasure t get acquainted with the culture you are from.. as I was delighted to give you a glimpse of my culture and heritage which I cherish so much. Thank you again, and looking for ward to hearing from you soon.

Ahmad, Saudia Arabia

"Collage in Cortona, the City of Art"…

"To experience Italy for my first time through the workshops was great.  Patrick is very accommodating and you can tell he loves to share his love for Italy and the arts.  The classes are just a part of an experience that you will long remember.  Everything was taken care of and done with the true spirit of Italy in mind.  I can't think of anything negative to say except for the sadness I felt when I had to leave.  Just plan to take advantage of everything the workshops and Italy have to offer and you will receive more than your money's worth!   I am making plans to return and can't wait to see the smiling faces of the wonderful people I met through Patrick and Toscana Americana!"

Veralin B., Phoeniz, AZ, USA

"Thank you so much for the wonderful CD. The pictures are amazing!!! I've really enjoyed going through them all and seeing everyone again. The countryside photos are fabulous too and they bring Cortona, Florence and Siena right back to me… Good memories of a beautiful country, delicious food, and delightful people! Many thanks to all who contributed their photos for this CD and to Patrick for putting it all together and sending it out to us. Great job! "

Barbara, Southern California, USA

"Just wanted to thank you for sending the photos. I had a really good time and I think a "leetle" piece of my heart will always be in Cortona."

Gloria, Florida, USA

"Process of Illumination"…

"Greetings, fellow travellers... I have been wanting to write a note to everyone, thanking them for a rich, wonderful, fun experience in Cortona. What a perfect group of good sports and eager artists.  Patrick, thank you so much for providing the stage for all of us to dance on.  Cheers"

Lynne Perrellla Artist, Author/Instructor 2005

"I just received the cd with all the WONDERFUL shots of our workshop in Cortona, side trip to Siena, cooking class, etc.  I have been sitting through the "slideshow" and chuckling; oohing and aahing; feeling so happy to have experienced it all; so sad that it is all over, and inspired to get back to work on my journal. The photos are terrific, and you are very kind to share them with all of us.

I will rave about you, your hospitality, your choices for food and wine (in abundance!!), your careful attention to our needs before and during our stay, etcetera, etcetera, to all who might casually ask "how was your trip to Italy?"

Then I will move on to the workshop itself, and give thanks and praise to Lynne for her inspiration, guidance and patience....all perhaps overworked words, but they really do sum it up for me. All in all: a great group, a great time and a great experience!

Jennifer, Maine, USA

"I have done a lot of travelling, but I think my week in Cortona is at the top of my list. I really don't know how to thank all of you for making it so special!"

Bonnie, Chicago, Illinois, USA

"…I must say I couldn't agree with you more, Cortona is definitely at the top of my list. The beauty of the country side, the delicious food, wonderful wine, but most of all the time spent with such a great group was more than I could have hoped for-it was truly an honor. The workshop was a wonderful experience that I would do all over again( as long as that included Patrick and Lynne doing the planning-and Ivan sending my packages…!"

Ruth, Maine, USA

"… the company of each of you could not be beat. And the food — ohmigod, the food was fabulous. Oh, and the wine — don't get me started! All that plus doing art..."

Janette, Boulder, Colorado, USA