ceramica italia - maiolica decorating

RUNS SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER EACH YEAR OVER 13 nights - with a MINIMUM of 4 people
This a fabulous and comprehensive, 14-day program with special, hands-on maiolica decorating classes held in a 9th century castle just 10 minutes from the famous city of Orvieto. This program has been running now for more than 10 years with a great exploration of the development of the Italian ceramic tradition - beginning with the Etruscans, moving through the Medieval period to the brilliant colour and pictorial representation of the Renaissance - and is combined with many other guided activities, with great food and wine, of course, and great company.
NOTE: If you have a "ready-made" group of 4, dates may be altered to suit your needs OR, we can provide a special quotation and customised program along the same theme for 2 people booking and paying together
No special skills are required to take part in the hands-on classes - suits all comers, from practitioners to collectors and those with an interest in all things Italian

maiolica decorating classes

The hands-on maiolica decorating classes, guided by Victor Greenaway and Marino Moretti are a special highlight of the program with both MASTERS bringing special insights into the techniques, traditions and mythologies employed over the various periods.
The classes are conducted in Marino's "Studio d'Arte" located in his home, a 9th century castle in  Viceno,  perched  on  a hill top looking across the valley to the walled city of Orvieto. 
Over the 3 sessions, including introduction to the subject and a presentation of techniques by Marino, the development of traditional Italian maiolica will be covered from the Medieval period through to the Renaissance - as well as more modern adaptations.
Work completed during the workshops will be fired and handed back at a farewell dinner in Orvieto.

excursions

In ROME - we investigate the myths & legends surrounding the foundation of the great Roman Empire, the Vatican Museums (including the Etruscan collection & Sistine Chapel) and Galleria Borghese - one of our favourites.
From ORVIETO we see the fabulous Etruscan ceramica & painted tombs at Tarquinia as well as visits to specialist ceramic centres such as the medieval collection in Viterbo  and Renaissance collection in Deruta. Other excursions are to great places such as the Roman/Medieval town of Bevagna with its medieval arts and crafts and, of course, guided visits throughout Orvieto.

hidden gems

Also included for your stay in this amazing city of Orvieto is a Carta Orvieto Unica providing entry into all the sites and monuments within the city with lots information on points of interest to discover on your own as well as guided activities. Meals included together provide the best opportunity to taste the wonderful, fresh foods, wine and specialities of the area. They include produce tastings &  a special “tasting” menu at a local vineyard, with an explanation of their own wine varieties. There is ample opportunity to make the most of the wonderful city of Orvieto and we will be happy to assist in other activities as you decide.

inclusions

The Ceramica programs typically include:

  • Accommodation - x3 nights Rome (hotel including breakfasts) & x10 nights Orvieto (self-catering apartment)
  • All entries listed as part of the itinerary and a Carta Orvieto Unica each – your “city card” that allows entry to museums, churches and monuments within the city.
  • All guided activities and classes as per the written program, including 15 hours of maiolica painting/decorating sessions, presentations and demonstrations over 3 days – each session or class runs for 3 hours.
  • Aperitivi, 6 dinners (1 as part of a “tasting” menu off the rock, 7 lunches (including local produce and a small wine tasting).
  • All internal transport as part of the program of excursions.
  • All maps and recommendations for restaurants, general services etc, 24 hour contact and bilingual assistance