Frequently Asked Questions

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What is a workshop/retreat?

The art workshop/retreat takes place at "Il Pornelleto" near the village of Montepulciano in the countryside of Tuscany, and includes tuition, materials, accommodation, meals, and transfers.

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What's included in the price?

• ​​13 nights accommodation.

• 11 days of tuition (6 hours per day).

• Transfers to and from the venue on the first and last days of the retreat.

• All meals and drinks (breakfasts, lunches, dinners and drinks). 

• Materials: panels, paint, and use of easel, brushes, medium, solvents and brush cleaner, etc.

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What's NOT included in the price?

• ​Flights, transportation costs (except for complimentary transfers on the first and last day).

• Required comprehensive travel insurance.

• Extraneous costs related to additional travel, purchases made at the client's personal discretion. 

 

Transfers/How do I get to the retreat?

​Transportation is provided between Rome FCO  Fiumicino "Leonardo da Vinci" Airport or Hilton Garden Inn Rome Airport and Il Pornelleto on the first and last day of the workshop.  The drive to the venue takes around 90 minutes.

 

Participants traveling outside the workshop dates and times or between locations beyond those specified can book travel by train, private transportation, or automobile rental. Assistance with scheduling can be provided if requested well in advance.

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On Sunday the shuttle will be at the airport first to pick people up at 9:00 am. The driver (Probably Tim) will be holding a sign reading "Tuscany Plein Air Workshop" Then we'll go to the Hilton Garden Inn Rome Airport to pick up those who may have arrived in Rome previously. From there we will travel to our accommodation at Il Greppo Agriturismo in Montepulciano. 

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On the second Saturday at 1 pm, the shuttle will depart Il Pornelleto for the Hilton Garden Inn Rome Airport.  

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Important notes if traveling by train once in Italy: 

1) It is recommended that you use www.trenitalia.com to see train times and purchase your tickets online in advance if possible.

2) Make sure to stamp (validate) your train ticket before boarding the train, using one of the green and white stamp machines you will see on the walls at every station.

 

Email: timothy@timothyandrewmcguire.com 

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​Which flight and hotel should I book?

Participants are responsible for booking their own travel and last night hotel in Rome.

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The following hotel is recommended for Sat. May 30 : (This is the only hotel our shuttle will be traveling to/from). 

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Hilton Garden Inn Rome Airport. 

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How will I be met in Italy?

​Tim (or our shuttle driver) will meet participants at the Rome FCO airport arrivals gate and at Hilton Garden Inn Rome Airport holding a sign reading "Tuscany Plein Air Workshop." 

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What about travel insurance?

It is absolutely necessary for each participant to carry comprehensive travel insurance which covers trip cancellation and emergency medical. 

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​​How do I book and pay?

To book the Plein Air Tuscany Workshop/Retreat, go to the "Workshops" page for timothyandrewmcguire.com and click on the button which says 'Book Now.' From there you will be taken to a different page which will allow you fill in your registration details and make your payment.

 

What if I need to cancel my booking?

Please see the Terms and Conditions page for full details about cancellation policy.

 

What happens if the workshop/retreat is cancelled?

If the workshop/retreat is cancelled by Timothy McGuire, the full payment (including deposit) will be 100% refunded immediately.  Refunds are only given for payments made in relation to bookings with Timothy McGuire. Refunds are not given for the cost of travel or other third party expenses. Comprehensive travel insurance is required.

 

If I am attending a retreat, can I bring a non-participating partner/friend?

Yes, students are encouraged to bring along a fellow students, family members, or non-participating partner or friend. The rate includes all meals, accommodation, and transfers. 

 

Do I need to have painting experience to attend a workshop or retreat?

No. The workshop/retreat is open to all levels from beginner to advanced. As an instructor and painter, Timothy is sufficiently experienced to personalize the level of instruction to each student’s level. If in doubt, please email with any questions. timothy@timothyandrewmcguire.com

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What should I bring with me?

​Students will not need to bring any art supplies. All art materials and supplies are provided. Participants should bring appropriate shoes and clothing for the given activities, (painting, walking, traveling). As well, plan for a range of weather conditions from hot and sunny to chilly, windy, and rainy. Thee are supermarkets etc. nearby and some sundries etc. can be purchased while in Italy.

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What about phone/internet?

​Participants are responsible to handle their own cell phone use. It is recommended that participants arrange with their provider to cover cell phone use while traveling in Italy. These arrangements must be made well before departing for Italy. 

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There is wi-fi at our accommodation, but it is not the strongest or most reliable. If you plan to spend your evenings binge-watching, better to download episodes while still in The United States. 

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Will we paint in bad weather?

I can not account for inclement weather. We will go out in weather that is other than perfectly sunny. However, if there is too much wind and/or rain, we will remain indoors and paint from other sources such as interior scenes, portraiture, and still-life. 

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​​What will the meals be like during the retreat?

Our cuisine is amazing! This is not the time to go on a diet or plan to lose weight, let's just put it that way. Breakfast is a buffet with a selection of cakes and pastries, eggs, cheese and meat, yogurt and fruit, toast, juice and water. Lunch is served in the same fashion and includes salads, sandwich, breads, pizzas, and pasta. Dinner is served family style and includes starters of breads and salads, followed by pasta and meat and desert. House wine is served with lunch and dinner and is available for purchase to take home as well. 

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We can cater dietary needs. Please let me know at time of booking.

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How many students are normally on a course?

The ideal number is about 8. 

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How can I take my paintings home at the end of the course?

Assistance can be given to package paintings so that they can be carried home safely. Students should allow space in their luggage or bring along an extra bag for this purpose. We most often paint on 9x12 inch panels. However, larger canvases are available for purchase.