-
04/06/2027 Fri
W1: Arrival Day
Welcome reception 7pm then dinner.
No tuition - studio closed for set up -
05/06/2027 Sat
W1: Studio
9.30 - 1pm
Lunch
2.00 - 4pm -
06/06/2027 Sun
W1: Studio
9.30 - 1pm
Lunch
2.00 - 4pm -
07/06/2027 Mon
W1: Studio
9.30 - 1pm
Lunch
2.00 - 4pm -
08/06/2027 Tues
W1: Excursion*
Venue to be confirmed. Coach departs 9.15am and returns late afternoon. Lunch at own cost.
*Those choosing not to go on the excursion can have an untutored day in the studio/leisure day and choose 2 courses at lunch from the menu. -
09/06/2027 Wed
W1: Studio
9.30 - 1pm
Lunch
2.00 - 4pm -
10/06/2027 Thur
W1: Studio
9.30 - 1pm
Lunch
2.00 - 4pm -
11/06/2027 Fri
W1 Departure
Two-weekers free day**Non tutored day but studio open. Linking night for 2 weekers, meals as usual. -
12/06/2027 Sat
W2: Arrive
Two-weekers free day*Welcome reception 7pm then dinner.*Non tutored day but studio open. Linking night for 2 weekers, meals as usual. -
13/06/2027 Sun
W2: Studio
9.30 - 1pm
Lunch
2.00 - 4pm -
14/06/2027 Mon
W2: Studio
9.30 - 1pm
Lunch
2.00 - 4pm -
15/06/2027 Tues
W2: Studio
9.30 - 1pm
Lunch
2.00 - 4pm -
16/06/2027 Wed
W2: Excursion*
Venue to be confirmed. Bus departs 9.15am and returns late afternoon. Lunch at own cost.
*Those choosing not to go on the excursion can have an untutored day in the studio/leisure day and choose 2 courses at lunch from the menu. -
17/06/2027 Thurs
W2: Studio
9.30 - 1pm
Lunch
2.00 - 4pm -
18/06/2027 Fri
W2: Studio
9.30 - 1pm
Lunch
2.00 - 4pm -
19/06/2027 Fri
All Depart
Vacate rooms after breakfast. Studio closed.
Hotel il Collaccio, Preci, Umbria
The Baldoni family have created the quintissential agriturismo with authentic food and genuine hopitality. Breathtaking natural landscapes to de-stress and inspire you. Welcome to a peaceful botanical paradise.
A 'slow-down' break
These residential botanical art courses for up to 12 students are incredibly sociable. People return with friends, or to make new ones. Sorry we are not able to teach absolute beginners.
Non-painting partners who enjoy relaxing in rural surroundings are most welcome.
Studio Day 1 usually starts with a short slideshow to introduce the theme. The tuition is a mixture of group discussion, demonstration and individual guidance. My aim is that everyone enjoys learning, and trying out new skills in a friendly, non-competitive environment.
One of the hallmarks of these holidays is how generously the artists support each other regardless of experience level.
After class you are free to sunbathe, swim in the 'infinity' pool, walk, work on in the studio, or simply relax until dinner.
2027 Itinerary
1950 Painter
Single occupancy of ensuite room
+ more details
€500 deposit per week required
Not all rooms have balconies/views so book early to secure one
Includes full board* with half bottle of wine at dinner, hot beverage morning and afternoon, wi-fi, tuition, excursion
*Dinner only on day of arrival, breakfast only on day of departure.
Flights,transfers and insurance not included
Tuition not suitable for absolute beginners
2550 Painter + partner
Painter and non-painting partner sharing ensuite room
+ more details
€500 deposit per week required
Not all rooms have balconies/views so book early to secure one
Includes full board* with half bottle of wine at dinner, hot beverage for painters morning and afternoon, wi-fi, tuition, excursion
*Dinner only on day of arrival, breakfast only on day of departure.
Flights,transfers and insurance not included
Non painters are included on the excursion
Tuition not suitable for absolute beginners
The 2 week bonus
Those booking two consecutive weeks receive free 'linking' nights. No teaching on link days but access to the studio when reception is open.
- The Studio
Again for 2026. Our studio is located just behind the main reception. It is a very spacious and airy room with digital projector/screen facility. The room is opens at 8am and closes at 7pm when reception closes. You may leave your painting materials in the studio throughout your stay. Valuables such as computers/phones should not be left unattended.
- Equipment provided
Tables* with drawing board slope, water pots and paper towels. There are two light boxes and a fridge for specimens. The studio has good natural daylight with floor to ceiling glass on nearly three full sides.
Allocation of places is by a fair ‘draw from a hat’ each week not on a ‘first come first served’ basis. - Supplies to bring
Bring your preferred hot watercolour paper, paints and brushes plus drawing equipment. Please keep your selection small for ease of travel. I use this limited palette but you do not need to purchase any for these workshops - bring what you normally use.
Daniel Smith
Hansa Yellow Light (PY3) Indian Yellow (PY108) Quinacridone Gold (PO48/PY150) Transparent Pyrrol Orange (PO71) Organic Vermillion (PR188) Quinacridone Red (PV19) Quinacridone Pink (PV42) Perylene Violet (PV29) Quinacridone Purple (PV55) Ultramarine Blue (PB29) Indanthrone Blue (PB60)IMPORTANT NOTE ON LIGHTING The studio has floor to ceiling windows on most sides which gives excellent daylight. Additional task lights are not provided.
You should each bring a small battery or rechargeable (not mains powered) light. This will enable you to give additional directional light to your specimen to control highlights and shadows. These can be obtained economically online. Look for a flexible gooseneck or folding structure and the ability to recharge your light. - Hot Beverages
The studio is adjacent to the cafe/bar. Included in your package is a hot beverage at the bar mid morning and mid-aternoon. Biscuits are provided in the studio.
As is the Italian norm bedrooms are not equipped with tea/coffee making facilities. - Clothing
The hotel is informal and smart casual clothes will be acceptable. It should be sunny and warm but can occasionally be inclement and may be coolish in early mornings and evenings as the hotel is at 600 meters.
Come prepared. A cardigan or fleece, lightweight rain jacket and sturdy flat shoes/trainers are recommended. Bring walking boots if you plan to hike a lot. Sun cream and insect repellent (not a major problem but advisable as it is not available on site). - Terrain/Access
The il Collaccio site is quite hilly. In the Locada most bedrooms are on the upper floor via a short flight of stairs (no lift). Two bedrooms are available on the ground floor and must be requested at time of booking.
The studio and all meals including breakfast are in the main hotel building. Between the main hotel building and the Locanda bedrooms is a open air walk about 100 meters each way with a gentle incline. - Walking locally
There are 4 or 5 walks of varying duration and difficulty from Il Collaccio. The area is generally quite hilly. Walks are not accompanied by a guide but are well marked and free maps with directions are available from reception. For the serious walkers there are countless other walking opportunities within the national park.
- Pool
The hotel has a stunning 'infinity' pool, unheated, adjacent to the main hotel building. Swim hats must be worn and can be purchased onsite.You may take the towels from your bathroom for pool use and these will be replaced.
- Food
BREAKFAST begins at 8am and is a simple continental style with hard boiled eggs,cheese, ham, fruits, yoghurt etc.
LUNCH is usually a served buffet and will be outside on the retaurant terrace weather permitting. If you require wine or beer with this meal please purchase from the bar.
DINNER We sit down when the restaurant opens at 7.30pm and have a limited choice menu changing daily. Fantastic wood-fired pizzas are also an option. The chefs use fresh regional produce. A half bottle per person wine allowance is included in your evening meal.If you have special dietary needs please make these known at time of booking. - Cancellation
Deposits are non-refundable.We advise everyone to take out travel insurance.
Cancellations must be advised in writing. Please email Maricel in the office at Il Collaccio as soon as possible.If you cancel more than 10 weeks from the start date of the course, we will endeavour to find a replacement booking. If we are successful then your balance would be refunded. Cancellations advised less than 10 weeks from the start date of the course are not eligible for refunds.
- Nearest Airport
The shortest way to travel from the UK is to fly with Ryanair from London Stansted (STN) to Perugia (PEG). (Check their website for current schedule).
- Transfers from Perugia Airport
In order to make your journey to Il Collaccio as smooth as possible and to minimise the cost of getting here from the airport, the hotel can organise private shared transfers to meet the Ryanair flight. The cost is split between all passengers.
- Shared tranfer from Rome Fiumicino Airport
For intercontinental travellers please arrange your flights to arrive at Rome-Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci International Airport.
A once a day only shared transfer can be arranged via Maricel on reception. This will depart the airport at 2.30pm and will arrive at the hotel in time for you to freshen up before dinner. You must ensure that your plane lands in the morning in good time for you to clear immigration and collect your luggage.Please note that the transfer vehicle cannot wait for delayed flights.
Some long haul guest may prefer to arrive at the airport the night before and stay in a local hotel to rest before continuing via the shared transfer.The cost of this shared ride is split between all passengers. The cost of a taxi for a single passenger is very expensive (in excess of 300 euros one way).
- From Rome - Train & Taxi
There is a viable option to reach Il Collaccio from Rome airport. It involves a train into Rome Centrale Station, a walk through to the other end of the station, and then another train to Spoleto.Taxi from Spoleto to Il Collaccio – 45 mins. This may be a good alternative if you have to fly to Rome and have little luggage. Italian trains are very reliable and punctual.
Rome airport train shuttle (Leonardo Express departs every 30 mins direct from the airport) to Rome Termini station – 30 mins Train from Rome Termini to Spoleto – 1hr, 30min.
You can see train times by visiting www.trenitalia.it
- Car Hire
Should you prefer more independence and the use of a car throughout your stay Perugia and Rome airports have several car hire companies.
Car hire can also be arranged in advance from Spoleto rail station. Full directions can be supplied by Il Collaccio for the drive from the airport.
The rural location of the hotel means that car hire is not possible there.