Bagno Vignoni a Mediaeval Spa village. The hot thermal springs have been reputed since Roman times to have healing properties and the huge stone-lined pool in the Piazza was constructed by the Medici. Bring your swimwear and enjoy the sensual experience of bathing in the modern pool at the hotel where we later dine in the restaurant. (Pictures and Gallery)

We will also visit and work at the enchanting abbey of • S.Antimo which has inspired poets and painters for many centuries. The main part was built in 1118 in the French Romanesque style using a creamy travertine stone, and the honey coloured alabaster interior creates a luminous quality of light.

As well as providing you with breathtaking sights for your creative work, we include everything to make your stay enjoyable: tutoring, en-suite accommodation with private pool, healthy breakfasts and luxurious Italian picnic lunches. We shall be dining out in some of the area's best restaurants and trattorias, sampling local wine and delicacies (special diets can be catered for by prior arrangement).

There will be scheduled visits to • museums and excursions in our minibus and a guided tour of Montepulciano, with wine-tasting at Cantina Redi, one of the finest local wineries where you may sample the famous vino Nobile. You will need to bring some materials e.g. sketchbooks, pencils and brushes. We can supply boards, chairs, parasols and easels. A selection of materials and stretched canvasses are available at cost price. We can arrange framing and shipping of your finished paintings.