Why not take a break from exploring the secrets of Umbria and Tuscany using one of our activities to better understand the local culture? Take a cooking course and learn how to make your own pasta or create that complete Italian dinner you've dreamt about. You could take Italian lessons or how about some art classes? We can even help you with getting married! All the activities are close to our rental properties and can be booked in conjunction with your accommodation.

Painting Lessons

Activity: Painting Lessons
Themes: architectural perspective, figure drawing and proportion
Price: 75 Euro per person per day
Duration: 2 day Introduction or 4 day comprehensive course
Dates: Given on demand with a minimum of three participants
Location: Hannah's Art Studio just outside Orvieto

Have you been inspired by Signiorelli, Il Perugino, Giotto or Masolino? Do the landscapes of Umbria that inspired the old masters have the same effect on you? If so, the art courses run by Hannah Thompson just outside Orvieto might be something to keep in mind. Hannah has worked as a professional scenic and fine artist for 16 years. She ran her own studio for four years, designing for numerous theatre, television and film projects in London, Sydney and New York, including the Whitney museum, World Expo, Miss Siagon, Cats, Starlight Express. She is now passing on her knowledge and skills with short intensive tuition courses for beginners and intermediate students. Courses take between two and four days.

The two day course includes technical skills, architectural perspective, figure drawing and proportion. The price includes basic materials and is for a maximum of four students. The four day course includes more extensive tuition on the subjects above, alongside a day trip to Orvieto. For more information, contact Hannah Thompson directly at hans_uk@hotmail.com

Italian Lessons

Activity: Italian Lessons
Themes: From basic speaking and listening skills for short stay students to formal reading, speaking and writing for non-local residents
Price: 22 Euro per lesson for one person, 26 Euro per lesson for groups of five or less
Duration: A minimum of five lessons are recommended, but not required
Dates: Given on demand throughout the year
Location: The English Studio in Paciano

The English Studio was established in Paciano in 1991 by Suzannah Behrens (B.A. Hons, RSA cert., RSA Dip) to give adults and young learners in the Trasimeno area the possibility of learning English and Italian. Their activity expanded to include an internet cafe and an English bookshop.

Their Italian teacher, Daniela Del Buono, has been teaching Italian to foreigners for seven years, and for the last three years has worked with the Enligh Studio. She has a degree in teaching Italian as a second language from the Universita` per Stranieri in Perugia, and is currently extending her degree with a one year course at Siena University. With her wealth of experience, specialist qualifications and local knowledge Suzannah is proud to have Daniela work for her.

Courses are held throughout the year for speakers of other languages who would like to learn Italian. Some of our students plan to remain in Italy for a number of years, others just want to take part in village life while they are here even if just for a short time. The courses cover basic grammar and guarantee that students who frequent them are able to put what they have learnt into use straight away, concentrating on speaking and listening skills that for short stay students are the most useful. At higher levels writing skills become a vital part of the course and are for students who feel they have reached an intermediate level of spoken communication and need to read and write in Italian more frequently.

For more information and to book your classes, contact Suzannah or Peter directly at englishstudio@hyper.it

Weddings

Activity: Getting Married
Price: Varies based on the requirements
Location: Everywhere in Umbria and the borders of Tuscany.

Weddings in Umbria is an agency which specializes in the organization of
dream weddings in one of the most beautiful Italian regions. Just say "I will" and they'll take care of all the details, relieving you of all the bureaucracy Italy is associated with, and answering all the questions no one knows the answer to.

They will be with you every step of the way, taking care of all documents required for civil or religious ceremonies (foreigners only). They will help you with the choice of the church or cathedral if you opt for a religious ceremony, or finding the appropriate location for a civil ceremony. Together with the top class location for your wedding party, they will provide the best catering service and delectable Italian cooking and elegant floral decorations. They can also cater for all your guests' arrangements and needs during your and your and their stay in Italy. To ensure it lasts forever, don't forget video and photo services covering all the details of your wedding day.

An option to consider is staying in the Rocca in Paciano, with its own private chappel and grounds perfect for a wedding party.

For more information contact professional wedding planner Rossana Sapori directly.