Siragusa Tours Ltd

Description

In the 14th and 15th centuries, Tuscany and Umbria witnessed a significant artistic flowering with the work of Sienese and Florentine masters as well as the likes of Perugino and Pinturicchio. Many of the greatest works of the period were produced for patrons in the many smaller cities in the countryside of Tuscany and Umbria. The work of Vasari in Arezzo is an example of this. We will also see the work of Piero della Francesco in San Francesco in Arezzo. The visits to churches and other sites will enable us to make a link between the context and the work. Being able to view the work of art in its original context enhances our understanding of the processes by which it was created and the social, cultural and religious purpose it served.

Cortona is a hill town of great character. It is situated on the borders of Tuscany and Umbria and has views towards Lake Trasimeno. Its straight main street runs between tall stone buildings, many of which preserve their medieval character, and on either side steep narrow lanes and passages run up and down the hillside. The life of its two main piazzas make it a perfect place for an after-dinner stroll, a coffee, or a little window- shopping. It was the birthplace of the painter Luca Signorelli and Fra Angelico worked here in the 15th century. Cortona is an ideal centre from which to visit some of the greatest works of art of medieval Italy, from the seminal 13th century frescoes in Assisi attributed to the workshop of the Florentine master Giotto and others such as Simone Martini, Piero Lorenzetti and Cimabue. These frescoes in the upper and lower Basilica at Assisi, the site of the tomb of St Francis of Assisi has acted as a magnet drawing pilgrims to this site for eight hundred years. The fresco cycles with their significance for religious art as well as Franciscan propaganda are a truly magnificent sight. In Cortona, when walking up to the Church of Santa Margherita (patron saint of Cortona) we will also be able to see works by the native futurist artist Gino Severini.

Other Details

Accommodation

4 nights in Cortona in restored 14th century Palazzo Dolce Maria*** and Hotel Sabrina*** (for those requesting single rooms), both centrally located in the old town of Cortona. Half-board tariff with private facilities. Dinner will be taken at the Ristorante Dolce Maria, Cortona.

2 nights in Arezzo, centrally located Hotel Continentale**** on bed and breakfast basis.

Course Cost

£875 Inclusive of tuition, airport transfers (airport transfers are only available for the Siragusa Ltd nominated flight), visit to Assisi, transfer to Arezzo and accommodation on half-board basis in Cortona only

Single Room Supplement

£175

Travel Insurance

Once tour is viable and if we have booked a flight for you through Travelpack, you can call Larraine on 08444 930465 for an immediate quote (unless you already have insurance)

Flight

Ca. £190 scheduled flight to Bologna. Note that this is an estimate (if it is less you play less), please see Booking Conditions for more information concerning nominated flights.

Local Transport

Airport transfer Bologna to Cortona by minibus

Visit to Assisi by minibus

Transfer to Arezzo by minibus/train (depending on group size)

Arezzo to Bologna by minibus/train (depending on group size)

Group Size

12

Tutor

Mary Hawkins, BA (Hon) and NFF, Cert Ed, is an experienced lecturer and art historian. She has worked for the Open University, the Universities of Cambridge and Essex and the WEA. She has led numerous studytours to Italy, Belgium, Holland, France, Austria, Spain, Portugal, Hungary and the Czech Republic.

Related OU Courses

General Interest/AA315

Itinerary / Study Programme

Day 1, Tuesday, 6th March 2012

Arrival at airport, transfer to Hotel in Cortona. Course introduction and orientation

Day 2, Wednesday, 7th March 2012

Visit to Assisi, the Basilica of San Francesco, Santa Chiara and Duomo.

Day 3, Thursday, 8th March 2012

Cortona: Duomo and Museo Diocesano, Etruscan Museum

Day 4, Friday, 9th March 2012

Santa Maria del Calcinaio, Church of Saint Mark, Santa Margherita

Day 5, Saturday, 10th March 2012

Am departure for Arezzo, Basilica di San Francesco, Pieve di Santa Maria

Pm the Duomo and Museum

Day 6, Sunday, 11th March 2012

Am San Domenico and Vasari’s house

Pm Galleria e Museo Mediovale e Moderno, Church of Santa Annunziata

Day 7, Monday, 12th March 2012

Free time until departure

This itinerary and study programme is provisional and may be subject to change in response to local conditions