IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE AUTHENTIC ESSENCE OF ITALY
Italy is one of the most treasured countries in the world. Centuries of history, art, cuisine and architecture unfold in front of your eyes, everywhere you go.
Nothing says more about Italians heart than their love for beauty and their creativity which manifest in a huge variety of creations, from fine-arts or luxury sport cars manufacturing to deli food or handicraft products.
What a better way to visit Italy than IMMERSING YOURSELF IN ITS AUTHENTIC ESSENCE
with off-the path exiting experiences?
Are you interested in Archeology? What about wine making or Tuscany leather bags? Are you a fashion addict? Does Leonardo Da Vinci pique your curiosity?
A1 Class events and Travel provides you in-depth cultural tours and workshops to enhance your understanding of a theme or an Italian region, while relaxing and having fun. Whether you crave for showing to your students the Sicilian Baroque’s architecture or you always dreamt about live-paint the Tuscany rolling hills, we can customize your tour realizing your dream to live special and unique experiences.
TELL US WHAT’S YOUR PASSION AND WE WILL DESIGN A BESPOKE ITINERARY JUST FOR YOUR GROUP.
During our tours we bring you BEHIND THE SCENES to meet local artisans, small farm owners, artists and experts of any kind that will share their knowledge and their passion with you.
Going hand-on with LOCAL PROFESSIONALS, we give you the chance to see what tourists seldom witness: you will touch the raw materials, smell the ingredients and taste the flavors that comes from Italian ground.
LOCAL FAMILIES will open their home to you to tell you the secret stories that lie behind their family HANDICRAFTS TRADITIONS. You will really understand what make handmade goods and art creations so distinctively Italians.
A single theme can be the opportunity for a multitude of extraordinary experiences.
If you don’t mind to “get your hands dirty”, our programs can include EXITING CLASSES in which you have the chance to explore Italian culture, learn new skills and feel like an Italian for a while!
Our workshops are themed around many different subjects, from leather manufacturing to hand made pasta making, surrounded by the warmth of an artisan studio, a nice garden or the kitchen of a local agritourism. No matter what they are about, our classes are always the way to have fun and take a breath during your journey.
BE THE CRAFTSMAN OF YOUR HOLIDAY
OUTDOOR PAINTING/URBANSKETCHING WORKSHOP
Participate in an outdoor painting class enjoying fresh air and beautiful Italian landscapes. “Plein-air” sketch with water colors, ink, pastels or paint on canvas like the impressionist masters did, both if you are a group of paint lovers traveling with your own teacher, or you wish to be guided by a local artist/ teacher.
MAKE YOUR OWN VENETIAN MASK (Carnival period, January to February)
Make your own souvenir mask in a studio near Piazza San Marco in Venice. You will not just attend a mask making demonstration: an artisan will guide you through this surprising experience to allow you to craft a mask yourself.
LEATHER MANUFACTURING CLASS IN TUSCANY
Experience a lesson about the materials used in creating belts, bags or shoes and learn the secrets of the Master Craftsman who teaches you how to cut, assemble and finish a handsome book cover and a leather pouch.
“LUCI NEL VETRO” IN VENICE ISLANDS
Attend a glass blowing demonstration in Murano: come and understand the art of the glassmakers and the seals of the light that they can imprison in their incredible glass creations!
CARTAPESTA CLASS
Meet a local artisan and join a “paper-mache” workshop in a typical atelier of Lecce, getting to know and understand traditional manufacture and artisanal products. Make your own handmade souvenir!
WHAT HAPPENS IN A WORKSHOP WHERE ART BECOMES A PROFESSION
Visit local workshop of “Alto Artigianato e Mestieri d’Arte” (high level arts crafts) where the authentic knowledge and knowhow of the “master craftsman” elevates and melts tradition and innovation. A world to be discovered among weaving workshops (where the production of fabrics is still performed “by hand”), goldsmith and silverware workshops, tailoring workshops, leather goods, creative workshop processing wood, stone and iron.
VISIT OF ARCHEOLOGICAL SITES
If monumental ancient architecture such as Roman amphitheaters and theatres, Etruscan tombs, POMPEII and ERCOLANUM archeological sites, prehistoric rock carvings and many more exceptional historical sites specifically interest you, the archaeology of Italy provides you with astonishing properties which enrich its beautiful heritage and country. Do not miss exploring Italy’s ancient past.
VISIT THE UNDERGROUND OF ITALY
Dig beneath the surface to see the hidden side of Italy and head into “the underground of this beautiful country”. Discover hidden places and mysterious stories of “the Italy” which we reserve for selected tourists and explorers. Some underground cities spread below the entire old town, with myths and legends which are still alive in the imagination of their natives and visitors.