Learning holidays in Tuscany

Learning in rural Tuscany – cookery, yoga, knitting and Italian

Located between the Apuan Alps and the Apennines, The Watermill at Posara – near the medieval walled town of Fivizzano – has been running painting courses for over 25 years.  More recently, a range of learning holidays in Tuscany featuring expert-led non-painting courses has been added, including a new cookery course for 2017.

NEW: The Art of Eating Well: Cookery Course (19-26 August 2017)

L’arte di mangiar bene, translated as ‘the art of eating well’, lies at the heart of the Italian lifestyle and is also the name of a 100-year-old cookery book which will be referred to throughout the course. ‘The Art of Eating Well’ will teach guests to cook delicious, authentic Italian dishes whilst picking up healthy eating tips from the Italians. Ingredients will be sourced from local markets, vegetable gardens, olive groves and vineyards to create meals bursting with flavour and freshness.  There will be top tips provided by The Watermill’s kitchen team, among them the owner Lois Breckon, plus an Italian grandmother, an organic farmer and the gardener’s wife.  By the end of the course, you will be able to rustle up home-made fresh pasta and bread, spelt salads, zucchini bites, crostini and bruschetta toppings and puddings such as panna cotta and home-made ice cream. Costs from £1,445 pp (two sharing)*. 

Yoga and mindfulness retreat with Claire Murphy (9-16 September 2017)

This September, experienced yoga practitioner Claire Murphy will be back for a second time to lead a week-long Nourish – mind, body and soul yoga retreat (suitable for all levels).  Drawing inspiration from the stunning surroundings and encouraging students to unplug from their busy lives, the course will include yoga and meditation sessions in The Watermill’s studio and peaceful walled garden and trips to local landmarks. Maximum group size is 12. Costs from £1,445 pp (two sharing)*.

Italian language – taught by the Italians (29 April – 6 May 2017)

Suitable for all levels, the 2017 language holiday will be led by Langues Services, a prestigious language school based in Florence.  During the week, students will be fully immersed in all things Italian and can expect around 20 hours’ formal tuition under the Watermill’s vine verandah, interspersed with excursions to walled towns, vineyards and local markets. Costs from £1,445 pp (two sharing)*.

Marie Wallin – Knitting and la bella vita (8-15 July 2017)

Tutored by Rowan’s Head Designer, Marie Wallin, the emphasis of the week is all about learning new techniques and tips. With Marie’s guidance, there will be an introduction to Mosaic knitting, and a step-by-step guide to making a Fair Isle scarf. Costs from £1,445 pp (two sharing)*.

This year guests will benefit from eight newly-refurbished en-suite bedrooms and two new suites named after famous Tuscan artists. 

The full 2017 programme includes 14 painting courses, one cookery course, four knitting courses (three are fully-booked) and one Italian language course.

For more details, please call The Watermill at Posara on (UK number) 020 7193 6246; www.watermill.net. 

*Prices: Seven-night trips to The Watermill cost from £1,445 pp (two sharing) and include all tuition and course materials/ingredients, full-board accommodation (including local restaurants), drinks and aperitivi, transfers (to/from Pisa), local transport, course materials and a mid-week excursion to either Lucca or the Cinque Terre. Flights extra. Non-painting partners are very welcome to attend and enjoy a £250 reduction from the price.