We are really delighted to introduce this wonderful new painting holiday on the coast just south of Rome, to our programme. We have spent a lot of time investigating the coastal areas of Sardinia, The Almalfi coast, Positana and Cinque Terre in search of a picturesque coastal town.
Nothing matched all of our requirements, but Sperlonga does. It's within easy travelling distance of Rome (south) and although very attractive it's not full of tourists and has the perfect family run hotel situated on the beach and is within easy walking distance of the village. Although Sperlonga geographically resembles Positano and other towns on the Amalfi Coast, it has maintained a quiet, unpretentious charm. The town looks more like somewhere in Greece, with its white buildings and small winding streets. In its dazzling heyday in the 1950s and '60s solitude-seeking writers, movie stars, and artists retreated to this peaceful vertical village. Films such as "Contempt", "Two Women" and "No peace under the Olive Trees" were filmed here. Stars such as John Cleaver, Sofia Loren, Marlene Dietrich, Brigitte Bardot, Arthur Miller etc. were among the famous who stayed in this village. The beautiful white-washed village and traditional harbour offer excellent drawing/painting sites. The Roman emperor Tiberius, who reigned from AD 14 to 37, decided to spend time at a summer retreat here. Not far from the town there is a large grotto which was part of Tiberius' summer villa. In 1957 the smashed remains of marble sculptures were found buried in the sand. They were put back together and are now exhibited in the collection of the Sperlonga Archaeological Museum which is well worth a visit.
Hotel Aurora is a perfect hotel situated on the beach and again fulfills our requirements in that it's a medium- sized family owned and managed hotel with tastefully decorated rooms and high quality en-suite bathrooms. Painting and drawing tuition will take place around the hotel each morning and late afternoon. There will be plenty of time left to explore the town or enjoy the beach. Guests will have a sun lounger and umbrella allocated to them for the whole week. Lunch is not included as there are many places to have a light lunch in the area including on the roof terrace of the hotel. In the evening the group will get together to eat in different restaurants in the town. Pick up from Rome Fiumicino Airport at 13.00. Drop off at Rome Fiumicino Airport 10.00.