www.artholidaysinitaly.com
Painting Holidays and Walking Holidays in Emilia Romagna, Italy

REVIEWS AND TESTIMONIALS FROM STUDENTS & GUESTS

Here are some genuine comments....

I shall miss you. You really are an excellent, inspirational teacher and I am truly grateful that I benefitted from your artistic virtuosity. I shall continue with my new-found passion and think of you often.......you have the ability to enable students to benefit at whatever level of ability because of your structured, carefully planned teaching style. Sheila Kennedy
Personally I learnt a great deal from you and am inspired enough to keep trying to improve. Fiona King
You influenced my water colour painting enormously in just 10 weeks in the Spring this year. Your ability to teach is outstanding. You can make a difference by your direction and the crits of the work to help us learn from the best in others and see how to make a poor effort into a masterpiece!
Tom Gilchrist
I didn't ever think I would make anything of it, but you managed to persuade me that I could do something! Talent in drawing and painting is not my strong point, but you made me produce more than I ever thought I could. All the best in the world to a wonderful teacher! (Said by one who knows from teacher education!) Maria Francetti-Clarke
.....but it was only in your classes that I felt I actually made any progress. Agnes Gray
I must say that I really enjoyed both of your courses that I attended and feel that I learned a lot from you. I very much admired your teaching style... Jim Torrance
......... I have learned such a lot and gained so much in confidence with regard to putting brush to paper - thank you ! Shena Jamieson
I needed confidence and encouragement and I got that from you, now along with the skills you provided I am able to try different ways of creating paintings and am thoroughly enjoying it. Les Adams
You have been a marvellous, inspirational and encouraging tutor and you have taught me so much and given me the most wonderful past-time to enjoy. Thank you. Debbie Hamilton

Your classes were quite inspirational for me and gave me the confidence to draw and paint again having not done so since a teenager at school.

Irene Paton
You have been most encouraging .... and a great teacher! Margaret McCartney
I enjoyed your teaching so much and was grateful for your enthusiasm and encouragement. To find someone (else) with your personality and skill will take some doing ,but I will live in hope. Archie Mc Pherson
I want to thank you for all the good instruction you have given me..... I feel you definitely helped me improve my painting and were always so patient and understanding. Kay Scott
It is due to your encouragement that I have continued with watercolour, a medium which I do enjoy. Nancy Sim

A Happy New Year at Villa Appennino
moya 2 Glasgow, UK
Review Submitted: April 7, 2010 Date of Stay: December 2009


I had a lovely time staying at the villa for a winter holiday. We got a very warm welcome from our hosts, Pheona & David, the house and flats were warm and comfortable and all facilities including the beds, were excellent. We went walking and sightseeing in this lovely but quiet area. I will come back again in summertime and I have recommended this holiay accommodation to friends and family.

My first holiday in Italy
Jo1984 Glasgow
Review Submitted: April 7, 2010 Date of Stay: January 2010


I had always wanted to visit Italy since I was a child so I had high expectations of the experience to come. And I can guarantee that you wont be let down. Immediately I was welcomed into a friendly atmosphere and was made to feel like part of the family. When I was shown to my part of the villa, I was very pleased that the levels of cleanliness where of the highest standard. I was also delighted to use the jacuzzi which is only a stone throw from the villa itself. I felt as if I was being treated like a VIP!

During my stay, I decided to explore some of the bigger cities. I headed to Florence, which was one of the most beautiful cities due to the architecture. And of course the many markets which you find there. Ideal for picking up a gift or two for home.

I also had the chance to visit Rome which was great as I went off season (January) and didnt need to queue for anything!! I took tours of the Colosseum and Vatican City. Both were extremely informative and at a very reasonable price.

All in all, I couldnt have asked for a better holiday. I had the ideal mix of living in the most beautiful setting and then still being able to travel to various cities of choice. I would recommend this holiday to anyone of all ages as they are many activities available depending on personal choice.

I will definitely be back to explore further as not only have I fallen in love with Italy but you couldnt ask for a more welcoming couple than David and Pheona. They truly wanted to make my holiday as special as it could be, in every way possible.

A Wonderful Holiday
timc57 Glasgow
Review Submitted: April 5, 2010 Date of Stay: December 2009


We spent a week over New Year with David and Pheona. Had a wonderful time exploring the local area. There are many different places of interest to visit. There is even a bit of Via Ferrata in a nearbye gorge, which was good fun. They made us feel very welcome and the accomodation was very comfortable. Thanks!

New Year at Villa Minozzo
Tomasso Glasgow, Scotland
Review Submitted: April 5, 2010 Date of Stay: December 2009


We found the facilities actually exceeded the previously read, good revues on this website. Pheona & David were the best of hosts and went out of their way to be helpful, informative and friendly but at the same time, left us to enjoy the area and locality as we pleased. They had paid great care to general cleanliness and all of the rooms had fresh decor and were extremely comfortable and warm. I can recommend this holiday villa for its location in the Appenine National Park and also for those interested in historical places of interest. Definately a place to get away from it all but also within reach of other fascinating places like Florence etc.


Something for everyone!!
Royski STRATHAVEN, UK
Review Submitted: April 5, 2010 Date of Stay: January 2010


Having travelled around various parts of Italy, I'd say Emilia Romagna 'has it all'! I spent a week with David & Pheona in January 2010 - which included soft snow-carpeted days and warm T-shirt days - and can't wait to go back and explore the local area in summer colours.
For walkers, well-marked paths are everywhere - whether atop wooded ridges linking hilltop castles and churches or alongside some of the 'torrenti' (at lease they were in January!) A local Via Ferrata is even provided for a bit of excitement! Rocky outcrops, prominent on the lovely landscape are waiting to be climbed and close to Villa Minozzo are peaks high enough for some well-serviced skiing.
Gentler pursuits, or simply taking in the gorgeous scenery and local character, can be enjoyed by getting out and exploring the network of quiet country roads which link picturesque villages and hamlets - or perhaps stopping to eat at some of the beautifully sited and immaculate 'refugios'.
Those who want to capture some of their holiday memories for themselves have the opportunity to draw on Pheona's experience as an artist and teacher. David and she are working tirelessly to enhance their already-beautiful home and garden for the benefit of all visitors, and guests are bound to benefit from the combination of her talent and enormous enthusiam for the region in which they have chosen to live and work.
The high quality of accommodation at Bedogna is clear from the website photos and, however guests choose to spend their time in the area, they can be assured of a warm and friendly 'home from home' experience.