foodie tours Italy

Siena Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

April 3, 2025

9″ x 12″ textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

Day 3: TUSCANY ART TREK – Siena

Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

On the third day of our Tuscany Art Trek, we visited the Medieval hill town of Siena, with its incredible marble Duomo, great people-watching plaza, and interesting alleyways radiating out from the campo with something new to discover around every turn. While some of our group shopped, some photographed and others relaxed on the square, I set up in one of the quiet cobble streets to capture the textures of these ancient walls and mood of this unique city. It turned out the homeowner who lived in the yellow house was so happy that I was painting his home, that he kept checking on my progress while I was working. I love getting to meet the locals while I work!

For dinner that night, we treated ourselves to a delicious home-made Italian meal of pastas, truffles, pecorino cheese and some amazing red wine!

***

If you’re interested in joining us on one of our upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!

Greece Art Trek
Full

Switzerland Art Trek
Full

Tuscany Foodie Trek 2025
September 20-27, 2025
Only 2 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/

2026

Tuscany Foodie Trek 2026

September 26 – October 3, 2026
Only 4 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Cinque Terre & Lake Como, Italy
October 4-11, 2026
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Coming Soon:
Portugal & Spain Foodie Treks – March
Croatia & Slovenia Art Treks – May/June

If you have any questions or would like to register, please contact Scott at photoguy@blind-squirrel.org or 214-289-8512.

Visit ArtTreks.org for more details on all of our trips.

Check out our review page on TripAdvisor and feel free to leave one of your own.

***

E-mail me at Niki@NikiGulley.com for more information.

NikiGulley.com

Dining al Fresco in Tuscany with Impressionist Landscape Painter Niki Gulley

April 2, 2025

20″ x 10″ textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

by Niki Gulley

I loved this antique table set up underneath the shade of this gnarly umbrella pine in Tuscany. The setting was so warm and inviting – we just wanted to have a lovely picnic there. Throw in a bottle of wine and you have the perfect backdrop for a relaxing lunch!

For details on more of my Tuscany and Italy paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

Or, check out my website at nikigulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape palette knife paintings.

***

If you’re interested in joining us in Tuscany or on one of our upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!

Greece Art Trek
Full

Switzerland Art Trek
Full

Tuscany Foodie Trek 2025
September 20-27, 2025
Only 2 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/

2026

Tuscany Foodie Trek 2026

September 26 – October 3, 2026
Only 4 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Cinque Terre & Lake Como, Italy
October 4-11, 2026
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Coming Soon:
Portugal & Spain Foodie Treks – March
Croatia & Slovenia Art Treks – May/June

If you have any questions or would like to register, please contact Scott at photoguy@blind-squirrel.org or 214-289-8512.

Visit ArtTreks.org for more details on all of our trips.

Check out our review page on TripAdvisor and feel free to leave one of your own.

Painting Vineyards in Tuscany with Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

April 1, 2025

18″ x 24″ textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

by Niki Gulley

During our Tuscany Foodie Trek that my husband and I led, we headed to the wine town of Montalcino. I set up my easel at this gorgeous vineyard with its colorful grapevines turning beautiful oranges and golds with the cooling fall temperatures. Capturing the rows of grapes hugging the hills and leading you back to the villa perched in the distance, I hope you can taste the delicious wine and escape to Tuscany with me!

For details on more of my Tuscany and Italy paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

Or, check out my website at nikigulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape palette knife paintings.

***

If you’re interested in joining us on one of our upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!

Greece Art Trek
Full

Switzerland Art Trek
Full

Tuscany Foodie Trek 2025
September 20-27, 2025
Only 2 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/

2026

Tuscany Foodie Trek 2026

September 26 – October 3, 2026
Only 4 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Cinque Terre & Lake Como, Italy
October 4-11, 2026
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Coming Soon:
Portugal & Spain Foodie Treks – March
Croatia & Slovenia Art Treks – May/June

If you have any questions or would like to register, please contact Scott at photoguy@blind-squirrel.org or 214-289-8512.

Visit ArtTreks.org for more details on all of our trips.

Check out our review page on TripAdvisor and feel free to leave one of your own.

If you’re interested in joining us in Tuscany or on one of our upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!

Greece Art Trek
May 17-24, 2025
Only 1 Spot Left!
Visit https://www.arttreks.org/greece-2025/ for details.

Switzerland Art Trek
July 26 – August 2, 2025
Full
More info. at https://www.arttreks.org/switzerland-2025/.

Tuscany Foodie Trek Trek
New Date – September 20-27, 2025
Just a couple of spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/

If you have any questions or would like to register, please contact Scott at photoguy@blind-squirrel.org or 214-289-8512.

Visit ArtTreks.org for more details on all of our trips.

Check out our review page on TripAdvisor and feel free to leave one of your own.

Painting Vineyards in Tuscany with Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

March 10, 2025

Ok, painting in a vineyard is pretty much the dream! Got to set up my easel right between the vines, and the owner even brought over some wine to ‘help with the creative process’ (his words, not mine! ?). These are the days I pinch myself.

18″ x 24″ textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

by Niki Gulley

For details on more of my Tuscany and Italy paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

Or, check out my website at nikigulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape palette knife paintings.

***

If you’re interested in joining us in Tuscany or on one of our upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!

Croatia / Slovenia Art Trek

May 2026

Tuscany Foodie Trek

September 26 -October 3 / 2026

https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Cinque Terre Art Trek

October 4 -11 / 2026

https://www.arttreks.org/cinque-terre-2026/

If you have any questions or would like to register, please contact Scott at photoguy@blind-squirrel.org or 214-289-8512.

Visit ArtTreks.org for more details on all of our trips.

Check out our review page on TripAdvisor and feel free to leave one of your own.

Visiting Montepulciano and Tuscan Wineries with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

January 27, 2025

20″ x 10″ textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

SOLD • by Niki Gulley

Just Sold! During our Tuscany Foodie Trek, we headed to the wine town of Montepulciano. Perched atop a giant hill with beautiful views of the surrounding vineyards below, I set up my easel at this breathtaking overlook while the rest of our group visited wineries and toured the town. I could just imagine what it would be like living in that villa with those spectacular views. And, I even got to meet the homeowners who were based out of Austin, TX of all places and they confirmed my suspicions of just how fabulous it is staying there!

After lunch, we visited a winery nearby to sample their Rossos, Vino Nobiles and the delicious sweet dessert wine, Vin Santo. Full from the local meats and cheeses and tasty red wines, we headed back to the villa for a quiet night of relaxing and soaking in the evening scenery.

If you’re interested in joining us on one of upcoming Foodie or Art Treks, please let us know.

***

If you’re interested in joining us in Tuscany or on one of our upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!

Greece Art Trek
May 17-24, 2025
Full

Visit https://www.arttreks.org/greece-2025/ for details.

Switzerland Art Trek
July 26 – August 2, 2025
Full
More info. at https://www.arttreks.org/switzerland-2025/.

Tuscany Foodie Trek Trek
New Date – September 20-27, 2025
Just 2 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/

If you have any questions or would like to register, please contact Scott at photoguy@blind-squirrel.org or 214-289-8512.

Visit ArtTreks.org for more details on all of our trips.

Check out our review page on TripAdvisor and feel free to leave one of your own.

Colorful Rose Garden Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

January 22, 2025

20″ x 10″ textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

When we checked into our B and B in Tuscany this year, we were greeted by beautiful rose gardens surrounding the property. WOW! With such a plethora of gorgeous blooms, it was really hard to narrow down what to paint. Finally I landed on these crimson beauties with a peek at the Tuscan villa in the distance. I adore the cypress trees so indicative of Tuscany so I made sure to include them in the background. I also loved how this ancient twisted vine hugged the scene, creating an organic window of the view beyond. Filled with joy and color, I hope you are transported to this serene escape.

“Ruby Blooms” is available through the Good Art Company at https://www.goodartcompany.com/product-page/abstract-impression-original-art-20×10-landscape-ruby-bloomstps://www.nikigulley.com/ruby-blooms/.

For details on more of my Tuscany or rose garden paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

Or, check out my website at nikigulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape palette knife paintings.

***

If you’d like to join us on one of upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!

Greece Art Trek
May 17-24, 2025
Full
Visit https://www.arttreks.org/greece-2025/ for details.

Switzerland Art Trek
July 26 – August 2, 2025
Full
More info. at https://www.arttreks.org/switzerland-2025/.

Tuscany Foodie Trek Trek
September 20-27, 2025
Just 2 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025

For more information on upcoming Art Treks, visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.

Visiting Vineyards and Wine Tasting with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

December 2, 2024

SOLD • 20″ x 10″ textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

by Niki Gulley

Tuscany Foodie Trek – Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Day 4: Wine Tasting in Montalcino

Just sold! Today we visited the nearby hill town of Montalcino and sampled their famous Brunello wines. The vino was beyond delicious and the spread of homemade bruschetta and local meats and cheeses were paired perfectly. Stopping off along the way, we toured an ancient Monastery that feels so spiritual in its divine simplicity that everyone found it a highlight of the trip.

In the above painting you can see this beautiful abbey in the distance, surrounded by grapevines, olive groves and cypress trees. Signs of fall appear as the colorful vines turn vibrant shades of crimson. Setting up my easel across from this vineyard, I began recreating the soft light that would break through the clouds and illuminate various hilltops and plantings. I arranged the vines to lead your eye back to the church and the beautiful countryside. I hope you can taste the delicious wine and escape to Tuscany with us!

***

For more details on my other Tuscany paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

Or, check out my website at nikigulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape palette knife paintings.

***

If you’re interested in joining us in Tuscany or on one of our upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!

Greece Art Trek
May 17-24, 2025
Only 1 Spot Left!
Visit https://www.arttreks.org/greece-2025/ for details.

Switzerland Art Trek
July 26 – August 2, 2025
Full
More info. at https://www.arttreks.org/switzerland-2025/.

Tuscany Foodie Trek Trek
New Date – September 20-27, 2025
Just a couple of spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/

If you have any questions or would like to register, please contact Scott at photoguy@blind-squirrel.org or 214-289-8512.

Visit ArtTreks.org for more details on all of our trips.

Check out our review page on TripAdvisor and feel free to leave one of your own.

Siena Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

November 29, 2024

9″ x 12″ textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

Day 3: TUSCANY ART TREK – Siena

Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

For dinner that night, we treated ourselves to a delicious home-made Italian meal of pastas, truffles, pecorino cheese and some amazing red wine!

Greece Art Trek
May 17-24, 2025
Only 1 space left!

Switzerland Art Trek
July 26 – August 2, 2025

FULL

Tuscany Foodie Trek Trek
September 27 – October 4, 2025
4 Spaces Left!

If you’d like to join us on one of upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know.

For more information on upcoming Art Treks, visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.

***

E-mail me at Niki@NikiGulley.com for more information.

NikiGulley.com

Visiting Montepulciano and Tuscan Wineries with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

November 28, 2024

20″ x 10″ textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

by Niki Gulley

During our Tuscany Foodie Trek, we headed to the wine town of Montepulciano. Perched atop a giant hill with beautiful views of the surrounding vineyards below, I set up my easel at this breathtaking overlook while the rest of our group visited wineries and toured the town. I could just imagine what it would be like living in that villa with those spectacular views. And, I even got to meet the homeowners who were based out of Austin, TX of all places and they confirmed my suspicions of just how fabulous it is staying there!

If you’re interested in joining us on one of upcoming Foodie or Art Treks, please let us know.

***

If you’re interested in joining us in Tuscany or on one of our upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!

Greece Art Trek
May 17-24, 2025
Only 1 Spot Left!
Visit https://www.arttreks.org/greece-2025/ for details.

Switzerland Art Trek
July 26 – August 2, 2025
Full
More info. at https://www.arttreks.org/switzerland-2025/.

Tuscany Foodie Trek Trek
New Date – September 20-27, 2025
Just a couple of spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/

If you have any questions or would like to register, please contact Scott at photoguy@blind-squirrel.org or 214-289-8512.

Visit ArtTreks.org for more details on all of our trips.

Check out our review page on TripAdvisor and feel free to leave one of your own.

Tuscany Foodie Trek with Scott Williams and Niki Gulley

November 27, 2024

9″ x 12″ textured acrylic painting on canvas panel

Day 1, Tuscany Foodie Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

On the first day of our Tuscany Foodie Trek, we picked everyone up from the Rome airport and drove them to our new abode for the next week, nestled amongst the rolling Tuscan hills. The villa is beautiful and the view so spectacular that we just relaxed and soaked in that gorgeous scenery the first day. Some people enjoyed the pool while others got settled in. That night we had the most spectacular sunset while we dined al fresco on a 7 course meal made by an amazing Italian mama chef. A spectacular way to kick off the trip!

For more details on my other Tuscany paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

Or, check out my website at nikigulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape palette knife paintings.

***

If you’re interested in joining us on one of our upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks to France, Tuscany, or Venice, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!

For more information on upcoming Treks, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.