• Roundtrip air fare, private van transportation to Ljubljana, Plitvices Lake National Park and Lake Bled. 
• Lodging for 2 nights near the old town in Llubljana, 2 nights at Plitvices and 3 nights in Lake Bled.(Accommodations are in shared rooms, although a few single rooms may be available at an extra fee) 
• Boat trip & funicular with entrance into the castle in Ljubljana 
• 2 day pass to Plitvices Lake National Park 
• Breakfast every day & dinner two nights in Plitvices 
• Entrance to Vintgar gorge and Lake Bled Castle 
• Wine tasting in Lake Bled
• Emergency Medical insurance 
• Instruction, guidance, experience and fun

But wait there’s more!

For those people interested in extending the Croatia part of their adventure, we will be continuing on for another 4 days of cultural experiences. This part of the journey is geared more towards the epicurean side of travel. Which will include sampling some of the best food and wine that Croatia has to offer.

We will continue our trek by flying to Dubrovnik, where our 4 night stay will be in 4 star accommodations with views of the harbor and will serve as our base of operations.

Admire this pearl of the Adriatic as you stroll atop the ancient city walls gazing out across the shimmering azure sea or just wander the marble paved streets marveling at the baroque buildings. No trip here would be complete without a boat excursion around the harbor or a cable car ride to the top of the mountain for views of the city.

Last but by no means least, is the main reason for this extension, food and wine! This section of coastline produces some of the best seafood in Croatia, as well as
some simply extraordinary wines. So we will venture forth to the Peljesac peninsula to stop in and sample various wines from a selection of the best wineries in the area. If you are going to be there, you have to go to Mali Ston bay for an assortment of seafood.

Work Shop includes:

• Hotel for 4 nights in 4 star accommodations, private van transportation. (Accommodations are in shared rooms, although a few single rooms may be available at an extra fee) 
• Airfare from Zagreb 
• Boat excursion in Dubrovnik  
• Wine tasting 
• Breakfast

In the event of inclement weather, arrangements will be made for museum visits etc. There will be no rain dates or refunds for weather or travel difficulties, we suggest travel insurance for those situations.

Please let us know if you have any questions or if we can help you in any way and we hope that you will be able to join us!

Scott Williams       214-289-8512      /       Niki Gulley     214-803-5812

Email Scott, [email protected]  if you are interested in joining us.

______________________________________________________________

FoodieTreks – Tuscany, Italy

Oct. 2022

 

 Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Cinque Terre & Lake Como

September  14 – 23 /2018    

Photography / Plein-Air Painting Workshop
Taught by Scott Williams & Niki Gulley

Expanding the scope of our travel again this year, we have combined a couple of stunning destinations into one exciting trek, Cinque Terre & Lake Como. This gives you the opportunity to double your pleasure and cover two distinctly amazing locations. There is also the option of combining this with our Tuscany trek for an amazing two week Italian adventure, see the bottom of the page for more details!

Brightly colored homes stacked one on top of the other, looking like they were carved into the hillside with the ocean lapping at their doorstep, is what awaits you in Cinque Terre. Translating into the “5 Lands”, you get to experience the beauty that each city has to offer. From the southern most stop of Riomaggiore with its vertical ascent of pastel homes, to Vernazza with its medieval fort protecting the harbor and finishing along the beach at our home base of Monterosso in the north.

This trip literally has almost every form of transportation to heighten your traveling adventure. You will ride the rails  from one city to another, take a boat between them if water is more to your liking or to truly experience Cinque Terre in all of it’s glory, you can hike cliffside trails with the landscape spread out before you. These are your many options as you expand your creativity through paint and film capturing this stunning setting.

The second stop on our Italian pilgrimage, is the place that Niki considers the most beautiful place on earth, Lake Como. Imagine sitting at a cafe’ along the water with waves gently lapping the shore with the Alps as a backdrop, it truly is “La Dolce Vita”! From our hilltop hotel overlooking the city of Varenna, to the opulent villas surrounding the lake and to the shop lined stairs and alleys of Bellagio, every destination offers a multitude of opportunities to capture this amazing locale!

Niki will conduct the Plein-Air Painting Workshop from different picturesque locations daily, teaching through a combination of demos, discussions, assistance and critiques.

Sessions will be broken into different morning and afternoon locations, with plenty of time in between for shopping, sightseeing or to dine al fresco for a leisurely lunch.

Scott will take the photographers on a daily walking tour through Cinque Terre and into the regions surrounding Lake Como.

You will have the opportunity to experience these areas through your lens as Scott guides you to use your camera to define what you see while achieving your own artistic vision. As with the painters, there will be daily destinations with time allowances for exploring on your own.

This unique Workshop affords you the option to choose which aspect interests you, whether it is painting, photography or both. Thereby giving you an opportunity to make the most of your Tuscan experience.

There will also be valuable critique sessions throughout the workshop. This will give everyone an opportunity to discuss the day’s events,compare notes, ask questions and get a chance to know each other. It also presents a unique option to get views and perspectives from both painters and photographers.

 So come join us as we take you on an inspirational exploration of Cinque Terre & Lake Como with an emphasis on observation and perception as we help you develop your own style – or just ride along to enjoy the Italian countryside, as artists and non-artists alike are welcome.

Space is limited to 12 participants on a first-come basis, so we encourage you to enroll as soon as possible. There will also be space open for non-participating partners at reduced rates on a limited basis. 

Work Shop includes:

•  Roundtrip air fare, private van transportation to Cinque Terre & Lake Como.
•  Lodging for 8 nights, 4 nights in the beach town of Monterosso and 4 nights in a hilltop hotel overlooking Lake Como. (Pricing is for shared rooms)
•  Continental Breakfast 
•  4 days of train tickets in Cinque Terre
• Hiking Pass for the trails in Cinque Terre
• Wine tasting in Cinque Terre
• Boat transportation in Lake Como to Bellagio
• Admission to Villa Monastero in Varenna
• Boat transportation and admission to Villa Balbianello in Lake Como
•  Optional cooking class
•  Emergency Medical insurance
•  Instruction, guidance, experience and fun

In the event of inclement weather, arrangements will be made for museum visits etc. There will be no rain dates or refunds for weather or travel difficulties, we suggest travel insurance for those situations.

Please let us know if you have any questions or if we can help you in any way and we hope that you will be able to join us!

Scott Williams      214-289-8512         /         Niki Gulley     214-803-5812

Email Scott at,  [email protected]  if you are interested in joining us.

______________________________________________________________

Photography / Plein-Air Painting Workshop
Taught by Scott Williams & Niki Gulley

Since our adventures have been mostly to Europe, we thought that it was finally time to visit our kindred nation, Great Britain. This Trek will acquaint you with some of the best that London has to offer, along with a stop in the old Roman town of Bath and culminating in the picturesque Cotswolds.

The initial stop on our London journey brings us to the residence of the Yeomen Warders, the Tower of London. With the Beefeaters as your guide you will get the opportunity to experience all the Tower has to offer first hand. From its origins as a castle, and its many incarnations as a mint, a menagerie, an armory, a prison and of course as a treasury, with the celebrated Crown Jewels.

Our continuation through London moves along the life blood of the city, with a cruise down the Thames. Where you will view the city from this unique perspective as your guide regales you with some fascinating tidbits of London’s rather interesting architecture, finally disembarking at the famed Big Ben and Westminster Abbey.

As part of our art appreciation, we will take time to visit one of the best museums in the world, the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square. For those interested in extending their art experience, we will also carve out a little time one evening to take in a show in one of London’s many theaters.

This adventure will take us throughout the city, hitting as many highlights as possible, but it will also afford you free time to visit any of their other many attractions. Whether it would be going up in the London Eye, touring Churchill’s War Rooms, viewing other museums, venturing into Westminster Abbey or just walking through a park.

As enjoyable as London is, we must proceed onward to our next stop, the royal palace that Henry the VIII called home, Hampton Court. This amazing Tudor palace with its stunning gardens presents many opportunities for the artistic soul to feed upon.

Continuing on brings us to our final way station, the simply spectacular Cotswolds! Once again, finding unique lodging for our stay, we will reside in a 350 year old B&B, with one of the best restaurants around. This area is an artists delight, step back in time where the landscape is dotted with thatched roofed cottages, quintessential English gardens, flowing streams and Medieval castles.

From our home base we will also travel to the Roman city of Bath, where its vast array of options caters to your every whim. Walk along the river for the remarkable view of the Pulteney Bridge, stop in at its Abbey, the last Gothic church in England, explore the 2000 year old Roman baths or simply indulge yourself in High Tea. This adventure has a little bit of everything that England has to offer.

Niki will conduct the Plein-Air Painting Workshop from different picturesque locations daily, teaching through a combination of demos, discussions, assistance and critiques. Sessions will be broken into different morning and afternoon locations, with plenty of time in between for shopping, sightseeing or to dine al fresco for a leisurely lunch.

Scott will take the photographers on daily walking tours where you will have the opportunity to experience England through your lens as Scott guides you to use your camera to define what you see while achieving your own artistic vision.

As with the painters, there will be daily destinations with time allowances for exploring on your own. There will also be valuable critique sessions throughout the workshop as time allows. This will give everyone an opportunity to discuss the day’s events, compare notes, ask questions and get a chance to know each other. It also presents a unique option to get views and perspectives from both painters and photographers.

So come join us as we take you on an inspirational exploration of London and the Cotswolds with an emphasis on observation and perception as we help you develop your own style. Admission is limited to 12 participants, so we encourage you to enroll as soon as possible. There will also be space open for non-participating partners at reduced rates on a limited basis.

Work Shop includes:

• Roundtrip air fare, breakfast & all transfers, including private van transportation to the Cotswolds.
•  Hotel for 7 nights. 3 in London and 4 in the Cotswolds (Double occupancy)    (Accommodations are in shared rooms, although a few single rooms may be available at an extra fee)
•  Side trips along the way to  Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury, Lower Slaughter and Chipping Camden, as well as to the Roman town of Bath.
•  Admission to the Tower of London & London Metro Pass, Hampton Court Palace & Sudeley Castle 
• Optional show at a London theater
•  Thames boat cruise
•  Emergency Medical Insurance.
•  Instruction, guidance, experience and fun.

______________________________________________________________________ 

You’ve seen the images of the people with elaborate costumes and ornate masks set against the stunning backdrop of Venice. Well, now is your chance to not only be a part of this fabulous spectacle, but to also capture the festival in all of it’s glory. Imagine working on your photography and painting skills in an environment with such visual stimulation and artistic opportunities.Join Scott as he takes you on a photographic journey among a cast of characters that have stepped out of a long forgotten time as they stroll amid the grandeur of the Venetian canals.

Like our spring workshop, you will experience the sights, sounds and passion of Venice as you are immersed in Italian culture.Niki will conduct the Plein-Air Painting Workshop from different picturesque locations daily, teaching through a combination of demos, discussions, assistance and critiques. Sessions will be broken into different morning and afternoon locations, with plenty of time in between for shopping, sightseeing,  or to dine al fresco for a leisurely lunch. There will be walking tours through the back streets and canals of Venice as we go in search of opulent costumes and dazzling masks in a setting like no other place on earth.

* Hotel for 6 nights. (Double occupancy) (Accommodations are in shared rooms, although a few single rooms may be available at an extra fee)* Private boat from the airport.

Please let us know if you have any questions or if we can help you in any way. We hope that you will be able to join us!

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Plein Air Painting & Photography Workshop

Andulusia, Spain

May 14-22, 2016

Taught by Niki Gulley & Scott Williams

It’s time to explore a new country and give you an opportunity to see new sights, experience a different culture, taste some unique foods and savor some great wines, Spain! During this excursion we are going to introduce you to some of the best that Andalusia has to offer.

Once again, if you are a painter or photographer, we have designed this workshop to expand your creativity and further your artistic voice. Choosing which aspect interests you, we will help guide you to capture on canvas or film, the spectacular architecture and rich tapestry, that is Spain.

Join us as we take you on a journey through the riches of Andalusia where our trek begins in the amazing city of Toledo, perched atop a hill surrounded by a river on three sides. This fortified city has withstood the ravages of time and affords us a great cultural treasure trove. From the works of El Greco, to a synagogue built by the Moors and culminating with the soaring heights of their cathedral that is considered the magnum opus of the Gothic style.

From there we will stop off in La Mancha to tilt at windmills with Don Quixote before venturing on to one of the world’s true architectural marvels, the Alhambra. This stunning fortress is the culmination of Moorish design and once housed some of the best minds of their time, as well as being a melting pot of many of the known religions.

Our further travels take us to the picturesque city of Ronda, situated on the edge of a cliff along a canyon – its dramatic views make it a scenic wonder. Lastly we will ended up in Seville, home of Flamenco. Here we will take a carriage ride through its streets, visit the Alcazar, experience Flamenco and sample some of the local wine.

Niki will conduct the Plein-Air Painting Workshop from different picturesque locations daily, teaching through a combination of demos, discussions, assistance and critiques. Sessions will be broken into different morning and afternoon locations, with plenty of time in between for shopping, sightseeing or to dine al fresco for a leisurely lunch.
Scott will take the photographers on daily walking tours where you will have the opportunity to experience Spain through your lens as Scott guides you to use your camera to define what you see while achieving your own artistic vision. As with the painters, there will be daily destinations with time allowances for exploring on your own.

There will also be valuable critique sessions throughout the workshop as time allows. This will give everyone an opportunity to discuss the day’s events, compare notes, ask questions and get a chance to know each other. It also presents a unique option to get views and perspectives from both painters and photographers.

So come join us as we take you on an inspirational exploration of Andalusia and its surroundings with an emphasis on observation and perception as we help you develop your own style.

Admission is limited to 12 participants, so we encourage you to enroll as soon as possible. There will also be space open for non-participating partners at reduced rates on a limited basis.

Work Shop includes:
* Roundtrip air fare, all transfers.
* Hotel for 7 nights with Breakfast:
2 in Toldeo,
2 in Granada and
3 in Seville
(Double occupancy) (Accommodations are in shared rooms, although a few single rooms may be available at an extra fee)
* Stops along the way in La Mancha and Ronda
* El Greco Museum & Toldeo Museum pass.
* Entrance to Alhambra in Granada
* Optional 18 course tasting meal
* Entrance to Alcazar, Flamenco show and Carriage ride in Seville
* Airfare from Seville
* Emergency Medical Insurance.
* Instruction, guidance, experience and fun.

Simply send a completed application form along with your deposit of $1,500 per person. Prices after 10/31/15 are based on current airfare. Application forms will be provided upon request.

For those wanting a single occupancy room, there will be an additional cost of $650. We can take credit card payments, however it will incur a 3% fee.

There is a discount of $350 for partners wanting to accompany participants on the trip, but not take the workshop.

There will be no rain dates or refunds for weather or travel difficulties. We suggest travel insurance for those situations.

Please let us know if you have any questions or if we can help you in any way. We hope that you will be able to join us!

________________________________________________________________

Our previous adventure took us to England, so it seemed only fitting since we were so close that we should make an additional trek to Ireland. This Journey will take us from the epicenter of culture in Dublin, to the imposing Cliffs of Moher, through the colorful village of Adare and finishing at the Dingle Peninsula.

Dublin covers the spectrum of things to do and sights to see. Setting on the mouth of the Liffey, it  is unprecedented as a two-cathedral city and is the heart and soul of Ireland. Spend your time while there walking the hallowed halls of Trinity college to see the book of Kells, admire their two medieval cathedrals, stroll across the Samuel Beckett Bridge or just stop in for a quick pint at Temple bar.

From there our move westward takes us through the Burren national park with its lunar-like landscape of rocks and cliffs and onto the picturesque town of Lahinch.  From our home base we will venture forth to experience the most visited natural attraction in Ireland, the spectacular Cliffs of Moher. The scale and grandeur of this magnificent natural wonder is stunning, along with some truly breathtaking vistas.

Leaving our castle for the moment we venture forth to the town of Killarney and it is there that we find Muckross House. This 65 room Tudor estate with its 11,000 acres teeming with overflowing gardens, is an ideal setting for any artist. As if that weren’t enough, there are abbey ruins on the grounds as well as nearby waterfalls and just down the road is another photogenic spot, the 15th century Ross Castle set on the shore of Lough Leane. With a strategic location, its tower offered commanding views of the lake and it’s from here that we will enjoy a boat tour of some of Killarney’s beautiful lakes.

Last, but surely not least, is our day trip around the Dingle Peninsula! Set along the westernmost tip of Ireland, this rugged coast with its craggy cliffs, rolling hills dotted with sheep and long expanses of sandy beaches, offers a wide array of stunning backdrops. There are also castle ruins, mountain lakes, stone huts and cascading waterfalls to round out the amazing scenery. If you have ever dreamed of going to Ireland, this is the trip for you!

Niki will conduct the Plein-Air Painting Workshop from different picturesque locations daily, teaching through a combination of demos, discussions, assistance and critiques. Sessions will be broken into different morning and afternoon locations, with plenty of time in between for shopping, sightseeing or to dine al fresco for a leisurely lunch.

Scott will take the photographers on daily walking tours where you will have the opportunity to experience Ireland through your lens as Scott guides you to use your camera to define what you see while achieving your own artistic vision.

As with the painters, there will be daily destinations with time allowances for exploring on your own. There will also be valuable critique sessions throughout the workshop as time allows. This will give everyone an opportunity to discuss the day’s events, compare notes, ask questions and get a chance to know each other. It also presents a unique option to get views and perspectives from both painters and photographers.

So come join us as we take you on an inspirational exploration of Ireland with an emphasis on observation and perception as we help you develop your own style. Admission is limited to 12 participants, so we encourage you to enroll as soon as possible. There will also be space open for non-participating partners at reduced rates on a limited basis.

Work Shop includes:

• Roundtrip air fare, breakfast & all transfers
•  Hotel for 7 nights. 2 in Dublin, 2 in Lahinch (near the Cliffs of Moher) and 3 magnificent nights in a castle in Kerry (Double occupancy)    (Accommodations are in shared rooms, although a few single rooms may be available at an extra fee)
•  Side trips along the way to  Galway, Adare, Cliffs of Moher, Killarney and the Dingle Peninsula.
•  Admission to the Cliffs of Moher & Muckross House
•  Boat cruise on the lakes of Killarney
•  Emergency Medical Insurance.
•  Instruction, guidance, experience and fun.

There is a discount of $350 for partners wanting to accompany participants on the trip, but not take the workshop. We will also setup optional events/ classes when available at an additional cost for participants not interested in the painting/photography sessions. There has to be a minimum of 6 people for the workshop to make. If the 6 person minimum is not met by the 10/15/16 deadline, deposits will be refunded.

In the event of inclement weather, arrangements will be made for museum visits etc. There will be no rain dates or refunds for weather or travel difficulties, we suggest travel insurance for those situations.

Please let us know if you have any questions or if we can help you in any way and we hope that you will be able to join us!

Scott Williams       214-289-8512      /       Niki Gulley     214-803-5812

______________________________________________________________________

Venice, Italy – Carnival

February 3 – 10 /2018

Photography / Plein-Air Painting Workshop
Taught by Scott Williams & Niki Gulley

You’ve seen the images of the people with elaborate costumes and ornate masks set against the stunning backdrop of Venice. Well, now is your chance to not only be a part of this fabulous spectacle, but to also capture the festival in all of it’s glory.

Imagine working on your photography and painting skills in an environment with such visual stimulation and artistic opportunities. Join us as we take you on an journey among a cast of characters that have stepped out of a long forgotten time as they stroll amid the grandeur of the Venetian canals. Every corner brings you face to face with new subject matter and backgrounds that afford you endless possibilities to spark your imagination.

There will be walking tours through the back streets and canals of Venice as we go in search of opulent costumes and dazzling masks in a setting like no other place on earth. You will experience the sights, sounds and passion of Venice as you are immersed in Italian culture. Every time we go, we feel like a kid in a candy store!

Niki will conduct the Plein-Air Painting Workshop from different picturesque locations daily, teaching through a combination of demos, discussions, assistance and critiques. Sessions will be broken into one half day outings of either morning or afternoon locations, with the other half day set aside for exploring the cultural side of the area. There will also be plenty of time in between for shopping, sightseeing or to dine al fresco for a leisurely lunch.

Scott will take the photographers on a daily walking tour, giving you the opportunity to experience the trip through your lens as he guides you to use your camera to define what you see while achieving your own artistic vision. As with the painters, there will be half day destinations, with time allowances for exploring on your own. 

This unique Workshop affords you the option to choose which aspect interests you, whether it is painting, photography or both. Thereby giving you an opportunity to make the most of your Art Treks experience. There will also be valuable critique sessions throughout the workshop that can provide invaluable information and feedback, as well as giving everyone an opportunity to share ideas and get to know each other. 

There will also be opportunities each day to see the museums, visit the churches, go shopping and enjoy all of the things that make Venice what it is.So come join us as we take you on an inspirational exploration of Carnival with an emphasis on observation and perception as we help you develop your own style – or just ride along to enjoy the countryside, as artists and non-artists alike are welcome.

Admission is limited to 12 participants, so we encourage you to enroll as soon as possible. There will also be space open for non-participating partners at reduced rates on a limited basis.

Work Shop includes:

• Roundtrip air fare, all transfers in Venice. 
• Lodging for 6 nights. (Accommodations are in shared rooms, although a few single rooms may be available at an extra fee) 
• Private water taxi to & from the airport in Venice
• Breakfast 
• Boat trip to the islands of Murano & Burano
• Glass blowing demonstration
• Emergency Medical insurance 
• Instruction, guidance, experience and fun

Your cost for all of this is $4,395 and to reserve a spot, simply send a completed application form along with your deposit of $1,500 per person by 6/10/17, after that the price goes to $4,995. There also is a final application cut off date of 8/5/17. Prices after the cut off date are based on current airfare.

A second payment of one half of the remainder after deposit is due by 9/9/17, with a final payment due by 10/21/17. For those wanting a single occupancy room, there will be an additional cost of $750. We can take credit card payments, however it will incur a 3.5% fee.

There has to be a minimum of 6 people for the workshop to make. If the 6 person minimum is not met by the deadline, deposit will be refunded.

There is a discount of $350 for partners wanting to accompany participants on the trip, but not take the workshop. We will also setup optional spa tours and food, wine or cooking classes where  available at an additional cost for participants not interested in the painting/photography sessions.

In the event of inclement weather, arrangements will be made for museum visits etc. There will be no rain dates or refunds for weather or travel difficulties, we suggest travel insurance for those situations.

Please let us know if you have any questions or if we can help you in any way and we hope that you will be able to join us!

Scott Williams       214-289-8512      /       Niki Gulley     214-803-5812

Email Scott, [email protected]  if you are interested in joining us.

Work Shop includes:

• Round trip air fare and private van transportation to various Tuscan hill towns, including
• Side trips to Siena and Florence, as well as to the wine town of Montepulciano.
• Lodging for 7 nights amid the picturesque rolling Tuscan landscape. (Pricing is for shared rooms)
• Guided wine tour
• Continental Breakfast
• Emergency Medical insurance
• Instruction, guidance, experience and fun

Your cost for all of this is $5,095 and to reserve a spot, simply send a completed application form (the forms will be provided by email upon request) along with your deposit of $1,500 per person. There is a final application cut off date of 1/6/18. Prices after the cut off date are based on current airfare.

There is also the possibility of combining the Tuscany trek with our Cinque Terre & Lake Como trek for an amazing two week Italian adventure. So be sure to check that out for more information!

A second payment of one half of the remainder after deposit is due by Nov. 11th, with a final payment due by Jan. 20th. We can take credit card payments, however it will incur a 3.5% fee.

For those wanting a single occupancy room, there will be an additional cost of $750. There is a discount of $350 for partners wanting to accompany participants on the trip, but not take the workshop. We will also setup optional spa tours and food, wine or cooking classes where  available at an additional cost for participants not interested in the painting/photography sessions.

In the event of inclement weather, arrangements will be made for museum visits etc. There will be no rain dates or refunds for weather or travel difficulties. We suggest travel insurance for those situations.

Please let us know if you have any questions or if we can help you in any way. We hope that you will be able to join us!

— Niki Gulley 214-803-5812

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information and to register for this amazing trip.

— Scott Williams 214-289-8512 [email protected]

To see more of Scott’s Work, visit his website at blind-squirrel.org. To see more information on the trip and additional photos from previous Tuscany workshops, visit blind-squirrel.org/workshop.htm.