Italy in Style with Dave Lowe

Relax and indulge your senses travelling through the Tuscan Hills in Spring and Autumn.

Travel carefree by luxury coach, with accommodation at 3 and 4 star hotels including daily breakfast and dinner through the highlights of Italy with Dave Lowe, Sculptor.

ITALY IN SPRING

20 days from Rome

22 days from Brisbane

May/June 2012

Grade: Relaxed and Indulgent

Dave Lowe, Sculptor

While I had always had a fascination for the art of Italy, my interest in the sight seeing prospects of this glorious country developed from a marble sculpting group I participated in 1997 and 1999 in Carrara.

I then followed this up with a research trip before leading my first group in 2001. By the end of 2009 I had successfully conducted 19 groups.

Prior to designing and creating the Tuscan trips, I had established myself as a sculptor in Brisbane in a variety of materials including bronze, marble, clay and sand stone, with commissioned pieces in restaurants, RSL clubs and private collections. I also provided private tuition, workshops in Brisbane as well as various groups around Queensland.

My intention originally was to accompany artists and sculptors around Italy, combining painting, sculpture and sight seeing. It soon became apparent that this very specialized trip was not financially viable. To this end I have subsequently developed a little of an art theme to the trips, by way of offering clay sculpting lessons, free of charge during our sojourn in Italy. The materials are naturally also provided free of charge.

This is directed at people interested, but not necessarily accomplished, so there is no reason not to have a little fun experimenting. I also provide demonstrations for those who have an interest in sculpting, but no inclination to be directly involved.

The basis of my trips to Italy is to share with my clients my passion for the beauty and splendours of the country I have sculpted in and have come to love during my travels there.

Information pertaining to the towns we visit is provided by way of my prepared notes regarding their history, characters and points of interest. These are handed out on a daily basis to keep the group informed about the towns we visit, without burdening them with copious reading.

These notes are by no means complete and simply represent information that I have collected over time. For those with a more significant interest in the arts, architecture and history of Italy, I recommend pre-trip reading in their areas. To this end I can recommend the following books:

Insight Guide Italy – ISBN 981 234 339 3
Insight Guide Tuscany – ISBN 981 234 265 6
Art & Architecture Tuscany – ISBN 3 8290 2652 8
Lonely Planet Tuscany – ISBN 0 86442 733 6
The Green Guide Italy – ISBN 2 06 000004 1
The Green Guide Tuscany – ISBN 2 06 000010 6

I suggest that you bring the book of your choice along with you, since you may wish to read further on your subject while at the location.

Dante, my assistant and I will comment from time to time on points of interest as we travel around, but these are purely our personal comments and should not be understood to be the detailed equivalent of a tourist guide.

This is not a “talking heads” tour. You will not be bombarded with facts and figures as we drive and walk about Italy.

This is a relaxing slow-paced, flexible trip, considerate of your personal requirements.

I will arrange for the distribution of maps at the locations that warrant them, since I encourage where feasible, the group members to explore the villages independently. I will, however, always accompany those requiring guidance through the itinerary locations.

Why travel to Italy with Dave Lowe?

The group is limited to 20, facilitating personalised service
The use of a 54 seater coach providing a window seat for everybody
Complimentary wine when ever on the coach
Only 2 hotel changes, avoiding constant repacking and early morning starts
Short daily trips to locations, ensuring maximum time at the sites
Optimum flexibility allowing for independent exploration or shopping at villages
Relaxed itinerary, breakfast at 8.00am, departure at 9.00am, return by 5.00pm
Free days for relaxation or additional visits of choice
4 star hotels for you comfort
My Italian assistant, Dante, is at your disposal to assist with all your needs
Presentation of a photographic diary containing details of our daily trips
A reunion party at Oxleys on the River, for the presentation of the diaries
An obligation-free in-home presentation for Brisbane area clients.