What is Il Chiostro
Il Chiostro brings Italy to people. We do it in a unique and intimate way with a focus on the arts. We offer workshops in photography, painting, cooking, writing and more. Our mission is to immerse our guests in the Italian culture through authentic experiences that go deeper than typical sightseeing. We want everyone to feel like they are coming to our home for a week and seeing the Italy that we know and love.
We have a personal connection to Italy. Our desire is to share all of the incomparable things that we think make Italy so unforgettable - the food, art, wine, history, language, crafts, and the glorious scenery. We select accommodations that allow our guests to see and feel an authentic Italy. We make opportunities to interact with the local population in each of our program areas. Our staff members share their passion and knowledge with our guests. The combination of all of this creates the Il Chiostro Experience.
At an Il Chiostro workshop, you will find yourself in the company of like-minded people who share your interests. It`s easy to make a strong connection with the other participants beginning with the first dinner. Back in the US we try to maintain those connections by organizing various social events for alumni and friends. This has become our Il Chiostro Community.
"Words cannot express how much my time with all of you meant to me. I do still have the halo around me...and I know it will remain with me because it is radiating from my heart! Hopefully, the wonderful healing energies from Il Chiostro will now flow through me to others (especially through my paint brush). I will be seeing all of you again because I will be back...in fact, you will have to put up with me at least once a year." - SS, Florida
[For more comments from participants, see Testimonials under About Us.]
Statement from Directors
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Welcome to our newly-designed web site! Whether you are new to Il Chiostro or returning alumni, there`s information about our current season, tips for travel, suggestions for places to stay in Italy and lots more information about Il Chiostro`s activities and our community.
Despite the dire economic news, we are excited about our 2009 season. For our 15th year we will be in many familiar locations like the Contessa`s vineyard or Dievole in Tuscany, but we`ll also be in Sorrento, Rome, Florence and our newest venue, the monastery of San Fedele. If you are passionate about travel and art, then Il Chiostro will be here for you. No matter what happens on the stock market, for the highest returns, invest in yourself.
We also look forward to staying connected with our alumni through our programs outside of Italy. This year is our 4th annual alumni art exhibit Shades of Italy at the Broome Street Gallery in Soho, NY (see link at right). Come by for the artists` reception on Saturday, March 7th and, if you are free the night before, why not catch Linda`s cabaret act at the Duplex in Greenwich Village, NY.
Wishing you all the best for 2009, tanti auguri a tutti!
Linda Mironti and Michael Mele, Directors