What is Il Chiostro

"You opened your door so that doors within us could open."

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

Welcome to Il Chiostro.  Whether you are new 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.

We are excited about our 2010 season.  For our 16th year we will be in many familiar locations like Venice and the Dievole winery in Tuscany, but we`re happy to officially inaugurate the Tuscan Renaissance Center, a collaboration between Il Chiostro and the restored monastery of San Fedele.  If you are passionate about travel and art, then Il Chiostro will be here for you.  No matter what happens in 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 5th annual alumni art exhibit La Dolce Vita at the Broome Street Gallery in Soho, NY (see link at right).  Come by for the artists` reception on Saturday, March 27th 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 2010, tanti auguri a tutti!

Linda Mironti and Michael Mele, Directors

Featured Programs

La Dolce Vita, Soho Exhibit
Our 5th annual juried exhibition will take place at the Broome St. Gallery in Soho March 23-April 4, 2010 with an artists reception on Saturday evening, March 27th. 80 works in the visual arts (painting, collage, photography, sculpture) will be selected from submissions by Il Chiostro alumni. To submit your work or get further details, please click on the picture.

Inside Tuscany-an adventure for everyone!
Have a different adventure every day as we experience Tuscany from the inside out. Hiking, wine tours, guided city walks, selected museum tours, unusual hill towns, cooking class, and even a visit to a sulfur spa. We will stay at the San Fedele monastery and set out every day from there. Something for everyone - even those non-artists out there!

Il Chiostro on Facebook
Become a fan of Il Chiostro on Facebook and follow us on our adventures all around Italy.