paintbotanical

Italy FAQ's

TRANSPORT & CONTACT

" You will find the reception team at il Collaccio so friendly and professional. If you do not find your answer on this page, they will be delighted to help".

Elaine Searle
paintbotanical

Contact Info

Lat: 42°53'18.5"N
Lng: 13°00'52.3"E

Il Collaccio S.a.s 06047 Preci (PG)
Tel. (+39) 0743/939084 - 939005
Cell. 334 2611111
E-mail: info@ilcollaccio.com

map of italy
What are the studio facilities?
Individual tables* with a drawing board slope, water pots and paper towels. The studio has good, even ‘daylight temperature’ lighting as well as some natural light, and is equipped with two light boxs and a large fridge for specimens. *allocation of places will be by a fair ‘draw from a hat’ each week not on a ‘first come first served’ basis.
What art supplies should I bring with me?
Your choice of drawing and watercolour painting materials (a small kit suited to travelling) plus a small amount of Hot Pressed watercolour paper.
IMPORTANT NOTE ON LIGHTING The studio lighting is daylight corrected and extremely even. Additional task lights are not provided. You should each bring a small battery or rechargeable (not mains powered) light. This will enable you to give additional directional light to your specimen to control highlights and shadows. These can be obtained economically online. Look for a flexible gooseneck or folding structure and the ability to recharge your light. A few examples are shown here. Example 1 Example 2 Example 3
Where is the studio located?
The studio is on the ground floor of the Locanda building where the hotel bedrooms are located. The room is open at all times – great for early bird or insomniac painters! You may also leave your painting materials in the studio throughout your stay. Valuables such as computers/phones should not be left unattended.
May I make hot beverages?
There are excellent facilities with free teas and coffee in a kitchen adjacent to the studio but not in the bedrooms. If you would like to make a hot drink in your room we recommend you bring a small travel kettle.
What clothes and other things should I bring?
The hotel is informal and smart casual clothes will be acceptable. It should be sunny and warm but can occasionally be inclement and may be coolish in early mornings and evenings as the hotel is at 600 meters. Come prepared. A cardigan or fleece and a light rain jacket is recommended. A pair of sturdy flat-soled shoes or trainers. Bring walking boots if you plan to hike a lot. Sun cream and insect repellent (not a major problem but advisable as it is not available on site).
Is there a swimming pool?
There are two outdoor but unheated pools. The lower one is close to the Locanda building and is more secluded. You may take the towels from your bathroom for pool use and these will be replaced.
Is il Collaccio suitable for those with walking difficulties?
Generally, yes. The studio is on the ground floor of the Locanda which houses the bedrooms. Most bedrooms are on the upper floor via a short flight of stairs (no lift). Two bedrooms are available on the ground floor of the Locanda building. All meals including breakfast are in the main hotel building a require you to walk about 100 meters each way with a gentle incline.
May I take walks nearby?
Yes. There are 4 or 5 walks of varying duration and difficulty from Il Collaccio. The area is generally quite hilly. Walks are not accompanied by a guide but are well marked and free maps with directions are available from reception. For the serious walkers there are countless other walking opportunities within the national park.
What can I do in free time daily
Those booking 1 week will get some free time at the end of each day. Most people swim, walk or read in the peaceful and beautiful surroundings.
Is there a shop on site?
Yes there is a small shop selling drinks, snacks and some basic toiletries.
May I pay by credit card?
You can pay for your room and most services by credit card. Bar bills are cash euros only.
What is the food like?
Breakfast is simple as is the Italian tradition with fruit juice, coffee/tea, croissant, bread and jam, yoghurt and cereals.

Lunch is a cold and hot buffet with a selection of delicious local dishes and salads.This meal will be served out on the restaurant terrace weather permitting. Mineral water, an ice cream for dessert and coffee is included. You may order other drinks at the bar paying cash or to be added to your bar bill.

Dinner in the restaurant is classic Umbrian cuisine with a starter, then pasta or fish or meat followed by desert. The area is famous for its truffles, river trout, lentils, spelt grain, pecorino (sheep’s) cheese, prosciutto, and salami. At dinner you may also choose from a menu of superb wood-fired pizzas. Half a bottle of wine or soft drinks plus mineral water is included with your meal.
Do you cater for vegetarians or other dietary needs?
Yes, no problem but It is very important that you advise the hotel when you book.
Mobile phone(cell)? reception?
Mobile reception should be possible but there are also phones in the bedrooms and public phones in the hotel.
WIFI
The rural location of the hotel means that internet speeds will not be as fast as you may be used to in major urban areas.
A wi-fi internet connection is available FREE for one device. Please ask for your login code at check-in A second device voucher may be purchased. There is also a public computer for guests use.
If I book 2 consecutive weeks what can I do on the linking Free days?
Between each weeks course are non-tutored days when you may rest and/or take excursions. You will have full access to the studio should you wish to paint. Excursions to the Sibillini National Park, Assisi or other local towns are possible by pre-booked taxis (reception will help with this) and may be shared by students wishing to collaborate on a small group trip.

Arriving by Air

FROM THE UK

The shortest way to travel from the UK is to fly with Ryanair from London Stansted to Perugia. (Check their website for current schedule).You can also fly to Rome (many carriers operate daily).

Arriving by Air

FROM THE USA & OTHER LONG-HAUL

The nearest airport is Rome Fiumicino (Leonardo da Vinci). If you are travelling long distance, you may wish to consider breaking your journey with a short stay in Rome before transfer to Umbria.

Airport Transfers

HOW THEY WORK

In order to make your journey to Il Collaccio as smooth as possible and to minimise the cost of getting here from the airport, the hotel can organise shared transfers from the following two airports:

Rome Fiumicino (Leonardo da Vinci) Pick ups are twice a day only.
Morning transfer – for flights arriving up to 12 noon
Afternoon transfer – for flights arriving up to 3pm

Transfer time 2hrs, 30mins

Sharing a transfer – we do our best to match up flight times but we have no control over this so we cannot guarantee your transfer will be shared with others.

Even if you book your flight within the above time windows, it’s possible you may find yourself as the only person on the transfer if no one else has booked similar flight times. If your flight is outside these time windows you almost certainly will be alone. In this happens, a solo transfer will cost around 220 euros each way. This a heavily discounted price on the normal shared transfer cost.

Delays – you will receive information from Il Collaccio before your arrival to advise you of the latest flight time on your transfer slot so you will know if you will have to wait in the arrivals lounge for others to arrive (there are bars and cafes with seating). If one of the flights on a shared transfer is delayed, the taxi will wait for the last person to arrive if this is within a reasonable timescale.

Perugia
Pick ups are once a day only to meet the Ryanair flight from London Stansted airport.

Transfer time 1hr, 10mins for the drive from the airport.

Getting Here by Train & Taxi

FROM ROME

There is a viable option to reach Il Collaccio from Rome airport. It involves a train into Rome Centrale Station, a walk through to the other end of the station, and then another train to Spoleto.Taxi from Spoleto to Il Collaccio – 45 mins, approx 90 euros.

This may be a good alternative if you find yourself a solo travnsfer and have little luggage. Italian trains are very reliable and punctual.

Rome airport train shuttle (Leonardo Express departs every 30 mins direct from the airport) to Rome Termini station – 30 mins, approx 13 euros. Train from Rome Termini to Spoleto – 1hr, 30mins, approx 8 euros (2nd Class).

You can see train times by visiting www.trenitalia.it

Hiring a Car

NOTE: NO CAR HIRE AT THE HOTEL

Should you prefer more independence and the use of a car throughout your stay Perugia and Rome airports have several car hire companies.

Car hire can also be arranged in advance from Spoleto rail station. Full directions can be supplied by Il Collaccio for the drive from the airport.

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