TUSCANY with Sandra Mollon

TUSCAN THEMED FUSED ART QUILT

JOIN SANDRA MOLLON in Tuscany

Infused with inspiration, Sandra Mollon’s Tuscany workshop is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! You’ll create a Tuscan themed fused art quilt, with Sandra’s expert instruction and guidance, while being surrounded by the stunning beauty of Italy.

Along with a Bachelors degree in Science, Sandra has as a background in teaching, so sharing her techniques in a classroom setting is very comfortable for her. She teaches throughout the USA, as well as internationally, and also hosts international quilt tours. In her new class, Tuscan Themed Fused Art Quilt, Sandra is leading an inspirational workshop in the spectacular setting of Tuscany, Italy.

MORE ABOUT Sandra

Sandra is a quilt and textile artist living in Northern California. She saw her first quilt magazine in the late 1980’s, and shortly afterwards began quilting in earnest. Sandra began making very traditional pieces and appliquéd quilts, many winning ribbons. One of her original designs, the “Seasons of Life” quilt won the “Outstanding Large Quilt” award in 2019 at Road to California, and went on to win a purchase award at the 2019 Spring Paducah show. It now is a part of the permanent collection of the National Quilt Museum. She is the author of the book “Seasons of Life Quilt, Techniques and Patterns for 13 Baltimore Album Quilt Blocks” published by C&T Publications, released in 2021.

More recently, Sandra became interested in art quilting and thread painting, and for several years many of her art quilts have been award-winners at major shows, including “Best Wall Quilt” at the 2021 and 2022 PIQF and Quiltfest Greenville in 2022. She was also interviewed about her work on her quilt “Toroweep Overlook” by the Grand Canyon Historical Society, and has written about her realistic style for “American Quilter” magazine (Jan. 2021 issue).

WHAT to Expect…

• With Sandra’s expert guidance, you’ll work to make a lovely, Tuscan themed fused art quilt while enjoying an immersive, Italian experience
• This  workshop includes your own kit with fabric, Misty Fuse (TM) adhesive and pattern, so you can easily learn the process of making a fused art quilt – while traveling to this iconic location!
• Sandra will walk you through the entire process, including:
  • selecting the right value fabrics
  • fusing fabric into place
  • adding media, such as, ink and color pencils for added realism
  • finishing techniques, such as, how to quilt and face an art quilt
• To help you prepare for the workshop, Sandra will host a Zoom meeting the month before the event.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival

• Highlights: Welcome and orientation
• Aperitivo, dinner

Upon arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport, you’ll be met by our private drivers and whisked away to the serene countryside and your boutique accommodations in the charming village of Città della Pieve. After check-in and time to settle in, you’ll head to the studio for a warm welcome and workshop orientation with Sandra. Later, enjoy a guided walking tour through the cobbled streets of the historic center, where medieval architecture, sweeping views, and local life offer an inspiring first glimpse of this hidden gem.

Afterwards you’ll gather together with your fellow students for a delicious, regional-style dinner prepared by talented Chef Jordy. 

Day 2: Città della Pieve

• Highlights: Instruction with Sandra, church art walking tour
• Breakfast, lunch, dinner

This morning, after breakfast, you’ll head to the studio for a focused session with Sandra—an inspiring time of instruction, experimentation, and creative flow- as you continue to explore new techniques and refine your project. Lunch will be served at a charming nearby café, offering a chance to relax and refuel.

Following lunch, enjoy a bit of free time to rest or take in the quiet rhythms of the village before rejoining Sandra in the studio for more hands-on guidance. Later in the afternoon, we’ll set out together for a captivating walking tour through the historic center, with a special focus on Renaissance art. Highlights include viewing works by Renaissance master Pietro Perugino—Città della Pieve’s most celebrated son. This enriching day concludes with a relaxed and convivial dinner at our a village café.

Day 3: Orvieto 

• Highlights: Excursion to Orvieto, wine tasting
• Breakfast, lunch, dinner

This morning, after a delicious breakfast, our private drivers will take you to the breathtaking hilltop town of Orvieto, dramatically perched above the sweeping Val di Chiani. You’ll have time to explore at your own pace—perhaps stepping inside the awe-inspiring Gothic cathedral, browsing artisan boutiques filled with exquisite maiolica ceramics, or simply soaking in the panoramic views from the town’s ancient walls. From there, we’ll make our way to a local organic wine cantina, where our friends will welcome us for a relaxed tasting and lunch. Savor regional wines paired with seasonal dishes, all while enjoying an unforgettable vista of the Tuscan countryside.

This afternoon you’ll head to the studio with Sandro to continue working on your fused quilt project. This evening you’ll enjoy a light dinner at a local cafe.

Day 4: Città della Pieve

• Highlights: Instruction with Sandra, pasta-making class
• Breakfast, dinner

This morning, after breakfast, we’ll return to the studio with Sandra to continue developing your Tuscany-themed fused quilt project. Sandra will guide you through her signature techniques, offering expert insight into color selection, shading, and creating depth and dimension in your work—skills that will elevate your artistic expression and bring your piece vividly to life. Lunch today is on your own.

In the afternoon, we’ll head to our friend Cristian’s charming bistro, where you’ll slip on an apron and dive into a joyful, hands-on pasta-making lesson. With plenty of laughter and flour in the air, you’ll learn the secrets of pairing the perfect pasta with the perfect sauce. Cristian will also give us a behind-the-scenes look at his private wine cantina. The experience culminates in a delicious, relaxed dinner featuring your handmade pasta—fresh.

Day 6: San Casciano dei Bagni

• Highlights: Archeological site, instruction with Sandra
• Breakfast, lunch

This morning, after breakfast, we’ll set off for the picturesque hilltop village of San Casciano dei Bagni, renowned for its natural hot springs and timeless charm. Here, you’ll enjoy a private guided tour of a truly remarkable archaeological site—an extraordinary Etruscan and Roman sanctuary recently unearthed and hailed as one of Italy’s most significant new discoveries. Afterward, we’ll gather for a leisurely lunch at our friend Daniela’s inviting restaurant, tucked within the ancient stone walls of the village’s castle.

In the afternoon, we’ll return to Città della Pieve, where you’ll spend dedicated time in the studio with Sandra, continuing to bring your Tuscany-inspired quilt project to life. The evening is yours to enjoy—whether browsing local shops (we have plenty of recommendations!), wandering the charming lanes of the village, or finding a cozy spot for dinner on your own.

Day 6: Città della Pieve

• Highlights: Stamping lesson, instruction with Sandra
• Breakfast, dinner

This morning, after breakfast, you’re in for a creative treat as our friend and talented artist, Gaetano, joins us in the studio for a lively stamp-making demonstration and hands-on lesson. With his playful approach and deep artistic knowledge, Gaetano will guide you through the process of designing and carving your own stamp. Afterward, you’ll continue your project with Sandra, building on everything you’ve learned throughout the week. Lunch today is on your own, with plenty of inviting cafés and trattorias nearby to choose from.

In the afternoon, return to the studio for a final wrap-up session with Sandra—an opportunity to refine your piece and reflect on your creative journey. As the day winds down, we’ll gather for a celebratory aperitivo and farewell dinner at a beloved local trattoria, savoring regional flavors and toasting to new friendships and a richly inspiring week.

Day 7: Departure

Early morning transport to Rome Fiumicino Airport.

ACCOMMODATIONS ~ Boutique Hotel Vannucci

Hotel Vannucci began as a project of Vittoria Spinola, daughter of King Vittorio Emanuele II, who fled Pisa (and an arranged marriage with her elderly husband) to start a new life with her lover in Città della Pieve. Here, she and her soon-to-be new husband, Paolo, built two villas that became luxurious holiday accommodations for wealthy Romans vacationing in the countryside. In 1903 one of the villas became Hotel Vannucci, and today it maintains the elegance and refinement of its inception, with luxurious sleeping rooms, marble bathrooms and inviting gardens. A stay here is truly special, nestled just outside the medieval walls of the historic, and unspoiled, village of Città della Pieve.

VIEW Photo Gallery

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Daily group and individualized instruction with Sandra Mollon
• 6 nights stay at elegant Hotel Vannucci
• Private group pick-up on arrival and departure days (Rome Fiumicino Airport)
• Private van service to/from all towns and sites included in the itinerary
• All breakfasts
• 3 lunches  
• 5 regionally inspired dinners
• Wine tasting 
• Pasta making class
• Visit to archeological site
• Saffron tasting
• Linocut lesson with local artist
• Village walking tours
• Aperitivo in private home

Not included: Airfare, meals, alcoholic drinks, or transportation outside of that which is specifically listed in the trip package, gratuities for hotel staff and drivers

The Unexpected is Part of the Journey: Sometimes unexpected things come up. If there is unscheduled closing or schedule change, we carefully pivot to include something that is equally as wonderful and interesting, so that the quality of your experience is never at risk. ☺️

DATES & DETAILS

• Dates:
  • September 28 – October 4, 2025 – SOLD OUT
  • October 4-10, 2026
• Trip Price: $3,795 USD – $4,295 USD per person (select room type upon booking)
• Room Descriptions:
  • Standard Single Occupancy: Single bed, private ensuite bathroom
  • Classic Single Occupancy: Double bed, private ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
  • Superior Single Occupancy: Double bed, private ensuite bathroom with tub/shower combination
  • Superior Double/Twin: Double bed or two singles, private ensuite bathroom with tub/shower combination
  • Deluxe Double/Twin: Double bed or two singles, private ensuite bathroom with tub and shower
• A $700 deposit is required to book your space on this trip
• Arrival/departure airport is Rome Fiumicino
• View our Terms and Cancellation Policy

BOOK NOW