Changable Seasons of Tuscany

Yesterday 5 new clients arrived for a riding holiday here at Castellare. One arrived around 7 hours late due to her flight being diverted to Bologna, and the four who did manage to land spent the day thinking that maybe they had arrived at the wrong destination; wasnt Tuscany meant to be warm and scenic? Were they in Italy, or the moors of Scotland?

Cyclone Penelope hit the Tuscan coast early Saturday morning. The storm that hit Montaione around 4am was one of the most intense I personally have ever witnessed in Italy. Lightning lit up the sky for over an hour, and the noise from the thunder was deafening. The storm was also accompanied by a fierce wind that tossed about rubbish bins, blew down trees, and banged about the wooden window shutters. After an intense hour of storms it settled down to heavy rain, and that rain carried on for most of yesterday.

The forecast looked grim for the early part of the week, but as I write this post the sun is shining, and the sky outside is a vibrant blue. The sad faces of resident tourists last night (who had just arrived from Germany, North Italy and the Uk) have now been replaced by jovial happy expressions. Tuscany is never predictable, and always changeable. If this weather carried on, we will have some faboulous riding this week!

Dates for 2014 Christiane Slawik Tuscany Photo workshops

Folks we can now announce the dates of our photo workshops for 2014 with the wonderful Christiane Slawik.

This year the workshop went really well, with a great diverse group of photographers and horse lovers from all over the world.

We are lucky at Castellare to have 400 hectares of Tuscan landscape to utilize during the workshop. We have our own semi wild herd of horses running free in over 25 hectares of fenced hills, and more than 70 horses in total call our estate home.

Christiane is a very hands on, people orientated teacher. I can see that even as someone that doesn’t know much about photography. She really gets one on one with her students, and is very approachable.

During each course is a specially planned excursion to a Maremmano breeding farm (Spring course) and a Murgese Training center/Stud (September course). These unique Italian breeds can be photographed in their full glory at two very special sites.

Riding is an optional extra during the course. There will be three rides going out on mornings when there are no planned shootings. We also have the spa at our disposal (if you fancy a massage or facial treatment), tennis courts, swimming pool, golf course and.. a nice western styled bar.

Last years course booked up FAST. We already at a full course at the end of February, so we really suggest you book ahead. If you want to bring a partner/friend who will not take part in the workshop this is of possible too. Just email for prices.

Christiane Slawik Courses 2014

June 8- 14: Tuscan Cowboys and Maremmano horses in the springtime

Saturday: Arrival. We can organize a private transfer for 90 euro from the airport, or we can pick you up from Castelfiorentino train station free of charge in the afternoon.  

Dinner together at 8pm at restaurant. Meet other participants, and Christiane Slawik.

Sunday: Morning theory session. After lunch Black Hole Portrait shooting of a selection of horses of different breeds/colours etc. 

Monday: (Morning optional trail ride of one hour).

Late afternoon  Liberty shots of different horses in the top panoramic paddock.

Tuesday:  Lake late morning shooting with horses at liberty in front of Castellare’s Emerald lake. BBQ lunch afterwards and transportation back to accommodation in the tractor pulled carriage.

Wednesday: Morning Optional One hour trail ride.

Evening western theme riding shots with panoramic background and sunset shots

Thursday: Visit to Marremmano Horse stud. Tuscany’s famous cattle horses. Picnic lunch in between shootings. Return in time for dinner.

Friday: relax in the morning (optional trail ride or lesson of one hour)  Pick best 5 picks and in the evening there will be an aperitif and critique of photos

Saturday: Departure after breakfast. We can organize a private transfer for 90 euro from the airport, or we can pick you up from Castelfiorentino train station free of charge in the morning.  

 

Price including workshop, accommodation, transportation to shootings/excursion,  half pension at restaurtant (breakfast and dinner) and two picnic lunches : 1170 euro per person

Optional extra riding package: 3 trail rides through the our Tuscan estate: 75 euro

NB this price is based on double share/twin occupancy on a one bedroom apartment with private bathroom, and living area.

Group discount applies for four or more people booking together (15%)

 

 

 

September 6-13  Late Summer in Tuscany with special shooting of Italy’s black pearl; The Murgese Horse

Saturday: Arrival. We can organize a private transfer for 90 euro from the airport, or we can pick you up from Castelfiorentino train station free of charge in the afternoon.  

Dinner together at 8pm at restaurant. Meet other participants, and Christiane Slawik.

Sunday: Morning theory session. After lunch Black Hole Portrait shooting of a selection of horses of different breeds/colors etc. 

Monday: (Morning optional trail ride of one hour).

Late afternoon  Liberty shots of different horses in the top panoramic paddock.

Tuesday:  Lake late morning shooting with horses at liberty in front of Castellare’s Emerald lake. BBQ lunch afterwards and transportation back to accommodation in the tractor pulled carriage.

Wednesday: Morning Optional One hour trail ride.

Evening western theme riding shots with panoramic background and sunset shots

Thursday: Visit Roberta Inama’s Murgese horse stud and training center in La Spezia.These black baroque horses are one of Europes oldest and rarest breeds. Picnic lunch in between shootings. Return in time for dinner.

Friday: relax in the morning (optional trail ride or lesson one hour)  Pick best 5 picks and in the evening there will be an aperitif and critique of photos

Saturday: Departure after breakfast. We can organize a private transfer for 90 euro from the airport, or we can pick you up from Castelfiorentino train station free of charge in the morning.  

 

Price including workshop, accommodation, transportation to shootings/excursion,  half pension at restaurtant (breakfast and dinner) and two picnic lunches : 1170 euro per person

Optional extra riding package: 3 trail rides through the our Tuscan estate: 75 euro

NB this price is based on double share/twin occupancy on a one bedroom apartment with private bathroom, and living area.

Group discount applies for four or more people booking together (15%)