Testimonials

Ciao! Grazie for an amazing experience yesterday! Our guide was incredible, informative, patient, warm, and beyond kind. We also truly enjoyed seeing a different (and quiet) part of Venice! The lion hunt and mask making was a major highlight of our trip!!!
Grazie Mille!

Mica, Dave, Billie and Dylan

I just have to let you know that we had absolutely the most amazing time the other day on our Lion Scavenger Hunt & MaskMaking! Giovanna was sweet and patient and amazing!
I was blown away on how much fun the kids had and it was by far their favorite thing they did the entire 10 day trip! –– Thanks so much!

Cristi–Family Travel Expert at  

Jennifer L.– Aviano Air Force Base, Italy

“Arte al Sole was one of the best family trips we have ever taken (and we have traveled extensively with our kids). Our kids also agreed that this was an amazing week filled with great art, culture, superb food and wine (for the parents, of course!). We were able to meet families from all over the world. The best part was that as parents we had ‘adult time’ to do the things we were interested in while the kids had fun exploring all types of art and culture (from hands on art projects to visiting castles and even a traditional chocolate factory). The week was nothing but fun!”

Tami S.– California

“We loved the week in Umbria so much. The location is so special and feels much less touristy. For us that made it extra special. We had such a wonderful experience with Arte al Sole. We spent an unforgettable week in Umbria with our 5 and 7 year olds. They had a fabulous time at camp. Then we continued to Lucca where we had another amazing week of Arte al Sole. Shannon and Shannon were so warm and nurturing with our children and also had so many fun ideas for us. We can’t say enough great things about Arte al Sole. It really was a highlight of our two month trip away in Europe.”

Amy D. – California

“When I asked my son Giorgio (9 years) what he would have thought about a week for a day camp about art and all in English he said: Arte, Inglese … Perfetto! He enjoyed it so much, it was a different opportunity to spend some time in an international environment and speaking English, but most of all an opportunity for him to experience all the exciting activities that Arte al Sole schedules every day with a full understanding of kids’ interests and ways of getting their interest and attention… 

Actually he was hoping for an overnight summer camp… Maybe it could be an idea! Giorgio will certainly attend once more next year either in Florence or Lucca!”

Francesca B. – Florence, Italy

 “Spent a nice and relaxing week here with my two kids. They both LOVED the art camp and the kids involved. Sabina and her sisters do a wonderful job of letting you know what’s going on in the area and how to get there. There was always something really fun and unique to do! I would definitely go back again.”

Susan D. – Oregon

“Everything about Arte al Sole was perfect.  From the accommodations at an agriturismo villa, the daily art activities for the kids, which they loved!, to having our days free to explore nearby Perugia, Orvieto, and Assisi.  It was art camp for the kids and adult camp for my wife and me!”

John E. – California

“We did our first camp last year and loved it so much we are already booking for both of our children to go next summer again! It was such an amazing experience for the whole family. The additional day trips were so fantastic. We did a Lemon Tour with a Private Cooking class that was dreamy and one to never forget along with a private boat experience along the coast, amazing!!!”

Christina N. – Florida

“I just wanted to thank you for setting us up with such a wonderful guide and an amazing tour today. It was the perfect tour to do with the kids. They loved it! Andi made it interesting the entire time and kept the kids all totally engaged while teaching us all about Medieval and Renaissance times in Florence. They truly loved the hands-on art project as well. This experience was our favorite part of Florence. I would absolutely recommend this tour to friends and would recommend Andi to anyone.”

Amy C. – Georgia

“Enrolling the kids in Arte al Sole was the best decision we made! It was such an effortless trip to plan with your assistance and recommendations from not only where to stay, but the best restaurants, how to navigate the Amalfi coast and any other question regarding navigating Italy. The kids loved the many art projects, cooking with local ingredients, and meeting new friends. The boat tour of Capri, swimming in the sea and touring the 14th c. paper making factory were highlights! We would recommend Arte al Sole to anyone. We can’t wait to go back!”

Angela M. – Ohio

“We spent the month of July following this camp around all over Italy. Our daughter, Sophia, loved every week. Each week was both new and familiar and always a lot of fun. She made lasting friends and a lot of great memories. My husband and I felt very comfortable leaving Sophia with the leaders of the camp while we worked in local cafes etc… they were organized and provided everything just as they said they would. I highly recommend them.”

Jamie R. – New York

Eric Stoen – California, TravelBabbo Family Travel blog

“Thank you Arte al Sole for a wonderful Italian experience in Umbria 2015! We very much enjoyed our parent time-biking the scenic hills, exploring local towns and churches, leisurely drinking espresso and eating pastries in the morning while our children were at the camp learning about local culture, art, and playing with other children. Both children, ages 8 and 11, fondly remember the movie making and acting while at the Castliglione del Lago.

The Umbria Arte al Sole at Casali di Colle San Paolo was beautiful and well cared for, the camp staff are knowledgeable and engaging, and the staff are  full of wonderful travel information and suggestions to make the whole experience just that much better! We are still longing for truffles, pasta and antiquity…looking forward to visiting again.”

Wendy I. – California

“We love Arte al Sole so much we’re going back! We always enjoy our time in Italy and Arte al Sole makes it even better! My husband and I felt good placing our son in this safe and nurturing environment where he not only enjoyed the play and interaction with other children, but he also learned a lot along the way. The experiences he had through the camp is invaluable. And, it gave us the the great opportunity for some adult time and exploration of the area.
We did Lucca in 2015, Minori in 2016 and we’re going back to Lucca in 2017.
Thank you Arte al Sole and Shannon! I highly recommend this camp experience.”

Michelle S. – Florida

​“We had an absolutely fantastic trip this summer, in large part due to the Arte al Sole camps. My kids went to three weeks of camps including the Umbria and Minori sites. They loved every minute of it. The locations were spectacular and the camps were great- well run, fun and educational. The kids made great friends and really learned a lot. The extra trips which were planned – including an all day boat trip to Capri and a day trip to Pompeii were real trip highlights! My expectations were completely exceeded by this unique experience and I would recommend it highly.”

Tory C. – California

“Our week at the Arte al Sole camp in Umbria was the highlight of our trip to Italy! The farmhouses at I Casili di Colle San Paolo were lovely, the views were breathtaking. The kids loved their camp counselors and made great friends with the other children in the camps. My husband and I enjoyed the opportunity to explore the beautiful surrounding cities sans kids. Post camp many of the families would relax poolside, often grilling for dinner al fresco. The wine tasting tour and lunch Shannon arranged for us made for a wonderful excursion. Elaia Travel was amazing, helping us every step of the way with planning the trip, including helping us with places to stay, hiring a car for us, and booking tour guides for us in Florence and in Rome. Thank you, Shannon! We have been recommending Arte e Sole to all our friends, and we would love to revisit again sometime in the future!”

Stephanie F. – California

“It’s been busy with the kids starting school but I just wanted to drop you a note and let you know how much we and the girls enjoyed our art tours with your guides in Venice and Florence this summer!  The girls could not get enough of Andi in Florence and I think they could have spent days with her. Also, our girls still talk about their tour with Martina in Venice. They made cool dioramas at the Foundation and they learned a lot about the architectural elements she pointed out as we walked around a small part of Venice. For sure, Peter and I learned a lot too!”

Cathy T. – New York City

“We absolutely loved our week in Umbria at I Casali di Colle San Paolo! Our boys did Soccer al Sole, while my husband and I either played in the pool or visited nearby towns with our daughters. The soccer camp and Italian lessons were wonderful, so well organized and really engaging for the kids. Sabina was wonderful and arranged child care for us on several occasions. The location of I Casali is idyllic, nestled in the Umbrian hills between fields of sunflowers and olive groves. We could not have wished for anything more. This family trip will remain one of our most memorable.”

If ever you are in Tuscany with kids, take a tour with my friends at Arte al Sole . We toured the Da Vinci Museum and the kids absolutely loved it. I followed closely behind and watched as they soaked up every tidbit of info. This Italy trip has been full of fun, but has also been a bit exhausting with the time change, the heat, and the walking.
The kids tours we’ve taken have been so wonderful for the kids, but also such a welcome restful break for myself and my hubby. It’s been nice to be able to kick back and relax. And look at how much my future inventors are loving this time with their guide, Andi. #winwin @ Museo Leonardo da Vinci Firenze • July, 2017