Tarot Art & History Tour of Italy:
Get on our contact list
!
Update: Postponed till Covid & the international Vaccine distribution and
the travel economy are more stabilized (tour takes several months to create...) Take care, Merry Band of
Tarot
Travelers, till next we meet in bella Italia!
Our Tarot tours were highlighted in
National Geographic
Feb. 2020 issue, in a great article by Alex Schechter
Tarot Travel Guide of Italy
is available as an
eBook!
Full of fascinating historical details, colorful imagery, reference maps + live
links
We are excited about the 4th amazing tour with our merry band of Tarot
travelers! Our previous tours were an incredible experience to share and this one includes many of their
highlights plus 5 new places to explore as well as, visits with
Tarot
artists,
ancient Tarot Frescoes and antique painted cards, the Tarot Museum & Niki de St Phalle's Tarot Garden, along with time spent in Milan, Bologna, Ferrara, Rimini, Siena, Varase, Clusone & Bergamo!
Explore the fascinating history of Tarot's evolution beginning with its deep
roots in the Italian Renaissance. Experience first-hand this symbolic art form's
continuing progression. Enjoy delectable local cuisines, travel the
beautiful countryside in a comfortable chartered bus. A world of richly emblematic art & symbolic
dreamscapes awaits!
Presented by Tarot artist, author
Arnell Ando,
(certified tour organizer), with husband,
Michael McAteer
(logistics manager) and our fascinating resident scholars,
Morena Poltronieri & Ernesto Fazioli -
creators of the
incredible
Tarot Museum in Riola, Italy!
Check out various
feedback from previous tours
This
2015 video
gives a nice sense of our enchanting tours
Planned
Itinerary for Next Tarot Art & History Tour...
We'll begin our journey in
Milan,
birthplace of Tarot.
We’ll visit the magical emporium,
il Meneghello,
to explore Tarot treasures created by the maestro himself,
Osvaldo Menegazzi
(known by discerning deck collectors and historians everywhere). We were heartbroken to lose our dear friend
Osvaldo over Covid ~ his essence floats everywhere in his shop, currently run by his step-daughter
Cristina Dorsini,
Savor the mesmerizing assortment of handcrafted Tarot sets, artwork, shadowboxes, and meticulously produced historical decks
created by him over decades.
The awe inspiring Renaissance fortress
Castello Sforzesco
(Visconti - Sforza Castle)
will surely impress with its majestic presence. It houses a curious collection
of art & artifacts including a Tarot fresco which evokes a dark tale.
And be sure to see beautiful works by
Leonardo da Vinci and by Bonifacio Bembo,
(creator of the earliest known Tarot deck.) Planned for our next tour, a
beautifully
preserved vineyard residence where
da Vinci
dwelled, which was a lavish gift from
Sforza, Duke of Milan
(shown below).
The tranquil Renaissance town of
Ferrara
is full of character and intrigue and shares (along with Milan) early connections to Tarot. Highlights include the
unique art museum,
San Romano,
full of symbolic works.
Palazzo Schifanoia,
a 14th century summer Palace, sharing frescos, known as the
Hall of Months,
created under the direction of Renaissance painters
Francesco del Cossa and Cosmè Tura
that depict
mythological, astrological scenes
with correlations to Tarot.
The Gentle Beauty of Ferrara with Early Ties to Tarot
Bask in the Aura of the Authentic...
On the way to a scrumptious supper, we'll take a stroll through an old
cobblestoned Jewish village
with a history dating back to medieval times, that's bound to inspire with its unique architecture and delicate beauty.
And feel free to explore
the
moated, medieval castle of Ferrara,
which is a museum with interesting artifacts and historical references relating to the
royal Este family,
who helped popularize & spread the
chic
of early Tarot and astrology during the Renaissance.
We'll travel to
Bologna,
a grand old city with rich layers of history, and a thriving contemporary
style.
We'll visit the awe-inspiring
Basilica di St. Pedronio
which has magnificent art with early ties to Tarot symbolism, (such as XII Hanged Man,
XV Devil and XXI World).
We'll discover an ancient
Goddess
Temple of Isis
(2nd Century)
with deep roots to Jerusalem, that is hidden within an old church (that has
its own secrets to
share). Not to be missed is a jaunt around the
Piazza
+ new on this tour, we'll venture to
Palazzo dell'Archiginnasio
and discover its impressive grandeur and the long legacy of famous esoteric and philosophical scholars.
Bologna offers
an elaborate open air bazaar,
mere blocks from our comfy hotel, that is sure to tempt with an assortment of unusual treasures, treats & novelties from exotic places.
New for this tour, we'll spend time in
Rimini,
visiting
Malatesta Temple,
which is full of
Neoplatonic symbols
and the captivating
Chapel of Planets
that celebrates Basino da Parma’s brilliance; (creator of astrological symbols) making it an unforgettable experience.
Next we embark on a lovely journey up mountains, to rejuvenate our spirits in the incredible
Tarot Museum
of
Morena Poltronieri
&
Ernesto Fazioli,
found nestled in the small hilltop village of
Riola.
An impressive array of
original Tarot artwork from around the world, as well as a dizzying collection
of decks from the rare to the unusual and most prized awaits. They will host a
garden party
for us, with
fascinating Tarot artists & authors!
New on this tour is a visit to nearby
Rocchetta Mattei,
an intriguing art museum with unusual esoteric architecture and artifacts sure to dazzle & inspire.
Next we venture to the beautiful Tuscany region, with tidy lines of cypress trees and olive groves (like gazing into an immense
painting...)
We'll stay for a spell in
Siena,
which tantalizes the palette and inspires the artist within.
Tarot Museum Garden Party: Jessica w/ Surreal Tarot Artist Octavia Monaco
Siena's
stunning B&W, marbled
Duomo
is designed to fill the visitor with overwhelming awe. It shares a fascinating
history and we'll see Tarot related iconography and esoteric symbolism in the
breathtaking marble inlays & various artworks. Note the mosaics and frescoes
with early Pagan imagery found in ancient Tarot cards. With the rest of the day
free to explore, enjoy museums with some of the greatest masterpieces of all time.
Cobblestone paths spiral out from
Piazza del Campo
offering delightful eateries and unusual shops to enjoy.
We'll have lunch in a seaside village on our way to
Sacro Bosco di Bomarzo;
affectionately known as the
Monster Garden,
of mythological creatures and impossible architecture (optical illusions such as
a crooked tower). These
enigmatic
sculptures appear to represent stages on an alchemical journey.
At the heart of our tour, we make a spiritual pilgrimage to the
Tarot Garden
of
Niki De Saint Phalle.
A breathtaking view of colorful sculptures looms large on the horizon as we draw near… In 1998 Niki created this magical place, where
the 22 Major Arcana welcome us to explore and play in sight of the Mediterranean sea, surrounded by a rocky landscape, graced with olive
and oak trees. Unlike most
museums where you are prohibited to touch or take photos, the Tarot garden invites us to interact with her compelling, symbolic sculptures.
We'll enjoy a blissful stay in the lovely hill-top town of
Bergamo
and visit
Accademia di Carrara,
home to 26 of the original, meticulously painted
Visconti-Sforza (Pierpont Morgan) Tarot cards
(oldest known Tarocchi deck).
Bergamo is split in two; a lovely, ancient Renaissance town and the trendy, fashionable quarter, and we'll have time to explore both
dimensions.
Incidentally, while in Bergamo researching a previous tour with Morena, we were served refreshing
Limoncello
to
''cleanse the palate.''
We fell under the spell of this lightly fragrant, citrus liqueur, (like drinking liquid sunshine),
so we experimented and this is our
homemade Limoncello recipe.
And yes, we plan to return to that wonderful restaurant with delicious Limoncello on
this tour.
Morena arranged a
private tour of Bergamo's beautiful Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
with local author,
historian Mauro Zanchi
who will reveal areas of the church not seen by visitors. And share richly symbolic, intricate
wooden inlays by Lorenzo Lotto
and other precious works that make this sacred space unique. The lavish decor,
(largely from a Baroque
renovation) makes it a feast for the eyes & spirit.
We next venture to the picturesque mountaintop village of
Clusone
and discover, with the local historian, an amazing
ancient astrological clock tower
from 1583
that still functions, as well as two of the oldest surviving
Renaissance frescos
with the theme of
Triumph of Death
by Giacomo Borlone de Buschis,(1485).
In
Varase,
we'll visit an important Tarot fresco from the Renaissance era
in the
Castle of Masnago.
The ghostly remains of this charming 15th century work depicting
noble ladies playing Tarocchi while drifting in a wee boat,
is quite captivating along with other frescos and symbolic art; both contemporary and from Italy's most influential era. Afterwards we'll enjoy a blissful picnic on
the castle grounds.
Then make our way back to
Milan
for a farewell dinner with warm good-byes. The tour will end where it began and having come full circle, we can bask in the collective experience of a lifetime!
Tarot Tour Includes:
Hotel accommodations, breakfasts, transportation within Italy (on our chartered tour bus), all scheduled events & tour fees, and all but 4 dinners; along with a
picnic, a garden party + wonderful surprises, special guests and Tarot luminaries.
The 2012 tour
'in a nutshell' in this cool Blog by Kat Tan Conte
And Kat's
whimsical trailer
with glimpses of places shared...like fragments of a dream.
(Below see a few more tarot tour collages.)
Incredible Tarot Garden of Niki de Saint Phalle
Morena Poltronieri,
director of
Museo dei Tarocchi
pictured with creative partner
Ernesto Fazioli.
Their international Tarot
Museum houses an impressive Tarot deck & art collection along with a publishing house and bookshop. They are respected scholars of tarot, astrology, ancient esoteric history,
architecture, symbolism & lore in both Italy and abroad. Check out this
mini site
which showcases the Tarot Museum, and offers deck reviews of their various published decks.
Arnell Ando
is a certified tour manager. This is the 4th tour she is co-organizing with husband
Michael McAteer and Tarot Museo friends.
She's a Expressive Arts Therapist who has passionately studied Tarot since 1985. She's contributed to countless collaborative projects and created five decks so far including,
Transformational Tarot
published by U.S. Games. She also publishes indie artist's decks such as
Video Tarot,
created with her artist son Teppei. And
Dark Goddess, Tarot of the Crone, Minoan Tarot and Greek Goddess Tarot -
all with the legendary Ellen Lorenzi-Prince.
Plus
Pholarchos Tarot,
by the evocative
Carmen Sorrenti
(from previous Tarot tours). Arnell has combined studies in spiritual and psychological realms to create her unique interpretation of Tarot. She and Michael reside in
New Mexico. You can view her art, decks, and a line of custom, miniature occult shops, or read articles & reviews:
www.arnellart.com
Michael & Arnell went on the two Tarot history tours with
Tarot artist, writer and scholar Brian Williams
(1999 & 2000) and dedicate these magical tours to his brilliant legacy with much love and fond remembrances.
Tarot Art & History Tour of Italy - 2 Week Sojourn,
Details TBA
Glimpse of
Castello Sforzesco
(Visconti/Sforza Castle) Milan & Tarot Fresco
Mesmerizing
il Meneghello
with Osvaldo Menegazzi, & Friends
Clusone: Ancient
Astronomical Clock Tower & Triumph of Death
Fresco
Exploring
Duomo di Siena, Piazza del Campo & Museo Civico
Enchanting
Italian Tarot Museum - Museo dei Tarocchi
Bologna:
St Petronius Basilica, Isis Goddess Temple and
King Neptune
Bergamo: Basilica's Esoteric Work by Lorenzo Lotto & Accademia Carrara
Tarot & Esoteric Frescos of
Castello di Masnago in Varase
Tour Conditions Agreement (Fine Print)
For more info
contact: Arnell Ando
We are excited about the 4th amazing tour with our merry band of Tarot
travelers! Our previous tours were an incredible experience to share and this one includes many of their
highlights plus 5 new places to explore as well as, visits with
Tarot
artists,
ancient Tarot Frescoes and antique painted cards, the Tarot Museum & Niki de St Phalle's Tarot Garden, along with time spent in Milan, Bologna, Ferrara, Rimini, Siena, Varase, Clusone & Bergamo!
Explore the fascinating history of Tarot's evolution beginning with its deep roots in the Italian Renaissance. Experience first-hand this symbolic art form's continuing progression. Enjoy delectable local cuisines, travel the beautiful countryside in a comfortable chartered bus. A world of richly emblematic art & symbolic dreamscapes awaits!
Presented by Tarot artist, author Arnell Ando, (certified tour organizer), with husband, Michael McAteer (logistics manager) and our fascinating resident scholars, Morena Poltronieri & Ernesto Fazioli - creators of the incredible Tarot Museum in Riola, Italy!
Check out various
feedback from previous tours
This
2015 video
gives a nice sense of our enchanting tours
Planned
Itinerary for Next Tarot Art & History Tour...
We'll begin our journey in
Milan,
birthplace of Tarot.
We’ll visit the magical emporium,
il Meneghello,
to explore Tarot treasures created by the maestro himself,
Osvaldo Menegazzi
(known by discerning deck collectors and historians everywhere). We were heartbroken to lose our dear friend
Osvaldo over Covid ~ his essence floats everywhere in his shop, currently run by his step-daughter
Cristina Dorsini,
Savor the mesmerizing assortment of handcrafted Tarot sets, artwork, shadowboxes, and meticulously produced historical decks
created by him over decades.
The awe inspiring Renaissance fortress Castello Sforzesco (Visconti - Sforza Castle) will surely impress with its majestic presence. It houses a curious collection of art & artifacts including a Tarot fresco which evokes a dark tale. And be sure to see beautiful works by Leonardo da Vinci and by Bonifacio Bembo, (creator of the earliest known Tarot deck.) Planned for our next tour, a beautifully preserved vineyard residence where da Vinci dwelled, which was a lavish gift from Sforza, Duke of Milan
(shown below).
The tranquil Renaissance town of Ferrara is full of character and intrigue and shares (along with Milan) early connections to Tarot. Highlights include the unique art museum, San Romano, full of symbolic works. Palazzo Schifanoia, a 14th century summer Palace, sharing frescos, known as the Hall of Months, created under the direction of Renaissance painters Francesco del Cossa and Cosmè Tura that depict mythological, astrological scenes with correlations to Tarot.
The Gentle Beauty of Ferrara with Early Ties to Tarot
On the way to a scrumptious supper, we'll take a stroll through an old
cobblestoned Jewish village
with a history dating back to medieval times, that's bound to inspire with its unique architecture and delicate beauty.
And feel free to explore the moated, medieval castle of Ferrara, which is a museum with interesting artifacts and historical references relating to the royal Este family, who helped popularize & spread the chic of early Tarot and astrology during the Renaissance.
We'll travel to Bologna, a grand old city with rich layers of history, and a thriving contemporary style.
We'll visit the awe-inspiring Basilica di St. Pedronio which has magnificent art with early ties to Tarot symbolism, (such as XII Hanged Man, XV Devil and XXI World).
We'll discover an ancient Goddess Temple of Isis (2nd Century) with deep roots to Jerusalem, that is hidden within an old church (that has its own secrets to share). Not to be missed is a jaunt around the Piazza + new on this tour, we'll venture to Palazzo dell'Archiginnasio and discover its impressive grandeur and the long legacy of famous esoteric and philosophical scholars. Bologna offers an elaborate open air bazaar, mere blocks from our comfy hotel, that is sure to tempt with an assortment of unusual treasures, treats & novelties from exotic places.
New for this tour, we'll spend time in
Rimini,
visiting
Malatesta Temple,
which is full of
Neoplatonic symbols
and the captivating
Chapel of Planets
that celebrates Basino da Parma’s brilliance; (creator of astrological symbols) making it an unforgettable experience.
Next we embark on a lovely journey up mountains, to rejuvenate our spirits in the incredible
Tarot Museum
of
Morena Poltronieri
&
Ernesto Fazioli,
found nestled in the small hilltop village of
Riola.
An impressive array of
original Tarot artwork from around the world, as well as a dizzying collection
of decks from the rare to the unusual and most prized awaits. They will host a
garden party
for us, with
fascinating Tarot artists & authors!
New on this tour is a visit to nearby Rocchetta Mattei, an intriguing art museum with unusual esoteric architecture and artifacts sure to dazzle & inspire.
Next we venture to the beautiful Tuscany region, with tidy lines of cypress trees and olive groves (like gazing into an immense
painting...)
We'll stay for a spell in Siena, which tantalizes the palette and inspires the artist within.
Tarot Museum Garden Party: Jessica w/ Surreal Tarot Artist Octavia Monaco
Siena's
stunning B&W, marbled
Duomo
is designed to fill the visitor with overwhelming awe. It shares a fascinating
history and we'll see Tarot related iconography and esoteric symbolism in the
breathtaking marble inlays & various artworks. Note the mosaics and frescoes
with early Pagan imagery found in ancient Tarot cards. With the rest of the day
free to explore, enjoy museums with some of the greatest masterpieces of all time.
Cobblestone paths spiral out from
Piazza del Campo
offering delightful eateries and unusual shops to enjoy.
We'll have lunch in a seaside village on our way to
Sacro Bosco di Bomarzo;
affectionately known as the
Monster Garden,
of mythological creatures and impossible architecture (optical illusions such as
a crooked tower). These
enigmatic
sculptures appear to represent stages on an alchemical journey.
At the heart of our tour, we make a spiritual pilgrimage to the Tarot Garden of Niki De Saint Phalle. A breathtaking view of colorful sculptures looms large on the horizon as we draw near… In 1998 Niki created this magical place, where the 22 Major Arcana welcome us to explore and play in sight of the Mediterranean sea, surrounded by a rocky landscape, graced with olive and oak trees. Unlike most museums where you are prohibited to touch or take photos, the Tarot garden invites us to interact with her compelling, symbolic sculptures.
We'll enjoy a blissful stay in the lovely hill-top town of
Bergamo
and visit
Accademia di Carrara,
home to 26 of the original, meticulously painted
Visconti-Sforza (Pierpont Morgan) Tarot cards
(oldest known Tarocchi deck).
Bergamo is split in two; a lovely, ancient Renaissance town and the trendy, fashionable quarter, and we'll have time to explore both dimensions.
Incidentally, while in Bergamo researching a previous tour with Morena, we were served refreshing
Limoncello
to
''cleanse the palate.''
We fell under the spell of this lightly fragrant, citrus liqueur, (like drinking liquid sunshine),
so we experimented and this is our
homemade Limoncello recipe.
And yes, we plan to return to that wonderful restaurant with delicious Limoncello on
this tour.
Morena arranged a private tour of Bergamo's beautiful Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore with local author, historian Mauro Zanchi who will reveal areas of the church not seen by visitors. And share richly symbolic, intricate wooden inlays by Lorenzo Lotto and other precious works that make this sacred space unique. The lavish decor, (largely from a Baroque renovation) makes it a feast for the eyes & spirit.
We next venture to the picturesque mountaintop village of Clusone and discover, with the local historian, an amazing ancient astrological clock tower from 1583 that still functions, as well as two of the oldest surviving Renaissance frescos with the theme of Triumph of Death by Giacomo Borlone de Buschis,(1485).
In
Varase,
we'll visit an important Tarot fresco from the Renaissance era
in the
Castle of Masnago.
The ghostly remains of this charming 15th century work depicting
noble ladies playing Tarocchi while drifting in a wee boat,
is quite captivating along with other frescos and symbolic art; both contemporary and from Italy's most influential era. Afterwards we'll enjoy a blissful picnic on
the castle grounds.
Then make our way back to Milan for a farewell dinner with warm good-byes. The tour will end where it began and having come full circle, we can bask in the collective experience of a lifetime!
Tarot Tour Includes:
Hotel accommodations, breakfasts, transportation within Italy (on our chartered tour bus), all scheduled events & tour fees, and all but 4 dinners; along with a picnic, a garden party + wonderful surprises, special guests and Tarot luminaries.
The 2012 tour
'in a nutshell' in this cool Blog by Kat Tan Conte
Tarot Art & History Tour of Italy - 2 Week Sojourn,
Tour Conditions Agreement (Fine Print)
And Kat's
whimsical trailer
with glimpses of places shared...like fragments of a dream.
(Below see a few more tarot tour collages.)
Incredible Tarot Garden of Niki de Saint Phalle
Morena Poltronieri,
director of
Museo dei Tarocchi
pictured with creative partner
Ernesto Fazioli.
Their international Tarot
Museum houses an impressive Tarot deck & art collection along with a publishing house and bookshop. They are respected scholars of tarot, astrology, ancient esoteric history,
architecture, symbolism & lore in both Italy and abroad. Check out this
mini site
which showcases the Tarot Museum, and offers deck reviews of their various published decks.
Arnell Ando
is a certified tour manager. This is the 4th tour she is co-organizing with husband
Michael McAteer and Tarot Museo friends.
She's a Expressive Arts Therapist who has passionately studied Tarot since 1985. She's contributed to countless collaborative projects and created five decks so far including,
Transformational Tarot
published by U.S. Games. She also publishes indie artist's decks such as
Video Tarot,
created with her artist son Teppei. And
Dark Goddess, Tarot of the Crone, Minoan Tarot and Greek Goddess Tarot -
all with the legendary Ellen Lorenzi-Prince.
Plus
Pholarchos Tarot,
by the evocative
Carmen Sorrenti
(from previous Tarot tours). Arnell has combined studies in spiritual and psychological realms to create her unique interpretation of Tarot. She and Michael reside in
New Mexico. You can view her art, decks, and a line of custom, miniature occult shops, or read articles & reviews:
www.arnellart.com
Michael & Arnell went on the two Tarot history tours with
Tarot artist, writer and scholar Brian Williams
(1999 & 2000) and dedicate these magical tours to his brilliant legacy with much love and fond remembrances.
Details TBA
Glimpse of
Castello Sforzesco
(Visconti/Sforza Castle) Milan & Tarot Fresco
Mesmerizing
il Meneghello
with Osvaldo Menegazzi, & Friends
Clusone: Ancient
Astronomical Clock Tower & Triumph of Death
Fresco
Exploring
Duomo di Siena, Piazza del Campo & Museo Civico
Enchanting
Italian Tarot Museum - Museo dei Tarocchi
Bologna:
St Petronius Basilica, Isis Goddess Temple and
King Neptune
Bergamo: Basilica's Esoteric Work by Lorenzo Lotto & Accademia Carrara
Tarot & Esoteric Frescos of
Castello di Masnago in Varase
For more info
contact: Arnell Ando
