PREPARATION

Vivid Tours International offer small, boutique art retreats and tours, specifically designed for art and cultural travel enthusiasts. You will have so much in common with your travelling companions that our retreats and tours are perfect for the single traveler.

Do I require a Visa?

You will require a visa before entering most international destinations. This will vary greatly depending on which country you are travelling to and which passport you hold. “Do I require Travel Insurance?” It is compulsory that you have comprehensive travel insurance. Domestic government medical insurance and private health schemes will not cover you in most overseas countries. Your policy MUST cover medical costs in case of hospitalisation, emergency travel and repatriation.

What is the cancelation policy?

Once you have paid your deposit or full payment, certain fees will apply if you cancel your Tour or Retreat. Insurance should therefore be organised at the time of booking to protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances that would require you to cancel before travelling.

How fit do I need to be to do a tour or retreat?

Our tours and retreats are designed to be enjoyed by anyone who is reasonably fit. Because our groups are small, we can be flexible and assist where possible. Please talk to us about your needs.

Can my children attend a Tour or Retreat?

Yes, we design family Tours to Central Australia, however this is a specialty trip as itineraries are planned with children in mind. We give a minimum age for each Tour or Retreat. Please contact Vivid Tours International to discuss your needs. 

BOOKING

Do I have to book online?

No. Whilst this site is designed to make booking as convenient as possible, you can download the booking form, complete it and post it to us.

VTI BOOKING FORM

Alternatively if you have a favourite travel agent, then by all means have them contact us.

Do you offer a discount for group bookings?

Yes. We offer a 5% discount for group bookings of 4 or more. And we reward loyalty. We offer a 5% discount for returning customers.

How much luggage can I take?

As a general rule, pack light but bring all the essentials. We have a limited luggage policy of 15kg per passenger on the East and West McDonnell Ranges to Uluru tour.
As luggage space is restricted please ensure you use a small compact suitcase. If artworks are purchased during the journey, there can be facilities for freight from the art and cultural centres, where this is not possible you will bring them with you so please keep free space in your luggage.
If you have any special requirements or excess luggage, please get in touch with us.

Can I just do part of the Tour or Retreat?

Unfortunately it is not possible to do sections of Vivid’s Tours or Retreats.

Does the Tour or Retreat price include international travel?

The prices quoted on our website do not include international flights. We can recommend a travel consultant who can assist with your flights and travel insurance.

How far in advance should I book a Tour or Retreat?

There is no guarantee as to when other people will book and when the Tour or Retreat will fill up. We advise you to book as soon as possible, that way you won’t be disappointed. However, sometimes we take bookings for Tours and Retreats right up until the Tour or Retreat commences – if there are spaces left.

When is full payment due?

The final payment is due in full 90 days prior to the commencement of the Tour or Retreat. If you’ve booked within 90 days of the departure date, full payment is required.

Can I book through a travel agent?

Yes. Your preferred travel agent may book on your behalf, in which case we provide additional authorisation forms to be completed.

In which currencies can I make a payment?

All fees are expressed in Australian dollars and your Invoice will be issued in Australian dollars.

How can I pay my deposit?

You can pay your non-refundable deposit by EFT, bank deposit, cheque or PayPal as indicated on your Booking Form. All fees are expressed in Australian dollars.

What is your Cancelation Policy?

We have a strict cancellation policy, as we must make firm reservations for you for suitable transportation and accommodation.

More than 90 days Loss of deposit **This amount may be credited to another tour / retreat within 12 months of the original tour / retreat you booked.
90-45 days 30% of cost of tour / retreat
44-15 days 50% of cost of tour / retreat
14 days or less 100% of cost of tour / retreat
Failure to join tour/ retreat once it has commenced 100% of cost of tour / retreat

I have health concerns, will there be medical facilities?

Please ensure that you consult your GP prior to your trip if you have any health concerns. If you become ill on a trip, we will do all we can to assist you and source the best possible medical assistance.

During our Central Australia Tours, we travel to remote locations where there is limited medical facilities. We recommend you carry personal medical items and travellers who take regular medication should take an appropriate supply.

Comprehensive Travel Insurance is mandatory on all Vivid Tours International tours and retreats.

ART TUITION AND MATERIALS

Do I have to be a professional artist to come?

No, our retreats cater for all levels of experience. Because our groups are kept small, we offer you quite personalised attention in your tuition. It will be tailored to your personal interests, requirements and goals.

Will you provide easels and art materials?

Yes. Some art materials will be provided on Tours and Retreats. Please check the brochure and itinerary of your selected Tour or Retreat for details on what is included.

*Easels and a sketching kit are provided for the Tuscany Painting retreat, and it’s recommended you bring your brushes and acrylics and any other materials of choice.

*Please note that Oil paints are prohibited by airline carriers for international travel.

*The art materials for the Central Australian tour are provided for the watercolour tuition and for the workshops at Ayers Rock. If you would like to bring additional materials please do.

What art materials do I need to bring with me?

A list of suggested art materials specific to your selected tour or retreat will be provided to you after you book. General list includes: your preferred brushes, acrylics or watercolours, mixing mediums, pastels, pencils, inks, oil sticks. Your preferred paper, canvas or board. Any other specialist tools for sculptural or ceramic work.

* Please note that Oil paints are prohibited by airline carriers for international travel.

Can I take my artworks home form a retreat? If so, do you help with the freight?

Yes, your artworks will come home with you. Payment of freight of artworks is the responsibility of the guest and the retreat host will facilitate the packing and logistics of artworks where possible.

Can I paint en plein air?

Yes, on the Tuscany Painting Retreat you will have the option of painting en plein air in a peaceful, comfortable and inspiring location on the grounds of the villa. On the Central Australian Tours you will have the opportunity to paint plein air in the West McDonnell ranges.

Focus of the Tuscany painting tuition?

Your tutor will emphasise developing skills in observation, composition and tone. You’ll gain an understanding of the way light illuminates an object or space and the way shadows define it. It is the application of tone, light and dark that brings things to life, whether it’s in a painting or a drawing. After a thorough grounding in these three basics, we will then consider composition. You will see how the placement of a colour, tone or line within a pictorial space creates an effect and how the manipulation of these effects creates art. I am afraid because I’m not very confident with my arts practice. The Retreat caters for all levels of experience and skill. Beginners are very welcome and your tutor will give you a lot of expert assistance and individual attention. You’ll learn a lot from the other participants as well.

DURING YOUR TOUR OR RETREAT

What level of accommodation should I expect? Vivid’s tours and retreats offer comfortable accommodation at a 4-5 star standard.

The villas in Italy are heritage buildings and whilst they have character, all offer creature comforts. Our accommodation in Central Australia is at 4-5 star standard. We use the Voyagers Hotel group and Doubletree by Hilton or exclusive bespoke private accommodation. Our exclusive accommodation in the Byron Bay hinterland is in an exquisite natural setting and very comfortable.

I am a vegetarian or have special dietary requirements, is this a problem?

No problem. We do our best to cater to your dietary requirements. It is important that you let us know at the time of booking so we can make the necessary arrangements. Please note that in some places your diet might be slightly limited, so if in doubt, please ask Vivid Tours International.

Internet and cell phone access in Italy and Central Australia

There are telecommunication providers operating in the remote communities in Central Australia including Ulara, Alice Springs and Hermannsburg. We recommend you enquire with your carrier for specific details of coverage in Central Australia as there is generally no coverage outside town centres. Ensure you enable global roaming before you leave home or you may purchase a sim card upon arrival in Italy.

Are there ATMs and credit card facilities in Italy and Central Australia?

In Central Australia – There are ATMS at the following towns we visit: Alice Springs, Hermannsburg, Ulara (Ayers Rock).Italy – ATMS and credit card facilities available.

How much free time will I have?

Our day-to-day itineraries are online and give you an idea of how much free time to expect.

Safety

Your safety is a high priority for us and we will brief you on safety prior to your retreat or tour.