Description
Hello there,
It’s Kala Jarda and Dianne Chikhaoui here, and we are the team behind the D&H Technique and boutique ‘Taste of Tunisia’ tours. After the outstanding success of our first tours in 2024 and 2025, we have been encouraged by some of our participants to host a mosaic workshop and tour in our home city of Melbourne, Australia. So, after popular demand, here we are!
About this trip
The tour and workshop begins on Sunday November 8 and concludes on Wednesday November 18.
We have designed a special experience, where you delve into the history, architecture, gastronomy and culture of Melbourne. Melbourne is a multi-cultural city of around 5,392,000 people, and is well known for its style, food, culture and creativity. It has renowned arts and sports precincts, cosmopolitan laneways filled with shops, bars and cafes, and world class fashion destinations. It has an array of galleries and museums, and beautiful gardens and beaches. It is consistently regarded as one of the world’s most liveable cities.
We will also offer a marble and smalti workshop for our group. Kala is a highly experienced with smalti and marble, having owned his own business for many years in Tunisia. He has exhibited his work in many European countries, and completed many commissions in both public buildings and private residences. Dianne studied at Luciana Notturni’s Mosaic Art School in Ravenna, and is experienced with smalti.
Preparation
We will be having a private masterclass of mosaics for three whole days, where we will practise our unique D&H Technique for creating realism in mosaic. We will also offer a class in classical Roman mosaics in marble, or painterly mosaics in smalti. We will coach you individually so that you can learn cutting, movement, use of colour, and observation of detail. Dianne and Kala will be there at all times to offer suggestions and feedback in order to improve your technique to a very high level. We will prepare you for these classes before the tour with Zoom meetings, so that you are well organised and can bring some tools and materials with you. We will outline what you need in the Zooms well before the tour begins. These meetings also help you make connections with the other people joining us on the tour.
About the accommodation
For this particular trip, we would like to invite you into our home to stay. We have three spare bedrooms (two with a double bed, and one with two singles) if you are comfortable with that arrangement. It may not be 5 star luxury, but it’s comfortable and you will have unlimited access to us. We will be totally at your disposal!
The Cost
The package of marble mosaic or smalti workshop, accommodation in our home, and tour is $5200USD per participant. Admittance fees, and transport to sites are also included. Breakfasts are included as well as a welcome dinner when you arrive and a farewell dinner. Please don’t forget to let us know if you have any dietary requirements. Airfares and airport transfers to and from your country of origin are not included. Tips are also not included, but not expected either for most activities.
Places for this tour are limited. Before you book any flights, please confirm with Kala.
Payment and Cancellation Policy
An $1000USD non-refundable deposit per person is required by July 31, 2026 to secure your place. Note that the cost of the deposit on our website is in AUD, and it automatically converts to around $1000USD, depending on the exchange rate the day. All other currencies will also automatically convert. Full payment is due by August, 2026. There will be a link on our site for payment.
Refund or Cancellation Policy:
Less than 90 days, no refunds, no exceptions, UNLESS there is a government travel ban OR the minimum number of participants is not reached, and the tour cannot go ahead. Travel insurance that can protect you against any necessary last minute cancellations.
Travel Insurance
It is required that you purchase travel insurance. Please do research to find the coverage that suits you and check out their reviews. We recommend you purchase Trip Cancellation, Medical Evacuation, Baggage, Accident, and Emergency Medical Insurance. There are many insurance companies out there, and it is your responsibility to ask any questions to these operators. Please contact them directly. Please find a policy that suits your particular needs, and that protects you from unforseen circumstances. We will not be liable for any additional costs or fees related to the issuance and/or cancellation of airline tickets or other travel arrangements.
Itinerary – Please note: Minor changes may be made to the times and itinerary as necessary, or with the group’s agreement.
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Day 1, Sunday November 8: Arrive at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport. We will coordinate your transfer to our home, which takes about 75 mins…
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Day 2, Monday November 9: Breakfast at our home. Mosaic workshop with Dianne and Kala. Walk to our local cafe for lunch. Dinner with us.
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Day 3, Tuesday November 10: Breakfast at our home. Visit Robert Gordon Pottery, Paint a Plate. Drive to watch the Penguin Parade in the evening.
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Day 4, Wednesday November 11: Breakfast at our home. Visit Moonlit Sanctuary.
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Day 5, Thursday November 12: Breakfast at our home. Mosaic workshop with Dianne and Kala.
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Day 6, Friday November 13: Breakfast at our home. Trip to Melbourne city by train.
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Day 7, Saturday November 14: Breakfast at our home. Explore the Dandenong Ranges.
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Day 8, Sunday November 15: Breakfast at our home. Mosaic workshop with Dianne and Kala.
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Day 9, Monday November 16: Breakfast at our home. Trip to Melbourne city by train.
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Day 10, Tuesday November 17: Buffet breakfast. Guest speaker. Excursion, or work on mosaic projects. Dinner provided by us.
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Day 11, Wednesday November 18: Breakfast at our home. Goodbyes, and transfers to the airport.
