The Intensive Course
The Intensive Course is designed for international bonsai enthusiasts who wish to travel to Italy and study directly with me in person. This hands-on experience offers a deep dive into bonsai design, refinement, and advanced techniques. The course is held twice a year, in March and August, in the town of Feltre, located in the north of Italy. You are welcome to stay for the full 10-day program, or select the number of days that suits your schedule.
Location & Experience
The intensive course takes place in my brand-new bonsai workshop inside the Italian Bonsai Dream Museum, a space fully dedicated to learning, creativity, and inspiration. Students stay in my bed and breakfast, located just a few minutes away, surrounded by breathtaking views of nature.
Imagine waking up to the sounds of birds, breathing the fresh mountain air, and spending your days immersed in the art of bonsai—refining trees, learning advanced techniques, and sharing moments with passionate students from all over the world.
This is not just a course.
It’s a fully immersive experience. A chance to disconnect from your routine and connect deeply with the natural world, with your own hands, and with the living art of bonsai. I provide everything you need: trees, tools, wire—and of course, guidance throughout the process. You’re also welcome to bring your own material.
If you're arriving from outside Europe, I’ll personally prepare an invitation letter to support your entry at the airport. Let yourself be part of something special. Come live bonsai in the heart of the Italian Alps.
Testimonials
The Intensive class is an incredible experience. It is filled with valuable knowledge, hands-on practice under professional guidance, and plenty of fun along the way with amazing people from all over the world who share the same deep passion for bonsai. In the beautiful surroundings of the Dolomites, doing bonsai every day from morning until evening, the Intensive class creates an inspiring atmosphere and enhances the whole learning experience. In my opinion, the only way to do bonsai at the highest level is to come and learn in a place where top-level work is done every day — and there are only a handful of such places. It will not only transform your skills and technique but also set a standard for the quality of work you strive for. For me personally, learning directly from a world-class professional like Mauro helped me elevate the level of my bonsai practice and transform bonsai from my biggest passion into a full-time job.
En mi búsqueda permanente de mejorar mi nivel de bonsái…fue que en el año 2023…estando en Shunkaen…supe de la escuela de Mauro en Italia…inmediatamente lo contacté y fue así que en Febrero de 2024 llegué a Feltre al intensivo de invierno. Definitivamente uno de los mejores lugares ,donde no sólo pude resolver miles de dudas y mejorar mis habilidades, sino también encontrarme con grandes personas …Mauro y su familia son lo máximo!!!…Mauro tuvo la sensibilidad de leer mi personalidad y adecuar su enseñanza a la mejor forma que yo podía recibirla. Encontré en la escuela un ambiente de fraternidad y preocupación por hacerme sentir en casa…conocer personas de distintas partes del mundo que muchos de ellos hoy son grandes amigos…una experiencia totalmente recomendable y que repetiré nuevamente este año
Been twice now to Mauros intensive course. Both times where absolutely fantastic. His method of teaching and the feeling produced while working with others is superb. Highly recommended to anyone at any level of Bonsai. Mauro is brilliant!!!
Se siete alla ricerca di un luogo dove la passione per il bonsai si traduce in arte, conoscenza e tecnica non potete non partecipare agli intensive della scuola ItalianBonsaiDream di Mauro Stemberger a Feltre. Ho partecipato a vari intensive e fin dal primo momento l'accoglienza di Mauro, Mariangela e la mamma Daniela è stata ottima, calorosa e genuina, facendoti sentire subito a casa. Mauro dimostra una dedizione incredibile nell'insegnamento ma quello che colpisce maggiormente è la maestria con cui i bonsai vengono preparati e lavorati dove è evidente la profonda conoscenza delle tecniche e della creativita' di Mauro. Che siate principianti o esperti, gli intensive di Mauro Stemberger offrono un ambiente stimolante e professionale dove poter approfondire la vostra passione con risultati straordinari. Valore aggiunto è un ambiente multiculturale con ragazzi che provengono da ogni parte del mondo!!!Un'esperienza assolutamente consigliata a tutti gli amanti del bonsai!
Este curso intensivo me abrió la mente, sacó trancas en mi cabeza que estaban ahi y no me dejaban avanzar. Aprender el método bonsai dream es una experiencia fascinante, de los 10 días que viví el proceso, ninguno fue igual al anterior, cada vez se ponía mejor." En mi caso no llevé arboles, pero tuve la suerte de que Mauro me pasara alguno de los suyos para ponerme a trabajar. Volvería sin lugar a dudas, es lo mejor que he vivido en mi carrera de Bonsai. Gracias Mauro por tu profesionalismo y capacidad de enseñar al más alto nivel
I have been going to Mauro’s Intensive Workshop in Italy since August 2023. Why Mauro? Let me reiterate my reply when I was asked by Harry Wallner for the American Bonsai Society Newsletter, “I see in him not just his masterful bonsai skills and experience, but he is someone who is able to create a positive, respectful, and encouraging learning environment. He has strong communication skills, empathy, and a passion for learning. He understands his student’s emotional, social, and intellectual needs. He has given me the right set of circumstances where I can work on world-class trees…” Additionally in his immersive workshop, I get to work side by side with fellow students around the world who share the same passion in bonsai. What a wonderful experience every time!
I was a beginner in Junipers and had joined the 10 day Intensive 2023 workshop with Mauro. My perception, styling and undertanding junipers has drastically changed and now im confident while working on them. Thanks to my wonderful mentor Mauro for being so patient and helpful.
