Who will we be traveling with? Your host, Chelsea Ward, has been traveling back and forth to Italy for over a decade. She speaks Italian, is friends with locals in both of our retreat destinations and is a watercoloring addict! She LOVES sharing her favorite towns, restaurants and sketching knowledge with travelers on the retreats when she's not running her other businesses in California. Click here to learn more about how Chelsea came to be addicted to Italy and watercolors.
The rest of the group will be filled with lovely, like-minded, travel loving folks who want a week under the Tuscan sun just as much as you! We've had some really great groups over the years and are lucky to still call many of these guests friends, and repeat retreat attendees! Read their testimonials here.
The rest of the group will be filled with lovely, like-minded, travel loving folks who want a week under the Tuscan sun just as much as you! We've had some really great groups over the years and are lucky to still call many of these guests friends, and repeat retreat attendees! Read their testimonials here.
What to expect? We're planning an incredible week filled with adventure, creating and, of course, eating!
Which will include: guided instruction in watercoloring and sketching (if you'd like to participate!), cooking classes, wine tasting excursions, day trips, group dinners and more wonderful surprises! There will be a fair amount of walking, and up stairs and hills at times, so please take that into consideration. But we promise the view will be worth it ;)
A there's still plenty of room for your opinion! Don't want to sketch? Our feelings won't be hurt! Weather too hot? Let's head to Pisa for the day instead of Florence! Rather eat in by the pool with a pizza a portare via? We'll join you! This week is for you, which means your opinion matters.
Which will include: guided instruction in watercoloring and sketching (if you'd like to participate!), cooking classes, wine tasting excursions, day trips, group dinners and more wonderful surprises! There will be a fair amount of walking, and up stairs and hills at times, so please take that into consideration. But we promise the view will be worth it ;)
A there's still plenty of room for your opinion! Don't want to sketch? Our feelings won't be hurt! Weather too hot? Let's head to Pisa for the day instead of Florence! Rather eat in by the pool with a pizza a portare via? We'll join you! This week is for you, which means your opinion matters.
Where will we be staying?
Week 1: We're also headed to Lucca, one of our favorite hidden gem towns of Italy! A friend of ours has some wonderful, renovated (read: AIR CONDITIONING) apartments right in the historic center of Lucca! Seriously, when you walk out of the building you're in the historic center of town and just 2 blocks from our favorite gelato! We'll be walking distance from shopping, art supplies, cafes, restaurants and some lovely sites and landmarks for sketching.
Week 2: We'll be staying in a gorgeous renovated villa located just on the outskirts of Castiglion Fiorentino. This quaint little town is about an hour south of Florence and tucked between Arezzo and Cortona. Take a peek at this famous movie to get an idea of just how pretty this area is...
Our private villa has been in our friend's family for generations and it's completely charming...and has a pool! Ready for that glass of prosecco by the pool? We are!
Week 1: We're also headed to Lucca, one of our favorite hidden gem towns of Italy! A friend of ours has some wonderful, renovated (read: AIR CONDITIONING) apartments right in the historic center of Lucca! Seriously, when you walk out of the building you're in the historic center of town and just 2 blocks from our favorite gelato! We'll be walking distance from shopping, art supplies, cafes, restaurants and some lovely sites and landmarks for sketching.
Week 2: We'll be staying in a gorgeous renovated villa located just on the outskirts of Castiglion Fiorentino. This quaint little town is about an hour south of Florence and tucked between Arezzo and Cortona. Take a peek at this famous movie to get an idea of just how pretty this area is...
Our private villa has been in our friend's family for generations and it's completely charming...and has a pool! Ready for that glass of prosecco by the pool? We are!
When will we be leaving? May 2023! Plan to have a week in Southern Tuscany (Castiglion Fiorentino) or West Tuscany (Lucca) but feel free to add a couple days to the beginning or end of your time with us to explore on your own...we definitely recommend a few extra days (1-2 on each end of the retreat) so you don't feel rushed, as well to adjust for the time change and jet lag!
It's no fun having only a week in Italy and feeling like you need a nap for the first few days. We have a blog post detailing how we personally fight jet lag but the best remedy is giving yourself a couple extra days on the front end to adjust before the retreat begins.
We are also more than happy to send you recommendations of towns to visits and places to stay and we have many city guides posted over on the Wanderful Journal ready for you to check out.
It's no fun having only a week in Italy and feeling like you need a nap for the first few days. We have a blog post detailing how we personally fight jet lag but the best remedy is giving yourself a couple extra days on the front end to adjust before the retreat begins.
We are also more than happy to send you recommendations of towns to visits and places to stay and we have many city guides posted over on the Wanderful Journal ready for you to check out.
What will we be doing? We're planning a week filled with adventures through our favorite small towns, Castiglion Fiorentino and Lucca, as well as day trips through some of our favorite nearby towns (Cortona, Pienza, Pisa, and Barga for example). There will be scheduled days but also lots of open time for you to explore solo through the city, relax by our pool (at the villa), rent a bike to ride around the walls of Lucca or create on your own at your own pace.
Speaking of creating...we will be teaching you how to travel sketch using journaling, collage, drawing and watercolor in your very own travel sketchbook.
And we can't forget the food...there will be wine and olive oil tastings, cooking lessons and plenty of time for relaxing, lengthy meals together.
Speaking of creating...we will be teaching you how to travel sketch using journaling, collage, drawing and watercolor in your very own travel sketchbook.
And we can't forget the food...there will be wine and olive oil tastings, cooking lessons and plenty of time for relaxing, lengthy meals together.
Do I have to paint? What if I've never painted before?
No, you don't have to paint! We'd love it if you tried but we won't force you to either. We will be the first to admit that watercolors aren't for everyone, but what better place to try them than in Italy? It's where Chelsea learned to love them! We will also be more than happy to teach you all the basics if you've never tried watercoloring before!
Want an idea on what to buy? Check out our recommended supplies here.
We will be giving instruction for watercoloring, journaling and sketching. You are more than welcome to bring any of your own favorite art making supplies (chalk pastels, colored pencils, acrylics, washi tape etc) and we will be happy to advise you on technique, color selection and use as best we can.
If you prefer to only journal or collage in your sketchbook, or just make lists of all the flavors of gelato you eat, that's fine too!
No, you don't have to paint! We'd love it if you tried but we won't force you to either. We will be the first to admit that watercolors aren't for everyone, but what better place to try them than in Italy? It's where Chelsea learned to love them! We will also be more than happy to teach you all the basics if you've never tried watercoloring before!
Want an idea on what to buy? Check out our recommended supplies here.
We will be giving instruction for watercoloring, journaling and sketching. You are more than welcome to bring any of your own favorite art making supplies (chalk pastels, colored pencils, acrylics, washi tape etc) and we will be happy to advise you on technique, color selection and use as best we can.
If you prefer to only journal or collage in your sketchbook, or just make lists of all the flavors of gelato you eat, that's fine too!
What if I don't speak any Italian? È va bene! It's okay! Your host Chelsea lived in Italy for 2 years after college and has been going back to Italy every year for over a decade. She's picked up the language and will be more than happy to translate and help navigate you through Tuscany.
Worried about traveling solo without a translator? Don't be! Many signs in the airports and train stations have English translations and LOTS of Italians know at least a little English. Plus, they're very friendly. We compiled a journal post about how we leaned Italian and apps we still use to this day to keep it fresh in our minds. And, when in doubt...there's always the Google Translate App!
Worried about traveling solo without a translator? Don't be! Many signs in the airports and train stations have English translations and LOTS of Italians know at least a little English. Plus, they're very friendly. We compiled a journal post about how we leaned Italian and apps we still use to this day to keep it fresh in our minds. And, when in doubt...there's always the Google Translate App!
Am I "too old/young"? Is it weird I'm solo? Can my husband come?
No one is ever too old/young/solo for one of our retreats! We've had all sorts of ages join; young ladies fresh out of high school traveling with their mom, mid-thirties on summer break from teaching and even some ladies with a few grandchildren back home. So long as you can walk up some cobblestone streets and stairs, you should do just fine!
Everyone is more than welcome on a Wanderful Retreat, even your husbands! While our general audience is usually ladies, if your husband or partner wants to join they are more than welcome! If you plan on bringing young children or minors though, please email us in advance to fully discuss the logistics (car seats, drinking age in Italy, participation expectations, etc). If you wish to come as a family and stay elsewhere for more privacy, we can help you arrange that too.
Still nervous about no knowing anyone? Don't be! Our groups end up being filled with lovely, traveling loving folks that are open to making friends and sharing some delicious meals and memories! We are still good friends with MANY of our past guests that we didn't know before they attended a retreat. One has come back on multiple retreats and another meets up with Chelsea somewhere in Italy every summer for a Spritz!
No one is ever too old/young/solo for one of our retreats! We've had all sorts of ages join; young ladies fresh out of high school traveling with their mom, mid-thirties on summer break from teaching and even some ladies with a few grandchildren back home. So long as you can walk up some cobblestone streets and stairs, you should do just fine!
Everyone is more than welcome on a Wanderful Retreat, even your husbands! While our general audience is usually ladies, if your husband or partner wants to join they are more than welcome! If you plan on bringing young children or minors though, please email us in advance to fully discuss the logistics (car seats, drinking age in Italy, participation expectations, etc). If you wish to come as a family and stay elsewhere for more privacy, we can help you arrange that too.
Still nervous about no knowing anyone? Don't be! Our groups end up being filled with lovely, traveling loving folks that are open to making friends and sharing some delicious meals and memories! We are still good friends with MANY of our past guests that we didn't know before they attended a retreat. One has come back on multiple retreats and another meets up with Chelsea somewhere in Italy every summer for a Spritz!
Which airport should I fly into? Since Italy is well connected by their train system, most airports are a viable option to fly into (especially if you find a good deal) but some are definitely more convenient than others! Keep in mind too, you could also fly into an airport that's further away with the intent of staying there a couple days to explore before or after your retreat!
For our Tuscan Villa Retreat in Castiglion Fiorentino, Florence is the closest airport but Rome is also a good option. Castiglion Fiorentino is right along the main train route between Rome and Florence so it's easy to hop on a train from the Leonardo DaVinci Airport (Fiumicino) in Rome and get to our villa. Bologna is also another option but you have a slightly longer train ride south to the villa.
For our Historic Lucca Retreat, Pisa and Florence are the closest airports with Pisa only being a quick train ride from Lucca! You could also fly into Milan and take the train south through Cinque Terre. Chelsea has even flown into Rome and taken the train up to Lucca.
For our Tuscan Villa Retreat in Castiglion Fiorentino, Florence is the closest airport but Rome is also a good option. Castiglion Fiorentino is right along the main train route between Rome and Florence so it's easy to hop on a train from the Leonardo DaVinci Airport (Fiumicino) in Rome and get to our villa. Bologna is also another option but you have a slightly longer train ride south to the villa.
For our Historic Lucca Retreat, Pisa and Florence are the closest airports with Pisa only being a quick train ride from Lucca! You could also fly into Milan and take the train south through Cinque Terre. Chelsea has even flown into Rome and taken the train up to Lucca.
Do you offer any discounts? Yes, we do!
Discount will apply to the remaining retreat fee after a $300 deposit is received. Deposit must be paid before the end of the timeframe to receive that discount and bonuses.
All returning guests that have attended a retreat hosted by Chelsea from 2016 onward will receive a $300 discount up until one month before desired retreat is schedule to begin. This is not in addition to an Early Bird Discount.
In the event we are out of double rooms but you and a friend, spouse, partner or family member wish to attend a retreat and are willing to share a Queen bed, both participants will receive an additional $100 discount.
All discounts will be reflected in the remaining balance after the non-refundable deposit of $300 is paid. We will say... the earlier you book, the better the deal! Both on airfare and on your retreat cost! Did we mention space is limited?
Discount will apply to the remaining retreat fee after a $300 deposit is received. Deposit must be paid before the end of the timeframe to receive that discount and bonuses.
- Reserve between October 1 - October 15, 2022: Receive a $275 discount, and an original 8x10 sunflower watercolor painting
- Reserve between October 16 - November 15, 2022: Receive a $175 discount, and original 8x10 sunflower watercolor painting
- Reserve between November 16 - December 15, 2022: Receive a $100 discount.
- Bookings for both consecutive weeks will receive a $750 discount, pending availability
All returning guests that have attended a retreat hosted by Chelsea from 2016 onward will receive a $300 discount up until one month before desired retreat is schedule to begin. This is not in addition to an Early Bird Discount.
In the event we are out of double rooms but you and a friend, spouse, partner or family member wish to attend a retreat and are willing to share a Queen bed, both participants will receive an additional $100 discount.
All discounts will be reflected in the remaining balance after the non-refundable deposit of $300 is paid. We will say... the earlier you book, the better the deal! Both on airfare and on your retreat cost! Did we mention space is limited?
Do you offer payment plans? Absolutely! We fully understand that our retreats are an investment and we don't want anyone to miss out on the fun...or be late on their car payments! Message Chelsea to discuss the best payment plan for you so you can enjoy Tuscany, guilt free, and still keep your landlord happy!
Is my deposit refundable? No, unfortunately we will not be able to refund deposits. Your $300 deposits go towards securing reservations for our villa, apartments, transportation, etc and these are non-refundable... Your deposit ensures that Italian businesses are able to cover things on their end (rent, van payments, permits etc), and also ensures we can secure their services for the rest of the group... both with current and future retreats! However, we'd be happy to transfer your initial deposit towards a future retreat! If you do end up cancelling your retreat, we will be sad to see you go but we will do our hardest to refund you the largest amount of what you've paid possible!
What if my trip is cancelled? If we are forced to cancel your retreat due to unsafe travel conditions, quarantine restrictions or unrealistic travel requirements prior to our group's departure, we will transfer your deposit and spot to a future retreat of your choosing (pending availability).
If your trip is cancelled due to an individual in your party's lack of compliance with airline, TSA or International vaccine requirements, we are unfortunately unable to offer any full refunds. We will handle each situation on a case by case basis to assess if we can refund portions of your trip, or possibly transfer portions of your payment towards future retreats.
If your trip is cancelled due to an individual in your party's lack of compliance with airline, TSA or International vaccine requirements, we are unfortunately unable to offer any full refunds. We will handle each situation on a case by case basis to assess if we can refund portions of your trip, or possibly transfer portions of your payment towards future retreats.
What's NOT included in the price of the retreat? Airfare is not included. We are happy to provide assistance recommending travel itineraries and will provide detailed train travel instructions to arrive at the retreats as well. Travel from airport to the destination city is also not included but we can help arrange for a private transfer if needed. Private transfers to/from airports are not included.
Many of the meals are included but not all! We provide breakfast everyday during the retreat. We are happy to give you many recommendations of places to eat on the solo meals (or split a pizza with you too!) but also feel free to use the kitchens at our homes! The produce in Italy is amazing so it's easy to whip up some tasty (and affordable) meals in our adorable kitchens. Have you seen the recipes on our Wanderful Journal?
We provide a mixed paper sketchbook, hand-bound by Chelsea. All other art materials (brushes, watercolors, additional paper, etc) are not provided but we are happy to ship you our recommended travel sketching and watercolor supply kit along with your included sketchbook for a fee. Or shop from our recommended list of traveling supplies, as well as recommended travel art making supplies! Chelsea brings LOTS of her favorite supplies if you'd like to test them out in Italy first before shopping at one of the AMAZING art stores in Florence and Lucca.
Many of the meals are included but not all! We provide breakfast everyday during the retreat. We are happy to give you many recommendations of places to eat on the solo meals (or split a pizza with you too!) but also feel free to use the kitchens at our homes! The produce in Italy is amazing so it's easy to whip up some tasty (and affordable) meals in our adorable kitchens. Have you seen the recipes on our Wanderful Journal?
We provide a mixed paper sketchbook, hand-bound by Chelsea. All other art materials (brushes, watercolors, additional paper, etc) are not provided but we are happy to ship you our recommended travel sketching and watercolor supply kit along with your included sketchbook for a fee. Or shop from our recommended list of traveling supplies, as well as recommended travel art making supplies! Chelsea brings LOTS of her favorite supplies if you'd like to test them out in Italy first before shopping at one of the AMAZING art stores in Florence and Lucca.
Well...what are you waiting for?
Give yourself a week under the Tuscan sun that you'll never forget!
Click here to stay up to date on upcoming retreats and reserve your spot today!
Still not quite sure?
Send us an email so we can answer any questions you might have or arrange time to chat over the phone or zoom :)
Or read through what past retreat attendees have to say about their Wanderful Retreat.
Give yourself a week under the Tuscan sun that you'll never forget!
Click here to stay up to date on upcoming retreats and reserve your spot today!
Still not quite sure?
Send us an email so we can answer any questions you might have or arrange time to chat over the phone or zoom :)
Or read through what past retreat attendees have to say about their Wanderful Retreat.
"Dare to live the life you have dreamed for yourself. Go forward and make your dreams come true."
