Spend a week in one of the charming hillside towns of Southern Tuscany, Castiglion Fiorentino! Known for it's olive oil and close proximity to Chianti, Castiglion Fiorentino is one of the undiscovered towns of Italy, often overlooked for it's busier neighbors Cortona and Arezzo. While it may not be full of tourists, it's full of charm, delicious food, friendly locals and lots of inspiration! Did we mention there's a pool...and air conditioning?
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Are you ready to discover the hidden gem of Tuscany? Lucca is often a day trip destination of folks staying in Florence but we get to call this lovely town home for a whole week! Right along the train route between the coast and Florence, Lucca is easy to get to even though it may seem off the beaten path. These bustling cobblestone streets are filled with bikes, incredible food, fabulous shopping and so much more! more!
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Click here to download our full 2020 Summer Info Packet
Relax poolside under the Tuscan sun while surrounded by olive trees and vineyards. Villa la Guardata will be our home for the week, tucked up on the hillside overlooking the Val di Chio with the charming town, Castiglion Fiorentino, just over a mile away.
The city hosts many cultural events and festivals throughout the year, including the Palio dei Rioni, an ancient horse race and smaller version of the famous Palio of Siena, as well as a Medieval Festival and an eclectic weekly market. It’s a quiet town with lots of charm that’s easy to fall in love with! Retreat size is limited to 4-5 guests! Itinerary:Day 1: Transfer from Train Station | Check in at Villa la Guardata | Evening group aperitivo feast and welcome drinks by the pool
Day 2: Orientation and breakfast at Villa | Walking tour of town | Lunch and afternoon sketching | Group dinner in town Day 3: Guided painting at the Villa | Catered lunch at the villa | Afternoon trip to Cortona for walking tour and visit to Del Brenna Jewelry Day 4: Day trip to Pienza | Dinner provided at Villa upon our return Day 5: Free Day Day 6: Wine tasting at Buccelletti winery | Cook dinner together at villa with fresh harvests from the Buccelletti garden Day 7: Transfer into town for breakfast and to see the Local Market and lunch | Afternoon cooking class at the Villa with a private local chef Day 8: Check out of Villa | Transfer provided to train station *Itinerary is subject to change -- this is Italy after all |
Retreat Cost:$2850 - Double Occupancy (cost per guest in a shared room)
$3150 - Single Occupancy Included:
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Early Bird Discounts: -$200 between Oct. 1-31, 2019 | -$100 between Nov. 1-30, 2019 | -$250 for all returning guests
Our two private apartments are located right in the historic center of Lucca in a historic building that dates back 7 centuries. Locals commute across town on bikes as most of the streets are closed to outside car traffic.
While it has the old world charms you’ll expect of Tuscany, it has plenty of bright natural light and modern conveniences (an elevator, for one). You’ll have the convenience of a larger city to explore with a quiet, air-conditioned apartment to escape to at the end of the day for a glass of wine with your new friends. Retreat size is limited to 4-6 guests! Itinerary:Day 1: Transfer from Train Station | Check in at apartments | Evening aperitivo feast and group stroll around the city...gelato, anyone?
Day 2: Orientation and breakfast at apartments | Walking tour of town | Lunch and afternoon sketching around town | Group dinner in Lucca Day 3: Day trip to Ponte della Maddalena and Garfagnana hill towns with wine tasting stop | Dinner in Lucca Day 4: Free Day Day 5: Tour of Antique Festival in town | Private bread making class in Lucca | Evening pasta making at our apartment Day 6: Florence day trip via trains with guided tour around the city Day 7: Morning sketching and painting around town | Afternoon transfer to private wine tasting at Colle di Bordecheo | Group dinner in town Day 8: Check out of apartment | Transfer provided to train station if needed *Itinerary is subject to change -- this is Italy after all |
Retreat Cost:$2850 - Double Occupancy (cost per guest in a shared room)
$3150 - Single Occupancy Included:
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Early Bird Discounts: -$200 between Oct. 1-31, 2019 | -$100 between Nov. 1-30, 2019 | -$250 for all returning guests
"Blessed are the curious for they shall have adventures."
