My retreats are curated creative travel experiences designed for artists and creatively curious individuals. They combine painting workshops, cultural exploration, rest, and meaningful connection. You can expect guided art instruction, inspiring locations, group activities, and ample free time to create, reflect, or simply enjoy your surroundings. The intention is for you to leave feeling renewed, inspired, and creatively energized.

Participants come from all walks of life, across cultures, identities, and creative paths, and everyone is warmly welcome here. Some arrive solo, others come with friends or loved ones, and it doesn’t take long before the whole group feels like a supportive, inspiring community.
If you’re curious, have questions, or just want to feel whether this retreat is the right fit for you, I’d love to connect. You’re always welcome to schedule an inquiry call so we can chat and explore together.

Not at all. All levels are welcome, from complete beginners to experienced artists. Whether you are picking up a paintbrush for the first time or have an established practice, the retreat is designed to meet you exactly where you are and support your unique creative process.

Groups are intentionally kept small to create a more personal and connected experience. Most retreats have around 8 participants, with a maximum of 16.

All retreats and workshops are conducted in English.

Should I arrive early?
Guests are responsible for arranging their own travel to Italy. You can arrive in Bologna by plane, train, car, or ferry, with the Bologna (BLQ) airport offering regular connections from major cities across Italy and Europe.

From there, a private transfer to and from the Bologna airport or train station is included. Your host, Piero Pagliardini, will personally meet you at the designated pickup point at scheduled times and escort you to the hotel, making the journey to Urbania smooth and welcoming.


Arriving at least one day early is recommended to allow for travel delays and time zone adjustment.

Yes, Wi Fi is available in rooms and common areas.

Reception is generally available but may vary depending on the location.

Yes, self-service laundry facilities are available, and we’re happy to help coordinate time in the schedule so you can use them with ease.

Please note this retreat may not be suitable for participants with low or limited mobility. Getting around involves short walks and occasional uneven terrain, including vineyard paths and cobblestone streets.

Meals are a highlight of the experience and are designed to celebrate the best of Italian cuisine.

Included in the retreat are daily breakfasts, four lunches, and six dinners, all with full beverage service including wine. Each morning begins with breakfast at the hotel, featuring espresso, local seasonal produce, and fresh pastries. Lunches and dinners take place at carefully selected local restaurants, offering authentic regional dishes and a relaxed shared dining experience.



Our Italiana Tours guide, Piero, is a certified international sommelier and works closely with each chef ahead of time to thoughtfully select wines that pair beautifully with each course. The intention is for every meal to feel immersive, generous, and deeply connected to the culinary culture of Italy.

Dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice.

Accommodation, meals and wine, art instruction, all art supplies, scheduled activities, and airport transfers are included. Everything is designed so you can fully relax, create, and enjoy the experience without needing to plan the details.

Airfare, travel insurance, personal expenses, and accommodations before or after the retreat are not included.

All art supplies are provided for you, including paint, canvas, watercolor paper, a journal, paintbrushes, and a selection of mixed media materials. You simply need to arrive ready to create.

Yes, studio space is open and accessible throughout the week for you to use. The studio is a short walk from your accommodations.

Bring comfortable clothing, clothes suitable for painting (and/or an apron), layers for changing weather, personal toiletries, any medication you may need, and your travel essentials. It’s also helpful to leave a little extra space in your luggage, as you will be returning with two unstretched canvases that can be rolled for easy transport.

In Urbania, Italy during the fall, the weather is typically mild with a mix of sunny days and cooler temperatures, especially in the mornings and evenings. It can vary, so it’s best to check the forecast closer to your departure date and pack accordingly.

Reservations are made in advance directly with Italiana Tours by completing the registration form provided below.



Once you submit your registration, you will electronically agree to the Terms and Conditions. A copy will be sent to you for your records once your booking is confirmed.



After that, you can sit back and relax. You will be contacted within a few days by the Italiana Tours team to follow up, confirm your reservation details, and guide you through the next steps.

Do I need to pay upfront?

A $800 deposit is required to secure your spot. The remaining balance is due 60 days before departure. For bookings made within 30 days of departure, full payment is required at the time of registration.

Due to the highly coordinated nature of these trips, all payments are non refundable.



In the rare case that your spot can be filled from the waiting list, a partial refund may be possible, minus a $275 administrative fee. Otherwise, cancellation results in the forfeiture of all deposits and payments made.

t is HIGHLY recommended that you obtain trip  insurance that covers travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements.



We strongly advise that your chosen policy provides coverage in case of lost or delayed baggage, loss of personal belongings, trip cancellation, trip interruption, accidents, illness, injury, medical expenses, death, and emergency repatriation.



Terms and coverages vary depending on the specific insurance carrier. Carefully check before purchasing your policy.