Paint some HAPPY in Italy 2027!
September 27th - October 4th, 2027

Fall 2027, we’re going beyond the usual Italy experience—an intimate retreat just outside Naples filled with creativity, painting, cooking, truffle hunting, wine making, and living like local artisans in a medieval palazzo.

I've teamed up with Vita Villaggi, along with guest artist, Irene Shimizu; together, we’ll paint, cook, harvest, sip wine, hunt truffles, shape pottery, and immerse ourselves in a cultural journey that cannot be found anywhere else.

This retreat is more than a getaway—it’s an invitation to live, breathe, and create in Italy.

It's a place where there is artistry in EVERYTHING!  And there are so many professionals and local artisans who will be part of this week with us.

💫 Only a handful of spots.  We will have an AMAZING time together!!

Italy Art Retreat (Sept 27 – Oct 4, 2027)

Day 1 – Monday, September 27, 2027

• Meetup in Naples, transportation to the historic palazzi in Sant'Agata de' Goti

• Tour the old Mustilli winery including the historic wine cellar carved out of tufo (a variety of limestone) - the same cellar seen on Tucci in Italy
  

• Sample award-winning Mustilli wines, including Falanghina, which was created here by Leonardo Mustilli in the 1970's and which was featured in Tucci in Italy
  
• Take part in the first segment of our two-part pizza making class with Vincenzo, our pizzaiolo (who insists on performing both parts since any less would not be real pizza)
  
• Welcome dinner - enjoy farm to table dinner prepared by a contadina (farmer) who grows and picks her own ingredients

Day 2 – Tuesday, September 28, 2027

• Harvest grapes in the vineyard of a small, local winery in the town of San Lorenzello 
  
• Learn about wine making, see the grapes being crushed and the wine being bottled
  
• Meet the owner and learn about his award-winning wines, including one awarded Tre Bicchiere by Gambero Rosso
  
• Enjoy a lunch traditionally made for grape harvesters prepared by the owner's family
  
• Celebrate the grape harvest with a whimsical vineyard painting class designed by Allie, complete with a curious little mouse enjoying the fruits of our day; a true Paint & Sip (beginner friendly)
  
• Return to Sant'Agata to make pizza with the dough we made last night
  
  

Day 3 – Wednesday, September 29, 2027

• Visit Cerreto Sannita, a town renowned for its ceramics and its preservation of traditional methods from the 17th century
  
• Meet Master Potter Piero and participate in the first part of a pottery class led by him
  
• Enjoy lunch at a nearby authentic eatery in Cerrato
  
• Return to Sant'Agata of an intuitive abstract art class led by artist Irene Shimizu
  
• Enjoy a dinner of local specialties at a nearby trattoria 
  
  

Day 4 – Thursday, September 30, 2027 (slow day) 

• After a leisurely morning, take a history, cultural, and food tour with Rosangela, a local historian
  
• Start with a coffee and cornet (a typical Italian breakfast), taste some local specialities, and end with a sandwich traditionally made for those spending all day in the field
  
• Visit local Churches with historic frescoes and mosaics
  
• Spend a free afternoon on your own; painting, strolling through town, or just taking in the view from the terrace
  
• Enjoy dinner at an osteria preparing traditional dishes
  
  

Day 5 – Friday, October 1, 2027

• Explore the medieval hill town of Cusano Mutri, perched on a rocky outcrop
  
• Go truffle hunting with a local expert and his truffle hunting dog
  
• Savor local specialities for lunch in a family restaurant that specializes in local cuisine showcasing the abundant local truffles, mushrooms and chestnuts 
  
• Together we'll paint an adorable truffle-hunting dog, in an art class designed by Allie (beginner friendly), nestled among the woodland mushrooms - a whimsical keepsake inspired by our morning adventure
  
• Stop in Telese Terme to visit a highly regarded potter and artist
  
• Tonight, enjoy an apericena, the Italian combination of apertivo and light fare
  
  

Day 6 – Saturday, October 2, 2027

• Join Master Potter Piero for the second part of the pottery class to finish your piece

• Have lunch at a special place that employs young people of all abilities (iCARE)

• Leave a little piece of your heart in Italy as Allie and Irene lead us in helping paint a community mural with some of the young adults at iCARE 
  
• Return to Sant'Agata de' Goti
  
• Dinner will be a restaurant serving American cuisine with a bit of an Italian twist
  
  

Day 7 – Sunday, October 3, 2027

• Experience the Sant'Agata mercato, or outdoor market, an Italian tradition that occurs once a week in many towns.  We'll shop with locals for everything from clothing, shoes, fruits and vegetables, to housewares.  You will almost certainly find some great bargains.

• Our Sunday lunch (pranzo) will be at a local farm to table agritourismo (ape regina).  Sunday pranzo is practically mandatory in the Sannio.  Almost every family will have some type of get-together

• On our way to lunch, we'll make a stop at a melanio, it's the ONLY area in the world where the mela annurca apple variety ripens in this unique way.
  
• Enjoy a leisurely afternoon (you can use this time to paint, pack, stroll, or sip a coffee on the roof top of the palazzo)
  
• Later, make pasta with Signora Maria at the cantina, which when combined with her Sunday sugo (rage) will become our supper
  
  

Day 8 – Monday, October 4, 2027 - Departure Day

• Enjoy your last breakfast with us and depart to Naples.  Whether you are going back to the U.S. or taking advantage of the trip extension, safe travels.

• Memories and friendships made!  Thank you for sharing this week with us!
  
  

With all of the excursions and exploration, there are endless opportunities to paint and sketch on site, in addition to our planned workshops.

All activities and excursions are optional; feel free to go at your own pace.

This retreat welcomes solo travelers, couples, and friends to enjoy together. Whether you’re painting alongside each other or one relaxes while the other creates, it’s an unforgettable experience for all!

Choose the Room Option That Feels Right for You

Whether you're coming to Italy on your own, traveling with someone you love, or ready to meet a new creative friend, there are a few different ways to stay with us.

SHARED ROOM - Solo Traveler $4500 per person
Coming on your own but open to sharing the experience?
You'll have your own twin bed in a beautiful shared room and share a private bathroom only with your roommate.
We'll thoughtfully pair solo guests whenever possible.

SHARED ROOM - Come Together $4400 per person
Traveling with a friend, partner, or fellow creative?  Book together and share your room for a special rate of $4400 per person.  
Your room can be arranged with two separate twin beds or with the beds together.

PRIVATE ROOM - Limited Availability
Prefer a space all your own?  A very limited number of private rooms are available for guests who would like their own bedrooms and private bathroom.

Because our home for the week is an intimate Italian palazzo rather than a traditional hotel, every room has its own unique character and charm.  

Cozy Private Room - $5595
One guest only.  Your own private room and bathroom.

Premium Private Room - $5995
One guest only.  A larger private room with private bathroom and additional space.

Payment options:

1 - Payment Plan thru SHOP PAY: Choose "Pay in Full" at checkout, then proceed to checkout with "SHOP PAY".

2- Payment Plan thru AFFIRM: Request a one-time-use Virtual Visa card from Affirm via the Affirm website or mobile app.  Once the card is issued, return to us and select "Pay in Full" to book.  Use the info from your Affirm Virtual Visa.  Pay-over-time installment options will be given to help you create a payment plan that works for your budget.

3- In-House Monthly Payment Plan: Select 10% deposit (required to enroll and secure your spot) at checkout.  The remaining balance of your purchase will be spread out over the number of months between your enrollment and the full payment due date, which is August 13th, 2027.

*This art and culture retreat is suitable for every skill level, beginners welcome.

**Please note, walking on uneven cobbled streets is part of the journey, so it might not be ideal for those with limited mobility.

***The final schedule may vary depending on the instructor’s plans, weather, or group needs.

****Vegan options are available for every meal.

Terms & Conditions

1. Booking & Payment

• Payment Methods: Accepted payments via credit cards, Apple Pay, and more through checkout.
  In-House Installments: 10% deposit option to secure your spot, and monthly installments invoiced.
  Payment due in full by August 13th, 2027.
  Available through Shop Pay; choose "Pay in Full" option during checkout, then use Shop Pay to break up your payments to meet your budget.
  Affirm: Request a one-time-use virtual Visa card from Affirm via Affirm website or mobile app.  Once the card is issued, return to us and select "Pay in Full" to book.  Use the information from your Affirm Virtual Visa.  Pay-over-time installment options will be given to help you create a payment plan that works for your budget.

  *Discounts are not applicable on retreats.

2. Cancellation & Refund Policy

• Please take a moment to review this cancellation policy, designed to keep this art retreat running smoothly and ensure top-quality experiences. All bookings are nonrefundable—once you secure your spot, your reservation is final. If we must cancel the retreat due to events beyond its control, you'll be notified promptly and receive a full refund. We highly recommend securing travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for added peace of mind.
  Additionally, you’re welcome to transfer or sell your spot to someone else if needed. Some exceptions can be made.

• By Organizer: In the unlikely event that the retreat is canceled due to unforeseen circumstances, participants will receive a full refund of all payments made.

3. Insurance

• Participants are highly recommended to have comprehensive travel, medical, and cancellation insurance. 

4. Health & Safety

• Medical Conditions: Please inform us of any medical conditions or dietary restrictions at the time of booking.

• Emergency Contact: Provide an emergency contact prior to arrival.

5. Liability

Participants agree to release and hold harmless the retreat organizers and facilitators from any liability for personal injury, loss, or damage to personal property during the retreat. By securing your spot, you agree. 

6. Code of Conduct

Participants are expected to maintain a respectful and supportive environment. Disruptive behavior may result in removal from the retreat without refund.

7. Photography & Media

By attending the retreat, participants consent to the use of photographs and videos taken during the retreat for promotional purposes. If you prefer not to be included, please inform us in writing.

8. Travel Arrangements

• Arrival & Departure: Participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements to and from Naples, Italy.

• Transfers: transfers available from and to Naples, Italy.  You may be responsible for your own transportation if you do not travel with the group at the designated times.

9. Accommodation & Meals

• Accommodation: Shared/private accommodations are available, as per the retreat package.

• Meals: All meals are included, with vegetarian/vegan options. Please let us know of dietary restrictions ahead of time.

10. Changes to Retreat Details: 

• We reserve the right to make changes to the retreat schedule, location, or facilitators due to unforeseen circumstances. Participants will be notified promptly of any significant changes.