# Colorful Travel Journal Retreat with Artist Lululaberlue in Italy

Discover the art of travel journaling on a mixed-media retreat with artist Lululaberlue in the sunlit hills of Tuscany. Over the course of the retreat, you will fill your journal with layered, textured pages using gouache, watercolor, collage, and hand lettering, learning to gather your impressions from the world around you and turn them into personal visual stories. Whether you're just beginning or have years of sketchbooks behind you, the retreat is open to all levels of experience, inviting curiosity and personal growth.

Your week unfolds at a Tuscan vineyard surrounded by rolling hills, olive groves, cypress-lined paths, and Chianti vines. Take a full-day trip to the historic city of Arezzo and wander through the market town of Figline Valdarno, gathering found materials and visual inspiration along the way. A wine tasting will bring you and your fellow artists together over local flavors. Each evening, gather for a three-course dinner prepared by a private chef and paired with regional Tuscan wine.

## Details

- **Dates:** April 18 - 25, 2027
- **Location:** Vaggio, Tuscany, Italy
- **Starting Price:** $4,600
- **Currency:** USD
- **Status:** open
- **Group Size:** Max. 16 students
- **Category:** [Painting](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/retreats/painting) · [Browse on uptrek.com](https://uptrek.com/retreats/painting)

## Overview

**What's included**

1. Art classes, individual tuition, and demonstrations with artist Lululaberlue
2. Art studio equipped with: tables, chairs, glass jars, paper towels, professional studio lights, folding chairs, easels, and easel lamps
3. 7 nights of accommodation at a beautiful Tuscan estate
4. Exclusive use of the property, including living quarters and common areas, the art studio, the large natural garden, extensive vineyards, olive groves, the outdoor swimming pool, and the private lake
5. All meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 7 dinners carefully prepared by a private chef
6. All diets catered for, including vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, and lactose-free
7. Water, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and snacks available throughout the day
8. Special welcome and farewell dinner and cocktails
9. Delicious local wine served during dinner service
10. Guided wine tour and tasting experience at the venue estate
11. Full-day art trip to Arezzo, with opportunities for painting and sketching in Piazza Grande
12. Guided visit to the Chiesa di San Francesco during the trip to Arezzo — a famous Roman Catholic basilica housing Piero della Francesca’s masterpiece, "The Legend of the True Cross" fresco painting
13. Half-day art trip to Figline Valdarno, with opportunities for painting and sketching on-location
14. English-speaking guide or chaperone for all trips and planned activities
15. Private transportation for all trips and planned activities
16. Round-trip transfers from/to Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR) at prearranged times
17. All local tourist taxes and fees
18. Experienced retreat admin and UpTrek host on location
19. Fully staffed venue with drivers, cleaning and maintenance staff, and chef and kitchen staff
20. Access to a private Facebook group with Lululaberlue and the other retreat participants four months before the retreat takes place

**Not included**

- Airfare
- Travel insurance
- One lunch during the full-day trip to Arezzo
- Art materials — a list of materials recommended by artist Lululaberlue will be provided five months before the retreat takes place
- Tips for staff — tipping is customary in Italy
- Other expenses guests might incur on their own

## Program

### Whimsy and Color Travel Journal Retreat
Settle into a week-long travel journaling retreat with artist Lululaberlue in the Tuscan countryside. Bind your journal and journal your way through the week using gouache, watercolor, collage, and lettering, building richly layered pages from sketches, found materials, vintage papers, and hand-mixed colors gathered on your trips through the region.

Each class will build on the one before, guiding you from foundational techniques like gouache palette creation and basic drawing principles to expressive mixed-media spreads that hold both memory and atmosphere.

Lulu's approach centers on curiosity and personal expression. Rather than following rigid steps, you will learn to observe the textures and colors of daily life and translate them into journal pages full of character and warmth. Expect a mix of demonstrations and hands-on exercises, with plenty of one-on-one guidance from Lulu as she moves between journals, meeting you wherever you are in your creative journey.

To set you up for a week of vibrant journaling, Lulu will provide a gouache starter kit and introduce her own bright palette, along with a curated selection of vintage papers to work into your journal from the very first day.

**Topics covered during your classes with Lululaberlue include:**

- Binding a journal with mixed and vintage papers
- Building a personal gouache palette
- Sketching and painting with gouache and watercolor
- Practicing hand lettering techniques
- Using collage for layered visual stories
- Developing a daily quick sketching habit
- Applying basic drawing principles
- Exploring layout and composition
- Mixing media for expressive pages
- Incorporating found materials
- Telling stories through images and text
- ...and many more!

Beyond the studio, you will venture into the Tuscan landscape on two exciting trips. Spend a full day in Arezzo, where Renaissance frescoes, winding medieval streets, antique stalls, and sun-warmed piazzas will offer endless material for your journal. Visit the market town of Figline Valdarno to browse for vintage papers and ephemera to add into your journal.

Your home for the week will be a Tuscan countryside estate, with a dedicated art studio, sunlit terraces, a refreshing pool, and views of the surrounding vines. Savor delicious chef-prepared meals featuring regional Italian cuisine, take part in a delightful wine-tasting experience on the venue grounds, and enjoy the company of 15 other like-minded creatives, making bonds that will last a lifetime!

### Day 1: Arrival
Arrive at Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR), at 4:00 PM and get transferred to the venue, reaching it by 5:00 PM.

After settling into your spacious and elegantly designed room, explore the cozy common areas, the well-equipped workshop space, the peaceful pool, and the expansive gardens, all surrounded by serene vineyards and olive groves. Meet the lovely artist Lululaberlue, your instructor for the retreat, and gather for a welcome ceremony before sitting down to a delightful dinner with welcome cocktails, sharing your excitement for the week ahead.

### Day 2: Classes at the venue & wine tasting experience
Greet the morning with a nourishing breakfast and a steaming cup of coffee before a quick check-in with the venue hosts. Prepare for your first full day with Lulu and your fellow artists, ready to step into a world of whimsy and magic!

The morning begins by diving straight into your art journal. Using vintage papers and a gouache starter kit provided by Lulu, you will bind your journal, each one a tactile, visual layer that sets the tone for your unfolding story. As the class moves forward, Lulu will introduce you to hand lettering, as well as to her own bright palette of colors. Try out different tools and styles, experimenting directly in your journal to see what feels intuitive and expressive. There’s space to test, scribble, outline, and refine.

Enjoy a relaxed lunch with the group before heading into the afternoon session, a pause to refuel and let the morning's work settle.

In the afternoon, you’ll begin mixing gouache to develop a personal color palette. Play with pigments until they feel like they are yours. From there, Lulu will guide you through a mixed-media approach using gouache, crayons, and watercolor. Try blending them, layering them, and letting each material surprise you. The pace is open, letting you find your rhythm.

As the class comes to an end, take some time to rest and unwind in the late afternoon. Before dinner, gather with Lulu and your fellow artists and enjoy an in-house wine tasting with appetizers, savoring the authentic flavors of Italy. Indulge in a delightful three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef and raise a glass of wine, toasting to the start of your artistic journey on the retreat!

### Day 3: Art trip to Figline Valdarno
Tuck into a lively breakfast as the morning buzzes with anticipation, then set off with Lulu and the group for the first adventure of the retreat: a trip to the nearby medieval town of Figline Valdarno.

Once you arrive in this charming town, take some time to walk around and explore its narrow, cobblestoned streets, historic landmarks (such as the Gothic church Collegiata di Santa Maria), its quaint shops and cafés, and, if the timing is right, a bustling local market filled with local produce and antiques. Stop to sketch on the spot, take reference photos, jot quick notes in your journal, or gather bits and pieces to use later in your collages. The mix of textures, typography, and color will fuel your pages for days. Some items might even end up glued into your notebook before the week is over.

Return to the venue for a leisurely lunch, then continue the afternoon with another art class.

This class will be dedicated to preparing collage papers using gouache and watercolor. Build texture and color into your sheets through washes, mark-making, and layering techniques that will later become part of your travel journal spreads. From there, move into a series of sketching exercises drawn from the objects and plant life you've observed on your morning trip. Focus on botanical forms, such as folded leaves, stems, and blooms, and look closely at perspective, shape, and structure. Lulu will offer guidance as needed, but the energy stays relaxed and exploratory.

In the late afternoon, take some time to relax before dinner. Join Lulu and your fellow artists for a tasteful three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and paired with a glass of fragrant wine. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and share insights from today’s adventure.

### Day 4: Classes at the venue
Enjoy a generous breakfast and a steaming cup of coffee, followed by a quick check-in with the venue hosts.

During the morning workshop, start layering your journal with more visual texture and personal details. Start with mark-making and embroidery, letting instinct guide your hand as you stitch, blot, draw, or press shapes into the paper. Continue building a stash of collage papers. Work on sketching and painting small still-life setups (food, bottles, everyday objects), bringing in bits of your experience so far. Revisit your journal pages, reflect on what’s missing, and fill in the blanks with small drawings, bits of writing, or new textures. Lulu will be nearby to support the flow, but the emphasis is on making space for your own way of working.

Take a break for lunch and enjoy a relaxed meal, then continue the afternoon with another session focused on exercises built around perspective. Start by observing and sketching buildings, rooftops, and structures. Practice translating three-dimensional space onto the page in a way that still feels playful and personal. These sketches lay the groundwork for the trip to Arezzo, helping your eye tune in to architectural details. The goal is to thread your surroundings into your journal using whatever mix of collage, lettering, watercolor, and gouache fits your story.

As the evening approaches, take some time to rest before dinner. Savor a delicious three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef and accompanied by a glass of wine, soaking in the warm and lovely company of your fellow artists.

### Day 5: Art trip to Arezzo
Enjoy a warm breakfast as morning light pours in, followed by a brief morning check-in with the venue hosts. Then, set out with Lulu and your fellow artists through the folds of the countryside toward the enchanting town of Arezzo, a sparkling gem tucked into the Tuscan hills, brimming with charm and sun-drenched beauty.

As you arrive in Arezzo, meander through winding medieval streets and explore corners where Renaissance painters once walked. Visit the Chiesa di San Francesco basilica, home to Piero della Francesca’s masterpiece, “The Legend of the True Cross” fresco painting. Move through its arches and marble floors, observing how shape and light create movement. Take reference photos of details that stand out to you and pause to sketch when inspired. Lulu will be nearby to offer guidance and help you translate what you observe into your journal.

Take time to linger in the Piazza Grande, one of the most beautiful squares in all of Tuscany, and paint or sketch the scene unfolding around you. Practice your journaling skills with gouache, watercolor, and collage, and apply the perspective techniques that you learned the previous day.

For lunch, settle into a welcoming trattoria and savor a relaxed Tuscan meal on your own. The afternoon is yours to explore Arezzo at your own pace. Continue journaling as you explore the town, translating what you see in beautiful journal spreads. You might visit a charming old bookstore, peek into hidden courtyards, follow a winding side street, or spot a sweeping view of the countryside.

As the afternoon comes to an end, return to the venue right in time for dinner. Take some time to unwind and freshen up, then join Lulu and your fellow artists for a wholesome three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and paired with a glass of local wine. Share reflections of today’s adventure and toast to another day filled with creativity and inspiration.

### Day 6: Classes at the venue
Greet the morning with a nourishing breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee, then check in briefly with the venue hosts, settling into the gentle rhythm of the day.

Step outside into the venue gardens and take in the colors and textures of the landscape around you. Sit with your sketchbook to capture botanical forms, light reflections, or tangled stems and leaves. Journal using watercolor, gouache, and collage, mixing and experimenting with the mediums in any way that helps you document the moment.

Take a break for lunch and enjoy a satisfying meal. Then, continue the day by working on your pieces in the morning. Return to your sketchbook with fresh eyes, layering gouache over dried watercolor washes, tearing and pressing collage elements into the page. Work freely and intuitively: there are no rules here, only the beauty of building up a visual record of the day in whatever way feels right to you.

In the late afternoon, take some time to rest and unwind before dinner. Gather with Lulu and your fellow artists for a hearty three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef and paired with a glass of aromatic wine.

### Day 7: Classes at the venue
Head into your final day with a wholesome breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, then check in briefly with the venue hosts before making your way to the studio one last time.

During the morning workshop, continue with mark-making and embroidery, adding texture and detail to your pages. Paint and sketch bold botanical form, building out spreads that tie together your week’s observations. There’s time to make more collage papers using gouache and watercolor, layering in color and pattern where needed. Flip through your journal and notice what’s missing. A detail from Arezzo? A label from a bottle? A pressed leaf? Fill in those gaps however you like, stitching together your personal story on paper.

Enjoy a relaxed lunch together, then take a moment to rest before a beautiful afternoon ahead.

Join Lulu and your fellow artists for a celebratory mini-exhibition, showcasing what you worked on throughout the week. Flip through journals, share reflections, and exchange feedback and ideas with your peers. There is no pressure, just an open table where everyone can browse each other’s journals, celebrate the progress, and share what surprised them along the way.

Take some leisure time in the late afternoon, then raise a glass at a spectacular three-course farewell dinner accompanied by cocktails, toasting to the art you have made and the people you are taking home with you.

### Day 8: Departure
Enjoy one last breakfast with Lulu and your fellow artists, exchange any last contact details, and get ready for your transfer to Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR). Check-out is at 10:00 AM, and you'll arrive at the airport at around 11:00 AM.

As you make your way back home, take with you the lessons that Lulu has taught you, as well as a heart brimming with inspiration, unforgettable memories, and cherished new friendships that will last long after the retreat ends. Embrace this newfound energy and sense of community as your retreat experience comes to an end, ready to spread positivity and creativity all around you!

## Instructors

- [Lululaberlue - Estelle Calandri](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/lululaberlue---estelle-calandri) — Mixed media artist, bookbinder, educator

## Accommodation

### Tuscan Vineyard Estate
Your venue for the retreat with artist Lululaberlue is a serene Tuscan vineyard estate nestled in the Chianti region.

Covering 80 acres (32 hectares), the estate dates back to the Middle Ages and once belonged to the influential Medici Tornaquinci family, forever establishing its place in history. Amenities on the estate include a 66-foot (20-meter) swimming pool, extensive gardens, a private lake, and wine cellars. You can also enjoy the large outdoor dining area on the pergola, spacious interior dining area, and airy studio for your classes. During your free time, you're welcome to explore the picturesque surroundings using the scenic walking paths through the private forest, olive groves, and vineyard.

The accommodation spaces are spread across two main buildings and a renovated medieval tower, whereas the dining area and studio are located in the reconverted 18th-century granary. These spaces range from spacious private suites to multi-bedroom apartments with amenities spread over multiple floors. The rooms boast stunning views of the estate's expansive gardens, vineyards, or peaceful private lake.

Your classes with Lulu will be carried out in a spacious 1,560 sq. ft. (145 sq. m.) studio located on the second floor of the granary building. You may also paint on the grounds, with the estate's stunning landscape providing endless inspiration.

Please note that the venue may not be suitable for participants with limited mobility, as some rooms and the studio are accessible only by stairs, and getting around the venue spaces requires a short walk. Additionally, being in the Italian countryside, you may encounter some insects during your stay. To preserve the historical character of the estate, the rooms are not equipped with window screens.

### Shared ensuite room
Two ensuite rooms are available for shared occupancy. Each room and its ensuite bathroom will be shared between two same-gender participants. One of the rooms is located in the main villa, on the third floor, and the other one is located in a separate medieval tower (accessible via two sets of stairs).

The rooms feature twin beds and are fan-cooled, designed with architecture that keeps the space cool, with an ensuite shower bathroom. The ensuite shower bathrooms are equipped with toiletries, towels, and hairdryers. The shared living rooms provide a comfortable space to relax, alongside a shared kitchen, complete with dining amenities and a TV.

### Single standard room with adjacent bathroom
Three single standard rooms with adjacent bathrooms are available for single occupancy. Located in the main villa on the second floor, each room offers access to a shared living room featuring a TV and ining amenities, and a kitchen equipped with a kitchenette and a dining table.

Each room has access to an adjacent, private bathroom equipped with a shower or a tub, toilletries, towels, and a haridryer. The rooms are fan-cooled and feature double beds.

### Single standard ensuite room
One standard ensuite room is available for single occupancy. The room features a double bed and an ensuite bathroom equipped with a shower, toiletries, towels and a hairdryer. It is located in an apartment in the medieval tower (second floor) featuring a shared living room and a full kitchen with a dining table and a TV. The room is fan-cooled.

### Single superior ensuite room
Four superior ensuite rooms are available for single occupancy. Each room features a double bed and an ensuite bathroom equipped with a shower, toiletries, towels and a hairdryer. The rooms are located within two separate apartments in the main villa, on the second and third floors.

Each apartment includes a shared living room and a kitchenette with a dining table and a TV. In one of the apartments, the shared kitchen and living room are located downstairs from the bedrooms, next to a shared terrace. All rooms are fan-cooled.

### Single deluxe apartment
Four deluxe apartments are available for single occupancy. Each apartment offers the comfort and privacy of having the entire space to yourself. Located on the first and second floors in the main villa of the estate, these apartments feature a bedroom with a double bed, a private bathroom with a shower (or wetroom), and a cozy living room.

The apartments also include a private kitchen/kitchenette with a dining table. One of the apartments spans both the first and second floors, with amenities and living spaces divided across the levels. Each apartment covers approximately 646 sq. ft. (60 sq. m). The bathrooms are equipped with toiletries, towels, and hairdryers.

## Food

During your retreat with Lululaberlue, you'll savor delicious, authentic Italian cuisine with wonderful meat and vegetable-based dishes crafted by the private chef. The chef uses fresh, seasonal local ingredients to prepare classic Tuscan recipes, offering a true taste of the region's rustic flavors. You will enjoy delicious home-cooked meals that feature the tastiest Italian “Nonna”-style (grandma) recipes.

Start your day with a Tuscan breakfast, featuring a selection of breads (including whole wheat and the classic Tuscan white with no salt), fruit jams, honey, yogurt, cornflakes, homemade cakes, and croissants. You'll also enjoy Tuscan cheese, eggs, fresh fruits, juices, and a variety of beverages like cappuccino, coffee, tea, milk, almond milk, and soy milk.

Lunch is served buffet-style and typically includes a variety of starters, salads, and a first course, accompanied by fresh fruit. In the evenings, you'll be treated to three-course dinners with an antipasto (the first course), followed by a main course with a vegetable side dish, and finished with a delicious dessert. Dinners are paired with fragrant wines produced at the estate.

Throughout the day, a selection of snacks such as homemade pastries, cakes, biscuits, and nuts will be available. You can enjoy these along with coffee, tea, juice, and water in the hall of the beautifully restored 18th-century Granary building or on the lovely pergola overlooking the garden and vineyards. You'll also explore the local flavors with a wine-tasting tour of the estate’s own Chianti winery.

The retreat includes all meals, except for one lunch during the full-day trip to Arezzo.

The exact menu will depend on the availability of seasonal ingredients. For more details on the food offerings during the retreat, see the section below.

## Getting There

Your art retreat with artist Lululaberlue takes place in the tranquil Vaggio di Reggello area of Tuscany, surrounded by lush vineyards, rolling hills, and historic charm. The serene environment reflects the traditional Tuscan countryside, offering a peaceful blend of culture and nature. Florence, the region’s capital, is 45 minutes away and will serve as your pick-up/drop-off point for transfers.

During the retreat, you will explore the region through two carefully chosen outings: one to the historic city of Arezzo, and another to the nearby market town of Figline Valdarno. Tuscany’s landscape, with its rolling vineyards, olive groves, and cypress-lined hills, has long stirred the imagination of artists. The region’s rich cultural heritage and fertile land, home to Chianti wines and some of Italy’s finest olive oils, offer endless inspiration for painting, writing, and reflection.

Check-in at the retreat begins at 5:00 PM on April 18, 2027, with check-out after breakfast by 10:00 AM on April 25, 2027. **Please note that we cannot accommodate early check-ins and late check-out requests, so we kindly ask that you plan your arrival and departure accordingly.**

**To be transferred to the retreat venue, please arrive at Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR).**

We strongly recommend planning more time for long-distance international travel because of the current disruptions in flight schedules. If you cannot find good connecting flights from your departure airport to Florence, we recommend you fly to Rome and fly locally to Florence (local round trips starting from US$120, subject to change, approximately 1 hour journey time). It is best to arrive in Italy a day before the retreat starts to prevent any inconveniences caused by flight delays, rest after the long travel, and adjust to the new time zone.

**Please hold off on booking flights until the retreat becomes guaranteed.**

**How to get from Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR), to the retreat venue:**

Private transfers at prearranged times to and from Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR) are included. The transfer journey to the retreat venue takes approximately one hour.

- **Arrival transfer: April 18, 2027 ⁠— 4:00 PM** (leaving from Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR), arriving at the retreat venue around 5:00 PM)
- **Departure transfer: April 25, 2027 ⁠— 10:00 AM** (leaving from the retreat venue, arriving at Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR) around 11:00 AM)

**If your travel arrangements don't work with our pre-set transfer times, please consider the following options:**

- Spend extra days at a hotel in Florence before and/or after the retreat, and catch the transfer shuttles from/to Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR).
- Grab a taxi to the retreat venue (address: Antico Borgo la Torre, Località la Torre, 172, 50066 Vaggio FI, Italy, approximately 200 EUR per way from Florence Airport). Please note that taxi fares may change.

## Reviews

**Reviews from previous UpTrek retreats at this venue:**

- "The setting at the venue was absolutely stunning and provided us with lots of inspiration for our paintings. The food was great and the wine was superb. We had a terrific group of talented artists of all levels and I will treasure my time here forever."

- "John, Federica and Duccio were fabulous hosts. The fact that they sat with us each night for dinner and engaged in conversation with everyone was specially appreciated."

- "You could not have asked for better accommodations and hospitalities. The food was delicious, the owners were very accommodating and the table where we all gathered for the evening meals couldn't have been more picturesque.😀"

- "My experience was unlike anything I expected. It was a perfectly homey and relaxing getaway. My accommodations were incredibly comfortable and had everything I needed. Federica and John were so warm and genuine; they never seemed to be just going through the motions."

- "Relaxing. Great food and wonderful hosts. Enjoyed the Villa and the grounds."

- "Federica and John and the staff at the venue were FANTASTIC. They were warm, friendly, and gracious throughout my whole time there. I really didn’t expect to say that my time at the venue was equal and experience as my time participating in the art retreat. John showed us the vineyard and the whole wine making process. Federica was always there and available And friendly and lovely. I just can’t speak highly enough about them and their staff. The venue itself was breathtaking."

- "Had a great time during the retreat! The venue and food was great!"

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Is this retreat available to all levels?**

The retreat welcomes all levels of experience, though you'll benefit most if you have some familiarity with the mediums, as well as with Lululaberlue's work and style of teaching.

**When is the retreat available?**

The retreat with artist Lululaberlue in Tuscany, Italy, takes place between April 18 - 25, 2027.

**Are there any check-in and check-out hours?**

Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on April 18, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast, at 10:00 AM, on the last day, April 25, 2027. **Please note that we cannot accommodate early check-ins and late check-out requests, so we kindly ask that you plan your arrival and departure accordingly.**

**Is Wi-Fi available?**

Wi-Fi is available in all rooms and common areas free of charge.

**I am vegetarian/vegan. Can I book this retreat?**

Yes. Please inform us of any dietary requirements at least one month in advance. We may not be able to accommodate severe, life-threatening allergies. Additionally, we cannot cater to dietary needs announced less than a month before the retreat, switch diets during the retreat, or accommodate last-minute requests made on the spot.

**How do I get to the retreat venue?**

Please arrive at Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR). We strongly recommend planning more time for long-distance international travel because of the current disruptions in flight schedules. It is best to arrive in Italy a day before the retreat starts to prevent any inconveniences caused by flight delays, rest after the long travel, and adjust to the new time zone. Private airport transfers at prearranged times to and from Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR) are included. If you cannot find suitable connecting flights from your departure airport to Florence, we recommend you fly to Rome and fly locally to Florence.

For more details, please see the [Location tab](https://uptrek.com/retreat/colorful-travel-journal-retreat-artist-lululaberlue-italy#location). Please hold off on booking flights until the retreat becomes guaranteed.

**What should I pack?**

Please pack appropriate clothing, a swimsuit, sunglasses, insect repellent, soothing cream for insect bites, a cardigan for chilly evenings, comfortable shoes, personal care items, and any personal medication you might need.

**Can I do laundry while on the retreat?**

You are welcome to use the laundry facilities during your stay. The venue provides self-service washing machines and drying racks, but please note that the venue doesn't have a dryer.

**What supplies do I need for the workshops?**

A detailed list of art materials recommended by artist Lululaberlue will be provided five months before the retreat takes place.

Tables, chairs, glass jars, paper towels, professional studio lights, folding chairs, easels, and easel lamps are included and will be available at the venue. **Students are responsible for bringing their own art supplies, based on the instructor’s recommended list.**

**What’s the weather like in Vaggio, Italy, in April?**

In April, the weather in Vaggio, the closest town to the retreat venue, is pleasant and sunny. You can expect average highs of 23°C / 73°F during the day that drop to around 11°C / 52°F at night. In recent years, however, temperatures have varied unpredictably. It is a good idea to check the weather before your departure for the retreat and pack accordingly.

**Is there a local currency I should acquire before arriving?**

Please take out euros in cash from an ATM at the airport in Florence. You will need cash for small purchases during the day trips, for tipping the staff (tipping is customary), and for any extras you might want to purchase at the retreat venue.

**How many people are to be expected on the retreat?**

Maximum of 16 participants.

**Do I need a visa?**

Guests traveling from the US, Canada, UK, EU, and/or Schengen member states may enter Italy for tourist purposes without a visa or travel authorization. Please contact us for further guidance.

**Are there any age restrictions?**

No restrictions whatsoever. Please keep in mind that you must be 18 years of age to travel independently.

**What language is used during the workshops and other activities?**

The retreat is available in English.

**Can a non-participating guest join me?**

We do not accommodate non-participants at our retreats. This policy is in place to ensure the creative and immersive nature of our retreats remains intact for all participants.

**Is the retreat available to guests with low and limited mobility?**

Unfortunately, the retreat venue and trips are not well suited for people with low and limited mobility. The indoor studio is located a short walk away from the accommodation spaces, and the trips involve plenty of walking on uneven, cobbled streets.

**What happens if I need to cancel?**

Once the retreat is guaranteed, all payments are final and nonrefundable. Bookings are nonrefundable under any circumstances. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. After your payment is processed, you may purchase insurance through the following link: [Purchase insurance](https://uptrek.com/protect-your-trip). Please review our [cancellation policy.](https://uptrek.com/cancellation-policy)

**Do I need travel insurance?**

Yes. Since all bookings are nonrefundable, travel insurance is mandatory for all UpTrek travelers. Participants are required to purchase 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 cover against lost or delayed baggage, loss of personal belongings, trip cancellation, trip interruption, accidents, illness, injury, medical expenses, death, and emergency repatriation.

For your convenience, UpTrek is affiliated with Allianz Travel and is a Registered Travel Retailer under AGA license. [Click here to purchase your insurance plan.](https://uptrek.com/protect-your-trip)

Please note that UpTrek is not qualified or authorized to answer questions about coverage, benefits, exclusions, or conditions of any Allianz Travel Insurance plan. If you have questions about your plan, please contact Allianz Global Assistance directly at [CustomerService@AllianzAssistance.com](mailto:CustomerService@AllianzAssistance.com) or by phone at 1-800-284-8300. Be sure to provide the **reference code F215276** so Allianz knows you are purchasing protection for an UpTrek trip.

We strongly recommend reviewing the terms and conditions of any insurance policy you purchase to fully understand the coverage, benefits, and claims process. We will gladly provide the essential documentation to support refund claims with the insurance provider.

**Do I have to pay a deposit?**

No. Once the number of guest reservations reaches the minimum number required for the retreat to become guaranteed, UpTrek charges the guests the cost of the retreat. Guests who reserved will be notified 48 hours in advance that their payment method on file is about to be charged.

**Will I receive a full refund if the retreat is not guaranteed?**

UpTrek does not charge the payment method we collect until the retreat becomes guaranteed. Once the retreat is guaranteed and your payment method is charged, there will be no reimbursement. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements.

**Will I receive a full refund if the guaranteed retreat is canceled by the instructor or by UpTrek?**

If the retreat is canceled due to force majeure events or circumstances out of UpTrek's and/or the instructor's control, UpTrek will let you know as soon as possible, refund the total cost of the retreat, and help you find another option for your vacation.

## Book This Retreat

👉 **[Reserve your spot on uptrek.com](https://uptrek.com/retreat/colorful-travel-journal-retreat-artist-lululaberlue-italy#book)** — no deposit required.

See [cancellation policy](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/cancellation-policy) and [travel insurance requirements](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/insurance).

---

**Canonical URL:** https://uptrek.com/retreat/colorful-travel-journal-retreat-artist-lululaberlue-italy
**Last updated:** 2026-05-11