# Drawing for Connection Retreat with Artist Luke Adam Hawker in Tuscany Join artist Luke Adam Hawker for a weeklong drawing retreat in the golden hills of Tuscany, where the focus is on connection, self-expression, vulnerability, and creative confidence. With Luke and Laura by your side, you’ll explore everything from plein-air sketching and life drawing to liberating mark-making exercises that take the pressure off the result and focus on enjoying the creation process. Whether you are picking up a sketchbook for the first time or looking to deepen an existing practice, you’ll leave with a renewed sense of confidence and a deeper relationship with your art. Inspiration will come from a full-day art trip to Arezzo, including a visit to the Chiesa di San Francesco and drawing opportunities in Piazza Grande, plus a half-day market trip to Figline Valdarno with on-location sketching opportunities. Stay in inviting Tuscan apartments featuring traditional "arte povera" furnishings, set among peaceful gardens, a 66-foot (20-meter) pool, rolling vineyards, olive groves, and a private lake. A reconverted 18th-century granary serves as a spacious, well-equipped studio, offering the perfect setting to create art while surrounded by historic architecture and breathtaking scenery. ## Details - **Dates:** September 15 - 22, 2027 - **Location:** Vaggio, Tuscany, Italy - **Starting Price:** $4,950 - **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 Luke Adam Hawker 2. Art studio equipped with: tables, chairs, glass jars, paper towels, professional studio lights, folding chairs, easels, easel lamps, Arches Hot Pressed Grano Satinado watercolor blocks, masking tape, newsprint paper, fixative spray, cartridge paper, and mailing tubes 3. A live model for two full days during the retreat 4. 7 nights of accommodation at a beautiful Tuscan estate 5. 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 6. All meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 7 dinners carefully prepared by a private chef 7. All diets catered for, including vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, and lactose-free 8. Water, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and snacks available throughout the day 9. Special welcome and farewell dinner and cocktails 10. Delicious local wine served during dinner service 11. Guided wine tour and tasting experience at the venue estate 12. Full-day art trip to Arezzo, with opportunities for painting and sketching in Piazza Grande 13. 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 14. Half-day art trip to Figline Valdarno on market day, with opportunities for painting and sketching on-location 15. English-speaking guide or chaperone for all trips and planned activities 16. Private transportation all trips and planned activities 17. Round-trip transfers from/to Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR) at prearranged times 18. All local tourist taxes and fees 19. Experienced retreat admin and UpTrek host on location 20. Fully staffed venue with drivers, cleaning and maintenance staff, and chef and kitchen staff 21. Access to a private Facebook group with Luke Adam Hawker and the other retreat participants four months before the retreat **Not included** - Airfare - Travel insurance - Lunch during the full-day trip to Arezzo - Art materials — a list of materials recommended by artist Luke Adam Hawker 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 ### Drawing for Connection Awaken your creativity with Luke Adam Hawker during an unforgettable weeklong drawing retreat in the golden hills of Tuscany, where art and nature meet in a landscape that has inspired artists for centuries. Set on a peaceful estate surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, wildflower meadows, and cypress-lined paths, this immersive experience invites you to observe deeply and reconnect with the joy of drawing. The retreat welcomes artists of all experience levels. Explore drawing as a tool for connection through Luke’s thoughtful guidance. His approach is rooted in the idea that drawing can deepen your understanding of yourself and the world around you. Across the week, you’ll also work with two live models in dedicated life drawing sessions, and you will have the chance to experiment with liberating drawing techniques. The exercises and sessions focus on finding your creative voice and growing your independence as an artist. Luke's teaching combines hands-on guidance with a deep appreciation for expression and connection in the creative process. Through demonstrations, individual feedback, supportive group discussions, and plenty of encouragement, you'll learn to draw with greater freedom and confidence. Assistant artist Laura Mochrie will also be on hand throughout the week, offering additional guidance and ensuring every participant feels supported in their practice. There are two inspiring art trips planned outside of the studio throughout the week. One trip takes you to Arezzo, where the historic streets, the iconic Piazza Grande, winding medieval alleys, and the Chiesa di San Francesco basilica offer countless subjects to draw. The other trip is to Figline Valdarno on market day, where the bustling market stalls and vibrant everyday Tuscan life framed by sun-softened architecture provide ample inspiration for your artwork. By the end of the retreat, you’ll carry home not just a sketchbook full of memories but also a renewed connection to your art and to the people you’ve drawn alongside. **The topics covered during your lessons will include:** - Drawing more actively, more proudly, more freely, and more confidently - Finding your voice as an artist - Revealing drawing as a tool for connection - Learning to work with different mediums including ink, charcoal, pastels, and pencils - Building confidence in drawing people through life drawing - Developing the ability to connect with nature through plein-air drawing - Establishing and developing a strong drawing foundation - Liberating drawing techniques and playful experimentation - ...and many more. Experience Italy's lively culture through chef-made food every day, delicious wine served with dinner (plus a wine tasting), a historic venue dating back to medieval times, and the lovely company of 15 other like-minded artists. ### Day 1: Arrival Arrive at Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR), at 4:00 PM and be transferred to the venue, reaching it by 5:00 PM. After settling into your spacious, thoughtfully designed room, explore the cozy apartments, well-equipped writing spaces, peaceful pool, and expansive gardens, all surrounded by serene vineyards and olive groves. Get introduced to your guideS for this art adventure, Luke Adam Hawker and Laura Mochrie, and chat about the upcoming week over a delightful welcome dinner. ### Day 2: Classes at the venue & wine tasting experience Wake to breakfast and coffee, then meet Luke and Laura for a relaxed check-in before heading outside with your materials. The morning kicks off with an introduction to the retreat’s creative philosophy and your very first plein-air session. Step onto the estate grounds, sketchbook in hand, and draw your immediate environment. Whether it is the curve of a vine, the texture of an old stone wall, the play of light across the olive groves, or the shadow of a cypress falling over a terrace, build confidence in your skills ahead of the week’s trips. Luke will guide you through connecting with nature through drawing, encouraging you to observe deeply and translate freely. Over a wholesome lunch, swap first impressions with your fellow artists before heading back outside. The afternoon session dives into experimenting with your mediums, from ink and charcoal to pastels and pencils. Get comfortable with how each one feels in your hand and discover which speaks to you most. Luke and Laura will circulate, helping you prepare for the on-location sketching that lies ahead. Wander the gardens, dip in the pool, explore the estate paths, or sit by the lake with your sketchbook during spare time. As the evening unfolds, gather for a wine tasting on the property. Walk the vineyard paths and hear the story behind each bottle, then settle in for a shared dinner under the Tuscan sky. ### Day 3: Art trip to Arezzo Enjoy a warm breakfast as morning light pours in, then drive with Luke 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. Luke will be nearby to offer guidance and help you translate what you observe into confident, expressive lines. 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. When you’re done exploring, enjoy a coffee and watch the world go by to the soft soundtrack of clinking cups and nearby footsteps on cobblestones. 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. Shadow Luke for continued guidance or wander freely and use drawing as a tool to connect to the place on your own terms. You might visit a charming old bookstore, peek into hidden courtyards, follow a winding side street, or spot a sweeping view of the countryside. Capture scenes that draw your attention or take photos to use later in the studio. As the sun lowers behind the rooftops, return with pages full of sketches and a head full of color. Gather with fellow artists for dinner and share what struck you most. ### Day 4: Classes at the venue Enjoy a delicious breakfast, then gather over coffee with Luke and Laura to share insights and set goals for the day. The morning introduces life drawing for the first time, with a live model posing in the studio. Luke will walk you through the basics and foundations of capturing the human form, from proportion and gesture to the subtle shifts in weight and posture that bring a figure to life. Focus on observation and expression rather than perfection. Over lunch, exchange impressions with your fellow artists before heading back to the studio. The afternoon takes a more experimental turn; continue building on the morning’s lessons by exploring your mediums more freely. Try drawing with your wrong hand, or without looking at your paper. These liberating exercises are designed to loosen you up and take the pressure off the result, revealing new possibilities in how you put marks on a page. Head to the pool or sit by the lake, or take a walk through the vineyards during spare time. Come together with fellow artists for a three-course dinner paired with wine and share what surprised you over a relaxed evening. ### Day 5: Classes at the venue Fuel up with a hearty breakfast, then head to the studio where the focus shifts to finding your creative voice. Start by drawing to find your voice and finding your voice through drawing. Keep building on your confidence and push toward independence in your choice of subject. Luke and Laura will be there for support and encouragement, offering personalized feedback as you explore what resonates with you most. Whether you gravitate toward landscape, figure, still life, or abstract mark-making, this is your time to follow your instincts. After lunch, the energy turns playful. The afternoon is dedicated to fun, group-focused drawing exercises designed to connect you with the people around you. Draw each other and pose for one another, embracing the vulnerability that comes with sharing your creative process openly. Art builds connection, and showing up honestly on the page is its own kind of courage! Stretch your legs in the gardens and cool off in the pool, or sit on the terrace and sketch the sunset. As evening falls, share a three-course dinner paired with wine and talk through the day’s discoveries. ### Day 6: Classes at the venue Grab a wholesome breakfast and coffee, then step into the studio where your model awaits for a deeper dive into life drawing. In the morning session, work with longer poses and more sustained drawings, strengthening the skills you built on Day 4. Take your time observing posture and weight, gesture and form, so that each mark on the page carries more intention and confidence. Lunch provides a moment of relaxation before the afternoon class, where the creative energy shifts again. The focus moves to getting more intuitive and playful, more liberating and experimental with your drawing. Experiment with movement and try new approaches to life drawing, pushing the boundaries of what you thought your art could look like. Luke and Laura will be on hand to encourage risk-taking and celebrate the unexpected. Wander through the olive groves and take a dip, or find a spot to draw in the fading afternoon light. As evening approaches, share a three-course dinner paired with wine, exchanging stories and impressions of the day. ### Day 7: Art trip to a local market in Figline Valdarno Enjoy a filling breakfast and embark on one last adventure, a half-day trip to Figline Valdarno, a traditional Tuscan market town just a short drive away, where daily life gathers beneath long arcades and sun-softened façades. This day is a culmination of your artistic journey through the retreat. Open your sketchbook in the main square and take time to observe the architecture around you. The town offers clear, readable forms. Repeating arches, shallow shadows under porticoes, simple geometric façades, and weathered shutters framing every window. As the weekly market unfolds, walk through the stalls and sketch directly among the activity. Look for scenes where figures interact with the architecture and the bustle of daily life compresses into vivid compositions. After returning to the estate for lunch, join Luke and Laura alongside your fellow artists in the studio for a celebratory mini-exhibition and retrospective. Share what you have created throughout this week and swap feedback, reflecting together on how far you’ve come. End the evening with a special farewell dinner, trading stories, sketches, images, and ideas as the Tuscan sky settles around you. ### Day 8: Departure Enjoy breakfast with Luke, Laura, and your group, 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. ## Instructors - [Luke Adam Hawker](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/luke-adam-hawker) — Artist ## Accommodation ### Tuscan Vineyard Estate Your venue for the retreat with Luke Adam Hawker 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 Luke Adam Hawker 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 Luke Adam Hawker, 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 Luke Adam Hawker 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 September 15, 2027, with check-out after breakfast by 10:00 AM on September 22, 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: September 15, 2027 ⁠— 4:00 PM** (leaving from Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR), arriving at the retreat venue around 5:00 PM) - **Departure transfer: September 22, 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 with artist Luke Adam Hawker:** - "I can’t imagine a better “instructor” than Luke Adam Hawker.. He is an old, kindly soul, generous with his knowledge, and has an uncanny ability to work with distinctly different students and make us each feel that we are capable, talented, and have endless potential. Truly, he’s unusually gifted. I’d follow him anywhere." - "I can only hope myself and others will get another opportunity to attend a retreat taught by Luke. His teaching was nothing short of transformative. Luke teaches from a deeply personal and honest place. He opened up to us, a group of complete strangers, with courage, humour, and humility, and poured his heart into guiding us, regardless of our starting point. As someone with some prior drawing experience, I wasn’t sure how much I’d get out of it… but I was so wrong. I left with new tools, new perspectives, and, most importantly, a renewed sense of joy and excitement for my artistic journey. This is exactly what I was hoping to gain from this whole experience. Luke encouraged me to let go of rigidity, to experiment freely, and to observe with more curiosity. This whole experience helped me break through a period of creative stagnation I’d been stuck in for a long time. He had to teach complex topics, like architectural perspective, which can be quite overwhelming for those with no prior knowledge of it. He managed to make it so clear and accessible for all, which is a true gift in a teacher. Laura, Luke’s assistant, was just the perfect addition to the entire experience. Her warmth, insight, and unique creative voice added so much to our group dynamic." - "The teaching and over all experience was amazing. Luke was kind, encouraging, warm, fun, attentive, instructive, helpful, and genuine . I came in with an art background but was stretched and pushed (kindly) at my pace. I had a blast and felt like a made genuine friends with both teachers and attendees." - "Luke and Laura provided an excellent and varied programme. The teaching was faultless - a great mix of demonstrations and excellent one-on-one time. Luke made himself very available and was very patient, generous of spirit, and happy to answer all manner of questions. Luke did an excellent job of creating a positive, happy learning environment. Laura provided excellent support as Luke’s assistant. The high level of planning that went in on their part beforehand was very evident in the smooth running of the week. They were also both a delight to spend time with at meals. I would definitely attend a future retreat with Luke (and Laura)." - "What an incredible experience! Superb from start to finish, great quality venue, hospitality and teaching." **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?** This retreat welcomes all levels of experience, though you’ll benefit most if you already have some familiarity with the mediums, as well as with Luke Adam Hawker's work and style of teaching. **When is the retreat available?** The retreat with artist Luke Adam Hawker in Tuscany, Italy, takes place between September 15 - 22, 2027. **Are there any check-in and check-out hours?** Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on September 15, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast, at 10:00 AM, on the last day, September 22, 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?** 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/drawing-for-connection-retreat-artist-luke-adam-hawker-tuscany#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 workshop?** A live model will be provided for two full days during the retreat. Tables, chairs, glass jars, paper towels, professional studio lights, folding chairs, easels, easel lamps, 2 Arches Hot Pressed Grano Satinado watercolor blocks (pink cover, 300 g/m², 24x18 in.), 5 rolls of masking tape (1 inch), 5 rolls of masking tape (2 inches), 150 sheets of newsprint paper, 5 cans of fixative spray, cartridge paper (A3 and A2, 200 g/m²), and mailing tubes are included and will be available at the venue. **All other art supplies are not included; participants are responsible for bringing their own materials. A detailed list of materials recommended by artist Luke Adam Hawker will be provided five months before the retreat takes place.** **What’s the weather like in Vaggio, Italy, in mid-September?** In mid-September, the weather in Vaggio, the closest town to the retreat venue, is pleasant and sunny. You can expect average highs of 29°C / 84°F during the day that drop to around 17°C / 63°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/drawing-for-connection-retreat-artist-luke-adam-hawker-tuscany#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/drawing-for-connection-retreat-artist-luke-adam-hawker-tuscany **Last updated:** 2026-07-20