# Fresh and Exciting Watercolor Retreat with Artist David R. Smith in Tuscany

**Join watercolor artist David R. Smith for a week of painting in the sunlit hills of Tuscany!**

Through daily classes, step-by-step demonstrations, and one-on-one guidance, you will learn David's direct painting process, from compositional fundamentals and value studies to wet-into-wet techniques, edge control, and expressive textures. Work in the studio or paint outdoors on the beautiful venue grounds, and venture out on art trips to San Gimignano and Siena, two of Tuscany's most iconic destinations.

All levels of experience are welcome, though you'll most benefit from this retreat if you have some prior familiarity with watercolor. Whether you are looking to build a stronger foundation or push your skills further, David's approach will meet you where you are.

Stay at a gorgeous Tuscan estate with medieval charm, featuring elegant accommodation, lush gardens, a private lake, a spacious art studio, an outdoor pool, and scenic views of the countryside. Enjoy chef-prepared Italian cuisine, a wine tasting on the property, and the company of 15 fellow artists.

## Details

- **Dates:** June 8 - 15, 2027
- **Location:** Vaggio, Tuscany, Italy
- **Starting Price:** $4,450
- **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 David R. Smith
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. Meals: 7 breakfasts, 4 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 San Gimignano, with opportunities for painting and sketching on-location
12. Full-day art trip to Siena, including a visit to the Siena Cathedral, guide, and opportunities for sketching and painting on location
13. English-speaking guide for all trips and planned activities
14. Private transportation for all trips and planned activities
15. Round-trip transfers from/to Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR) at prearranged times
16. All local tourist taxes and fees
17. Experienced retreat admin and UpTrek host on location
18. Fully staffed venue with drivers, cleaning and maintenance staff, and chef and kitchen staff
19. Access to a private Facebook group with David R. Smith and the other retreat participants four months before the retreat takes place

**Not included**

- Airfare
- Travel insurance
- Two lunches during your full-day art trips
- Art materials — a list of materials recommended by artist David R. Smith 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

### Watercolor Landscape Retreat
Step into the Tuscan countryside with David R. Smith for a week of watercolor painting, plein-air adventure, and creative discovery. This transformative retreat blends studio instruction with outdoor painting across some of Tuscany's most unforgettable locations.

David's direct painting process is designed to save you countless hours of trial and error, giving beginners a clear and confident path forward while offering experienced painters fresh techniques and approaches to elevate their work. Whether you prefer painting indoors or outdoors, you are welcome to work wherever you feel most comfortable. By the end of the week, you will leave with a collection of paintings to be proud of, and the skills, concepts, and confidence to keep growing long after you return home.

Benefit from daily classes, in-depth demonstrations, and one-on-one guidance rooted in David's step-by-step approach to watercolor. You will learn how to link shapes in a composition based on values, how to use different consistencies of paint and moisture qualities of paper to your advantage, and how to work wet-into-wet to create fresh, exciting results. David will also introduce spattering and spraying techniques that bring loose textures and beautiful blends to life on the page. For parts of the studio instruction, David will also provide you with reference photos and drawing guides; you will be guided through every stage of the painting process.

The art trips form the heart of the experience. In Siena, the iconic shell-shaped Piazza del Campo opens into one of Italy's most paintable public spaces, and the Cathedral's striped marble facade and richly detailed interiors offer endless studies in contrast, pattern, and light. Take inspiration from San Gimignano's soaring medieval towers that dominate the skyline. Each destination immerses you in history and architecture, filling your reference library with material that will influence your work for years to come.

**Some of the topics covered in your classes include:**

- Compositional concepts and the benefits of a value study
- Unifying a painting by connecting shapes based on values
- The pros and cons of different consistencies of paint and moisture qualities of paper
- Working wet-into-wet and techniques for controlling moisture
- Capitalizing on different edges: hard, soft, lost, and broken
- Creating loose passages and textures with spattering and spraying techniques
- Plein-air painting: a systematic approach to working on location
- Working from reference photos and sketches made on art trips
- Developing quick studies into more finished studio paintings
- ...and much more!

Your home for the week will be a stunning Tuscan estate, dating back to medieval times, which blends modern elegance with historic charm and offers beautiful gardens, a private lake, an outdoor swimming pool, scenic views, and a spacious art studio. 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 artists!

### 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, join the welcome tour and explore the cozy common areas, the well-equipped studio, the peaceful pool, and the expansive gardens, all surrounded by serene vineyards and olive groves. Meet artist David R. Smith, your instructor for this retreat, and gather for a delightful dinner with welcome cocktails, sharing your excitement for the week ahead.

### Day 2: Classes at the venue & wine tasting experience
Wake to breakfast and coffee, then meet David for a relaxed check-in before heading into the studio.

During the morning class, David will guide you step by step through small paintings of Italian scenes, introducing a wide variety of techniques and concepts along the way. You will explore key compositional principles and learn the benefits of doing a value study before committing to a full painting. The session is hands-on from the start, with each exercise building on the last to strengthen your foundation in watercolor.

After a light lunch, the afternoon session moves into the studio, or outdoors for a plein-air demonstration if weather's on your side. David will show you how to create cohesion in a painting by connecting shapes based on their values. You will experiment with different ways of mixing and applying paint, from thick to thin, and learn how the wetness of your paper changes the way color behaves. David will walk you through wet-into-wet techniques and show you how to control the amount of moisture in your washes. You will also explore how edges shape the mood of a painting.

David will then demonstrate spattering and spraying techniques that bring loose, textured passages to life. As you prepare for the upcoming art trip to San Gimignano, David will share practical tips on what to look for and how to approach your subjects on location.

In the late afternoon, gather for a special event: a wine tasting and tour. Walk the vineyard paths, hear the story behind each bottle, and settle in for a shared dinner under the airy pergola.

### Day 3: Art trip to San Gimignano
The morning starts with breakfast and a steaming cup of coffee. Once you're ready, it's time to set off with David and the group for one of the most memorable outings of the week.

Your destination is San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the hills of Tuscany, known as the “Medieval Manhattan.” This walled hilltop town was once a busy stop on the ancient Via Francigena pilgrimage route between France and Rome, and has kept its medieval skyline almost intact, with 14 soaring tower houses still rising above its rooftops and stone-paved streets. Walking through the town gates, you'll be surrounded by centuries of history and a plethora of subjects for your cityscape studies.

With your watercolors in hand, follow David through the cobblestone lanes and soak in the architecture around every corner. You may choose to work on location, capturing the textures and forms of the town as you go. David will guide you through choosing subjects, simplifying what you see, and applying the techniques from the studio sessions to real-world scenes. Whether you are sketching the carved stone details of a doorway or painting a sunlit piazza framed by ancient towers, David will be at your side with hands-on feedback. You are also welcome to take reference photos throughout the day to use as source material back in the studio.

Break for a relaxed lunch on your own in a welcoming trattoria, where you can taste the flavors of San Gimignano and toast with a glass of Vernaccia, the town's famous local white wine.

You can continue exploring and painting the rest of the afternoon at your own pace. Find the views and details that speak to you and work freely, putting into practice everything you've learned so far. David will be there to give you guidance and encouragement along the way.

As the afternoon light softens, head back to the venue for an easy evening. Join the group who enjoys a three-course dinner prepared by the private chef, sharing stories and discussing the day’s work over glasses of wine.

### 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. Return to the studio for the first art session of the day.

David will open with a quick demonstration before guiding you into your own work. This is your chance to continue building on paintings from earlier in the week, whether you are working from sketches made in San Gimignano, reference photos taken on the trip, or scenes captured around the venue grounds. David will move through the room offering individual feedback, helping you refine your approach and push each piece further.

Recharge over a satisfying lunch, then rejoin your group for the afternoon workshop. You'll spend some time preparing for your upcoming trip to Siena. David will help you think about what to look for and how to approach the city as a painter. The session also opens up into free painting time, with the venue grounds as your subject. Set up wherever the light and scenery draw you in, and paint at your own pace with David available for guidance as you work.

The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy freely. Relax on the property, revisit a painting, or simply take in the Tuscan surroundings. In the evening, gather with the group for dinner and conversation to close out another full day.

### Day 5: Trip to Siena
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before setting off to Siena, one of Tuscany's most iconic medieval cities. After a scenic drive of about an hour and fifteen minutes through the rolling countryside, you will arrive ready to explore and paint.

The first part of the day is spent taking in the city on foot. Wander through Siena's narrow streets and open piazzas, sketching and photographing as you go. The architecture here offers endless inspiration for your watercolor pieces. Weathered facades, sharp contrasts of light and shadow on stone, and the famous shell-shaped Piazza del Campo with its sweeping curves and the towering Torre del Mangia rising above it. David will be painting and sketching alongside the group and may step in with a demonstration on location to show how he approaches a subject in the field.

Find a spot for lunch at a local trattoria, or stop for a coffee at one of the cafés lining the piazzas and take in the atmosphere at your own pace.

Later in the day, visit the Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena), a stunning example of Italian Romanesque-Gothic architecture, and the Piccolomini Library (home to works by Donatello, Michelangelo, and Bernini). The tour ends at the iconic Piazza del Campo, with its unique shell shape and the towering Torre del Mangia. You will have the opportunity to paint, sketch, or take reference photos on location.

Board the transfer back to the venue in the late afternoon, arriving in time to gather with the group for dinner. Share the day's stories over a good meal to round off one of the highlights of the week.

### Day 6: Classes at the venue
The morning starts with a leisurely breakfast and coffee before heading into the studio with David for another day of painting.

David will open the session with a short demonstration, then guide you into your own work. By this point in the week, you will have built up a collection of sketches, reference photos, and unfinished pieces from both the studio sessions and the trips to San Gimignano and Siena. This is your time to bring it all together. Return to a painting that needs refining, start something new from your favorite reference material, or revisit a technique you want to explore further. David will move through the room throughout the morning, offering one-on-one feedback and helping you work through the decisions that come up in the later stages of a painting, such as where to soften an edge, how to strengthen a focal point, or when to stop.

Take a break for a relaxed lunch, then return for the afternoon session.

The second half of the day opens up into free painting time on the venue grounds. Set up wherever the scenery inspires you (the serene lake, the ancient olive groves, or the vineyards) and work at your own pace. David will be available throughout the session to check in, answer questions, and offer guidance as you paint.

The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy. Unwind on the property, take a refreshing dip in the pool, or simply let the day settle. In the evening, gather with the group for another three-course dinner by the private chef, paired with wine and good conversation.

### Day 7: Classes at the venue
Fuel up with a wholesome breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, then make your way to the studio one final time.

This session is all about finishing what you have started. Return to the paintings that matter most to you and give them the attention they deserve, whether that means adding final details, adjusting values, or knowing when a piece is done. David will be on hand throughout the morning for a relaxed Q&A, answering any lingering questions about technique, materials, or how to keep your practice going once you are home. Take your time, enjoy the process, and bring your best work to a close.

Sit down together for a nourishing lunch before a special event in the afternoon.

After lunch, the studio transforms into a gallery. Lay out your work from the week and take it all in, yours and everyone else's. This is a casual, leisurely mini-exhibition, a chance to see just how much the group has accomplished over the past several days. Walk around, ask each other questions, and enjoy the variety of styles and subjects that emerged from the same landscapes, streets, and studio sessions. David will share his reflections on the week, honoring your progress and the creative ground you have covered together.

Lastly, raise a glass at a spectacular three-course farewell dinner accompanied by cocktails, toasting to the art you have made and the connections you are taking home with you.

### Day 8: Departure
Enjoy one last breakfast with David 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.

## Instructors

- [David R. Smith](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/david-r.-smith) — Watercolor Fine Artist

## Accommodation

### Tuscan Vineyard Estate
Your venue for the retreat with David R. Smith 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 David 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 (female only)
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 dining 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, toiletries, towels, and a hairdryer. 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 David R. Smith, 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 two lunches during your full-day trips.

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 David R. Smith 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 exciting trips: one to the historic city of San Gimignano and another to the gorgeous town of Siena. 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 June 8, 2027, with check-out after breakfast by 10:00 AM on June 15, 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: June 8, 2027 ⁠— 4:00 PM** (leaving from Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR), arriving at the retreat venue around 5:00 PM)
- **Departure transfer: June 15, 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 some familiarity with watercolor will help you make the most out of the workshops.

**When is the retreat available?**

The retreat with artist David R. Smith in Tuscany, Italy, takes place between June 8 - 15, 2027.

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

Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on June 8, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast, at 10:00 AM, on the last day, June 15, 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/fresh-and-exciting-watercolor-retreat-artist-david-r-smith-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 detailed list of art materials recommended by artist David R. Smith will be provided five months before the retreat takes place.

Tables, chairs, glass jars, paper towels, professional studio lights, plein-air 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 June?**

In June, the weather in Vaggio, the closest town to the retreat venue, is warm and sunny. You can expect average highs of 29°C / 84°F during the day that drop to around 18°C / 64°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/fresh-and-exciting-watercolor-retreat-artist-david-r-smith-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).

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**Last updated:** 2026-05-29