Level Up Your Watercolor Painting Retreat with Artist Kristin Van Leuven in Tuscany

Join renowned artist Kristin Van Leuven for a transformative watercolor painting retreat in the countryside of Tuscany!

Take the next steps in your watercolor journey and enjoy daily classes, demonstrations, and hands-on practice with Kristin's expert insights and warm guidance. You will strengthen your watercolor painting skills by learning new techniques and experimenting with colors and different brushwork.

Kristin's thoughtfully structured lessons simplify complex watercolor methods into approachable steps, making the learning process both enjoyable and accessible. You will benefit most from this retreat if you have some prior experience, are comfortable with watercolor, and are already familiar with Kristin’s work and teaching style.

Throughout the retreat, you will find inspiration in the character of nearby Tuscan towns and the enriching experiences that surround you. Sketch in the iconic Piazza Grande of Arezzo and visit the impressive Chiesa di San Francesco basilica. Wander through the winding streets of Figline Valdarno and take inspiration from the vibrant everyday Tuscan life framed by sun-softened architecture.

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 Tuscany. Indulge in authentic Italian cuisine, take part in a wine tasting experience on the venue grounds, and enjoy the lovely company of fellow creatives.

Details

Dates: October 15 - 22, 2027
Location: Vaggio, Tuscany, Italy
Starting Price: $4,550
Currency: USD
Status: open
Group Size: Max. 16 students
Category: Painting · Browse on uptrek.com

Overview

What's included

Art classes, individual tuition, and demonstrations with artist Kristin Van Leuven
Art studio equipped with: tables, chairs, field easels, portable plein-air stools, paper towels, professional studio lights, and glass jars
Fresh flowers will be provided for the workshop component
7 nights of accommodation at a beautiful Tuscan estate
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
All meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 7 dinners carefully prepared by a private chef
All diets catered for, including vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, and lactose-free
Water, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and snacks available throughout the day
Special welcome and farewell dinners and cocktails
Delicious local wine served during dinner service every day
Guided wine tour and tasting experience at the venue estate
Full-day art trip to Arezzo, with a market visit and opportunities for painting and sketching in Piazza Grande
Visit and entrance ticket to 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
Half-day art trip to Figline Valdarno, with opportunities for painting and sketching on location
Private transportation and chaperone for all trips and planned activities
Round-trip transfers from/to Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR) at prearranged times
All local tourist taxes and fees
Dedicated UpTrek retreat coordinator
Fully-staffed venue, experienced UpTrek host available on location
Access to a private Facebook group with Kristin Van Leuven 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 Kristin Van Leuven 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

Level Up Your Watercolor Painting Retreat

Join artist Kristin Van Leuven for an enriching watercolor retreat in the heart of the Tuscan countryside. Throughout this weeklong experience, deepen your watercolor painting skills through Kristin's warm and encouraging teaching style. She will guide you through new, in-depth techniques, breaking down complex methods into simple, approachable steps that will help you take your watercolor practice to the next level.

Along with exploring brushwork, water control, and layering, Kristin will walk you through painting expressive landscapes and loose florals from start to finish. This retreat is ideal for those who want to take the next steps in their watercolor journey, with more techniques, more painting, and more practice! Daily classes include in-depth demonstrations, individual feedback, and creative exercises designed to inspire and enhance your artistic journey.

Beyond the studio, take part in two inspiring art trips in the heart of Tuscany. One trip takes you to Arezzo, where historic streets, the iconic Piazza Grande, winding medieval alleys, and the Chiesa di San Francesco basilica offer countless subjects to paint. Another trip takes you to Figline Valdarno, a nearby picturesque town, where the charming squares and vibrant everyday Tuscan life framed by sun-softened architecture provide ample inspiration for your artwork.

Topics covered during your classes with Kristin include:

Deepening your watercolor techniques and practices
Mastering water control, color theory, and color value
Using white space to your advantage
Working with watercolor instead of forcing it
Achieving organic strokes with more in-depth brushwork techniques
Breaking down landscape and botanical subjects into essential parts
Strengthening your plein-air painting and sketching skills
Working on light, depth, and contrast
...and many 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 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 Kristin Van Leuven, your instructor for the week, 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 morning check-in with the venue hosts. Prepare for your first full day with Kristin and the group, ready to step into a world of watercolor magic!

The morning class will begin with some short introductions from Kristin of the supplies you'll be working with throughout the week. Dive right into work as you practice new techniques of in-depth color mixing, brushwork, and mark-making. Learn what your brushes can do and explore new watercolor practices under Kristin’s gentle guidance. You will be working with a limited color palette, strengthening your water control technique and bringing your own personal style into the work.

Pause midday for a relaxed lunch, then continue the day with another afternoon art session. This workshop will be dedicated to understanding values. Using a photo as reference, you'll first paint it in grayscale to practice maintaining consistency in your values, and then you'll redo the painting using color. This exercise will sharpen your sense of light and shadow.

In the late afternoon, gather for a special event: a delightful wine tour and tasting experience, accompanied by delicious appetizers. Walk the vineyard paths, hear the story behind each bottle, then settle in for a shared three-course dinner under the airy pergola. Raise a glass of wine to the first day of painting at the retreat.

Day 3: Art trip to Figline Valdarno

Enjoy a filling breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, then prepare for your first adventure on the retreat: a half-day trip to Figline Valdarno, a traditional Tuscan town just a short drive away, where daily life gathers beneath long arcades and sun-softened façades.

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. Focus on sharpening your observational skills and becoming more comfortable with drawing through watercolor-based sketching on location. Work closely with Kristin to develop confidence using a pencil and paintbrush, keeping everything approachable and connected to watercolor from the very first brushstrokes.

Return to the venue for a leisurely lunch, then reconvene in the studio for another afternoon session. With Kristin's help, you'll go over your sketches from the morning, selecting your favorites for an upcoming, exciting exercise. Using the value techniques you learned the previous day, practice your sense of light and shadow by first painting in greyscale, then moving on to color. You may also develop the paintings you started during your first workshops.

Take some time for yourself in the early evening to unwind. Gather with Kristin and your fellow artists for a delicious three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and paired with aromatic wine and even better conversation as everyone shares the day's creative discoveries.

Day 4: Classes at the venue

Fuel up with a generous breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee, followed by a brief morning check-in with the venue hosts.

Today will introduce you to the wonderful world of florals. Start by studying the anatomy of a flower in watercolor, learning how petals, stems, and leaves break down into simple shapes. Kristin will guide you through more in-depth floral arrangement and flower color theory, helping you select color palettes that feel harmonious and natural. You'll explore how color values create depth and dimension, using a cone-shaped guide to build each bloom from light to dark.

Recharge over a satisfying lunch, then continue the day with another painting workshop. During this class, you will learn how to layer washes and use negative painting to carve out highlights and shadows. Kristin will also show you how to use implied lines to suggest form in a loose, abstract style, helping you capture the energy of a flower without overworking the detail. By the end of the day, you'll have a method you can apply to any flower.

As the class comes to an end, take some time to relax and reset before a flavorful three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and accompanied by a glass of fragrant local wine.

Day 5: Art trip to Arezzo

Enjoy a warm breakfast and a steaming cup of coffee, then get ready to drive with Kristin 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.

Make your way to Piazza Grande, one of the most beautiful squares in all of Tuscany, and take part in a guided on-location painting session with Kristin. She will walk you through the in-depth anatomy of a landscape painting, covering perspective, vanishing points, color values, and contrasts. You'll learn how to depict rustic buildings and shifting clouds using specific elevated brushstroke and texture techniques. Kristin will demo the whole process step by step, taking inspiration from the stunning landscape of Arezzo.

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 Kristin for continued guidance or wander freely and sketch whichever scene catches your eye. You might visit a charming old bookstore, a nearby market, peek into hidden courtyards, follow a winding side street, or spot a sweeping view of the countryside.

As the sun lowers behind the rooftops, return to the venue and take some time to recharge in the late afternoon. Join Kristin and your fellow artists for a wholesome three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and paired with local wine.

Day 6: Classes at the venue

Kick off the day with a nourishing breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee, followed by a quick morning check-in with the venue hosts.

Spend the morning deepening your landscape painting skills. Look through all the reference material you have gathered throughout the retreat so far, and choose one to turn into a beautiful and intricate watercolor painting. Put into practice all the techniques you have learned from Kristin, playing with contrasts, color values, and brushstrokes.

Pause for a relaxed lunch, then return to the studio in the afternoon. Continue working on the piece you started in the morning, adding layers of depth and fine detail as it comes to life. Kristin will be there to offer guidance and support, helping you refine your composition and bring out the mood and atmosphere of your chosen scene.

As the class ends, take some time to rest and unwind before the evening begins. Indulge in a wholesome three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef and paired with a glass of fragrant wine, filling the evening with laughter and lively conversation.

Day 7: Classes at the venue

Head into your final day with a hearty 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.

Spend your last classes with Kristin adding finishing touches, adjusting details, and looking back on everything you’ve created during the retreat. Kristin will move around the space offering guidance, answering questions, and sharing final tips for anything you want to revisit. Whether you’re adjusting a composition or talking through ways to keep painting at home, this is time to tie everything together at your own pace.

After a nourishing lunch, the group will gather for an informal exhibition to celebrate the week’s work. Lay out your paintings, walk through each collection, and take in the variety of styles, stories, and discoveries. Conversations unfold naturally as you share what surprised you, what challenged you, and what you’re taking with you. Kristin will be there too, offering encouragement and celebrating each creative path.

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 memories you are taking home with you.

Day 8: Departure

Enjoy one last breakfast with Kristin 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 Kristin 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

Kristin Van Leuven — Artist and author

Accommodation

Tuscan Vineyard Estate

Your venue for the retreat with Kristin Van Leuven 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 Kristin 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 private adjacent bathroom

Three single standard rooms with private, adjacent bathrooms are available for single occupancy. All rooms are located on the second floor, two of them in the main villa and another one in the medieval tower. Each room offers access to a shared living room featuring a TV and dining amenities, as well as a fully-equipped kitchen with a kitchenette and 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 with a TV and a fully-equipped kitchen with a kitchenette and dining table. 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 third floor.

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 Kristin Van Leuven, 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 Kristin Van Leuven 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 Arezzo, and another to the nearby 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 October 15, 2027, with check-out after breakfast by 10:00 AM on October 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: October 15, 2027 ⁠— 4:00 PM (leaving from Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR), arriving at the retreat venue around 5:00 PM)
Departure transfer: October 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 Kristin Van Leuven:

"My experience with the Anatomy of Watercolor with Kristin Van Leuven was truly amazing! I learned some great watercolor techniques. Kristin's teaching was clear, easy to follow, and she was approachable with any questions. The group of women artist were so fun to share this experience, we had lots of laughs!"
"Kristin's water color painting sessions were really fun and easy to understand while still being challenging. Our art gallery on the last night was such a cute idea."
"Kristin is the most amazing, supportive teacher! She really encouraged us all to grow so much that week. One of the most relaxing weeks and most productive weeks at the same time!"
"This retreat was absolutely incredible in all areas. Kristin was an amazing instructor, she explains things well and was more than willing to answer any questions each of us had. She is so incredibly kind and friendly."
"This trip was truly one of the most incredible I have ever been on! I felt so taken care of by our hosts and they made every day feel like we were being pampered! Kristen was an incredible teacher and went above and beyond in how she engaged with our group! I can't say enough things about how lovely this whole retreat was!"
"Kristin is as excellent an instructor as she is charming human being. Her ability to tailor her lessons to all skill levels was impressive and she is just so much fun! And what a delightful bonus to have Kelly assisting. Sharing this week with so many talented, thoughtful, supportive women, who quickly became friends, was an unexpected gift. A big shout out to Alex, our Retreat Coordinator for his attention to every detail, his availability and prompt replies to all questions. This was my first experience with UpTrek and with it’s excellent staff and this unforgettable retreat, I can’t wait for my next."
"I loved everything about this retreat! Kristin is an amazing teacher who meets each individual at their level, she is patient, knowledgeable, and accepting. She is extremely open and welcoming, making you feel like you belong no matter what level you are on. She is simply amazing!"

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 is open to all levels of experience. However, you will benefit the most if you have some prior experience, are comfortable with watercolor, and are familiar with Kristin Van Leuven’s work and teaching style. You will have the opportunity to deepen and refine your watercolor painting skills in a supportive and welcoming environment.

When is the retreat available?

The retreat with artist Kristin Van Leuven in Tuscany, Italy, takes place between October 15 - 22, 2027.

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

Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on October 15, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast, at 10:00 AM, on the last day, October 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?

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

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

Yes. However, 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. 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 Kristin Van Leuven will be provided five months before the retreat takes place.

Tables, chairs, field easels, portable plein-air stools, paper towels, professional studio lights, glass jars, and fresh flowers 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 late mid-October?

In mid-October, 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 13°C / 55°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. Please review our 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.

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 [email protected] 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.

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Canonical URL: https://uptrek.com/retreat/level-up-your-watercolor-painting-retreat-artist-kristin-van-leuven-tuscany Last updated: 2026-11-11