# Loose Watercolor Portraits Art Retreat with Artist Agnes Cecile in Italy

Join watercolor artist Agnes Cecile for an inspiring art retreat in the scenic countryside of Tuscany. Designed for those eager to elevate their watercolor prowess, this retreat seamlessly blends hands-on learning with inspiring trips to medieval towns: the "Manhattan of the Middle Ages" (San Gimignano) and the gorgeous towns across the Chianti Classico trail.Replete with daily classes, insightful demonstrations, and one-to-one guidance from Agnes, you'll discover the art of ethereal, loose portraits. Incorporate natural elements, learn to transpose your ideas onto paper, and discover your own portraiture style.Stay at a historical vineyard estate in the heart of Tuscany, featuring vast gardens, a private pool, daily chef-made meals, and the wonderful company of 15 other like-minded artists. Return home with a gorgeous collection of dreamy portraits and lifelong memories!

## Details

- **Dates:** May 11 - 18, 2026
- **Location:** Certaldo, Florence, Italy 
- **Starting Price:** $4,650
- **Category:** [Painting](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/retreats/painting) · [Browse on uptrek.com](https://uptrek.com/retreats/painting)

## Overview

What's includedArt classes, individual tuition, and demonstrations with artist Agnes CecileFine-art supplies offered by Winsor&Newton, including watercolor paper and Agnes Cecile's selected watercolor paints7 nights of accommodation at a historical Tuscan estateExclusive use of the Fienile Fornace and Casale Fornace villas with their living quarters and common areas, a swimming pool, and beautiful Italian gardensMeals: 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 7 dinners carefully prepared by your private chefSnacks including fruit, biscuits, coffee, tea, and filtered water available throughout the daySpecial three-course welcome and farewell dinnersA special traditional oven-made pizza partyAn exclusive wine-tasting experience in the Holmo gardenItalian wine served with dinner every dayArt trip to the Chianti Classico regionArt trip to San GimignanoPrivate transportation for all planned activitiesExperienced UpTrek retreat host available throughout the dayRound-trip transfers from/to Florence Airport (FLR)All local tourist taxes and feesAccess to a private Facebook group with Agnes Cecile and the other retreat participants four months before the retreatNot includedAirfareTravel insuranceArt supplies: pencils, rubber, tape, an empty palette, a sketchbook, and your personal watercolor brushes (especially big sizes) - a detailed list of art materials recommended by Agnes Cecile will be provided five months before the retreatTwo lunches during the art tripsTips for staffExtra costs guests might incur on their own

## Program

### Loose Watercolor Portrait Art Retreat
Join artist Agnes Cecile for an inspiring art retreat in the heart of Tuscany, where you'll explore the art of creating ethereal, loose portraits inspired by rolling vineyards and ancient olive groves. Enjoy 8 days of focused painting, go on unforgettable trips through the region to medieval towns, and refine your craft under Agnes' expert guidance. You will benefit most from this retreat if you have some prior experience with drawing and watercolor, as the courses are not designed for complete beginners.Dive deep into the enchanting world of watercolor with Agnes' daily classes, one-on-one tuition, and insightful demonstrations. You'll learn more about transparent layering, robust textures, and the creation of expressive, loose portraits that resonate with depth. The retreat emphasizes the integration of natural elements within your art and discovering your unique artistic voice. Harness the skill of capturing evocative reference photographs, drawing inspiration from them, practicing the art of color mixing, and ensuring anatomical correctness.The topics covered during your lessons will include:Crafting ethereal, free-flowing watercolor portraitsTechniques for transparent layering in watercolorIncorporation of robust textures into artworkEnhancing control over the watercolor mediumIncorporating natural elements seamlessly within your piecesDiscovering and nurturing your unique artistic voiceCapturing reference photographs and drawing from referencesDeveloping a creative idea from start to finish: coming up with a concept, identifying your personal style, and transposing your ideas onto paperExperimenting with color mixing techniquesAchieving better anatomical precision in artwork...and many more! Beyond the classroom, you’ll have plenty of time to soak up the stunning Tuscan landscape, relax, and connect with 15 other like-minded artists over a glass of wine. You'll stay in a beautiful historic venue nestled in the Tuscan hills and enjoy art trips to explore the region’s hidden treasures: a journey along the scenic Chianti Classico trail and a visit to the medieval town of San Gimignano.

### Day 1: Arrival
Arrive at Florence Airport for your 3:00 PM transfer and set off on a scenic drive through the breathtaking Tuscan countryside to your retreat venue—a historic estate surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards. After settling into your room, join an orientation tour of the property, where you’ll explore its serene gardens, inviting common spaces, and stunning landscapes that will serve as inspiration throughout your artistic journey.As the evening unfolds, gather in the Holmo Garden for a wine-tasting session with Agnes Cecile and your fellow artists. Savor fine Italian wines while engaging in conversation about art, technique, and the creative process. The night continues with a welcome three-course dinner, offering the perfect opportunity to unwind, connect, and look forward to the days of artistic exploration ahead.

### Day 2: Art classes at the venue
With the morning light filtering through the Tuscan hills, gather with Agnes and your fellow artists over coffee to go over the plan for the day.The day starts with a refresher lesson on watercolor fundamentals, along with an unusual warm-up exercise. Today, you'll focus solely on a single color. This creative limitation allows you to concentrate on better controlling the medium, experimenting with its versatility, and understanding its myriad effects. Explore textures, transparency, and layers, learning to draw lifelike details with loose, intuitive strokes.Enjoy a delicious lunch, featuring traditional oven-made pizza, then return to your classes in the studio. Dive deeper into the techniques learned in the morning, applying them with renewed energy and insights. As the day wraps up, take some spare time to wander, reflect, or perhaps practice on your own.The day winds down with a relaxed, chef-made dinner, where you can share insights over a glass of delightful wine.

### Day 3: Trip to San Gimignano
Begin your day with a filling breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee, easing into another day of creativity and exploration.The morning takes you to San Gimignano, a town frozen in time, with its 15 medieval towers rising against the Tuscan sky. Thanks to its unique architecture, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is known as the "Manhattan of the Middle Ages." With your camera or sketchbook in hand, spend the day soaking in the details—the locals going about their day, bustling piazzas, or the sun's golden glow. People-watching becomes part of the process, as you sketch quick figures and gestures, adding life and movement to your pages.Break for lunch on your own at a local trattoria, where you can enjoy regional dishes and maybe even indulge in the town’s famous gelato. You'll return to the venue in the afternoon and build on yesterday's lessons. Today's focus: blending multiple colors and water control. Discover new palettes that suit your style and create abstract florals under Agnes' expert guidance. She'll offer live demos, provide one-on-one guidance, and offer tailored feedback, ensuring you extract the most from each brushstroke.The day ends with a relaxed dinner and a glass of wine, sharing sketches and reflections with the group.

### Day 4: Art at the venue
With a fresh cup of coffee and a filling breakfast, the day begins with a relaxed check-in session with Agnes and your group.Spend the morning exploring the art of crafting perfect skin tones. Starting from Agnes' favored color palettes, you'll learn the nuances of mixing and layering to bring your portraits to life. Along the way, come up with your own color combinations and develop your style.After a relaxed lunch, the afternoon continues with dedicated painting time. The class will focus on combining yesterday's abstract floral elements with the realistic portraits you painted during the morning. It's your chance to blend and apply all you've learned, experimenting freely. Agnes will be on hand, offering one-on-one time to those who'd like a bit of personalized guidance.The day winds down with a laid-back dinner and a glass of wine, where you can share thoughts on the day’s work and look ahead to the next stage of your creative journey.

### Day 5: Trip to Chianti Classico
With a nourishing breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, set off into the heart of the Chianti Classico region for another inspiring art trip. You'll stop at several medieval towns across this famous trail along the way.Your first stop will be the quaint town of Castellina, boasting a rich history and dotted with small shops and cafes. Here, you will walk through the historic center and draw inspiration from your surroundings, on the lookout for intriguing color combinations and shapes.Next on your itinerary is the ancient town of Radda in Chianti, another location replete with medieval charm. Explore the beautiful piazza and side streets. Whenever you get a bit peckish, stop for a bite at one of the restaurants in town.Later in the afternoon, the journey leads to Panzano, a peaceful village resting between Florence and Siena. Here, take the opportunity to slow down and absorb your surroundings, whether through sketching small vignettes of daily life, capturing the vast vineyard-dotted landscape, or simply taking in the atmosphere.As the day draws to a close, return to the venue for a laid-back dinner and a glass of wine.

### Day 6: Art at the venue
A satisfying breakfast and an easygoing coffee chat offer you a chance to check in with Agnes and fellow artists before getting started.You'll spend the entire day painting at the venue. By now, you'll have mastered the essential techniques, which will allow you to get more daring in your experiments. Try out more complex pieces, using unique color palette combinations or incorporating natural elements. With Agnes' help, study compositions, understanding how to create a final painting starting from an abstract idea.Take a well-deserved break with some lunch, then continue your studies in the afternoon. Create dreamy, surreal effects, and turn your focus toward more color studies. This free-flowing workshop gives you the chance to practice your favorite techniques, asking Agnes for guidance whenever necessary.As the day winds down, relax with a dip in the pool, a walk through the gardens, or more painting if you're feeling inspired. Lastly, gather for a chef-prepared dinner and a glass of wine.

### Day 7: Art at the venue
A relaxed breakfast and a cup of coffee will kick off the last day of the retreat.In the morning art class, let your creativity flow unhindered. Agnes will perform demonstrations, sparking fresh ideas for your paintings. It's time to weave together the skills and techniques learned so far, crafting final portraits that beautifully encapsulate your journey. Blend portrait methods with hints of nature and abstraction, echoing the whimsical allure of watercolor portraits.After lunch at the venue, the afternoon art session is reserved for finalizing your masterpieces, with Agnes guiding and painting by your side. This is also an opportunity for you to ask Agnes any questions you may have about continuing your creative journey back home. As the sun descends, a mini-exhibition awaits, where everyone's works are displayed, celebrating the evolution, creativity, and camaraderie cultivated over the week.As the evening settles in, enjoy a farewell dinner and a glass of wine, looking back on the time spent sketching, painting, and connecting with fellow artists. Take pride in your collection of memories, studies, and discoveries—pages filled with the magic of Tuscany, ready to inspire future work.

### Day 8: Departure
After a delightful breakfast with Agnes and the art group, it’s time to say your goodbyes and exchange any last-minute contact details. Prepare for your transfer to Florence Airport, with check-out scheduled for 10:00 AM.

## Instructors

- [Agnes Cecile](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/agnes-cecile) — Artist

## Accommodation

### Historical Tuscan Estate
Immerse yourself in the enchanting ambiance of a historic estate nestled in the heart of Tuscany, just a short distance from Florence. This 395-acre self-sustaining property perfectly marries traditional charm with modern comforts. Two beautifully restored villas, Casale Fornace and Fienile Fornace, will be exclusively booked for you and your art group. The villas feature vaulted ceilings, terracotta floors, and a welcoming fireplace in the common area. The stylish bedrooms are adorned with Tuscan marble and wooden accents. These adjacent villas offer convenient access to a private pool.Art classes can be enjoyed outdoors in the estate's picturesque gardens or the nearby countryside. Indoors, sessions are held in the meeting rooms of the main villa, just a 4-minute walk from Casale Fornace and Fienile Fornace (approximately 250 meters or 800 feet). The estate also boasts an outdoor pool, panoramic gardens, and spacious terraces ideal for al fresco dining. The property produces its own wine, olive oil, and truffles from its expansive woodland.With a history that traces back to Roman and medieval times, the estate seamlessly blends Italian heritage with contemporary comforts. The stunning views of the Val d'Elsa Valley provide a captivating backdrop for your art retreat.Please note that the venue may not be suitable for participants with limited mobility, as some rooms are accessible only by stairs, and getting to the studio and accommodations requires a short walk uphill across cobbled paths. Additionally, being in the Italian countryside, you may encounter some insects during your stay. To preserve the historical character of the villas, the rooms are not equipped with window screens.

### Shared standard ensuite room (female only)
You will share the standard ensuite room and its bathroom with another same-gender guest. The three shared standard ensuite rooms are located in Fienile Fornace, on the first and second floors. They feature twin beds and ensuite bathrooms. The rooms offer shared access to a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a dishwasher. Outdoors, there is a swimming pool, a barbecue, and a patio.

### Shared superior ensuite room
You will share the superior ensuite room and its bathroom with another same-gender guest. The shared superior ensuite rooms are part of two beautiful apartments in Casale Fornace. The rooms have twin beds and ensuite bathrooms. They offer access to a large, shared, fully equipped kitchen/living room with a rustic fireplace installed. Outdoors, guests can enjoy a patio with chairs and a table overlooking the beautiful Tuscan landscape. Access to the swimming pool at Fienile Fornace is provided.

### Shared bathroom - single room (female only)
You will share the bathroom with one other same-gender retreat participant, but you will have this single room to yourself. The four single rooms with shared bathrooms are located in the spacious apartments of Casale Fornace, on the first and second floors. Each of the rooms is equipped with a comfortable double bed and shares a large, modern bathroom with one other single-occupancy room, meaning that two same-gender guests will share an on-site bathroom. The rooms also offer access to a large, shared, fully equipped kitchen/living room with a beautiful fireplace installed. Outdoors, guests can enjoy a private patio with chairs and a table overlooking the enchanting Tuscan landscape. Access to the swimming pool at Fienile Fornace is provided.

### Single superior ensuite room
Three single superior ensuite rooms are available for single occupancy. The rooms are located in beautiful apartments in Casale Fornace on the second floor. Each of the rooms is equipped with a comfortable double bed and has an ensuite bathroom. They also offer access to a large, shared, fully equipped kitchen/living room with a beautiful fireplace installed. Outdoors, guests can enjoy a patio with chairs and a table overlooking the beautiful Tuscan landscape. Access to the swimming pool at Fienile Fornace is provided.

## Food

Indulge in the rich flavors of Italian cuisine, expertly crafted by the venue’s chef. Each meal is a celebration of local ingredients, including olive oil and wines produced on the estate. The chef, renowned both in Italy and internationally, infuses every dish with creativity and a deep respect for the region's culinary traditions.You'll enjoy meals that are as visually stunning as they are delicious, all while staying true to the rustic, homemade essence of Italian cooking. All meals are included, except for two lunches during day trips to San Gimignano and Chianti Classico. Snacks are available in the garden or the cozy fireplace room. Lunch can be enjoyed in the garden, by the pool, or at the bar, while dinner will be served either in the garden or the fireplace room.The retreat includes 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 7 dinners. Lunches during the art trips are not included.The retreat also includes a wine-tasting session, a traditional pizza party, and special welcome and farewell dinners featuring multiple courses and exquisite wines.Please notify us of any dietary requirements at least one month before the retreat. Unfortunately, we may not be able to accommodate severe, life-threatening allergies. We are also unable to cater to dietary requests made less than a month before the retreat, switch diets during the event, or accommodate last-minute changes.Read more about the food options below.

## Getting There

The art retreat with Agnes Cecile will take place at a historic estate nestled in the heart of Tuscany, Italy, where peace and tradition blend seamlessly. This stunning region is famed for its rolling hills, dotted with vineyards and olive groves, and its charming medieval towns along the renowned Chianti Classico trail. The medieval village of Certaldo, famous as the birthplace of Boccaccio, is just 6 miles (10 km) from the estate. The romantic city of Florence, your pick-up and drop-off point, is also nearby, only an hour’s drive away (28 miles or 45 km).Check-in at the retreat begins at 4:00 PM on May 11, 2026, with check-out after breakfast by 10:00 AM on May 18, 2026.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: May 11, 2026 ⁠— 3:00 PM (leaving from Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR), arriving at the retreat venue around 4:00 PM)Departure transfer: May 18, 2026 ⁠— 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: Tenuta di Sticciano, Via di Sticciano, 207, 50052 Certaldo FI, Italy, approximately 200 EUR per way from Florence Airport. Please note that taxi fares may change.)

## Reviews

Reviews from past art retreats with Agnes Cecile:"I learned so much from Agnes, and she is such an amazingly patient teacher. She makes sure you're not just copying her but exploring your own style. She is also so so so fun to hang out with and get to know! I felt the entire retreat attendees got along wonderfully, and we are going to continue growing our relationships with each other across the globe.""I cannot say how grateful I am that we had such a great and beautiful teacher! But not only that. She is one of the kindest persons I‘ve ever met. She shared her watercolor techniques with us, correct mistakes and gave each one of us individual tips to improve our skills. I can tell that I‘ve already made some improvements. She also took away the fear from me to paint on bigger paper. Overall she combines amazing painting skills with an inspiring personality. Because of this she created a safe place for everyone so that you are able to learn and try new things. I am so grateful that I was once again able to learn from her! This retreat meant a lot to me. It even made me not think about the problems I‘ve been facing for more than a year now. These memories will forever stay in my heart. Once again thanks to everyone who made this retreat possible and so perfect!""This Art Retreat with Agnes Cecile has been incredible. Agnes is a wonderful teacher. She shared with us everything about her process, taught about drawing and painting and helped us through the whole process while we were painting. In just a week, I did notice a big difference between my first painting and the last one! :) We also had lots of really nice conversations and you can learn a lot from her. On top of all of that, all artists that were part of the group were amazing people and I'm very happy that I had the opportunity to meet them and get to know each other! It was a wonderful and special week so I would recommend it. It's such a great experience!"'I cannot say enough good things about my experience with everything. I truly had a fantastic time. The daily schedules were really helpful with keeping me organized and knowing how to plan my days. I’m extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from Agnes Cecile at such a beautiful retreat space. And I was lucky to make great connections with fellow artists. 10/10 would do it all again if given the chance!'Reviews of the venue:"Absolutely beautiful venue. Staff were very cordial and welcoming.""The venue was wonderful, accommodations were very comfortable and attractive, the staff was top notch…the villages we went to were charming, just the right amount of time, the guide was great, and the landscape was breathtaking! The overall agenda was well put together…loved the night of the aperitifs and music! (The climb to the top of the hill to the main villa was a little challenging for me, I must admit.) A great group of people…it was fun to mingle with an entire group of artists and compare notes. A beautiful relaxing environment, the service was outstanding, the food was delicious, well-presented, and very enjoyable…loved trying a lot of new things. I thought Ana from Uptrek was great and very helpful. She was always kind and quickly walked me through any questions I had prior to the trip."By the end of the week, I had mastered the daily hill climb up to the classroom area without being nearly as short of breath - that was a good exercise for me. The itinerary was great, and the tours to San Gimignano and Chianti were wonderful. Lucas, the tour guide, was an amazing historian, so use him when you can! And Patrick, the singing bus driver! The staff were most gracious and attentive. They even printed up copies of my reference photos so I didn’t have to wear down my cell phone battery. Kudos to all of them!""All of the staff was excellent, very accommodating. I loved the food and the wine, it was truly amazing. I loved the breakfast especially, I’m not used to having that kind of variety, lunch and dinner were equally wonderful.""The venue was just lovely! Beautiful and great inspiration to paint!""The venue was gorgeous and very accommodating.""This was an incredible retreat. Just unbelievable. The venue and accommodations were spectacular and the food was out of this world. Who knew I loved wild boar so much? The staff were accommodating and fun to be around, and I would pick up a little Italian as I got my morning cappuccino (also the best I've ever enjoyed)."

## Frequently Asked Questions

Is this art retreat available to all levels? You will most benefit from this retreat if you already have some prior drawing and watercolor experience, as the courses are not designed for complete beginners.When is the painting retreat available?The art retreat with artist Agnes Cecile in Italy takes place between May 11 - 18, 2026.Are there any check-in and check-out hours?Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on May 11, 2026. Check-out is after breakfast on the last day, May 18, 2026.Is Wi-Fi available?Wi-Fi is available in the dining and living rooms, workshop spaces, common areas, and all rooms.I am vegetarian/vegan. Can I book this art 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 good 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 take note that the venue doesn't have a dryer.What art supplies are included?Mason jars, tables, chairs, paper towelsWatercolor paper — Winsor&Newton 300g hot pressed paper (30x40 cm)Watercolor paints — Agnes Cecile's selected palettes from Winsor&Newton Brushes (round 1, 4, 8, 10 + flat 25mm)Tape, palettes, white acrylic/gouacheHowever, certain art supplies are not included (such as pencils, rubber, tape, an empty palette, a sketchbook, and your personal watercolor brushes, especially big sizes). A detailed list of art materials recommended by Agnes Cecile will be provided five months before the retreat takes place.What’s the weather like in Certaldo, Italy, in May?In May, the weather in Certaldo, the closest town to the retreat venue, is pleasant and sunny. You can expect average highs of 24°C / 75°F during the day that drop to around 14°C / 57°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 art retreat and pack accordingly.Is there a local currency I should acquire before arriving?Please take out euros 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 painting workshop and other activities?The retreat is available in English.Can a non-participating guest join me?We do not accommodate non-participants at our art retreats. This policy is in place to ensure the artistic 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 art studio is located a 4-minute walk away from the accommodation spaces, and the art 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 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 artist 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/loose-watercolor-portraits-art-retreat-artist-agnes-cecile-italy#book)** — no deposit required.

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

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**Last updated:** 2026-04-22