# Medieval Illustrations in Metallic Watercolor Retreat with Artist Ana Victoria Calderon in Tuscany

Join the wonderful artist Ana Victoria Calderón for an extraordinary painting retreat in the warm, sunlit hills of Tuscany. Working with metallic and iridescent watercolors on black watercolor paper, you will explore the visual language of the Middle Ages, painting medieval iconography, fantastical animals, and intricate monograms with gold leaf and shimmering pigments. You will create and grow alongside 15 other like-minded artists under Ana's warm and generous guidance.Take part in daily classes with Ana, with plenty of hands-on feedback and personalized advice, as well as insightful demonstrations. Beyond the studio, you will venture to San Gimignano, a UNESCO-listed medieval hilltop town whose Romanesque churches and towers bring the very iconography of the retreat to life, and to Frantoio Pasquini, a four-generation olive oil mill in the nearby hills of Reggello.The retreat welcomes all levels of experience, though some familiarity with watercolor and an enthusiasm for medieval art and design will serve you well.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 15 fellow creatives.

## Details

- **Dates:** May 12 - 19, 2027
- **Location:** Vaggio, Tuscany, Italy
- **Starting Price:** $4,850
- **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 Ana Victoria CalderónArt studio equipped with: tables, chairs, glass jars, paper towels, professional studio lights, plein-air chairs, easels, easel lamps, and mailing tubes7 nights of accommodation at a beautiful Tuscan estateExclusive 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 lakeAll meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 7 dinners carefully prepared by a private chefAll diets catered for, including vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, and lactose-freeWater, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and snacks available throughout the daySpecial welcome and farewell dinner and cocktailsDelicious local wine served during dinner serviceGuided wine tour and tasting experience at the venue estateFull-day art trip to San Gimignano, with opportunities for painting and sketching on-location Half-day trip to the Frantoio Pasquini oil mill, including an olive oil tasting with appetizers English-speaking guide for all trips and planned activitiesPrivate transportation for all trips and planned activitiesRound-trip transfers from/to Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR) at prearranged timesAll local tourist taxes and feesExperienced retreat admin and UpTrek host on locationFully staffed venue with drivers, cleaning and maintenance staff, and chef and kitchen staff Access to a private Facebook group with Ana Victoria Calderón and the other retreat participants four months before the retreat takes placeNot includedAirfareTravel insuranceOne lunch during the full-day trip to San GimignanoArt materials — a list of materials recommended by artist Ana Victoria Calderón will be provided five months before the retreat takes placeTips for staff — tipping is customary in ItalyOther expenses guests might incur on their own

## Program

### Medieval Illustrations in Metallic Watercolor Retreat
Step into a world of gold and medieval wonder with artist Ana Victoria Calderón on a weeklong painting retreat in the heart of Tuscany. Working with metallic and iridescent watercolors on black watercolor paper, you will explore the visual language of the Middle Ages, from Romanesque iconography and illuminated manuscript traditions to fantastical animals and the ancient art of the monogram.The retreat welcomes all levels of experience. Ana's teaching is as generous as it is inspiring, guiding you from your very first warm-up strokes all the way through to large-scale compositions that carry real confidence, meeting you exactly where you are and helping you go further than you expected.Beyond the studio, the week takes you to San Gimignano, a UNESCO-listed medieval hilltop town whose Romanesque churches and towers are a living treasury of the very iconography at the heart of your work. A morning visit to Frantoio Pasquini, a four-generation olive oil mill in the hills of Reggello, adds another layer of Tuscan texture to your sketchbook. The week also includes a group meditation, a wine tasting on the venue grounds, and a Secret Friend Exchange on the final day, where each artist creates a handmade postcard for a fellow participant!Some of the topics covered in your classes include:Learning to observe your environment and extract color palettes and textures from your surroundings How to pick up the energy of what you’re looking at Applying gold leaf with confidenceScaling observational sketches from location into larger studio paintingsCreating a handmade postcard for the Secret Friend ExchangeDrawing fantastical animals and mythical figures inspired by illuminated manuscript traditionsConstructing and integrating monograms into your paintingsUnderstanding the properties of metallic and iridescent pigments and how they behave on black watercolor paperPainting backgrounds and building luminous layers from the ground upTaking reference pictures and sketching on location...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 15 other like-minded creatives, making bonds that will last a lifetime!

### Day 1: Arrival
Arrive at Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR), at 4:00 PM and get transferred to the venue, reaching it by 5:00 PM.After settling into your spacious and elegantly designed room, explore the cozy common areas, the well-equipped workshop space, the peaceful pool, and the expansive gardens, all surrounded by serene vineyards and olive groves. Meet the lovely artist Ana Victoria Calderón, your instructor for the retreat, and gather for a welcome ceremony before sitting down to a delightful dinner with welcome cocktails, sharing your excitement for the week ahead.

### Day 2: Classes at the venue & wine tasting experience
Greet the morning with a nourishing breakfast and a steaming cup of coffee before a quick check-in with the venue hosts. Prepare for your first full day with Ana and your fellow artists, ready to step into a world of gilded wonder and medieval magic!Your adventure into metallic and iridescent watercolor begins in the studio. Start with warm-up exercises to get your brushes moving and your imagination fully awake. Explore the fundamentals of watercolor, revealing the extraordinary qualities of metallic and iridescent pigments as they shimmer and glow on black watercolor paper. With your senses newly tuned, learn how to observe your surroundings and extract color palettes and textures from the world around you. Ana will be right by your side throughout, offering encouragement and tailored support whenever you need it.Pause midday for a relaxed and satisfying lunch, then head out to the terraces for an afternoon inspiration-gathering exercise. With sketchbook in hand, soak in the scenery and capture the shapes and patterns that speak to you. Back in the studio, you will begin transferring your drawings onto paper, guided by Ana each step of the way. She will also introduce a set of templates she has designed especially for the group, drawing from medieval iconography and Romanesque tradition and featuring mythical animals and fantastical icons, your gateway into a world of monograms and gold leaf.As the class draws to a close, take some time to reset and refresh before the evening begins. The group will head out to explore the vineyard paths and the wine cellar, tasting authentic Italian wines as the golden Tuscan hour settles in. Dinner follows, with a delicious three-course meal by the private chef, full of lively conversation and the warm glow of a day very well spent.

### Day 3: Art trip to San Gimignano
Tuck into a lively breakfast as the morning buzzes with anticipation, then set off with Ana and the group for one of the most enchanting detours of the week.Your destination is San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site perched in the hills of Tuscany and known the world over as the "Medieval Manhattan." Once a thriving stopover on the ancient Via Francigena pilgrimage route connecting France to Rome, this walled hilltop town has preserved its medieval skyline almost entirely intact, with 14 soaring tower houses still rising above its rooftops and stone-paved streets. As you pass through the town gates, the medieval world opens up around you in the most vivid possible way, and for a retreat devoted to the art and iconography of the Middle Ages, it is nothing short of a revelation.Wander the cobblestone lanes with Ana and take in the extraordinary richness of Romanesque and Gothic architecture around every corner. Keep your eyes wide open as you move through the town: the carved stone details and ornate decorations on doorways and facades are a treasure trove of patterns and medieval motifs just waiting to be translated into your sketchbook. Ana will share her reflections along the way, drawing connections between the town's visual language and the themes at the heart of the retreat, from Romanesque iconography to the monogram traditions that will soon appear in your own paintings.Pause midday for a relaxed lunch at a welcoming trattoria, where you can sample the flavors of San Gimignano and raise a glass of Vernaccia, the town's celebrated local white wine.The afternoon is yours to keep exploring and sketching. With sketchbook in hand, seek out the symbols and decorative details that catch your eye and draw freely, gathering visual ideas that will feed directly into your work back in the studio. Ana will be close by to reflect with you on what you find, encouraging you to see the town as a living archive of medieval design, full of inspiration for your paintings in metallic and iridescent watercolor on black paper.Return to the venue in the late afternoon with sketchbooks brimming and imaginations fully alight. The evening is a gentle and delicious one: gather with the group around a three-course dinner by the private chef, share the sketches and stories of the day 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.The morning picks up right where the magic left off. Ana will guide you back into your paintings, introducing new watercolor techniques that will deepen and enrich everything on your paper so far. Watch as she demonstrates how to coax even more luminosity from your metallic and iridescent pigments on black watercolor paper, unlocking the kind of shimmer that feels almost otherworldly.Then comes one of the most spellbinding elements of the week: monograms. Ana will show you how to weave these beautifully intricate medieval letterforms into your compositions, drawing on centuries of illuminated manuscript tradition and Romanesque design. If you're feeling bold, scale up and go bigger!Recharge over a satisfying lunch, then head back into the studio for an afternoon of continued painting and discovery. As the afternoon drifts toward evening, Ana will gather the group for a guided meditation, a beautiful pause to breathe, arrive fully in the present moment, and absorb everything the week has offered so far.Take some time to rest and reset before a flavorful three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and accompanied by a glass of fragrant local wine.

### Day 5: Trip to a traditional olive oil mill
Fuel up with a warm breakfast as the morning light pours in, then climb aboard for a short drive to Frantoio Pasquini, a family-owned olive oil mill nestled among the hills and groves of Reggello, just ten minutes from the venue.Walk through the groves and tour the mill, where four generations have shaped olive oil using both traditional methods and modern techniques. Learn about the process from tree to table, explore the production spaces, and taste freshly pressed olive oil alongside local specialties at their eno-oleoteca. Ana will be right there with you, and as the group moves through the mill and its sun-dappled surroundings, she will share her own reflections on the visit. Pull yours out before you leave and capture whatever catches your eye, be it a gnarled branch or the geometry of the press.Return to the venue for a leisurely lunch, then head back into the studio for an afternoon of painting. Pick up your pieces where you left them and keep building with fresh eyes. Ana will be on hand throughout, offering guidance and encouragement as your medieval compositions grow richer and more assured.Take some time to yourself in the early evening to rest and recharge. Dinner brings the group back together around a three-course meal by the private chef, with good wine and even better conversation flowing as everyone shares the day's discoveries.

### Day 6: Classes at the venue
Greet the morning with a nourishing breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee, then check in briefly with the venue hosts before making your way to the studio.Return to your paintings, asking questions and enjoying moments of uninterrupted creation. Ana will be moving through the room, offering tailored guidance. Whether you are finessing a monogram, pressing gold leaf into place, or deepening the atmosphere of a medieval composition, lean in and trust where the work is taking you.Pause for a relaxed lunch, then return to the studio for the afternoon. Ana will kick things off with drawing names for the Secret Friend Exchange. Afterwards, head back to your paper with a clear mission: bring your metallic artwork to its dazzling conclusion, or get a head start on the postcard destined for your secret friend.As the studio wraps up, take some time to unwind before the evening begins. The private chef has another beautiful three-course dinner ready, paired with flavorful wine.

### Day 7: Classes at the venue
Head into your final day with a wholesome breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, then check in briefly with the venue hosts before making your way to the studio one last time.Start by selecting your favorite piece from the week and sharing it with the group, a chance to look back at everything you have painted on black watercolor paper and truly feel how far you have come. Then, with your secret friend's name in mind, settle in and pour that same creative energy into a handmade postcard, a gilded little farewell made with all the skill and magic you have gathered this week.Enjoy a nourishing lunch, then step into an afternoon of pure celebration. Postcards are swapped, and the room erupts with the joy of discovering what your secret friend made just for you. Gather to share feedback on each other's work, and hear Ana's own reflections as she honors each artist's journey and the luminous medieval world you have all brought to life together.A closing ceremony brings the week to its rightful conclusion, marking everything that has unfolded in this studio and in this wonderfully spirited group.Take some leisure time in the late afternoon, then raise a glass at a spectacular three-course farewell dinner accompanied by cocktails, toasting to the art you have made and the people you are taking home with you.

### Day 8: Departure
Enjoy one last breakfast with Ana 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 Ana 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

- [Ana Victoria Calderón](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/ana-victoria-calderón) — Watercolor artist, author and teacher

## Accommodation

### Tuscan Vineyard Estate
Your venue for the retreat with Ana Victoria Calderón 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 Ana will be carried out in a spacious 1,560 sq. ft. (145 sq. m.) studio located on the second floor of the granary building. You may also paint on the grounds, with the estate's stunning landscape providing endless inspiration. Please note that the venue may not be suitable for participants with limited mobility, as some rooms and the studio are accessible only by stairs, and getting around the venue spaces requires a short walk. Additionally, being in the Italian countryside, you may encounter some insects during your stay. To preserve the historical character of the estate, the rooms are not equipped with window screens.

### Shared ensuite room
Two ensuite rooms are available for shared occupancy. Each room and its ensuite bathroom will be shared between two same-gender participants. One of the rooms is located in the main villa, on the third floor, and the other one is located in a separate medieval tower (accessible via two sets of stairs).The rooms feature twin beds and are fan-cooled, designed with architecture that keeps the space cool, with an ensuite shower bathroom. The ensuite shower bathrooms are equipped with toiletries, towels, and hairdryers. The shared living rooms provide a comfortable space to relax, alongside a shared kitchen, complete with dining amenities and a TV.

### Single standard room with adjacent bathroom
Three single standard rooms with adjacent bathrooms are available for single occupancy. Located in the main villa on the second floor, each room offers access to a shared living room featuring a TV and ining amenities, and a kitchen equipped with a kitchenette and a dining table.Each room has access to an adjacent, private bathroom equipped with a shower or a tub, toilletries, towels, and a haridryer. The rooms are fan-cooled and feature double beds.

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

### Single superior ensuite room
Four superior ensuite rooms are available for single occupancy. Each room features a double bed and an ensuite bathroom equipped with a shower, toiletries, towels and a hairdryer. The rooms are located within two separate apartments in the main villa, on the second and third floors.Each apartment includes a shared living room and a kitchenette with a dining table and a TV. In one of the apartments, the shared kitchen and living room are located downstairs from the bedrooms, next to a shared terrace. All rooms are fan-cooled.

### Single deluxe apartment
Four deluxe apartments are available for single occupancy. Each apartment offers the comfort and privacy of having the entire space to yourself. Located on the first and second floors in the main villa of the estate, these apartments feature a bedroom with a double bed, a private bathroom with a shower (or wetroom), and a cozy living room.The apartments also include a private kitchen/kitchenette with a dining table. One of the apartments spans both the first and second floors, with amenities and living spaces divided across the levels. Each apartment covers approximately 646 sq. ft. (60 sq. m). The bathrooms are equipped with toiletries, towels, and hairdryers.

## Food

During your retreat with Ana Victoria Calderón, 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 San Gimignano.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 Ana Victoria Calderón 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 nearby olive oil mill Frantoio Pasquini. 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 May 12, 2027, with check-out after breakfast by 10:00 AM on May 19, 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: May 12, 2027 ⁠— 4:00 PM (leaving from Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR), arriving at the retreat venue around 5:00 PM)Departure transfer: May 19, 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 Ana Victoria Calderón:"Ana is just simply amazing, everything we learned from her was wonderful, she always answers our questions and shares all her tips and tricks. I would definitely attend again! I'm really happy with Uptrek and the venue for all the logistics and hospitality. Kudos to all of you!""Had the most wonderful experience on this retreat, from the venue which is an amazing place, the hosts' outstanding help, the food which was out of this world, the trips, the artists I got the chance to meet and make friends with and Ana Victoria's painting sessions. I'm so happy I was able to be there!""Everything was fabulous, and when there were hiccups there was always someone available to assist...which made the experience so much more enjoyable :)""The retreat was absolutely amazing! Uptrek did an amazing job all the way through. From the beginning, after signing up they kept in communication with us with timely updates. Ana Petroiu clearly mentioned when updates would happen, when Facebook and WhatsApp groups would be created. Ana Victoria Calderón was amazing when teaching and guiding activities. During our outings I felt supported and safe. I would definitely recommend to friends and also book another retreat.""The experience exceeded all my expectations. The venue was beautiful and the staff friendly and went the extra mile. Ana's teaching style is supportive and allows for growth at all levels."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 and an enthusiasm for exploring shimmering paint and illustrative art will serve you well. When is the retreat available?The retreat with artist Ana Victoria Calderón in Tuscany, Italy, takes place between May 12 - 19, 2027. Are there any check-in and check-out hours?Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on May 12, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast, at 10:00 AM, on the last day, May 19, 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. 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 Ana Victoria Calderón will be provided five months before the retreat takes place.Tables, chairs, glass jars, paper towels, professional studio lights, plein-air chairs, easels, easel lamps, and mailing tubes 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 May?In May, the weather in Vaggio, the closest town to the retreat venue, is pleasant and sunny. You can expect average highs of 27°C / 81°F during the day that drop to around 15°C / 59°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 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/medieval-illustrations-metallic-watercolor-retreat-artist-ana-victoria-calderon-tuscany#book)** — no deposit required.

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

---

**Canonical URL:** https://uptrek.com/retreat/medieval-illustrations-metallic-watercolor-retreat-artist-ana-victoria-calderon-tuscany
**Last updated:** 2026-04-29