# Paint, Explore, Create - Your Watercolor Journey Retreat with Artist Sarah Reilly in Tuscany Discover the colors, character, and little details of Tuscany through an inspiring watercolor retreat with artist Sarah Reilly. From sprawling vineyards, freshly bloomed flowers, and Italian cuisine to beautiful landscapes and hidden corners, each day will bring fresh inspiration to paint. Alongside your paintings, you'll gradually fill your own beautiful keepsake journal with watercolors, sketches, and little treasures gathered throughout the week, creating a wonderful and personal reminder of your time in Tuscany. Gather inspiration from day trips to the medieval hilltop town of San Gimignano and to Frantoio Pasquini, a four-generation olive oil mill in the nearby hills of Reggello. With a focus on creativity, experimentation, and the simple joy of painting, this is a relaxed and encouraging retreat where you can build confidence, try new ideas, and enjoy developing your own way of working. The retreat welcomes artists of all levels, from complete beginners to seasoned painters. You don't need any prior watercolor experience to join, and advanced painters will enjoy the freedom to work independently and at their own pace. 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 like-minded creatives. ## Details - **Dates:** May 3 - 10, 2027 - **Location:** Vaggio, Tuscany, Italy - **Starting Price:** $4,650 - **Currency:** USD - **Status:** open - **Group Size:** Max. 16 students - **Category:** [Painting](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/retreats/painting) · [Browse on uptrek.com](https://uptrek.com/retreats/painting) ## Overview **What's included** 1. Art classes, individual tuition, and demonstrations with artist Sarah Reilly 2. Art studio equipped with: tables, chairs, glass jars, paper towels, professional studio lights, folding chairs, easels, easel lamps, and masking fluid pens 3. A Pocketful of Tuscany: a handmade fold-out journal prepared by Sarah prior to the retreat for you to fill with your creations 4. 7 nights of accommodation at a beautiful Tuscan estate 5. Exclusive use of the property, including living quarters and common areas, the art studio, the large natural garden, extensive vineyards, olive groves, the outdoor swimming pool, and the private lake 6. Meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 7 dinners carefully prepared by a private chef 7. All diets catered for, including vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, and lactose-free 8. Water, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and snacks available throughout the day 9. Special welcome and farewell dinners and cocktails 10. Delicious local wine served during dinner service 11. Guided wine tour and tasting experience at the venue estate 12. Full-day art trip to San Gimignano, with opportunities for painting and sketching on location 13. Half-day trip to the Frantoio Pasquini oil mill, including olive oil tasting with appetizers 14. English-speaking guide for all trips and planned activities 15. Private transportation for all trips and planned activities 16. Round-trip transfers from/to Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR) at prearranged times 17. All local tourist taxes and fees 18. A dedicated UpTrek retreat coordinator available throughout the whole retreat 19. Fully staffed venue with drivers, cleaning and maintenance staff, and chef and kitchen staff 20. Access to a private Facebook group with Sarah Reilly 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 San Gimignano - Art materials — a list of materials recommended by artist Sarah Reilly 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 ### A Pocketful of Tuscany Step into the Tuscan countryside with artist Sarah Reilly for a relaxed week of watercolor painting, exploration, and creative discovery. Learn new techniques, experiment with materials, and create beautiful watercolor pieces while learning to notice the colors, textures, and little details that surround you. This retreat is an open invitation to slow down, observe, and turn your experiences into something deeply personal. Enjoy daily classes, demonstrations, and warm guidance from Sarah, as she will help you grow your confidence as an artist through experimentation and observation. Alongside your collection of watercolor paintings, you will also gradually fill in "A Pocketful of Tuscany," a handmade fold-out keepsake thoughtfully created by Sarah for you prior to the retreat, that you will fill with small paintings, sketches, color studies, and mementos from your time in Tuscany. Beyond the studio, the week takes you to San Gimignano, a UNESCO-listed medieval hilltop town, and to Frantoio Pasquini, a four-generation olive oil mill in the hills of Reggello, where you will enjoy a delightful tasting of freshly pressed olive oil, accompanied by appetizers. These trips are meant to enrich your experience in Tuscany and fuel your creativity, adding new memories to your fold-out journal. The week also includes a wine tour and tasting on the venue grounds. Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned painter, Sarah will meet you exactly where you are in your creative journey and help you gain confidence in your artistic choices and develop an individual watercolor practice. You don't need any prior watercolor experience to join, and advanced painters will enjoy the freedom to work independently and at their own pace. **Some of the topics covered during your classes with Sarah include:** - Working confidently with a limited watercolor palette, mixing harmonious colors and understanding water-to-paint consistency - Experimenting with different paper surfaces to see how each affects the paint - Making confident, expressive brush marks using wet-in-wet and wet-on-dry techniques - Simplifying scenes into achievable paintings by identifying what's important, choosing a focal point, and deciding what to include or leave out - Capturing light, shadow, and reflections while working from both life and photographs - Loosening up and letting watercolour move naturally, embracing happy accidents, and knowing when a painting is finished - Developing confidence in your own creative choices - How to use photographs as inspiration rather than simply copying every detail - Turning travel observations into personal artwork - Creating a unique handmade watercolour keepsake of your time in Tuscany - ...and much more! By the end of the retreat, you will leave with new friendship, a renewed creative practice, a collection of watercolor paintings, as well as your very own Pocketful of Tuscany reflecting your time in Italy. 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, enjoy elegant accommodation, and create lasting memories together with a group of like-minded artists! ### Day 1: Arrival Arrive at Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR), at 4:00 PM, where your transfer will be waiting to carry you to the venue by 5:00 PM. Settle into your spacious and elegantly designed room, then join the welcome tour and explore the cozy common areas, the well-equipped studio, the peaceful pool, and the expansive gardens, all surrounded by serene vineyards and olive groves. Treat this walk around the venue as your opening chance to notice the colors and textures of your surroundings, along with the small details you might otherwise pass by. Photograph whatever catches your eye and collect the inspiration you'll draw on throughout the retreat. Get acquainted with the lovely Sarah Reilly, your instructor for the week, then gather for a delightful welcome dinner with cocktails, trading travel stories with your fellow artists and swapping notes on what you're most looking forward to, all as the light drops behind the olive groves. ### Day 2: Classes at the venue & wine tasting experience Wake up to a hearty breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, followed by a relaxed morning check-in with the venue hosts before heading into the studio. The morning workshop will be all about color, paper, and confidence. The class will begin with a relaxed introduction from Sarah to watercolor and your Tuscan-inspired limited color palette that you'll be working with throughout the week. Experiment with mixing your own colors and begin a color page for "A Pocketful of Tuscany," a handmade fold-out keepsake thoughtfully created by Sarah for you prior to the retreat that you will fill with small paintings, sketches, color studies, and mementos from your time in Tuscany. Compare how watercolor behaves differently on each surface and discover which textures you enjoy the most. Choose a favorite study to tuck into the keepsake, starting to fill the fold-out folio with your first memories from the retreat. After a light lunch, the afternoon session moves outside, into the venue's vast and lively gardens. Explore the villa, gardens, vineyards, and olive groves, and learn to look for smaller, achievable subjects. Rather than attempting to paint everything you see, Sarah will guide you on how to notice the details that make a place memorable. Capture the silvery olive branches, the colorful flowers from the garden, the arched doors, or the rustic windows. Pay attention to the small details as you explore the Tuscan estate. 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 San Gimignano The morning starts with a nourishing breakfast and a steaming cup of coffee. Once you're ready, it's time to set off with Sarah and the group for one of the most memorable adventures of the week. Your destination is San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the hills of Tuscany, known as the “Medieval Manhattan.” This walled hilltop town was once a busy stop on the ancient Via Francigena pilgrimage route between France and Rome and has kept its medieval skyline almost intact, with 14 soaring tower houses still rising above its rooftops and stone-paved streets. Walking through the town gates, you'll be surrounded by centuries of history and a plethora of subjects for your cityscape studies. With your watercolors in hand, follow Sarah through the cobblestone lanes and soak in the small, beautiful details around every corner. Rather than feeling pressure to complete a perfect plein-air painting, you will learn how to gather inspiration like an artist. Notice the intricate architectural details, the arched windows, the small cafés, the weathered terracotta stone walls, or the shifting shadows of people in the Piazza della Cisterna. You can sketch, paint small studies, photograph interesting subjects, make color notes, or collect little paper mementos. The goal is to create a personal collection of visual inspiration to use during your studio sessions later in the week. Break for a relaxed lunch on your own in a welcoming trattoria, where you can taste the flavors of San Gimignano and toast with a glass of Vernaccia, the town's famous local white wine. After lunch, continue exploring and painting the rest of the afternoon at your own pace. Find the views and details that speak to you and work freely, putting into practice what you have learned so far. Sarah will be there to give you guidance and encouragement along the way. As the afternoon light softens, head back to the venue and enjoy some spare time in the late afternoon. Join Sarah and your fellow artists for a tasteful three-course dinner prepared by the private chef, sharing stories and discussing the day’s work over a glass of wine. ### Day 4: Classes at the venue Enjoy a generous breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee, followed by a quick morning check-in with the venue hosts, settling into the day's gentle rhythm. Join Sarah and your fellow artists for a relaxed outdoor watercolor session beside the estate's private lake. Explore water, foliage, reflections, soft edges, and reflected color. The emphasis of this class will be on loosening up and allowing watercolor to move rather than trying to control every mark. If you feel inspired, add a small lake study to your Pocketful of Tuscany keepsake. Recharge over a satisfying lunch, then continue the afternoon with another art session. Return to the photographs and sketches gathered in San Gimignano and learn how to turn a photograph into a painting rather than simply copying it. You can work from your own reference photograph or use the additional Tuscan doorway and window references prepared by Sarah that will be available for anyone wanting more guidance. You'll explore cropping, simplifying shapes, and removing distractions. Sarah will also guide you on how to choose the focal point of painting, zooming in on the beautiful details of San Gimignano. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy freely. Relax on the property, revisit a painting, or simply take in the Tuscan surroundings. In the evening, gather with Sarah and the group for a delicious three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef and paired with a glass of fragrant wine. ### Day 5: Trip to a traditional olive oil mill Fuel up with a warm breakfast and a cup of coffee as the morning light pours in, then head out 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 delicious appetizers at their eno-oleoteca. Gather visual inspiration as you discover another aspect of Tuscan life together with Sarah and your fellow artists. Photograph and sketch whatever details catch your eye, collecting material for later use in the studio or to add to your keepsake. Return to the venue for a leisurely lunch, then jump into another inspiring art session. This class will be focused on loose and expressive flower painting, without the pressure of creating highly detailed botanical studies. Capture the local flora of Tuscany and add new studies to your fold-out journal, inspired by the freshly bloomed flowers around the venue. As the class comes to an end, take some time to rest and recharge. Indulge in a wholesome three-course dinner prepared by the private chef, paired with aromatic wine and lively conversation about the day's creative discoveries. ### Day 6: Classes at the venue Begin the day with a leisurely breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, followed by a brief morning check-in with the venue hosts, before heading into the studio with Sarah and the group for another day of painting. The morning workshop will focus on creating beautiful still-life pieces using fresh, local fruit, food, and objects. Experiment with arranging compositions and look at why some arrangements work better than others. Focus on shape, light, and shadow, practicing your color mixing skills and learning the basics of composition. If you feel inspired, turn small painted elements into interactive pieces and add them to your keepsake. Sarah will be there to guide you on how to make your paintings come to life. Take a break for a relaxed lunch, then return for the afternoon workshop. This class will be an independent painting session. Look through the inspiration and references that you have gathered throughout the week and choose something that has particularly sparked your creativity, perhaps a charming doorway, a beautiful flower, a sweeping view, or something completely personal. Sarah will provide individual guidance throughout the class while encouraging you to trust your own creative choices. Spend the rest of the afternoon however you like. Unwind on the property, take a refreshing dip in the pool, or simply let the day settle. In the evening, gather with Sarah and the group for another delightful three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef and paired with a glass of wine. ### Day 7: Classes at the venue Fuel up with a wholesome breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, followed by a quick morning check-in with the venue hosts. Spend the morning in the studio, bringing together your paintings, experiments, studies, and collected memories. Finish your favorite pieces and add paintings, photographs, notes, pockets, flaps, and little treasures to our handmade keepsakes. This is a relaxed opportunity to complete work, ask any remaining questions, and reflect on what you have discovered during the week. Sit down together for a nourishing lunch before a special event in the afternoon. After lunch, the studio transforms into a gallery. Lay out your work from the week and take it all in, yours and everyone else's. This is a casual, leisurely mini-exhibition, a chance to see just how much the group has accomplished over the past few days. Display your watercolor pieces and your Pocketful of Tuscany and celebrate how differently everyone has interpreted the same place and experiences. Lastly, raise a glass at a spectacular three-course farewell dinner accompanied by cocktails, toasting to the art you have made and the connections you are taking home with you. ### Day 8: Departure Enjoy one last breakfast with Sarah 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 a heart brimming with inspiration and lasting memories, alongside a collection of watercolor paintings and a completely personal handmade record of your week in Tuscany. ## Instructors - [Sarah Reilly](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/sarah-reilly) — Watercolor artist, illustrator, and educator ## Accommodation ### Tuscan Vineyard Estate Your venue for the retreat with Sarah Reilly 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 Sarah 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 adjacent bathrooms are available for single occupancy. Located in the main villa on the second floor, each room offers access to a shared living room featuring a TV and dining amenities, and a kitchen equipped with a kitchenette and a dining table. Each room has access to an adjacent, private bathroom equipped with a shower or a tub, toiletries, towels, and a hairdryer. The rooms are fan-cooled and feature double beds. ### Single standard ensuite room One standard ensuite room is available for single occupancy. The room features a double bed and an ensuite bathroom equipped with a shower, toiletries, towels and a hairdryer. It is located in an apartment in the medieval tower (second floor) featuring a shared living room and a full kitchen with a dining table and a TV. The room is fan-cooled. ### Single superior ensuite room Four superior ensuite rooms are available for single occupancy. Each room features a double bed and an ensuite bathroom equipped with a shower, toiletries, towels and a hairdryer. The rooms are located within two separate apartments in the main villa, on the 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 Sarah Reilly, 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 and 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 Sarah Reilly 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 this retreat, you'll explore the region through two exciting trips: one to the historic town of San Gimignano (1.5 hours away) and one to a local family-owned oil mill (10 minutes away). Tuscany's landscape, with its iconic rolling vineyards and olive groves framed by tall, slender Cypress trees, has long inspired artists. The region’s fertile land, particularly its Chianti vineyards, produces world-renowned wines and some of Italy’s finest extra virgin olive oils. Check-in at the retreat begins at 5:00 PM on May 3, 2027, with check-out after breakfast by 10:00 AM on May 10, 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 3, 2027 ⁠— 4:00 PM** (leaving from Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR), arriving at the retreat venue around 5:00 PM) - **Departure transfer: May 10, 2027 ⁠— 10:00 AM** (leaving from the retreat venue, arriving at Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR) around 11:00 AM) **If your travel arrangements don't work with our pre-set transfer times, please consider the following options:** - Spend extra days at a hotel in Florence before and/or after the retreat, and catch the transfer shuttles from/to Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR). - Grab a taxi to the retreat venue (address: Antico Borgo la Torre, Località la Torre, 172, 50066 Vaggio FI, Italy, approximately 200 EUR per way from Florence Airport). Please note that taxi fares may change. ## Reviews **Reviews from previous UpTrek retreats at this venue:** - "The setting at the venue was absolutely stunning and provided us with lots of inspiration for our paintings. The food was great and the wine was superb. We had a terrific group of talented artists of all levels and I will treasure my time here forever." - "John, Federica and Duccio were fabulous hosts. The fact that they sat with us each night for dinner and engaged in conversation with everyone was specially appreciated." - "You could not have asked for better accommodations and hospitalities. The food was delicious, the owners were very accommodating and the table where we all gathered for the evening meals couldn't have been more picturesque.😀" - "My experience was unlike anything I expected. It was a perfectly homey and relaxing getaway. My accommodations were incredibly comfortable and had everything I needed. Federica and John were so warm and genuine; they never seemed to be just going through the motions." - "Relaxing. Great food and wonderful hosts. Enjoyed the Villa and the grounds." - "Federica and John and the staff at the venue were FANTASTIC. They were warm, friendly, and gracious throughout my whole time there. I really didn’t expect to say that my time at the venue was equal and experience as my time participating in the art retreat. John showed us the vineyard and the whole wine making process. Federica was always there and available And friendly and lovely. I just can’t speak highly enough about them and their staff. The venue itself was breathtaking." - "Had a great time during the retreat! The venue and food was great!" ## Frequently Asked Questions **Is this retreat available to all levels?** The retreat welcomes artists of all levels, from complete beginners to seasoned painters. You don't need any prior watercolor experience to join, and advanced painters will enjoy the freedom to work independently and at their own pace. **When is the retreat available?** The retreat with artist Sarah Reilly in Tuscany, Italy, takes place between May 3 - 10, 2027. **Are there any check-in and check-out hours?** Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on May 3, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast, at 10:00 AM, on the last day, May 10, 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. Please inform us of any dietary requirements at least one month in advance. We may not be able to accommodate severe, life-threatening allergies. Additionally, we cannot cater to dietary needs announced less than a month before the retreat, switch diets during the retreat, or accommodate last-minute requests made on the spot. **How do I get to the retreat venue?** Please arrive at Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR). We strongly recommend planning more time for long-distance international travel because of the current disruptions in flight schedules. It is best to arrive in Italy a day before the retreat starts to prevent any inconveniences caused by flight delays, rest after the long travel, and adjust to the new time zone. Private airport transfers at prearranged times to and from Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR) are included. If you cannot find suitable connecting flights from your departure airport to Florence, we recommend you fly to Rome and fly locally to Florence. For more details, please see the [Location tab](https://uptrek.com/retreat/paint-explore-create-watercolor-journey-retreat-artist-sarah-reilly-tuscany#location). Please hold off on booking flights until the retreat becomes guaranteed. **What should I pack?** Please pack appropriate clothing, a swimsuit, sunglasses, insect repellent, soothing cream for insect bites, a cardigan for chilly evenings, comfortable shoes, personal care items, and any personal medication you might need. **Can I do laundry while on the retreat?** You are welcome to use the laundry facilities during your stay. The venue provides self-service washing machines and drying racks, but please note that the venue doesn't have a dryer. **What supplies do I need for the workshop?** A detailed list of art materials recommended by artist Sarah Reilly will be provided five months before the retreat takes place. Tables, chairs, glass jars, paper towels, professional studio lights, folding chairs, easels, easel lamps, and masking fluid pens 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 early May?** In early May, the weather in Vaggio, the closest town to the retreat venue, is warm and sunny. You can expect average highs of 25°C / 77°F during the day that drop to around 11°C / 52°F at night. In recent years, however, temperatures have varied unpredictably. It is a good idea to check the weather before your departure for the retreat and pack accordingly. **Is there a local currency I should acquire before arriving?** Please take out euros in cash from an ATM at the airport in Florence. You will need cash for small purchases during the day trips, for tipping the staff (tipping is customary), and for any extras you might want to purchase at the retreat venue. **How many people are to be expected on the retreat?** Maximum of 16 participants. **Do I need a visa?** Guests traveling from the US, Canada, UK, EU, and/or Schengen member states may enter Italy for tourist purposes without a visa or travel authorization. Please contact us for further guidance. **Are there any age restrictions?** No restrictions whatsoever. Please keep in mind that you must be 18 years of age to travel independently. **What language is used during the workshops and other activities?** The retreat is available in English. **Can a non-participating guest join me?** We do not accommodate non-participants at our retreats. This policy is in place to ensure the creative and immersive nature of our retreats remains intact for all participants. **Is the retreat available to guests with low and limited mobility?** Unfortunately, the retreat venue and trips are not well suited for people with low and limited mobility. The indoor studio is located a short walk away from the accommodation spaces, and the trips involve plenty of walking on uneven, cobbled streets. **What happens if I need to cancel?** Once the retreat is guaranteed, all payments are final and nonrefundable. Bookings are nonrefundable under any circumstances. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. After your payment is processed, you may purchase insurance through the following link: [Purchase insurance](https://uptrek.com/protect-your-trip). Please review our [cancellation policy.](https://uptrek.com/cancellation-policy) **Do I need travel insurance?** Yes. Since all bookings are nonrefundable, travel insurance is mandatory for all UpTrek travelers. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. We strongly advise that your chosen policy provides cover against lost or delayed baggage, loss of personal belongings, trip cancellation, trip interruption, accidents, illness, injury, medical expenses, death, and emergency repatriation. For your convenience, UpTrek is affiliated with Allianz Travel and is a Registered Travel Retailer under AGA license. [Click here to purchase your insurance plan.](https://uptrek.com/protect-your-trip) Please note that UpTrek is not qualified or authorized to answer questions about coverage, benefits, exclusions, or conditions of any Allianz Travel Insurance plan. If you have questions about your plan, please contact Allianz Global Assistance directly at [CustomerService@AllianzAssistance.com](mailto:CustomerService@AllianzAssistance.com) or by phone at 1-800-284-8300. Be sure to provide the **reference code F215276** so Allianz knows you are purchasing protection for an UpTrek trip. We strongly recommend reviewing the terms and conditions of any insurance policy you purchase to fully understand the coverage, benefits, and claims process. We will gladly provide the essential documentation to support refund claims with the insurance provider. **Do I have to pay a deposit?** No. Once the number of guest reservations reaches the minimum number required for the retreat to become guaranteed, UpTrek charges the guests the cost of the retreat. Guests who reserved will be notified 48 hours in advance that their payment method on file is about to be charged. **Will I receive a full refund if the retreat is not guaranteed?** UpTrek does not charge the payment method we collect until the retreat becomes guaranteed. Once the retreat is guaranteed and your payment method is charged, there will be no reimbursement. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. **Will I receive a full refund if the guaranteed retreat is canceled by the instructor or by UpTrek?** If the retreat is canceled due to force majeure events or circumstances out of UpTrek's and/or the instructor's control, UpTrek will let you know as soon as possible, refund the total cost of the retreat, and help you find another option for your vacation. ## Book This Retreat 👉 **[Reserve your spot on uptrek.com](https://uptrek.com/retreat/paint-explore-create-watercolor-journey-retreat-artist-sarah-reilly-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/paint-explore-create-watercolor-journey-retreat-artist-sarah-reilly-tuscany **Last updated:** 2026-09-02