# Paint and Play Art Retreat with Artist Michelle Allen in Tuscany Join an inspiring art retreat with artist Michelle Allen in the sun-drenched Tuscan countryside, surrounded by rolling hills, olive groves, and breathtaking landscapes. Rekindle your creativity and curiosity as you paint, experiment, and play in your sketchbook using acrylics, gouache and mixed media. With Michelle’s guidance and carefully crafted art sessions, you will reinvent your creative process, learn how to draw inspiration from the world around you, and practice a variety of techniques, including mark-making, stamp carving, and printing on fabric. This retreat is open to artists of all levels, though you’ll benefit most if you already have some familiarity with the used mediums, and Michelle's work and style of teaching.Your home for the week is a picturesque Tuscan estate, featuring tranquil gardens, an outdoor swimming pool, a spacious art studio, a private lake, pergolas, and comfortable accommodation spaces. Venture out on two exciting art trips, one to San Gimignano and the other to a family-owned olive oil mill. Immerse yourself in the culture of the region and capture the essence of Tuscan life in your artworks. Enjoy delicious meals prepared by the in-house chef at the venue, connect with your fellow artists over a glass of wine, and leave with unforgettable memories. ## Details - **Dates:** October 8 - 15, 2026 - **Location:** Vaggio, Tuscany, Italy - **Starting Price:** $4,150 - **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 Michelle AllenFresh flowers as reference material and watercolor paper are provided for the workshop componentExclusive use of the property, including living quarters and common areas, the studio, the large natural garden, extensive vineyards, olive groves, the 66 ft. (20 m.) swimming pool, and the private lake7 nights of accommodation at a Tuscan estateMeals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 7 dinners carefully prepared by your private chefWater, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and snacks available throughout the daySpecial welcome and farewell dinnerWelcome and farewell delicious cocktailsPlentiful, aromatic wine served with dinnerAn on-site wine tour and tastingFull-day art trip to San GimignanoHalf-day art trip to the Frantoio Pasquini oil mill, including olive oil tasting with appetizersPrivate transportation and guide for all planned activities and tripsFully-staffed venue, experienced UpTrek host available on locationRound-trip transfers at pre-arranged times from/to Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR)All local tourist taxes and feesAccess to a private Facebook group with Michelle Allen and the other retreat participants four months before the retreatNot includedAirfareTravel insuranceLunch during the full-day tripMaterials — a list of materials recommended by Michelle Allen will be provided five months before the retreatTips for staff (tipping is customary in Italy)Other expenses guests might incur on their own ## Program ### Expressive Painting Retreat Embark on an unforgettable art retreat with Michelle Allen in the heart of Tuscany, Italy. Immerse yourself in expressive painting, capture your journey through vibrant sketchbook pieces, carve personalized stamps and print them on fabric, and discover how to draw inspiration from the beauty of the Tuscan landscape. Above all, this retreat invites you to explore, experiment, and create freely within a safe and supportive environment. Michelle’s thoughtfully crafted program is designed to rekindle curiosity, nurture your creativity, and help you uncover your own unique artistic voice.Enjoy daily classes with Michelle, personalized feedback, engaging demonstrations, and the serene backdrop of a beautiful Tuscan estate. Alongside a close-knit group of 15 people, you’ll build a vibrant body of work in acrylics, gouache, and mixed media, inspired by the Italian countryside. To deepen your retreat experience, you’ll also explore the medieval town of San Gimignano and visit a family-owned olive oil mill, where you will have the chance to taste freshly pressed olive oil.Topics covered in your classes with Michelle include:Developing your own creative style and artistic voiceMaking and filling your personal sketchbookLayering with acrylics and gouacheLooking for shapes and textures in nature and in your surroundingsThe basics of compositionCreating your own beautiful color palettesKnowing when a piece is finishedHow to establish an emotional connection to your artworkNavigating your environment more intentionally...and many more.This retreat welcomes artists of all levels, though you’ll benefit most if you already have some familiarity with acrylics and gouache, as well as Michelle's work and style of teaching. In addition to daily classes with Michelle, evenings are yours to relax, socialize with your art group over a glass of wine, or explore the retreat grounds. You’ll stay at a charming Tuscan estate, complete with vast gardens, scenic surroundings of vineyards and olive groves, a refreshing pool, a spacious art studio, pergolas, and elegant accommodations. ### 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, thoughtfully designed room, explore the cozy apartments, well-equipped art spaces, peaceful pool, and expansive gardens, all surrounded by serene vineyards and olive groves. Get introduced to your guide for this art adventure, Michelle Allen, and chat about the upcoming week over a delightful welcome dinner. ### Day 2: Art at the venue Begin your morning with a hearty breakfast at the estate before gathering or a short check-in with the venue hosts. Michelle will share the day's schedule with you and fill you in on what to expect.The first class of the retreat starts with a relaxed introduction to the course and the materials you’ll be having fun with for the entire week! Michelle will encourage you to think about your own creative intentions and goals. Afterwards, dive right into your artistic practice with a series of engaging warm-up exercises. You'll get more familiar with your mixed media materials, learn the basics of creating a sketchbook, and practice mark-making techniques.Pause for a refreshing lunch break before continuing with your afternoon art session. The next part of the day takes you outdoors into the estate’s expansive gardens. As you wander, Michelle will guide you to notice the patterns, lines, and textures that catch your eye. The surrounding landscape offers endless inspiration: each leaf, stone, and shadow becomes part of your creative dialogue. As the evening settles in, gather for a relaxed wine tasting held right at the property. Stroll through the vineyards and cellars, hear the stories behind the wines, then sit down together for a delicious three-course dinner. ### Day 3: Art trip to San Gimignano Begin your day with a hearty breakfast, then journey with Michelle through the picturesque hills of Tuscany heading toward San Gimignano. The road winds past open fields, vineyards, and rustic farmhouses, giving you time to talk, take in the scenery, and ease into the pace of the day. In town, enjoy a guided walk through the cobbled streets, taking in the weathered stone walls, the towers’ shifting shadows, and the gentle shifts in colors, shapes, and textures. Sketch if you’re moved to, take reference photos, and stay open to what catches your eye. As you walk, Michelle will mentor you in searching for unconventional painting tools for mark-making, such as branches or leaves. You’ll learn how these found materials can create expressive textures and organic patterns, adding uniqueness and vitality to your artwork. Stop for a coffee, enjoy a relaxed lunch, and continue exploring with your sketchbook at hand. Michelle will guide you through observing the subtle hues in your surroundings and show you how to mix and match colors in order to reflect the colors of your environment. Learn to translate what you see into your own palette. As evening approaches, make your way back to the studio, bringing the day’s mark-making tools, ideas, and color combinations with you. Share your thoughts on what inspired you today and where your paintings might go next over a delightful three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef. ### Day 4: Art at the venue Indulge in a delightful breakfast and a chat with your fellow artists before your morning art session.In the morning, focus on the materials collected during your trip to San Gimignano. Go through your sketches, photos, and mark-making tools, and select your favorites with Michelle's help. Learn new techniques for building depth through layers and textures, as well as ways to transform your references into more expressive artwork.Give yourself some time to think about the theme of your painting, taking into consideration the primary subject matter and the overall composition to create a cohesive piece.After a light lunch, return to your art group for an afternoon session. Continue working on the piece you began earlier in the day. Michelle will introduce you to some basic principles of composition, encouraging you to experiment with arranging different elements and observing how they shift the viewer’s focus. If you need an extra hand, don't hesitate to ask for some individual feedback!Recharge as you wish in the late afternoon. Take an inspirational walk through the estate’s private lake or work in your sketchbook some more if you're feeling inspired. The day ends with another flavorful dinner, carefully crafted by the private chef and paired with fragrant local wine. ### Day 5: Art trip to traditional oil mill Enjoy a warm breakfast at the venue, then head out for a short drive to Frantoio Pasquini, a family-owned olive oil mill nestled among rolling hills and groves, only a 10-minute drive away from the estate. Walk through the olive trees and explore the mill, where four generations have tended the land and pressed oil using a blend of traditional tools and modern methods. Learn about each step of the process, from harvest to bottle, then taste freshly pressed oils alongside local Tuscan specialties such as olive pastes in their small eno-oleoteca. If time permits, draw inspiration from the surrounding landscape and do some quick sketches or take reference pictures. Let the combination of colors, shapes and textures guide your artistic process. Return for a relaxed lunch, then join your instructor for an afternoon art session. As you work with your reference photos and sketches, Michelle will help you explore how to establish the mood of different parts in your artwork. Pay attention to how subtle shifts in color or composition can influence the tone of your work, and allow yourself to move at a comfortable pace. By slowing down, the deeper meaning of your art often begins to reveal itself. Michelle will also guide you in discovering what naturally draws your attention and how to build a deeper emotional connection with your creation.As the evening sets in, gather for a hearty dinner. Pour a glass of wine, share stories from the day, impressions from the visit to the oil mill, and reflect on your artistic journey so far. ### Day 6: Art at the venue Begin your morning with a delicious breakfast before meeting up with Michelle and the group for your daily check-in. Today’s focus is all about florals! Immerse yourself in a colorful exploration while learning to paint flowers in a loose, expressive style. Nature is one of Michelle’s greatest inspirations. During the morning session, Michelle will demonstrate her approach to still-life florals and arrangements, guiding you as you create your own botanical pieces. Practice how to observe your surroundings more closely to capture their essence through an artistic lens. You’ll also have the chance to design and carve a custom stamp, as well as print it on fabric, thus adding a personal touch to your sketchbook or one of your clothing pieces. After lunch, enjoy a relaxed afternoon session where you can build on the morning’s work. Continue developing your floral arrangement paintings, refine and print out your stamped creations, or head out into the gardens and vineyards of the estate to discover new botanical subjects. And if you find yourself needing help or a bit of inspiration, Michelle will be right there to offer tips and advice.Unwind with some leisure time in the late afternoon, then gather with Michelle and your group for another nourishing dinner prepared by the in-house chef. Enjoy an evening filled with good food and creative conversations with your fellow artists. ### Day 7: Art at the venue Start your final morning of the retreat with a filling breakfast before heading into class.This session focuses on polishing your sketchbook, incorporating final details and thoughtful touches, as well as painting a large self-portrait that will be part of the group photo! As you work, Michelle will continue offering personal guidance and one-on-one feedback, suggesting areas to improve after you return home. Take your time blending all the techniques and insights you’ve gathered over the week into your final portrait piece.Pause midday for a simple and relaxed lunch. Afterwards, continue your afternoon with the last art session of the retreat. Finish up your sketchbook and self-portrait, and when you are satisfied with your work and feel ready, join Michelle and the other artists for an intimate closing exhibition. Showcase your creations, reflect on your artistic journey, and celebrate together your inspiring week in Tuscany!As evening settles in, gather for a final three-course farewell dinner prepared by the private chef. Raise a glass to new friendships, creative breakthroughs, and the unforgettable memories you have made together. ### Day 8: Departure Enjoy breakfast with your group, exchange any last contact details with Michelle and your fellow artists, and get ready for your transfer to Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR). Check-out is at 10:00 AM, and you'll arrive at the airport at around 11:00 AM. ## Instructors - [Michelle Allen](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/michelle-allen) — Artist, designer ## Accommodation ### Tuscan Vineyard Estate Your venue for the retreat with Michelle Allen 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, party hall, and spacious studio for your classes. During your free time, you're welcome to explore the picturesque surroundings using the scenic walking paths. The accommodation spaces are spread across two main buildings and a smaller, separate villa, whereas the common area and studio are located in the reconverted 18th-century granary. These spaces range from cozy, intimate 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 Michelle 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 create on the grounds, with the estate's stunning landscape providing endless inspiration. Please note that the venue may not be suitable for participants with limited mobility, as some rooms and the studio are accessible only by stairs, and getting around the venue spaces requires a short walk. Additionally, being in the Italian countryside, you may encounter some insects during your stay. To preserve the historical character of the estate, the rooms are not equipped with window screens. ### Shared ensuite room (female only) Two ensuite rooms are available for shared occupancy. You'll share this room and its ensuite bathroom with another same-gender participant. The shared ensuite rooms are available in the main villa, located on the third floor, and 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 bathroom is shared between the same-gender participants occupying the same room. The shared living rooms provide a comfortable space to relax, alongside a shared kitchen, complete with dining amenities and a TV. ### Single standard room - adjacent bathroom Three single standard rooms available for single occupancy are located within separate apartments in the main villa (second floor) or the medieval tower (second and third floor). Each apartment offers access to a shared living room and either a kitchenette or a full kitchen with a dining table and a TV. You'll have access to an adjacent, private bathroom with a shower or a tub. All rooms are fan-cooled and contain double beds. ### Single standard ensuite room One standard ensuite room is available for single occupancy, featuring a double bed and an ensuite bathroom with a shower. The rooms 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 single rooms are available for single occupancy, each featuring a double bed and an ensuite bathroom with a shower. The rooms are located within two separate apartments in the main villa (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 single deluxe apartments are available for single occupancy, each offering the comfort and privacy of having the entire apartment to yourself. Located on the first and second floors in one of the main buildings 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). ## Food During your retreat with Michelle Allen, 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 home-cooked meals that look amazing and 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 a buffet dinner 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 wonderful 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 your full-day trip. Please note that while the venue can accommodate diet restrictions (vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, lactose-free) upon request, availability and variety may be limited. 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. ## Getting There Your art retreat with Michelle Allen 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 during two trips: to the historic town of San Gimignano (1.5 hours away) and 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 October 8, 2026, with check-out after breakfast by 10:00 AM on October 15, 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: October 8, 2026 ⁠— 4:00 PM (leaving from Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR), arriving at the retreat venue around 5:00 PM)Departure transfer: October 15, 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: 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 past UpTrek retreats with Michelle Allen: "In truth, this retreat changed my life. I am emotional just writing about it. As a retiree, my trajectory was wobbly. After spending time with Michelle my feet are set toward the goal for my life of making a body of work that I hope will connect and inspire the lives of many. Michelle's loving professionalism gave me vision for what I could accomplish. ONE bus ride with her sharing words of encouragement and wisdom set my face like a flint toward what I can do. I wasn't the most compliant of students with techniques, however, I finally worked toward the negative process she opened up to us. It was so engaging- inspiring. I feel as though I am on fire. The only thing that keeps my feet on the ground with all the things I must accomplish is the knowledge she imparted about living in the day to day. I am FILLED with gratitude to God for her, the lifelong friends I believe I have made and for the lovely staff at the retreat.""Our teacher Michelle was such a fabulous, warm, positive, encouraging and inspiring human and made the week the highlight of my summer. I feel energized, motivated and walked away with new friendships and memories I will cherish forever. Thank you!!""The retreat itself, led by the incredible artist Michelle Allen, was a dream come true. Having admired her work for years, it was surreal to finally learn directly from her. She not only shared her techniques but encouraged us to develop our own unique styles. The classroom environment was alive with creativity—many evenings even turned into spontaneous dance parties!""Michelle Allen's daily sessions were thought provoking, challenging, and always fun. Her joyful attitude set the tone to "kick start" our daily creativity for the entire week. Everyone regardless of their ability from beginner to advanced artist was challenged, encouraged and all of us followed the #1 most important rule, "Have Fun!" of which was non-stop during this retreat. One of the main lessons that I learned was how to allow myself to play with my daily selected mediums. So what if I mess up, oh well, that's what Gesso was made for.""The workshop’s leading artist, Michelle Allen, was truly a magician. She generously shared her skills and methods, boosted our confidence as artists, and helped our group bond in a healing and meaningful way."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? This retreat welcomes all levels of experience, though you’ll benefit most if you already have some familiarity with acrylics, gouache, and Michelle Allen's work and style of teaching. When is the retreat available?The retreat with artist Michelle Allen in Tuscany, Italy, takes place between October 8 - 15, 2026. Are there any check-in and check-out hours?Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on October 8, 2026. Check-out is after breakfast, at 10:00 AM, on the last day, October 15, 2026. 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?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 materials recommended by artist Michelle Allen will be provided upon booking, five months before the retreat begins. Tables, chairs, glass jars, professional studio lights, Bluetooth speaker, fresh flowers, hot pressed watercolor paper, and paper towels for the workshop component are also included. What’s the weather like in Vaggio, Italy, in October?In October, the weather in Vaggio, 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 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 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 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 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/paint-play-art-retreat-artist-michelle-allen-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-play-art-retreat-artist-michelle-allen-tuscany **Last updated:** 2026-03-10