# The Anatomy of Watercolor Art Retreat with Artist Kristin Van Leuven in Italy

Join renowned watercolor artist Kristin Van Leuven for an inspiring retreat in the rolling hills and historic villages of Tuscany. Each day offers space to paint, explore, and reconnect with your creativity. Through engaging classes and one-on-one guidance, Kristin will help you grow your skills with clarity and ease. Her lessons break down watercolor techniques into simple, approachable steps that allow you to build confidence while enjoying the process. Whether you’re just starting out or have been painting for years, Kristin will meet you where you are and support your progress with warmth and insight.Stay at a historic vineyard estate surrounded by olive trees, gardens, and soft Tuscan light. Take time to swim, rest, and gather with others who share your love for painting. Meals are prepared fresh each day by a private chef, and the group is kept small to create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. By the end of the week, you’ll head home with a collection of paintings that reflect your experience in Tuscany and a renewed sense of joy in your creative practice.

## Details

- **Dates:** September 28 - October 5, 2026
- **Location:** Certaldo, Florence, Italy 
- **Starting Price:** $4,550
- **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 Kristin Van LeuvenWatercolor paper for the workshop component7 nights of accommodation at a historical Tuscan estateExclusive use of the Fienile Fornace and Casale Fornace villas with their living quarters and common areas, a swimming pool, and beautiful Italian gardensMeals: 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 7 dinners carefully prepared by your private chefSnacks including fruit, biscuits, coffee, tea, and filtered water available throughout the daySpecial three-course welcome and farewell dinnersA special traditional oven-made pizza partyAn exclusive wine-tasting experience in the Holmo gardenItalian wine served with dinner every dayArt trip to the Chianti Classico regionArt trip to San GimignanoPrivate transportation for all planned activitiesExperienced UpTrek retreat host available throughout the dayRound-trip transfers from/to Florence Airport (FLR)All local tourist taxes and feesAccess to a private Facebook group with Kristin Van Leuven and the other retreat participants four months before the retreatNot includedAirfareTravel insuranceArt supplies - a detailed list of art materials recommended by Kristin Van Leuven will be provided five months before the retreatTwo lunches during the art tripsTips for staffExtra costs guests might incur on their own

## Program

### The Anatomy of Watercolor Retreat
Join artist Kristin Van Leuven for a watercolor retreat in the heart of Tuscany, where olive trees stretch across the hills and the golden light brings every landscape to life. This weeklong experience offers space to slow down, return to your creative practice, and rediscover the joy of watercolor in a setting that inspires from morning to night. With Kristin’s warm and encouraging guidance, you’ll explore essential techniques in a way that feels clear and approachable. Complex methods will be broken into simple steps that help you paint with more ease and confidence. Brushwork, water control, and layering will unfold naturally as you experiment with painting florals and landscapes drawn from your surroundings.Each class invites curiosity and play, with hands-on demonstrations and thoughtful feedback. Whether you are picking up a brush for the first time or returning to it after years of painting, you’ll be supported as you find your rhythm and deepen your understanding of the medium. Throughout the week, inspiration will come not only from the classes but also from the land itself. Views of cypress-lined roads, old stone farmhouses, and fields of wildflowers will inform your palette and spark new ideas. Kristin will help you turn those impressions into paintings that feel personal and expressive, without pressure or perfection.By the end of the retreat, you’ll carry home a meaningful collection of work shaped by your experience in Tuscany, along with the knowledge, confidence, and momentum to keep painting long after the week is over. The topics covered during your lessons will include:Introduction to color theoryMastering water controlMaintaining color valueUsing white space to your advantageWorking with watercolor instead of forcing itAchieving organic strokesBreaking down landscape and botanical subjects into essential partsThe basics of plein-airHow to begin your artworkThe basics of sketching...and many more!Beyond the classroom, you’ll have plenty of time to soak up the stunning Tuscan landscape, relax, and connect with 15 other like-minded artists over a glass of wine. You'll stay in a beautiful historic venue nestled in the Tuscan hills and enjoy art trips to explore the region’s hidden treasures: a journey along the scenic Chianti Classico trail and a visit to the medieval town of San Gimignano.

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

### Day 2: Art classes at the venue
Start the morning with a delicious breakfast before gathering with Kristin and your fellow artists for a slow coffee and chat, easing into the day’s creative rhythm.Begin your watercolor practice with a playful, hands-on warm-up designed to reconnect you with the core techniques of the medium. Kristin will guide you through expressive brushstrokes, loose mark-making, and exercises that invite you to paint with more flow and confidence. Work on building soft watercolor textures and patterns, watching as pigment moves across the paper. Explore how different amounts of water shift value and consistency, building control through intuition and repetition. As the morning unfolds, Kristin will guide you into the world of color theory and limited palettes, encouraging bold but balanced combinations that reflect the natural beauty around you.After lunch, return to the studio to see your earlier lessons in action. Use a grayscale reference image to better understand contrast and structure, mapping out light and shadow before adding color. Once your tonal sketch feels solid, bring the scene to life with layered washes, using your palette with purpose and precision. This is a chance to slow down and make creative choices that add both harmony and depth.As the sun dips behind the hills, gather around the table for a relaxed dinner, share stories from the day, and enjoy a glass of local wine as the night air fills with the scent of lavender and earth.

### Day 3: Trip to San Gimignano
Begin your day with a filling breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee, preparing for another creative day in the heart of Tuscany.In the morning, head out to San Gimignano, a town seemingly untouched by time, with its medieval towers rising dramatically against the Tuscan sky. Known as the "Manhattan of the Middle Ages," this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers plenty of inspiration around every corner. Wander cobblestone streets lined with stone buildings, explore bustling piazzas filled with local artisans, or stroll out to the panoramic viewpoints overlooking the rolling countryside. Sketch as you go or gather impressions for use in upcoming landscape studies and composition work back at the studio.Enjoy lunch on your own at a local trattoria, savoring regional dishes or sampling San Gimignano’s renowned gelato. With Kristin’s guidance, look through sketches and photos from the morning, selecting elements that stand out. Use them as inspiration for new watercolor studies or as a way to expand on earlier paintings. Kristin will be available for support and feedback while you refine your work.End the day back at the venue, unwinding with a leisurely dinner and glass of wine while sharing sketches and reflections with the group.

### Day 4: Art at the venue
Kick off the day with another delicious breakfast, then join Kristin and the group for a relaxed morning check-in before heading into the studio.The day begins with a deep dive into expressive florals. Kristin will guide you through painting soft, layered blooms using a loose and intuitive approach. Start by breaking down the shapes of flowers and exploring how color values bring them to life. Learn to use gentle washes and implied lines to suggest form without overworking your brushstrokes. Kristin will walk you through a simple step-by-step method, using a cone-shaped guide to build each flower from light to dark. You’ll also experiment with negative space to shape the petals and leaves in ways that feel balanced and airy.After a satisfying lunch, return to the studio to keep building on the ideas from the morning. Take your time refining each floral piece, adding vibrancy and depth as you layer color and adjust your compositions. Kristin will be nearby to offer support, whether you're troubleshooting a tricky area or just feeling your way through a new idea. This is a time to explore freely, follow your instincts, and enjoy the rhythm of painting.As evening settles in, gather for a slow dinner with a glass of local wine, surrounded by good company and the feeling of a day well spent.

### Day 5: Trip to Chianti Classico
Fuel up for the day’s adventures with a nourishing breakfast and a warm cup of coffee before setting out into the sunlit hills of Chianti Classico, one of the most iconic regions in Tuscany.Your first stop is the hilltop town of Castellina, where ivy climbs stone walls and cobbled lanes open into small squares lined with cafés and shops. Walk at your own pace, take in the colors and textures, and stop to photograph whatever catches your eye. If a moment feels right, pull out your sketchbook and capture a quick line or wash before moving on.Next, head to Radda in Chianti, where the quiet rhythm of daily life carries through shaded alleyways and small piazzas. Explore the village, wander past weathered doorways, and enjoy lunch at a local spot. Let the patterns of tile, shadow, and distant hills inspire ideas for future paintings or color palettes.In the late afternoon, arrive in Panzano. This peaceful village rests between Florence and Siena, surrounded by terraced vineyards and open skies. Here, time slows down. Sketch a passing moment at the edge of the piazza, snap photos of vineyard rows glowing in the late light, or simply sit still and take it all in.Return to the venue as the sun dips below the hills. Close the day with a relaxed dinner and a glass of local wine, chatting with Kristin and the group as the table fills with stories and laughter.

### Day 6: Art at the venue
Kick off the day with a satisfying breakfast and a relaxed coffee chat with Kristin and your fellow artists before settling in to paint.The morning begins with a focused watercolor class led by Kristin, using reference photos and sketches gathered throughout the week. Work on building expressive landscapes with softness and depth. Explore composition, perspective, and subtle shifts in color value while experimenting with wet-on-wet, layering, and dry brush techniques. A creative warm-up will invite you to divide your watercolor paper into smaller studies, allowing you to explore movement, color, and form in a looser, more playful way.After lunch, step outside and let the landscape draw you in. Wander the gardens, take in the light, and notice how the trees and hills fall into place beyond the vineyard rows. Sketch small moments that stand out. Look for color combinations that echo what you painted earlier. Return to your work with fresh inspiration and apply what you observed to your next piece, weaving together instinct and structure. Kristin will be there to guide you, helping you connect the morning’s practice with the beauty that surrounds you.As the afternoon fades, unwind with a stroll through the gardens, a refreshing dip in the pool, or continue painting if inspiration still flows. Wrap up the day with a relaxed dinner prepared by the chef, accompanied by a glass of local wine.

### Day 7: Art at the venue
Join your art group for a hearty breakfast before getting ready for your last painting morning with Kristin.Spend these final hours adding finishing touches, adjusting details, and looking back on everything you’ve created during the retreat. Kristin will move around the space offering guidance, answering questions, and sharing final tips for anything you want to revisit. Whether you’re adjusting a composition or talking through ways to keep painting at home, this is time to tie everything together at your own pace.After a relaxed lunch, the group will gather for an informal exhibition to celebrate the week’s work. Lay out your paintings, walk through each collection, and take in the variety of styles, stories, and discoveries. Conversations unfold naturally as you share what surprised you, what challenged you, and what you’re taking with you. Kristin will be there too, offering encouragement and celebrating each creative path.As the sun lowers over the hills, gather for a farewell dinner served with local wine. The evening is filled with laughter and reflection, a warm close to a week shaped by color, growth, and the landscapes of Tuscany.

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

## Instructors

- [Kristin Van Leuven](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/kristin-van-leuven) — Artist and author

## Accommodation

### Historical Tuscan Estate
Immerse yourself in the enchanting ambiance of a historic estate nestled in the heart of Tuscany, just a short distance from Florence. This 395-acre self-sustaining property perfectly marries traditional charm with modern comforts. Two beautifully restored villas, Casale Fornace and Fienile Fornace, will be exclusively booked for you and your art group. The villas feature vaulted ceilings, terracotta floors, and a welcoming fireplace in the common area. The stylish bedrooms are adorned with Tuscan marble and wooden accents. These adjacent villas offer convenient access to a private pool.Art classes can be enjoyed outdoors in the estate's picturesque gardens or the nearby countryside. Indoors, sessions are held in the piano room of the main villa, which also doubles as the dining room (the studio and dining room sections are separate). Please note that the studio is located a 5-minute uphill walk from Casale Fornace and Fienile Fornace (approximately 250 meters or 800 feet) - you will need to walk to and from the studio several times a day. The venue is not well-suited to guests with restricted mobility.The estate also boasts an outdoor pool, panoramic gardens, and spacious terraces ideal for al fresco dining. The property produces its own wine, olive oil, and truffles from its expansive woodland.With a history that traces back to Roman and medieval times, the estate seamlessly blends Italian heritage with contemporary comforts. The stunning views of the Val d'Elsa Valley provide a captivating backdrop for your art retreat.Please note that the venue is not be suitable for participants with limited mobility, as some rooms are accessible only by stairs, and getting to the studio and accommodations requires a short walk uphill across cobbled paths. Additionally, being in the Italian countryside, you may encounter some insects during your stay. To preserve the historical character of the villas, the rooms are not equipped with window screens.

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

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

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

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

## Food

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

## Getting There

The art retreat with Kristin Van Leuven will take place at a historic estate nestled in the heart of Tuscany, Italy, where peace and tradition blend seamlessly. This stunning region is famed for its rolling hills, dotted with vineyards and olive groves, and its charming medieval towns along the renowned Chianti Classico trail. The medieval village of Certaldo, famous as the birthplace of Boccaccio, is just 6 miles (10 km) from the estate. The romantic city of Florence, your pick-up and drop-off point, is also nearby, only an hour’s drive away (28 miles or 45 km).Check-in at the retreat begins at 4:00 PM on September 28, 2026, with check-out after breakfast by 10:00 AM on October 5, 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: September 28, 2026 ⁠— 3:00 PM (leaving from Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR), arriving at the retreat venue around 4:00 PM)Departure transfer: October 5, 2026 ⁠— 10:00 AM (leaving from the retreat venue, arriving at Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR) around 11:00 AM)If your travel arrangements don't work with our pre-set transfer times, please consider the following options:Spend extra days at a hotel in Florence before and/or after the retreat, and catch the transfer shuttles from/to Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR)Grab a taxi to the retreat venue (address: Tenuta di Sticciano, Via di Sticciano, 207, 50052 Certaldo FI, Italy, approximately 200 EUR per way from Florence Airport. Please note that taxi fares may change.)

## Reviews

Reviews from the past UpTrek retreat with Kristin Van Leuven:"I loved everything about this retreat! Kristin is an amazing teacher who meets each individual at their level, she is patient, knowledgeable, and accepting. She is extremely open and welcoming, making you feel like you belong no matter what level you are on. She is simply amazing! 100% satisfied with this unforgettable trip!""It was a wonderful, awesome experience. Kristen was kind wonderful and knowledgeable teacher that gave great support and easy to talk to.""Kristin is an amazing teacher for students of all levels. She’s kind, encouraging and able to articulate theory and practice clearly. This experience was a real financial stretch for me and it was worth every penny.""Kristin is as excellent an instructor as she is charming human being. Her ability to tailor her lessons to all skill levels was impressive and she is just So much fun! And what a delightful bonus to have Kelly assisting. Sharing this week with so many talented, thoughtful, supportive women, who quickly became friends, was an unexpected gift.""Kristin is / was a wonderful teacher of watercolor painting, she taught the basics and was very knowledgeable in watercolor techniques. Overall was great experience."Reviews of the venue:"Absolutely beautiful venue. Staff were very cordial and welcoming.""The venue was wonderful, accommodations were very comfortable and attractive, the staff was top notch…the villages we went to were charming, just the right amount of time, the guide was great, and the landscape was breathtaking! The overall agenda was well put together…loved the night of the aperitifs and music! (The climb to the top of the hill to the main villa was a little challenging for me, I must admit.) A great group of people…it was fun to mingle with an entire group of artists and compare notes. A beautiful relaxing environment, the service was outstanding, the food was delicious, well-presented, and very enjoyable…loved trying a lot of new things. I thought Ana from Uptrek was great and very helpful. She was always kind and quickly walked me through any questions I had prior to the trip."By the end of the week, I had mastered the daily hill climb up to the classroom area without being nearly as short of breath - that was a good exercise for me. The itinerary was great, and the tours to San Gimignano and Chianti were wonderful. Lucas, the tour guide, was an amazing historian, so use him when you can! And Patrick, the singing bus driver! The staff were most gracious and attentive. They even printed up copies of my reference photos so I didn’t have to wear down my cell phone battery. Kudos to all of them!""All of the staff was excellent, very accommodating. I loved the food and the wine, it was truly amazing. I loved the breakfast especially, I’m not used to having that kind of variety, lunch and dinner were equally wonderful.""The venue was just lovely! Beautiful and great inspiration to paint!""The venue was gorgeous and very accommodating.""This was an incredible retreat. Just unbelievable. The venue and accommodations were spectacular and the food was out of this world. Who knew I loved wild boar so much? The staff were accommodating and fun to be around, and I would pick up a little Italian as I got my morning cappuccino (also the best I've ever enjoyed)."

## Frequently Asked Questions

Is this art retreat available to all levels? The art retreat with Kristin Van Leuven is open to all levels of experience.When is the painting retreat available?The art retreat with artist Kristin Van Leuven in Italy takes place between September 28 - October 5, 2026.Are there any check-in and check-out hours?Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on September 28, 2026. Check-out is after breakfast on the last day, October 5, 2026.Is Wi-Fi available?Wi-Fi is available in the dining and living rooms, workshop spaces, common areas, and all rooms.I am vegetarian/vegan. Can I book this art retreat?Please inform us of any dietary requirements at least one month in advance. We may not be able to accommodate severe, life-threatening allergies. Additionally, we cannot cater to dietary needs announced less than a month before the retreat, switch diets during the retreat, or accommodate last-minute requests made on the spot.How do I get to the retreat venue?Please arrive at Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR). We strongly recommend planning more time for long-distance international travel because of the current disruptions in flight schedules. It is best to arrive in Italy a day before the retreat starts to prevent any inconveniences caused by flight delays, rest after the long travel, and adjust to the new time zone. Private airport transfers at prearranged times to and from Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR) are included. If you cannot find good connecting flights from your departure airport to Florence, we recommend you fly to Rome and fly locally to Florence. For more details, please see the Location tab. Please hold off on booking flights until the retreat becomes guaranteed.What should I pack? Please pack appropriate clothing, a swimsuit, sunglasses, insect repellent, soothing cream for insect bites, a cardigan for chilly evenings, comfortable shoes, personal care items, and any personal medication you might need.What art supplies do I need for the workshop?A detailed list of art materials recommended by artist Kristin Van Leuven will be provided upon booking, five months before the retreat begins. Tables, chairs, water cups, paper towels, and watercolor paper (Arches 7'' × 10'' cold pressed 300gsm, 20 sheets) for the workshop component are included.What’s the weather like in Certaldo, Italy, in late September?In late September, the weather in Certaldo, the closest town to the retreat venue, is pleasant and sunny. You can expect average highs of 22°C / 72°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 art retreat and pack accordingly.Is there a local currency I should acquire before arriving?Please take out euros cash from an ATM at the airport in Florence. You will need cash for small purchases during the day trips, for tipping the staff (tipping is customary), and for any extras you might want to purchase at the retreat venue.How many people are to be expected on the retreat?Maximum of 16 participants.Do I need a visa?Guests traveling from the US, Canada, UK, EU, and/or Schengen member states may enter Italy for tourist purposes without a visa or travel authorization. Please contact us for further guidance.Are there any age restrictions?No restrictions whatsoever. Please keep in mind that you must be 18 years of age to travel independently.What language is used during the painting workshop and other activities?The retreat is available in English.Can a non-participating guest join me?We do not accommodate non-participants at our art retreats. This policy is in place to ensure the artistic and immersive nature of our retreats remains intact for all participants.Is the retreat available to guests with low and limited mobility?Unfortunately, the retreat venue and trips are not well suited for people with low and limited mobility. The indoor art studio is located a 4-minute walk away from the accommodation spaces, and the art trips involve plenty of walking on uneven, cobbled streets.What happens if I need to cancel?Once the retreat is guaranteed, all payments are final and nonrefundable. Bookings are nonrefundable under any circumstances. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. After your payment is processed, you may purchase insurance through the following link: Purchase insurance. Please review our cancellation policy.Do I need travel insurance?Yes. Since all bookings are nonrefundable, travel insurance is mandatory for all UpTrek travelers. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. We strongly advise that your chosen policy provides cover against lost or delayed baggage, loss of personal belongings, trip cancellation, trip interruption, accidents, illness, injury, medical expenses, death, and emergency repatriation.For your convenience, UpTrek is affiliated with Allianz Travel and is a Registered Travel Retailer under AGA license. Click here to purchase your insurance plan.Please note that UpTrek is not qualified or authorized to answer questions about coverage, benefits, exclusions, or conditions of any Allianz Travel Insurance plan. If you have questions about your plan, please contact Allianz Global Assistance directly at CustomerService@AllianzAssistance.com or by phone at 1-800-284-8300. Be sure to provide the reference code F215276 so Allianz knows you are purchasing protection for an UpTrek trip.We strongly recommend reviewing the terms and conditions of any insurance policy you purchase to fully understand the coverage, benefits, and claims process. We will gladly provide the essential documentation to support refund claims with the insurance provider.Do I have to pay a deposit?No. Once the number of guest reservations reaches the minimum number required for the retreat to become guaranteed, UpTrek charges the guests the cost of the retreat. Guests who reserved will be notified 48 hours in advance that their payment method on file is about to be charged.Will I receive a full refund if the retreat is not guaranteed?UpTrek does not charge the payment method we collect until the retreat becomes guaranteed. Once the retreat is guaranteed and your payment method is charged, there will be no reimbursement. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements.Will I receive a full refund if the guaranteed retreat is canceled by the artist or by UpTrek?If the retreat is canceled due to force majeure events or circumstances out of UpTrek's and/or the instructor's control, UpTrek will let you know as soon as possible, refund the total cost of the retreat, and help you find another option for your vacation.

## Book This Retreat

👉 **[Reserve your spot on uptrek.com](https://uptrek.com/retreat/the-anatomy-of-watercolor-art-retreat-artist-kristin-van-leuven-italy#book)** — no deposit required.

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

---

**Canonical URL:** https://uptrek.com/retreat/the-anatomy-of-watercolor-art-retreat-artist-kristin-van-leuven-italy
**Last updated:** 2026-03-10