Is this art retreat available to all levels?

The art retreat is open to artists of all levels.

When is the painting retreat available?

The art retreat with artist Chris Fornataro in Tuscany, Italy, takes place between September 1 - 8, 2025.

Are there any check-in and check-out hours?

Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on September 1, 2025. Check-out is after breakfast, at 10:00 AM, on the last day, September 8, 2025.

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 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 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 art supplies do I need for the workshop?

A detailed list of art materials recommended by artist Chris Fornataro will be provided upon booking, five months before the retreat begins.

What’s the weather like in Vaggio, Italy, in September?

In September, the weather in Vaggio, the closest town to the retreat venue, is pleasant and sunny. You can expect average highs of 30°C / 86°F during the day that drop to around 18°C / 64°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 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 short walk away from the accommodation spaces, and the art trips involve plenty of walking on uneven, cobbled streets.

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.

What happens if I need to cancel?

All bookings are nonrefundable under any circumstances. Once payment is made, it is considered final. In the event of a cancellation, regardless of the reason, no refunds will be granted.

Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. This insurance should cover any potential losses incurred due to cancellation or no-show, including but not limited to medical emergencies, travel disruptions, or personal circumstances. We are not affiliated with any travel insurance providers. It is your responsibility to secure appropriate insurance coverage that includes trip cancellation and interruption protection. We highly recommend reviewing the terms and conditions of your chosen insurance provider to understand the coverage and claim process.

We will gladly provide the essential documentation to support refund claims with the insurance provider.