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.