# Rustic Buildings in Watercolor – A Creative Painting Retreat with Artist Harriet de Winton in Tuscany Join the wonderful artist Harriet de Winton for an inspiring watercolor retreat in the warm, sunlit hills of Tuscany. You will explore the textures, stonework, and simple architectural details that give Tuscan buildings and landscapes their character, painting rustic facades, weathered walls, and sun-dappled corners with a fresh, observational eye. You will create and grow alongside fellow like-minded artists under Harriet's warm and generous guidance. Take part in daily classes with Harriet, with plenty of hands-on feedback and personalized advice, as well as insightful demonstrations. Beyond the studio, you will venture to San Gimignano, a UNESCO-listed medieval hilltop town whose towers, stonework, and weathered facades bring the architectural richness of the retreat to life, and to Frantoio Pasquini, a four-generation olive oil mill in the nearby hills of Reggello. The retreat welcomes all levels of experience, though you’ll benefit most if you already have some familiarity with watercolor. 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 fellow creatives. ## Details - **Dates:** September 25 - October 2, 2027 - **Location:** Vaggio, Tuscany, Italy - **Starting Price:** $4,950 - **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 Harriet de Winton 2. Art studio equipped with: tables, chairs, field easels, portable plein-air stools, paper towels, professional studio lights, glass jars, watercolor paper 3. Fresh flowers will be provided for the workshop component 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. All 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 every day 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 an olive oil tasting with appetizers 14. Private transportation and chaperone for all trips and planned activities 15. Round-trip transfers from/to Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR) at prearranged times 16. All local tourist taxes and fees 17. Dedicated UpTrek retreat coordinator 18. Fully staffed venue with drivers, cleaning and maintenance staff, and chef and kitchen staff 19. Access to a private Facebook group with Harriet de Winton 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 Harriet de Winton 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 ### Textures in Stone - A Rustic Watercolor Retreat Step into a world of rustic charm and watercolor magic with artist Harriet de Winton on a weeklong painting retreat in the heart of Tuscany. Working primarily in watercolor, you will explore the textures, stonework, and simple architectural details that give Tuscan buildings and landscapes their character, learning to capture rustic charm through observation and paint. The retreat welcomes all levels of experience, though you’ll benefit most if you already have some familiarity with watercolor. Harriet's teaching is as generous as it is inspiring, guiding you from your very first warm-up strokes all the way through to a confident final composition, meeting you exactly where you are. Beyond the studio, the week takes you to San Gimignano, a UNESCO-listed medieval hilltop town whose towers, stonework, and weathered facades offer endless inspiration for the architectural details at the heart of your work. A morning visit to Frantoio Pasquini, a four-generation olive oil mill in the hills of Reggello, adds another layer of Tuscan texture to your pieces. **Some of the topics covered during your classes with Harriet include:** - Learning the fundamentals of watercolor painting - Sketching the basic forms of buildings - Choosing a color palette - Using shadow to create depth and detail - Painting different architectural surfaces and textures - Incorporating greenery and plant life to ground a building in its landscape - Using layers and glazes of watercolor to build a believable yet expressive painting - Noticing the details that give a building its character - Getting introduced to plein-air sketching, from simple architectural details to landscapes - Painting from observation - Discovering the therapeutic calm that watercolor painting can bring - Enjoying the pure joy of creation - ...and many more! 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, take part in a delightful wine-tasting experience on the venue grounds, and enjoy the company of like-minded creatives, making bonds that will last a lifetime! ### 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 and elegantly designed room, explore the cozy common areas, the well-equipped workshop space, the peaceful pool, and the expansive gardens, all surrounded by serene vineyards and olive groves. Meet the lovely artist Harriet de Winton, your instructor for the week, and gather for a welcome ceremony before sitting down to a delightful dinner with welcome cocktails, sharing your excitement for the week ahead. ### Day 2: Classes at the venue & wine tasting experience Greet the morning with a nourishing breakfast and a steaming cup of coffee before a quick morning check-in with the venue hosts. Prepare for your first full day with Harriet and the group, ready to step into a world of rustic buildings and watercolor magic! The morning begins with a few introductions from Harriet, presenting the materials you will be working with throughout the week and what you will learn. Share your expectations, set some intentions and goals for the week, and discuss everything with Harriet and your fellow artists, getting on the same page. Pause midday for a relaxed lunch, then head out into the venue's vast gardens and terraces for an art session outdoors. Walk the venue grounds and get inspired by your surroundings as Harriet introduces you to some simple building painting exercises. Learn how to capture the rustic charm and weathered texture of teracotta walls, laying the groundwork and preparing for tomorrow's art trip to San Gimignano. 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 Enjoy a warm breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee as the morning buzzes with anticipation, then set off with Harriet and the group for the first adventure of the retreat. Your destination is San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site perched in the hills of Tuscany and known the world over as the "Medieval Manhattan." Once a thriving stopover on the ancient Via Francigena pilgrimage route connecting France to Rome, this walled hilltop town has preserved its medieval skyline almost entirely intact, with 14 soaring tower houses still rising above its rooftops and stone-paved streets. As you pass through the town gates, the medieval world opens up around you in the most vivid possible way, and for a retreat devoted to the art and iconography of the Middle Ages, it is nothing short of a revelation. Wander the cobblestone streets with Harriet and take in the extraordinary richness of architecture around every corner. Take part in an urban sketching session, capturing the textures and forms of the town as you go. Harriet will guide you through choosing subjects, simplifying what you see, and applying the techniques from the studio sessions to real-world scenes. Sketch the carved stone details of a doorway, the sunlit piazza framed by ancient towers, or the arched windows of centuries-old buildings. Pause midday for a relaxed lunch at a welcoming trattoria, where you can sample the flavors of San Gimignano and raise a glass of Vernaccia, the town's celebrated local white wine. The afternoon is yours to keep exploring and sketching at your own pace. Walk around, relax, and take in the sweeping views of the town, capturing reference photos or sketching more if you prefer. Find the views and details that speak to you and work freely, putting into practice everything you've learned so far. Harriet will be there to give you guidance and encouragement along the way. As the afternoon light softens, head back to the venue and take some time to rest and recharge. Join Harriet and your fellow artists for a delightful 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 Fuel up with a generous breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, followed by a brief morning check-in with the venue hosts. Step into the venue's expansive gardens and take part in an outdoor painting session, focusing on painting details that surround you, such as weathered arches, bright windows decorated with flowers, intricate brickwork, and rustic stonework. Harriet will be there to guide and support you as you zoom in on a smaller area and capture the little details of what's in front of you. Recharge over a satisfying lunch, then continue painting in the venue gardens. Keep honing in on the small details that catch your eye, perhaps a different archway, a cluster of flowers against a window, or another patch of weathered stone. Harriet will continue to work alongside you, offering guidance as you refine your technique and build on the progress made earlier in the day. As the class comes to an end, take some time to relax and reset before a flavorful three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and accompanied by a glass of fragrant local wine. ### Day 5: Trip to a traditional olive oil mill Begin the day with a warm breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee, then prepare for the second adventure of the retreat: a half-day trip to Frantoio Pasquini, a family-owned olive oil mill nestled among the hills and groves of Reggello, just a 10-minute drive away 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 local specialties at their eno-oleoteca. Harriet will be right there with you, and as the group moves through the mill and its sun-dappled surroundings, she will share her own reflections on the visit. Share yours as well and gather any visual inspiration before you leave, be it a gnarled branch or the geometry of the press. Return to the venue for a leisurely lunch, then head back into the studio for an afternoon timed painting session. Harriet will teach you how to look at the venue buildings as a whole and simplify the scene into simple shapes that you can translate on your canvas. This exercise will help you to take a large subject and paint it swiftly, without getting overwhelmed by its scale. Take some time for yourself in the early evening to unwind. Dinner brings the group back together around a hearty three-course meal prepared by the private chef and paired with aromatic wine and even better conversation as everyone shares the day's discoveries. ### Day 6: Classes at the venue Kick off the day with a nourishing breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee, followed by a quick morning check-in with the venue hosts, before making your way to the studio. The day will be dedicated to creating a composition from your favorite details, elements, and techniques from throughout the week. Think about what you have learned, look through your reference materials, and choose the elements that you want to build your composition with. Harriet will be right by your side guiding you as you start working on your composition piece. Pause for a relaxed lunch, then return to the studio in the afternoon. Start adding color, light, and shadow to your composition, layering in the tones and contrasts that bring your chosen details to life and give the piece depth and atmosphere. Throughout the day, Harriet will be available for short one-on-one sessions, offering you personalized feedback and helping you figure out the next steps in your artistic journey. As the class ends, take some time to rest and unwind before the evening begins. Indulge in a wholesome three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef and paired with a glass of fragrant wine, filling the evening with laughter and lively conversation. ### Day 7: Classes at the venue Head into your final day with a filling breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, then check in briefly with the venue hosts before making your way to the studio one last time. The morning workshop will be dedicated to finishing your composition piece. Add any last details and final touch-ups, and bring your artwork to its final stage. During the class, Harriet will be available for short one-on-one sessions, giving you the chance to ask any remaining questions you may have and get individual feedback on your work. Enjoy a nourishing lunch, then step into the studio transformed 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. Walk around, ask each other questions, and enjoy the variety of styles and subjects that emerged from the same rustic buildings, weathered stonework, and studio sessions. Harriet will share her reflections on the week as well, honoring your progress and the creative ground you have covered together. Take some leisure time in the late afternoon, then raise a glass at a spectacular three-course farewell dinner accompanied by cocktails, toasting to the art you have made and the memories you are taking home with you. ### Day 8: Departure Enjoy one last breakfast with Harriet 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 the lessons that Harriet has taught you, as well as a heart brimming with inspiration, unforgettable memories, and cherished new friendships that will last long after the retreat ends. Embrace this newfound energy and sense of community as your retreat experience comes to an end, ready to spread positivity and creativity all around you! ## Instructors - [Harriet de Winton](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/harriet-de-winton) — Artist and watercolor teacher ## Accommodation ### Tuscan Vineyard Estate Your venue for the retreat with Harriet de Winton 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 Harriet 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 private, adjacent bathrooms are available for single occupancy. All rooms are located on the second floor, two of them in the main villa and another one in the medieval tower. Each room offers access to a shared living room featuring a TV and dining amenities, as well as a fully-equipped kitchen with a kitchenette and dining table. Each room has access to an adjacent, private bathroom equipped with a shower or a tub, toilletries, towels, and a haridryer. 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 with a TV and a fully-equipped kitchen with a kitchenette and dining table. 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 Harriet de Winton, 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 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 Harriet de Winton 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 the retreat, you will explore the region through two exciting trips: one to the historic city of San Gimignano and another to the nearby olive oil mill Frantoio Pasquini. Tuscany’s landscape, with its rolling vineyards, olive groves, and cypress-lined hills, has long stirred the imagination of artists. The region’s rich cultural heritage and fertile land, home to Chianti wines and some of Italy’s finest olive oils, offer endless inspiration for painting, writing, and reflection. Check-in at the retreat begins at 5:00 PM on September 25, 2027, with check-out after breakfast by 10:00 AM on October 2, 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: September 25, 2027 ⁠— 4:00 PM** (leaving from Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR), arriving at the retreat venue around 5:00 PM) - **Departure transfer: October 2, 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 with artist Harriet de Winton:** - "Harriet de Winton was an absolute joy as she guided our group through the are of creating beautiful watercolor paintings. Her passion and teaching style made the entire experience unforgettable. By the end of our time together, we had formed meaningful friendships that made saying goodbye truly difficult. This was more than just a retreat-- it was the experience of a lifetime!" - "Learning from Harriet was an amazing opportunity. She is so warm, welcoming and encouraging. She is an excellent teacher and I would highly recommend going to a retreat with her!" - "I can’t say enough wonderful things! Harriet is the most positive and wonderful teacher! The best retreat I have ever been on! Thank you!!" - "Harriet was a patient, skilled teacher. She let us work at our own pace and encouraged us to try new things. She took us through the different ways to use watercolor in a logical order. She was prepared with the direct lessons and supportive of our work. As a group we were able to create a sense of community. All in all, it was a lovely experience and one in which I learned a lot but also felt that I made some new friends." - "Harriet is an outstanding teacher! Her demonstrations are thorough, and she provide excellent guidance. She's always positive even for those of us less experienced in watercolors. She was always 'one of us' outside the class. I plan to enroll in her class next year." - "Harriet is the best. A warm, generous and talented teacher. Her art is so wonderful. All of the women present were warm, kind and supportive. We laughed a lot. Friendships were formed. It was a gift of an experience in all ways." - "What an amazing experience from start to finish! Truly one of the best things I have done. Harriet is an inspiring and patient teacher who paced our classes perfectly for all levels to feel like they had really made progress and made great strides at the end of the week. We have made lifelong friendships with like minded people, an experience I will never forget. Thank you!!!" **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 all levels of experience, though you’ll benefit most if you already have some familiarity with watercolor. **When is the retreat available?** The retreat with artist Harriet de Winton in Tuscany, Italy, takes place between September 25 - October 2, 2027. **Are there any check-in and check-out hours?** Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on September 25, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast, at 10:00 AM, on the last day, October 2, 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. However, 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/rustic-buildings-in-watercolor-creative-painting-retreat-artist-harriet-de-winton-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 Harriet de Winton will be provided five months before the retreat takes place. Tables, chairs, field easels, portable plein-air stools, paper towels, professional studio lights, glass jars, watercolor paper (2 x Arches 12-sheet pads and 1 x Arches 20-sheet block per participant), and fresh flowers 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 late September?** In late September, the weather in Vaggio, the closest town to the retreat venue, is pleasant and sunny. You can expect average highs of 27°C / 81°F during the day that drop to around 16°C / 61°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/rustic-buildings-in-watercolor-creative-painting-retreat-artist-harriet-de-winton-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/rustic-buildings-in-watercolor-creative-painting-retreat-artist-harriet-de-winton-tuscany **Last updated:** 2026-09-16