# Sculpture and Printmaking Art Retreat with Artist Jeanne Oliver in Tuscany

Immerse yourself in a transformative art retreat with beloved artist Jeanne Oliver, set among the golden hills of Tuscany. Focus on sculpture and printmaking as powerful tools for storytelling and self-expression. Through carving, shaping, layering, and pressing, you’ll explore how form and texture can bring your ideas to life in unexpected ways. Create richly layered prints that reflect your own sketches and inner narratives. Whether you're new to these mediums or returning with fresh eyes, this retreat offers space to grow, play, and reconnect with what moves you.

Beyond your studio time, spend a day in Florence with Jeanne, sketching and gathering inspiration from the city's remarkable art and architecture. Visit Jeanne's favorite museum in Florence, the Museo Marino Marini, followed by a visit to Il Bisonte Art Foundation for art and printmaking.

Enjoy a full day in Arezzo, which brings a local market to explore and entry to the Chiesa di San Francesco, home to Piero della Francesca's celebrated fresco cycle. Top it all off with a day in the hilltop town of San Gimignano, where cobbled streets and medieval towers create a striking backdrop for your work, with artisan shops to discover as you wander!

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 the countryside. Enjoy chef-prepared Italian cuisine, a wine tasting on the property, and the company of 16 fellow artists.

## Details

- **Dates:** May 31 - June 7, 2027
- **Location:** Vaggio, Tuscany, Italy
- **Starting Price:** $4,750
- **Currency:** USD
- **Status:** guaranteed
- **Group Size:** Max. 17 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 Jeanne Oliver
2. Art studio equipped with: tables, chairs, glass jars, paper towels, professional studio lights, folding chairs, easels, and easel lamps
3. 7 nights of accommodation at a beautiful Tuscan estate
4. 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
5. Meals: 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 7 dinners carefully prepared by a private chef
6. All diets catered for, including vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, and lactose-free
7. Water, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and snacks available throughout the day
8. Special welcome and farewell dinner and cocktails
9. Delicious local wine served during dinner service
10. Guided wine tour and tasting experience at the venue estate
11. Full-day art trip to Florence, with opportunities for painting and sketching on location
12. Visit to Museo Marino Marini and to Il Bisonte Art Foundation during your trip to Florence
13. Full-day art trip to San Gimignano, with opportunities for painting and sketching on location
14. Full-day art trip to Arezzo, including a market visit, tickets for Chiesta San Francesco, and opportunities for painting and sketching in Piazza Grande
15. English-speaking chaperone for all trips and planned activities
16. Private transportation for all trips and planned activities
17. Round-trip transfers from/to Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR) at prearranged times
18. All local tourist taxes and fees
19. A dedicated UpTrek retreat coordinator available throughout the whole retreat
20. Fully staffed venue with drivers, cleaning and maintenance staff, and chef and kitchen staff
21. Access to a private Facebook group with Jeanne Oliver and the other retreat participants four months before the retreat takes place

**Not included**

- Airfare
- Travel insurance
- Three lunches during your full-day art trips
- Art materials — a list of materials recommended by artist Jeanne Oliver 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

### Sculpture and Printmaking Art Retreat
Join artist Jeanne Oliver for an unforgettable art retreat in the stunning Tuscany region. This week-long creative adventure is packed with inspiring daily classes led by Jeanne, plenty of one-on-one feedback, live demos, hands-on sessions, and space to truly cut loose and rediscover your creative spark. With a strong focus on printmaking and sculpture, you'll work with materials like paper mache, clay, wire, ink, charcoal, conté, graphite, pigment, and acrylic paint. You'll build a beautiful stitched sketchbook filled with expressive studies and also have the chance to sculpt with air-dry clay, creating figures and forms inspired by your own sketches. Whether you're brand new to art or looking to shake up your current style, all experience levels are welcome.

Enjoy three inspiring full-day art trips during your week in Tuscany. In Florence, you'll explore the Museo Marino Marini, Jeanne's personal favorite, and sketch from his sculptures and prints then head to the Il Bisonte Art Foundation to learn etching on zinc plates. In Arezzo, you'll enjoy a full day in this beautiful town, with a local market to wander and a visit to the Chiesa di San Francesco to see Piero della Francesca's celebrated frescoes, with plenty of time to paint and sketch in the Piazza Grande. You'll also spend a full day in the stunning hilltop town of San Gimignano, where you'll explore its medieval charm and sketch as you go or gather impressions for use in upcoming studies back at the studio.

Jeanne's encouraging and insightful teaching will help you silence your inner critic, experiment with new techniques, and connect more deeply with the world around you. You'll explore printmaking, sketching, creating armatures and sculptures in clay and paper mache, and creating natural inks and pastels. Best of all, you'll make lifelong memories with your fellow artists as you laugh, learn, grow, and create together in beautiful Tuscany!

**The topics covered during your lessons will include:**

- Creating handmade sketchbooks
- Learning to see line and form in your surroundings
- How to work out creative ideas based upon the inspiration your gather
- Working with simple tools like charcoal, graphite, and conte
- How to create an armature
- How to create with clay and paper mache
- Drypoint printmaking
- Learning cyanotype and mono-printing techniques
- Wood Block Printmaking
- Creating natural art supplies
- ...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 16 other like-minded artists!

### 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, join the welcome tour and explore the cozy common areas, the well-equipped studio, the peaceful pool, and the expansive gardens, all surrounded by serene vineyards and olive groves. Meet artist Jeanne Oliver, your instructor for this retreat, and gather for a delightful dinner with welcome cocktails, sharing your excitement for the week ahead.

### Day 2: Classes at the venue & wine tasting experience
Wake to breakfast and coffee, then meet Jeanne for a relaxed check-in before heading into the studio.

Jeanne will begin with an overview of the coming days, encouraging you to set some personal objectives. Your first creative exercise will be crafting two handmade art sketchbooks, the companions you'll carry with you into Florence and beyond. Become familiar with your materials, including charcoal, graphite, and blending sticks, and learn how to use them as you begin collecting line and form all around you. Take your time with each material and begin combining them in ways that feel natural.

Break for a relaxed lunch, then return to the studio for the afternoon session. Using the morning's sketches as your source material, you'll move into monoprinting, creating a volume of monoprints using different papers, gelli plates, and more. You will also experiment with making your own inks from natural or found pigments, grinding and mixing materials like charcoal, soil, or plant matter to create your own custom palette of colors and tones.

In the evening, join Jeanne and the group for a guided wine tasting experience on the estate grounds, exploring the vineyard paths and wine cellar and sampling the wines produced right here at the venue. Wrap it up with a delicious chef-made dinner, the perfect close to your first full day.

### Day 3: Art trip to Florence
Fuel up with a nourishing breakfast and a cup of coffee, then head out with Jeanne for a full day in Florence. On the way there, Jeanne will share some of the city's rich artistic history to set the scene for the day.

Arrive at your destination after a 1-hour trip and head for the Museo Marino Marini (Jeanne's favorite museum in Florence). One of the most important artists of the 20th century, Marino Marini is famous for his unique style of sculpture. Inspired by traditional Etruscan and Northern European sculptures, his main themes include equestrian statues, nudes, portraits, and circus figures.

Take a break for lunch and enjoy a delicious Italian meal at a garden setting restaurant (each person pays for their own lunch).

In the afternoon, regroup and head for the Il Bisonte Art Foundation, a historic printmaking school that also serves as a lively cultural hub. Here, you will take part in a unique workshop where you'll learn drypoint printmaking.

Return to the venue as the evening settles in, and wind down with a mouthwatering dinner and a glass of local wine.

### Day 4: Art 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 studies back at the studio.

You'll enjoy lunch together with your group at one of Jeanne's favorite restaurants (each person pays for their own lunch), savoring regional dishes or sampling San Gimignano’s renowned gelato. Spend the afternoon exploring at your leisure, sketching quiet corners of the town, or simply soaking up the relaxed Tuscan atmosphere.

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 5: Classes at the venue
Kick off the day with a satisfying breakfast and a relaxed coffee chat with Jeanne and your fellow artists before diving into your creative practice.

Join your fellow artists for a morning that will consist of sculpture studies. Gather your sketches from throughout the week and use them as reference materials for your sculpture studies, translating the essence of Italy into beautiful sculpted pieces.

After enjoying lunch, return to the studio for another art workshop. During this session, you will create armatures for your sculpture works, the wire and structural frames that will become the skeletons of your upcoming figures and busts made with air-dry clay. Build your sculptural expression using materials such as paper mâché, clay, and/or plaster. Engage with texture, structure, and spatial composition as you build intuitive forms that expand your visual language. Jeanne will be available for personalized feedback and support to help refine your approach.

As the afternoon fades, unwind with a stroll through the gardens, a refreshing dip in the pool, or continue working if inspiration still flows. Wrap up the day with a relaxed dinner prepared by the chef, accompanied by a glass of local wine.

### Day 6: Art trip to Arezzo
Fuel up with a warm breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee as morning light pours in, followed by a brief morning check-in with the venue hosts. Then, set out on the first adventure of the retreat and drive with Jeanne and the group through the folds of the countryside towards the enchanting town of Arezzo, a sparkling gem tucked into the Tuscan hills and full of charm and sun-drenched beauty.

As you arrive in Arezzo, meander through winding medieval streets and explore hidden corners where Renaissance painters once walked. Browse the vintage market that spreads across the squares and lanes of the old center, with its stalls filled with antiques and curiosities of every kind. Visit the famous Roman Catholic basilica Chiesa di San Francesco, which houses "The Legend of the True Cross," a masterpiece by Piero della Francesca. This remarkable series of frescoes is one of the most celebrated works of the Renaissance, depicting a sweeping biblical story through vivid color and a groundbreaking use of perspective.

If inspired, join Jeanne for a relaxed sketching session in Piazza Grande, a square in the town's center, learning more about light and color when sketching on location.

For lunch, settle into a welcoming trattoria and savor a relaxed, authentic Italian meal on your own. Afterwards, continue exploring Arezzo at your own pace, taking in the town's rustic charm.

Return to the venue in the late afternoon and take some spare time to recharge before dinner. Join Jeanne and your fellow artists for a hearty three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef and paired with a glass of aromatic wine.

### Day 7: Classes at the venue
Ease into the final day of your retreat with a relaxed breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee.

Inspired by the work made throughout the week, the day will begin with carving woodblocks and creating woodblock prints on paper. This process allows time to explore shape, texture, and composition in a focused, hands-on way. The carved blocks will be used to make bold, graphic prints that connect to themes or images developed earlier in the week.

Enjoy lunch together before joining Jeanne in the studio one last time. Take some time to wrap up your projects and ask Jeanne any lingering questions. The day wraps up with a mini-exhibition, where Jeanne provides personalized feedback, highlighting ways to further develop your skills and vision.

As evening arrives, gather for a farewell dinner paired with a glass of local wine, reminiscing about your time spent creating and connecting with others. Take pride in your collection of sketches, sculptures, and experiences captured across Tuscany!

### Day 8: Departure
Enjoy one last breakfast with Jeanne 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.

## Instructors

- [Jeanne Oliver](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/jeanne-oliver) — Artist, teacher, author, and art business consultant

## Accommodation

### Tuscan Vineyard Estate
Your venue for the retreat with Jeanne Oliver 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 Jeanne will be carried out in a spacious 1,560 sq. ft. (145 sq. m.) studio located on the second floor of the granary building.

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 adjacent bathroom
Four single standard rooms with adjacent bathrooms are available for single occupancy. One room is located in the main villa on the second floor, while three are found in the medieval tower on the second floor and third floors. Each room offers access to a shared living room featuring a TV and dining amenities, and a kitchen equipped with a kitchenette and a dining table.

Each room has access to an adjacent, private bathroom equipped with a shower or a tub, toiletries, towels, and a hairdryer. 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 and a full kitchen with a dining table and a TV. 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 Jeanne Oliver, 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 three lunches during your full-day trips.

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 Jeanne Oliver 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 three exciting trips: one to majestic Florence, one to the historic city of San Gimignano, and one to colorful Arezzo during the monthly vintage market. 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 your classes.

Check-in at the retreat begins at 5:00 PM on May 31, 2027, with check-out after breakfast by 10:00 AM on June 7, 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: May 31, 2027 ⁠— 4:00 PM** (leaving from Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR), arriving at the retreat venue around 5:00 PM)
- **Departure transfer: June 7, 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 Jeanne Oliver:**

- "This was my first Uptrek and art retreat. Everyone on the Uptrek team was stellar. Very sociable, inviting, kind, caring, helpful and knowledgeable. Their attention to detail was impressive. Jeanne is a fantastic instructor. The week had a number of different projects (most I had never done before) and was done at a pace which made it very interesting and educational. Jeanne has a fun, relaxed approach to leading and was able to make this class challenging and fun for everyone from professional artists to beginners like me. The balance between outings and studio time was perfect."

- "My experience was great. I really enjoyed every aspect of the workshop. At times I struggled to make sense of some of the exercises, but Jeanne was great in going over the explanations with me and showing how it all fit into the overall purpose of the workshop. What a great teacher she is and so patient! I learned so much from her that will encourage and inform my art."

- "The classes with Jeanne were so wonderful. She is an amazing artist and human😊 I enjoyed every minute!"

- "This retreat really exceeded my expectations. It was my first time combining travel to another country with an art workshop. I felt totally immersed in both aspects- art and the culture of France. I spent time at the start of my travel in Paris and by the time I got to the workshop I felt ready to explore creativity. Jeanne gave me so many ways to do that at the workshop and as a practice at home. Between museums and history and teaching from Jeanne and my fellow classmates, I felt immersed in art. Just what I wanted."

- "I learned so much and enjoyed Jeanne’s approach and teaching. The attention to detail from UpTrek, Jeanne Oliver, and Nico and Sophie all throughout was amazing, I am so grateful and would highly recommend."

- "Of course I could go on and on and on about Jeanne and Kelly. Zero complaints and only positive things to say about her teaching and authentic warm personality. I enjoyed that it was very art making focused as opposed to tours. The outings we did go on, seemed to be art focused and we could take them the more “shopping/recreation direction” if we wished. I loved that."

- "It was by far the best retreat I've been on. From Jeanne to the darling couple that own the property, who were the perfect hosts, it was really wonderful!"

**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 Jeanne Oliver's work and style of teaching.

**When is the retreat available?**

The retreat with artist Jeanne Oliver in Tuscany, Italy, takes place between May 31 - June 7, 2027.

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

Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on May 31, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast, at 10:00 AM, on the last day, June 7, 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?**

Wi-Fi is available in all rooms and common areas free of charge.

**I am vegetarian/vegan. Can I book this retreat?**

Yes. 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/sculpture-and-printmaking-art-retreat-artist-jeanne-oliver-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 Jeanne Oliver will be provided five months before the retreat takes place.

Tables, chairs, glass jars, paper towels, professional studio lights, plein-air chairs, easels, and easel lamps 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 early June?**

In early June, the weather in Vaggio, the closest town to the retreat venue, is warm and sunny. You can expect average highs of 28°C / 82°F during the day that drop to around 17°C / 63°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 17 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/sculpture-and-printmaking-art-retreat-artist-jeanne-oliver-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).

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**Canonical URL:** https://uptrek.com/retreat/sculpture-and-printmaking-art-retreat-artist-jeanne-oliver-tuscany
**Last updated:** 2026-07-29