# The Art of Creative Play Retreat with Artists Kelly Rae Roberts and Mati Rose McDonough in Tuscany **Join artists Kelly Rae Roberts and Mati Rose McDonough for a weeklong joy-filled creative retreat in the sunlit hills of Tuscany!** Through daily classes, demos, and plenty of hands-on guidance from Kelly Rae and Mati, you'll loosen your grip, get curious, and PLAY with your creativity. You're invited to awaken your creative spirit, nurture your soul, and forge deep connections with like-minded artists. Whether you're drawn to painting, sketching, abstracts, still life, or mixed media, this retreat is a chance to create to your heart's content. Let yourself be mesmerized by Tuscany's beauty as you explore the breathtaking medieval town of San Gimignano and a charming family-owned olive mill! 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 15 fellow artists. ## Details - **Dates:** May 21 - 28, 2027 - **Location:** Vaggio, Tuscany, Italy - **Starting Price:** $4,950 - **Currency:** USD - **Status:** open - **Group Size:** Max. 18 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 artists Kelly Rae Roberts and Mati Rose McDonough 2. Art studio equipped with: tables, chairs, glass jars, paper towels, professional studio lights, folding chairs, easels, easel lamps, Kraft paper and reference materials 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, 4 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 San Gimignano, with opportunities for painting and sketching on-location 12. Half-day trip to the Frantoio Pasquini oil mill, including an olive oil tasting with appetizers 13. English-speaking guide for all trips and planned activities 14. Private transportation 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. Experienced retreat admin and UpTrek host on location 18. Fully staffed venue with drivers, cleaning and maintenance staff, and chef and kitchen staff 19. Access to a private Facebook group with Kelly Rae Roberts, Mati Rose McDonough and the other retreat participants four months before the retreat takes place **Not included** - Airfare - Travel insurance - Two lunches during your full-day art trips - Art materials — a list of materials recommended by artists Kelly Rae Roberts and Mati Rose McDonough 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 ### A Joy-Filled Creative Retreat Come spend a week in the Tuscan countryside with Kelly Rae Roberts and Mati Rose McDonough, where you’ll make lots of art, follow your curiosity, experiment freely, and PLAY! Throughout the week, you’ll create loose, exploratory pages that will eventually come together into your very own one-of-a-kind artist book. Kelly Rae and Mati will share their favorite techniques, prompts, and ways of approaching the blank page. Play with mixed media, collage, paint, layering, mark-making, abstraction, still life, florals, and plenty of “what happens if I try THIS?” energy. This isn’t about making art that looks like ours. It’s about loosening your grip, trying new things, and discovering more of yours. All experience levels are welcome, from brand-new beginners to seasoned artists. There’s no keeping up and no getting it “right.” Beyond the studio, wander the beautiful streets of San Gimignano, gathering inspiration, photos, sketches, colors, and textures along the way. Visit a family-run olive mill tucked into the Tuscan hills, soaking up the beauty and creative inspiration of this incredible place. **Some of the topics covered in your classes include:** - Throwing perfection out the window - Exploring mixed media and collage through to painting, mark-making, abstraction, and layering - Working into still life and floral studies - Painting mantras that carry the words your heart most wants to hear - Building your own artist book from covers to finished pages - Mixing warm and cool acrylic palettes, and working with watercolor - Layering with gel medium and collage paper - Creating a language of marks with paint pens and household texture tools stamped into wet paint - Following playful prompts and unexpected combinations - Making tons of loose, exploratory pages without any preciousness attached - Discovering more of your own artistic voice - ...and much 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 15 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 lovely artists Kelly Rae Roberts and Mati Rose McDonough, your instructors 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 up to a beautiful Tuscan breakfast (and plenty of coffee and tea!) before gathering with your fellow artists and heading into the studio for a morning of creative play with Kelly Rae and Mati Rose. Kick off your creative week by loosening up and getting comfortable with your materials. You’ll play with color, mark-making, texture, layering, and a variety of mixed media techniques, with plenty of experimenting and “what happens if I try this?” energy. The goal today is simple: get out of your head, get your hands moving, and begin creating without worrying about where any of it is going. As the sun begins to set, gather for a truly unforgettable experience: a charming wine tasting and tour. Wander through the scenic vineyard paths, soak in the fascinating stories behind each exquisite bottle, and enjoy a delightful shared dinner under the enchanting pergola. It’s the perfect way to celebrate creativity and connection! ### Day 3: Art trip to San Gimignano Fuel up with a nutritious breakfast and a steaming cup of coffee, then grab your sketchbook for an unforgettable day trip to the enchanting San Gimignano, just an hour's drive through picturesque vineyards and rolling cypress-covered hills. Your destination is San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the hills of Tuscany, known as the “Medieval Manhattan.” This walled hilltop town was once a busy stop on the ancient Via Francigena pilgrimage route between France and Rome and has kept its medieval skyline almost intact, with 14 soaring tower houses still rising above its rooftops and stone-paved streets. Walking through the town gates, you'll be surrounded by centuries of history and a plethora of subjects for your cityscape studies. Kelly Rae and Mati Rose will ignite your imagination as they lead you on a delightful treasure hunt through the winding lanes. Seek out the vibrant color combinations that catch your eye, the unique patterns begging to be captured, the intriguing shapes that draw you in, and those tiny details that often go unnoticed. Sketch wherever inspiration strikes, and snap photos to bring back to the studio. With both instructors by your side, you’ll discover hidden gems and charming windows you might have missed. Take a break for lunch on your own at a cozy trattoria in town, and indulge in authentic regional flavors as you savor the moment. In the afternoon, set your own pace. Sketch from a shady corner in a lively piazza or explore tiny shops brimming with collage treasures, all while the golden light dances over the tower tops. As you make your way back to the venue, the hills will transform into beautiful silhouettes against the setting sun, giving you just enough time to refresh or lay out your sketches for inspiration before evening falls. As the afternoon light softens, head back to the venue for an easy evening. Join the group who enjoys a three-course dinner prepared by the private chef, sharing stories and discussing the day’s work over glasses of wine. ### Day 4: Classes at the venue Start your day with a hearty breakfast and an aromatic cup of coffee, then dive into the morning workshop where yesterday's adventures will spark your creativity. Today, build on looseness and play with a variety of subjects and approaches, from loose still lifes and blooms to abstraction, collage, and more. Kelly Rae and Mati will offer prompts, demos, and inspiration along the way, but there’s no one way to do any of it. Follow creative rabbit holes, try unexpected combinations, and keep discovering what feels interesting to you! The afternoon is yours to enjoy freely. Relax on the property, explore its gorgeous gardens, or simply take in the Tuscan surroundings. In the evening, gather with the group for dinner and conversation to close out another full day. ### Day 5: Trip to a traditional olive oil mill Enjoy a wholesome breakfast on the terrace as light moves across the walls, then set off on a short drive for a half-day trip to Frantoio Pasquini, a family-owned olive oil mill tucked among the groves near the studio. Walk through the olive trees, then explore the mill itself, where four generations have tended these slopes and pressed their oil with a mix of old tools and modern machinery. Follow each step from harvest to bottle, then prepare to taste freshly pressed oils alongside local favorites like olive pastes in their small eno-oleoteca. Return to the venue for a leisurely lunch that will recharge your creative spirit. Then, step into the studio, where you’ll transform the lush greens and shimmering silvers of your morning trip into vibrant works of art! With Kelly Rae and Mati Rose by your side, you'll explore the world of still life and florals, arranging your finds and painting them with a sense of freedom and flair. They’ll be there to guide you as you fill your pages while you unleash your creativity and let your imagination run wild! Wander down to the lake with a sketchbook, float in the pool, sit out under the olive trees, or simply take a moment to relax. Settle in to a three-course dinner from your private chef with a glass of local wine, and taste the difference now that you know exactly how the oil on the table got there. ### Day 6: Classes at the venue Indulge in a satisfying breakfast and a delicious cup of coffee, then join the morning workshop for a check-in and a prompt that helps you let go, get messy, and play with paint. Today is all about continuing to make, play, and follow what delights you. You’ll revisit favorite techniques, explore new prompts and ideas, and create more work for your artist book. Maybe you’ll make a mantra painting, return to abstraction, collage something unexpected, or take an earlier idea in an entirely new direction. This is where you get to trust your instincts, make lots of art, and see where our creative hearts take us. Enjoy a delicious lunch, then return to the studio for the afternoon session. This is your chance to explore the depths of your creativity and let your imagination run wild! Embrace the vibrant energy in the studio as you bring your visions to life, where every brushstroke is a step on your artistic journey! The afternoon is yours to enjoy. Unwind on the property, take a refreshing dip in the pool, or simply let the day settle. As the sun sets, come together with your fellow creatives for a delightful three-course dinner prepared by the private chef. Enjoy each bite paired with exquisite wine and engaging conversation that will inspire and uplift you. It’s the perfect way to unwind and celebrate your progress. ### Day 7: Classes at the venue Savor a leisurely breakfast with your fellow artists, then gather for one last morning workshop and a final journaling entry to close the loop on where you started. Gather everything you've created throughout the week and bring it all together into our one-of-a-kind artist books. You’ll play with arranging, layering, editing, adding finishing touches, and assembling your pages into a beautiful, wonderfully imperfect record of your time together. Your finished book will be entirely yours, filled with experiments, discoveries, happy accidents, favorite pieces, and all the creative goodness of a week spent making freely in Italy. After lunch, the studio transforms into a gallery. Lay out your work from the week and take it all in, yours and everyone else's. Kelly Rae and Mati Rose will send you off with the practices worth taking home, so the playing will carry on long after the flight back home. Lastly, raise a glass at a spectacular three-course farewell dinner accompanied by cocktails, toasting to the art you have made and the connections you are taking home with you. ### Day 8: Departure Enjoy one last breakfast with Kelly Rae, Mati Rose, 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 - [Kelly Rae Roberts](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/kelly-rae-roberts) — Artist, author, mentor - [Mati Rose McDonough](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/mati-rose-mcdonough) — Artist, author, and teacher ## Accommodation ### Tuscan Vineyard Estate Your venue for the retreat with Kelly Rae Roberts and Mati Rose 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 Kelly Rae and Mati 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 standard room with private adjacent bathroom One shared standard room with an adjacent bathroom is available for shared occupancy. Located in the main villa on the second floor, 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. ### Shared standard 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 adjacent bathrooms are available for single occupancy. Located in the main villa on the second floor, 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 Kelly Rae Roberts and Mati Rose McDonough, 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 two 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 artists Kelly Rae Roberts and Mati Rose 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 gorgeous town of Siena. 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 May 21, 2027, with check-out after breakfast by 10:00 AM on May 28, 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 21, 2027 ⁠— 4:00 PM** (leaving from Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR), arriving at the retreat venue around 5:00 PM) - **Departure transfer: May 28, 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 of the previous UpTrek retreats with Kelly Rae Roberts:** - "I have attended the Kelly Rae Roberts ~ Unleash Your Creative Joy Retreat in Tuscany! Of course, there are few places in the world with the history and charm of the Tuscan hills, vineyards and centuries old villages. However, the most precious gift for me was creating alongside Kelly Rae. This week was abundant with color, texture, imagery, music, and poetry. There was writing, singing, dancing, laughter and a depth of sharing that still feels full in my heart. Kelly Rae brought to this group not only her artistic talents, but a brilliance and a sensitivity that is unparalleled in my experience. I felt creative inspiration, childlike joy and a sence of belonging with my group mates! There were times of personal reflection and healing, as well as a sweet sharing of heartfelt emotion. I loved every beautiful moment. It was enchanting. Thank you abundantly, Kelly Rae. You sparkle!" - "Kelly Rae: your workshop has been amazing for lack of better words. You have open doors to our creativity but most importantly to our heart. You are gentle and passionate about art, and you generously gave all of you to us. We worked hard to bring to light what was hidden, we learned about technics, colours, rediscovering the child in us and had hours of fun creating and being together. At the end of our stage we were elated, we were artists nostalgic to let go of moments of pure joy. Thank you, Kelly Rae, you are unique." - "Attending the Unleash Your Creative Joy retreat in Tuscany has been an inspiring highlight on my Joy journey. Kelly Rae has the rare gift of creating sacred space where women gather, explore, play, express, and share themselves in a safe and inclusive atmosphere. Her authenticity, thoughtfulness, along with her generous spirit, cultivated a space for fun artistic learning, meaningful connections, and personal expansion. Our art-making sessions, day trips, soulful conversations, and beautiful elaborate meals together made for incredible lifetime memories! I am so grateful that I clicked the *Book this Retreat* button because this event enriched my life beyond my imagination. My heartfelt gratitude, Kelly Rae, for shining your beautiful light in the world and for a wonderful women’s retreat!" - "Incredible women are drawn to Kelly Rae's art and depth and authenticity. For me, in addition to an infusion of joy and creativity, this retreat was a well of nourishment in an incredible sisterhood." - "Pure magic." **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. **When is the retreat available?** The retreat with artists Kelly Rae Roberts and Mati Rose McDonough in Tuscany, Italy, takes place between May 21 - 28, 2027. **Are there any check-in and check-out hours?** Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on May 21, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast, at 10:00 AM, on the last day, May 28, 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/the-art-of-creative-play-artists-kelly-rae-roberts-mati-rose-mcdonough-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 artists Kelly Rae Roberts and Mati Rose McDonough will be provided five months before the retreat takes place. Tables, chairs, glass jars, paper towels, professional studio lights, plein-air chairs, easels, easel lamps, Kraft paper, and reference materials 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 May?** In late May, the weather in Vaggio, the closest town to the retreat venue, is warm 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 18 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/the-art-of-creative-play-artists-kelly-rae-roberts-mati-rose-mcdonough-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/the-art-of-creative-play-artists-kelly-rae-roberts-mati-rose-mcdonough-tuscany **Last updated:** 2026-09-02