A Guided Writing Retreat in Tuscany

What’s Included:

• 6 Nights in the Tuscan Countryside: Enjoy a serene stay surrounded by the natural beauty of Tuscany.
• Daily Writing Sessions with Anne: Enhance your writing skills with expert guidance every day.
• Morning Coffee, Tea, and Fruit: Start your day with a refreshing pre-practice snack.
• Farm-to-Table Organic Vegetarian Meals: Savour daily organic vegetarian brunches and dinners, with one special dinner off-site. (At your expense).
• Pre- and post-retreat guidance: Receive guidance (online gathering, exercises, recommended reading etc.) before the retreat to maximize your workshop time and afterward to help you stay on track.  

What’s Not Included:

• Airfare: Participants are responsible for their flights.
• Transportation: Travel to and from the retreat center and between activities is not included. Renting a car is recommended.
• Additional Excursions and Spa Treatments: Optional activities like horseback riding, wine tasting, biking, and massages can be arranged at an extra cost.
• Accommodation Outside of Retreat Dates: Any additional lodging before or after the retreat.
• Traveller's Insurance: Highly recommended for peace of mind.

Flying: When travelling to Italy by air, you have three airport options: Florence, Pisa, or Rome. Florence Airport is the closest, approximately an hour's drive from the retreat. Pisa Airport is about 1.5 hours away by car, and Rome Airport is roughly a 3-hour drive. While Florence is the most convenient, all these airports are well-connected by Italy's train system. The nearest train stations to Ebbio are Siena and Castellina in Chianti. From these stations, you can take a taxi to reach Ebbio Estate in Monteriggioni.

Driving: Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore the area during your stay. If you’re driving to Ebbio, head to Monteriggioni Castle and visit the local information center next to the church for directions. Free parking is available on-site.

Cooling off period: within 72 hours of registering for the program you may request and receive a 100% refund. The request must be made by email to [email protected].

After the cooling-off period, and before the event, a 15% non-refundable processing fee will be deducted from registration refunds. 

Refund Schedule  

• 100% refund when requested less than 72 hours after registration.

• 85% refund when requested six months before the event

• 50% refund when requested three months before the event.

• No refund when requested after the three month mark.

Payment Plans

In the case of payment plans, the 15% non-refundable processing fee will be calculated based on the total retreat or event value not the total of payments made to date.    

Transfers

Registration is transferable in certain circumstances.

• An urgent medical, professional, or family situation makes attendance impossible 
• The future program takes place within 14 months of the original program 

Please send a written request for transfer to [email protected]. 

Services are non-refundable once rendered. 

Enjoy daily brunches and dinners that are vegetarian, locally sourced, and organically grown on the land. The food is not only delicious but also homemade, reflecting the authentic tastes of Italy. Additionally, there will be an opportunity to dine off-site one evening (at your own expense), where you'll have the chance to select your preferred meal for the evening.

We anticipate around 12-15 guests for this retreat, with Anne Bérubé leading the group.

In late May, Tuscany typically enjoys an average temperature of 23°C (73°F). Days are pleasantly warm, ideal for outdoor pursuits and exploring the sights. It's beat to bring along a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings, as temperatures may dip slightly.

As the retreat date approaches, you'll receive a detailed packing list to ensure you're fully prepared for the experience.

Prepare for a week filled with delightful surprises that are included in the retreat. If you're eager to delve into new experiences or explore during your leisure time, at your own expense you could try something new from an array of options. From horseback riding and biking to indulging in wine tastings, the opportunities abound. Embark on day trips to charming neighboring towns like Siena and Florence for an enriching cultural experience. Additionally, elevate your journey by treating yourself to a relaxing massage session ($).

Every day, you will receive guidance through teachings, writing exercises, guided meditations, and feedback on your writing.

Our sessions will be in the morning, giving you hours in the afternoon for your own writing.

We will gather in the evening for sharing circles. 

We will follow a three-step formula that has proven to create compelling content:

1- Invite and allow the muse to visit and flow through you (becoming the best channel for your message)

2- Follow the breadcrumbs of deeper meaning and identify the pearls of wisdom in a hero's journey (discerning what stays and what goes)

3-Craft your piece for a powerful reception (stringing your thoughts so they are received best by a reader)

You will leave with content you love, and creating it won't feel hard or daunting. This is a natural process used by storytellers across the ages. Often, it feels hard or daunting because we haven't learned how to get out of our own way. This is what I will help you with. 

We strongly advise obtaining travel insurance for peace of mind throughout your journey.

Ensure your passports are valid for the duration of your travel dates. Stay informed about any additional documentation required based on your departure location and Italy's entry regulations. Staying on top of these details will help ensure a smooth travel experience.

Selecting your accommodation is simple and tailored to your preferences and budget. You can opt for a single, double shared occupancy, or triple shared occupancy room. 

If you're hesitant about sharing a room or if you're attending solo, fret not. Sharing a room is an integral part of the experience, fostering connections and friendships that can last a lifetime.

For any inquiries before booking, feel free to contact Annie Orzechowska at [email protected]. We're here to assist you every step of the way.

Great! We'd love to hear from you. If you have any additional questions, feel free to reach out to Annie at [email protected]. We're here to ensure your writing retreat in Tuscany, led by Anne Bérubé, is nothing short of magical.