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ITALY
LUCCA TUSCANY 2026
The Lucca, Italy Creative Adventure
Tuscan Villa Stay
A creative, cultural exploration of creativity and discovery!!
October 1 – 11, 2026
Capture the timeless, romantic beauty of Tuscany. As fine artists and art instructors, we will be guiding and mentoring daily art journaling in our handmade travel journals during this 11-day workshop focused on creative play and creative discovery using watercolours and mixed media. Together, we will also explore the historic walled city of Lucca, Italy, where our group will use a private Tuscan villa as our creative base.
This experience is designed to be deeply inspiring, fun, and open to all levels of creativity and art experience!!
Payment Schedule
Single Particpant
$6950.00 USD
Step One - Deposit
Initial Art Retreat Deposit:
$1500.00 USD
confirms your place in the workshop
non-refundable
Step Two - Accommodation Package
Accommodation Package:
$3950 USD
(to be paid directly to the accommodation provider below)
Villa Renaissance
Via della Maulina 747 monte San Quirico
55100 Lucca Italy
Contact: info@luccaapartmentsandvillas.co.uk
Step Three - Final Payment
Remaining Art Retreat Balance:
$1500.00
Double Participant
$6450.00 USD
Step One - Deposit
Initial Art Retreat Deposit:
$1500.00 USD
Step Two - Accommodation Package
Accommodation Package:
$3450.00 USD
(accommodation package is to be paid directly to the accommodation provider below)
Villa Renaissance
Via della Maulina 747 monte San Quirico
55100 Lucca Italy
Contact: info@luccaapartmentsandvillas.co.uk
Step Three - Final Payment
Remaining Art Retreat Balance
$1500.00
Flights & Travel Logistics
(Flights NOT included)
All flights, airport transit, and travel documentation are arranged independently by the participant. To assist you with flights, train routes to Lucca, and European travel requirements, we work closely with an independent, TICO-registered travel agent:
Michelle Campbell
Direct Travel
6 Cameron Dr. Ancaster ON
1-866-648-4483
TICO# R5002962
Please note: You are completely free to utilize our recommended agent or coordinate your flights through your own preferred travel agent or booking service.
RSVP BELOW



It's time for your own personal journey!
You are invited into a sacred space where you can collect your thoughts, and explore your heart. Greet the journal pages with sincerity and allow them to capture your unique light and reflect the essence of your soul. It's more than a collection of images, found objects and words, it's a personal artifact. A journal is a traveler's salve, soothing the commotion of our relentless thoughts by providing a safe container for them. A mindful, sacred space to call your own when travelling, a journal keeps us company. A personal traveling shrine or altar where you commune with only you. Keeping a journal while navigating the discoveries and obstacles that come with travel is a rare and extraordinary opportunity for growth.
"Elsewhere is a place where creativity grows."
YOUR ART INSTRUCTORS/MENTORS
STEPHANIE & MICHELLE

"Our shared experiences have fostered a unique bond that enables us to collaborate exceptionally well. We leverage each other's strengths and talents, honoring our ability to facilitate women's international art retreats while inspiring each other's creativity and talents." Stephanie and Michelle
Stephanie Danforth/Fine Artist/Art Instructor
Hi there! I'm Stephanie, the first chapter of my life was that of a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner for twenty years. I loved it while it lasted, but art was calling and it was time for a new chapter!
I have been a full time self taught artist for the last 25 years, you can look at my art at stephaniedanforth.com. My main medium is oil paint, but I love anything creative, including etched metal, making sculptural angels from found objects, and my first love, watercolors. I believe that being an artist is reflective in the way we live our life. One of my most powerful palettes is that of travel.
A little more about me....
While attending a month-long artist residency in France in April of 2023, I realized how much being around other creatives filled me in a way I had never felt before. I wanted to teach others how to paint and create. Providing through instruction the gift of art!
I love helping a person to reengage with their creative self, which might have been tucked away for years or just needs a little push! I love the curiosity, wonder and potential it opens when a person experiences their own creativity. It is a true honoring to create a vessel for exploration and wonder for like minded women. The gathering of women is so powerful, you add art into that mix and I do believe you have magic! Please come along on this fantastic journey!




Michelle Guitard/Fine Artist/Art Instructor
I'm Michelle, fine art painter, teacher, mentor and retreat facilitator. Living and working in St. George ON Canada. I have been an art instructor and mentor for 10 years. My passion is to share all of my creative tools and insights, while empowering my students to often rediscover their inner artist by connecting with another culture, with art, with each other and most importantly with ourselves.
A little more about me.....
30 years ago I completed a Graphic Design degree and furthered my fine art studies at York University and the University of Guelph. My primary focus was painting landscapes, female figures and birds in acrylic on canvas. I earned representation at galleries in Ontario and Alberta. In 2016 I began teaching workshops in my studio and at the Dundas Valley School of Art. My art began to evolve and my creative voice got louder. Teaching art has influenced my work in a very profound way. It is through creative communities that I have had the privilege to witness the power and beauty of making art together. Much of my teaching and mentorship involves helping artists of all levels and practices to find their creative voice and establish a more consistent creative practice in their lives.




TRAVEL SKETCHBOOK
ART JOURNAL








LUCCA ITALY
our trip, lets go!






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Lucca is a city in Tuscany, central Italy, with a rich history dating back to the Etruscan and Roman times. The city is located on a plain at the foot of the Apuan Alps and is less than half an hour from the coast of Versilia. Lucca, a living testimony to past times, kingdoms and dominions, lies in a green valley just north west of Florence.
LUCCA/TUSCANY
ACCOMODATION
VILLA RENAISSANCE LUCCA
VILLA RENAISSANCE, the nineteenth-century family villa is typical of the classic, sober elegance of the villas of Lucca from that time period. The facade overlooks the Italian garden, the vineyards, and the ancient chapel; from the back side of the villa, you overlook the wine cellars and the farm, the beating heart of the complex. Tucked alongside the house is the swimming pool, accompanied by a large lounge area where you can relax and make art!
















PHOTO GALLERY
learn to make art!





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Italy Art Retreat Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival & Welcome
Arrive at our beautiful Tuscan villa and take time to settle into your surroundings. In the evening, we’ll gather for a celebratory Welcome Dinner, where you’ll meet your fellow artists, get oriented for the week ahead, and begin our unforgettable journey together.
Day 2 – Creating at the Villa
Enjoy breakfast at the villa before our first morning art workshop. After a leisurely villa lunch, spend the afternoon relaxing, exploring, or continuing your creative work before sharing dinner together at the villa.
Day 3 – Cinque Terre Adventure
After breakfast, we’ll depart for the breathtaking seaside village of Monterosso al Mare in Cinque Terre. Wander colourful streets, enjoy lunch by the Mediterranean, sketch, photograph, or simply soak in the beauty before returning to the villa for dinner.
Day 4 – Paint & Cook
Begin the day with breakfast followed by a morning art workshop. After lunch, we’ll roll up our sleeves for an authentic Italian cooking class, learning traditional recipes from local chefs before enjoying the meal we’ve prepared together.
Day 5 – Lucca & An Evening at the Opera
Following breakfast and our morning workshop, we’ll enjoy lunch before travelling into the historic walled city of Lucca. Explore its charming streets, dine together, and experience an unforgettable evening at the opera.
Day 6 – Discovering Lucca
After breakfast, enjoy another inspiring morning workshop. We’ll head into Lucca for lunch at one of the city’s legendary local restaurants—a true favourite among locals and visitors alike. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy before dinner.
Day 7 – Carrara Marble Experience
Following breakfast, we’ll journey to Carrara for an unforgettable day exploring the world-famous marble quarries. We’ll visit a local marble artist’s studio, where our host will welcome us for a beautiful lunch and share the rich artistic traditions of the region before returning to the villa for dinner.
Day 8 – Creative Flow
Enjoy breakfast before another morning of painting together at the villa. After lunch, you’ll have time to explore Lucca, continue working in your sketchbook, or simply relax before gathering for dinner at the villa.
Day 9 – A Day to Create
Breakfast begins the day, followed by our morning workshop. After lunch at the villa, enjoy free time to paint, wander through Lucca, or savour your final full day in Tuscany before dinner together in the city.
Day 10 – Celebration of Our Work
After breakfast, we’ll gather for our final creative session as we celebrate everything we’ve created throughout the week. We’ll share paintings, pass around our sketchbooks, reflect on our artistic journeys, and celebrate one another’s accomplishments. Following lunch at the villa, enjoy a free afternoon before coming together for a memorable Farewell Dinner.
Day 11 – Departure
Enjoy one last breakfast at the villa before saying goodbye to new friends and beautiful Tuscany. Depart with wonderful memories, renewed inspiration, and a collection of artwork that captures your Italian experience.
Frequently Asked Questions: What is included in the Art Workshop Fee? Your Art Workshop Fee includes: Professional art instruction and creative mentorship with Michelle Guitard and Stephanie Danforth (where applicable) All art materials and supplies required for the workshops Demonstrations, creative exercises, and guided projects A supportive, inspiring, and welcoming creative environment What is included in the Accommodation Package? Your Accommodation Package varies by destination and is arranged directly with the accommodation provider. It generally includes accommodations, meals as outlined in the itinerary, airport transfers (where specified), and planned local experiences or excursions. What is not included? The following are generally not included unless otherwise stated: Flights to and from your destination Travel insurance (strongly recommended) Alcoholic beverages Personal purchases and souvenirs Spa treatments or optional activities not listed in the itinerary Laundry services Passport, visa, or entry requirements (where applicable) Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and hospitality staff (unless specified) Do I need previous art experience? Not at all. Our retreats are designed for all experience levels—from complete beginners to experienced artists. We provide personalized instruction so everyone can enjoy the creative process at their own pace. Are art supplies included? Yes! All art supplies required for your workshops are included. Simply arrive with your curiosity and creativity—we’ll take care of the rest. Will I receive more information after I RSVP? Absolutely. Once you RSVP, you’ll receive a comprehensive information package that includes important travel details, packing suggestions, arrival information, recommended travel insurance, payment schedules, and everything you’ll need to prepare for your retreat. Do I need travel insurance? Yes. We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical coverage, trip cancellation, trip interruption, and baggage protection. Can dietary restrictions be accommodated? In most cases, yes. We work closely with our accommodation partners and chefs whenever possible to accommodate dietary needs. Please let us know your requirements when completing your registration information. What should I pack? A detailed packing list specific to your retreat destination will be sent to you after you RSVP. Cancellation & Refund Policy We understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise. Because our retreats require significant advance commitments to accommodations, local partners, instructors, and experiences, the following cancellation policy applies to all international retreats. Initial Deposit A $1,500 USD deposit is required to reserve your space. The deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable under all circumstances. Second Payment The second payment is due approximately 8 months prior to the retreat departure date. Cancellation more than 180 days before departure: Any payments made beyond the non-refundable deposit will be refunded in full. Cancellation 90–179 days before departure: 50% of the second payment will be refunded. The initial deposit remains non-refundable. Cancellation fewer than 90 days before departure: The initial deposit and second payment are non-refundable. Final Payment The final balance is due approximately 75–90 days before departure. Once the final payment has been made, all payments are non-refundable, as accommodations, services, meals, transportation, and retreat experiences have been fully confirmed and committed on your behalf. If We Are Able to Fill Your Space If your cancelled space is filled by another participant, we will refund any recoverable amounts, less the non-refundable deposit and any unrecoverable costs or administrative expenses already incurred. Travel Insurance We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation, interruption, medical, and emergency coverage. Travel insurance is designed to protect you in the event of illness, family emergencies, travel disruptions, or other unforeseen circumstances that prevent you from attending your retreat. By submitting your deposit, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to this Cancellation & Refund Policy.