finding wonder + artful storytelling — CINQUE TERRE, ITALY
with the italian riviera as our backdrop, we will set out into the beautifully colored, sea-side villages of the italian riviera in search of wonder for this 6 day retreat. each one of the FINDING wonder + artful storytelling retreats is thoughtfully designed + curated to offer our attendees a respite from their daily routine. this retreat, is dedicated to creating a space of rich connection + growth in your creative journey. each of us brings to the table our own experiences from life that raise our voice as an artist. it is when we can finally embrace + realize our own true self + the gifts we possess — that we can truly find the wonder around us and use that gift to move others with our art. we curate each detail with the utmost consideration + care. there are deluxe accommodations, amazing italian food + drink, the quintessential italian bike tour through the old train tunnels to bonassola, day trips throughout the riviera via the regional train, as well as a boat tour to witness the amazing landscape of the riviera from the mediterranean sea. YOU will also have a bit of free time to wander the village of levanto or explore the other villages into the evening on your own or with friends. this is one of my favorite places in the entire world and i have no doubt, it will become one of yours as well.
where?
nestled into the hillside of the village of levanto, the lovely villa valentina, http://villavalentina5terre.com will be our home away from home for the duration of our stay. with the most deliberate attention to detail, each bright guest room is luxuriously appointed to ensure an incredible stay. in each ensuite room, you will find luxurious bed linens + down pillows, rain showers + deliciously scented bath products. there is also a complimentary mini bar, in-room coffee + tea set, housekeeping, music sound dock, hairdryer and wifi. this gorgeous, private villa is a short 5 minute train ride away from the neighboring “cinque terre” where we
will set out find all of the wonder that the ligurian coast has to offer.
when?
Finding wonder + artful storytelling — italy, is set to take place beginning wednesday, september 11th, 2024 thru monday, september 16th, 2024.
how much?
this intimate 6 day retreat is full of inspired moments to photograph, the finding wonder + artful storytelling guide, relaxation, exploration + celebration, FOR A TOTAL OF 7 attendees MAXIMUM; 5 nights accommodations (including a delicious italian breakfast each morning) at the lovely villa valentina, welcome dinner, train transportation between the villages from levanto, ferry boat tour, pesto making class overlooking the mediterranean sea, bike tour + farewell dinner. each attendee will have their own accommodations. $4950.00*(usd).
your reservation can be paid in two installments. an initial deposit of $2475 is due within 2 days of your application acceptance. second and final installment of $2475 is due 60 days prior to retreat start date for a total of $4950.00*. the first deposit of $2475 is non-refundable, but may be transferred to another attendee with permission.
*does not include airfare nor transportation to + from the airport to levanto, additional lodging, meals other than stated, personal spending. it is highly recommend that you allocate extra cash each day for any tips, etc. for services rendered and we highly encourage you to allocate an additional 100(euro) for staff at villa valentina during your stay. their service is above + beyond and as such should be rewarded.
additional details + suggestions:
we welcome any individual who is ready to embrace a different perspective on how they see + experience the world around them. it is up to each attendee (you) to determine how you would like to capture that WONDER. you may bring any camera you choose, (i.e. dslr, point + shoot, iPhone, etc.) with knowledge on how it works as we will not be spending any time covering mechanics or technical questions. this is not a photography focused nor portfolio building retreat. we do take photos, we journal + encourage any other form of creativity to capture + tell your story, but our main focus is on you, on being in the moments of WONDER before us + celebrating them! at finding wonder, we believe everyone deserves to be in the presence of wonder. we honor + celebrate gender inclusivity.
the activity level of this retreat is high. we will be doing a lot of walking each day which can include stairs. please consider this when applying for this retreat as we want it to be a successful experience for everyone. the weather in levanto this time of year is perfect — hovering around the mid 70’s. because it is september, there is a chance for rain, so A RAIN JACKET IS SUGGESTED.
your personal travel to and from home to levanto is up to you. i am happy to suggest airports in italy and how to make connections to get to levanto. typically, one can take a regional train from any major city (milan, rome) to levanto fairly easily. i would suggest a first class train ticket as this will give you an assigned seat and space for your luggage. i would encourage you to take additional time to explore italy on your own beyond the retreat dates. it is a beautiful country and so easy to navigate.
it is strongly encouraged that you purchase travel insurance for this retreat. you can find this through an independent company and i am happy to suggest one if needed or you can book through your own travel agent.
please note that we do our best to maintain this itinerary, however, should something change, we reserve the right to substitute or revise at any time with a comparable experience.
because of the current COvid-19 pandemic, this trip may be cancelled or rescheduled by finding wonder retreats at any time + your deposit will be held for the newly scheduled retreat date. if for some reason we can not reschedule this retreat, you may apply your deposit to a future finding wonder retreat. in this ever-changing landscape of COVID-19, we continue to monitor for the most recent travel advisories. click here for more information. proof of covid-19 vaccination is required for this trip, entrance + travel around italy and abroad.