Details, Details

Retreat Dates:  March 27 - April 3, 2025. Check in time on March 27, is 3:00pm and check out on April 3, is 10:00am.

Retreat Location: The retreat is located at Castillo di Gargonza in the Tuscany region of Italy (approximately one hour from Florence).

Address: 52048 Gargonza, Province of Arezzo, Italy

Recommended Airports:  We recommend flying into Amerigo Vespucci Airport / Florence (FLR) or San Francesco d'Assisi Airport / Perugia (PEG). These airports are 1 to 1.5 hour drive respectively from the retreat venue.

Transportation to/from: There is a form below regarding your transportation needs. Information to/from the airport/retreat will be sent closer to the start of the retreat once we have received your arrival/departure information. (Note: participants are responsible for the cost of this transportation).

Payments & Due Dates: Your first payment (one half the balance) is due 30 days from date of purchase. The remaining balance due 60 days from date of purchase. All payments are billed in US Dollars. You will receive an invoice with a payment link via email.  All retreat fees must be paid in full 90 days prior to the start of the retreat. We accept all major credit cards. If you prefer an alternative payment method, please reach out to us at info@artfuelstudio.com.

Supplies

What supplies what do I need to bring?

Click HERE for the full supply list.

This is the short list! We will send a complete list of required supplies 90 days prior to the retreat start date. Here are the basics…

• Acrylic Paint (this workshop is taught in acrylics only)

• Arches oil paper pad 12x16 (1)

• Nylon brushes 1 and 2” 

• Smaller nylon brushes flats and rounds

• Cafeteria trays (2) 12x16

• Tracing Paper 11x14

• Paper Towels - click here to find them on Amazon

Note: The retreat venues cannot accommodate supplies shipped prior to the retreat.

Forms to fill out…

Form #1 - INFORMATION - Click HERE to share important stuff!

We ask that you fill out this form promptly. We would love to connect everyone so we are asking for your contact information and social accounts - and permission to share them! You can use this list to reach out to each other, find a roommate, share transportation, or organize travel pre/post retreat. We also need to know any dietary restrictions you may have (this information will not be shared). This retreat can accommodate vegetarian, gluten free and other common food sensitivities.

You can access everyone’s contact information HERE once they have filled out the above form and granted permission to share.

Form #2 - TRAVEL - Click HERE to share your transportation details.

Once you have booked your flights, please complete Form #2 above. We will share this information with all attendees so that you can coordinate your pre/post travel and transportation to/from Castello di Gargonza with others via their shuttle service option - or you can arrange transportation on your own. We will also share this information with Castello di Gargonza who will help us coordinate shuttles. See below for estimated shuttle costs. (Note: If you are missing any information - i.e. proof of insurance, shuttle needs, etc - you can click on the same link and add that information when you have it. You can add just the missing information - you do not need to re-enter information that was previously submitted)

You can access everyone’s travel details HERE - but remember, this will be empty until submissions have been made - so get on it!!!

Let’s connect!

Instagram - A few months before the retreat, we will create an Instagram group where everyone can connect. Please make sure to add your Instagram account to Form #1. Also, please click HERE to follow us on Instagram.

Retreat Venue Information / Travel Logistics

How do I get to and from Castello de Gargonza from the airport?

We will use the information Form #2 to coordinate shuttles to/from Castello di Gargonza with their assistance. We will do our best to group people together to share the cost. The shuttle service will be provided from/to the airports listed above on the arrival/depart dates only. If you arrive early to spend some time in Italy, you will need to take a taxi or other means of transportation back to the airport to meet the shuttle (we will give you a meeting location at the airport closer to the retreat). Each attendee will be responsible for their own transportation cost to and from the retreat center.

We will do our best to coordinate share shuttles to split the costs below (prices below were quoted by the shuttle company and could change slightly).

• Small Car - 250 Euros one way (1-2 people maximum) - this amount is shared between riders (not per person)

• Large Car/Van - 280 Euros one way (3-6 people maximum) - this amount is shared between riders (not per person)

Another option is renting a car in case you want to explore before or after the retreat, or if you would like to explore on your own during free time.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, travel insurance and proof of purchase is required for all retreats. Please do your research to determine if you should purchase standard travel insurance or if CFAR (cancel for any reason) travel insurance is better for you. As we all know, unexpected situations happen. If you need to drop out, we will do our best to find a replacement but cannot guarantee we will fill your spot. In the event no replacement is found, we will not be able to refund your retreat payment.  The best way to protect your retreat investment is to purchase CFAR (Cancel For Any Reason) insurance. To find the right insurance company that fits your needs, the best thing to do is search online, read the fine print, read reviews, and ask friends who they have used in the past. Unfortunately, we are unable to make any recommendations due to everyone’s different insurance needs.About your luggage

You will need to check your luggage due to the liquids, scissors etc., so please make sure you book a checked bag when making your reservation prior to getting to the airport. There is usually a better price when you do it in advance.  Also, be mindful of any baggage weight restrictions imposed by the airline. 

What’s covered / What’s not

What is covered by the retreat fee?

Accommodations for 7 nights, painting instruction with Susan and Terri (morning and afternoon sessions each day), all meals - authentic, farm to table, Tuscan style cuisine made fresh daily (Tuscan wines and cocktails available for purchase!), transportation assistance, and some fun and laughs!

What is not covered by the retreat fee?

Airfare, travel insurance (required), transportation to and from the venue, alcoholic beverages, tips for staff, art supplies, travel before or after the retreat and/or any personal purchases made.

Our Daily Schedule

The daily schedule will be sent as we get closer to the retreat date but here is how a typical day will be structured:

• 8:00am - 9:00am  ~  Breakfast 

• 9:00am - 12:00pm  ~  Morning Painting Session with Susan & Terri

• 12:30pm - 1:30pm  ~  Lunch

• 1:30pm - 3:00pm  ~  Free time: pool, massage, hike, read, siesta, continue painting on your own - lots of choices!!!

• 3:00pm - 6:00pm  ~  Afternoon Painting Session with Susan & Terri

• 7:30pm  ~  Dinner

Additional Info

How much cash should I bring/convert?

Many places in Europe now prefer credit card payments over cash but it varies from place to place. It’s always good to have some cash on hand just in case. If a service is arranged for you from the airport, you might need to pay in cash - remember that is to and from the airport (they might accept credit cards but this is always an unknown). We do like to recommend giving the retreat staff a gratuity anywhere from US$ 5-10 per day. This is completely optional but it is always so appreciated. If you plan on shopping or doing additional traveling, please take that into consideration regarding the cash you will need. The easiest way to get cash is from an ATM machine so a bank debit card will come in handy.

What kind of clothes should I pack?

The most important thing to pack is your painting clothes! Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the old cobblestone streets. Most of the time will be spent painting, eating, connecting and relaxing at the venue. You might want to bring a change of clothes for dinner but it's completely optional - and casual.  Some will return after dinner to continue painting.  Please be sure to check the weather to prior to your trip to make sure you pack the proper clothes.

Cancellation

What if I have to cancel?

If you need to cancel, please send us an email (info@artfuelstudio.com). We’ll do our best to find a replacement for you; however, a replacement is not guaranteed. Please note – the replacement search for your spot will not begin until the retreat is sold out. If we are able to find a replacement, your total payments for the retreat will be refunded, less your $500 U.S. dollar deposit, once the person replacing you has paid in full. If your spot is not filled prior to the retreat, you will be responsible for the full payment. We recommend doing research regarding the mandatory travel insurance required (see Travel Insurance section above) and consider a “Cancel For Any Reason” plan when you book your retreat. Some plans have requirements regarding the dates of purchase so please be aware of this when you book your travel/insurance. The retreat deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable.

For more details about our Terms & Conditions, click HERE. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us at info@artfuelstudio.com