Where Is The Tuscan Retreat?
Arcidosso! Step back in time...
This retreat is for you to fall back and rediscover the creative you...the wordsmith you...the wise you...and the happy you--all in a sacred envelope of time that combines the ancient past with the present moment.
Best of all, you'll be surrounded by like-minded writers on the same journey.
Benvenuto! Welcome to Michele's Home, Casa della Famiglia--the Retreat's Heart Center
As you can see, the two-and-a-half story home is attached to the Chiesa San Andrea, an ancient Knights Templar Chapel (far left).
You're invited to enter this ancient sanctuary to write, reflect and even pray. The campanella (bell) of the church still perches upon the roof of the home--a now-silent witness to hundreds of years of life and love in Arcidosso.
Cugino Mio! My Cousin
A mere one-minute walk from Michele's home is her cousins' Bed & Breakfast (Thalassa Locanda) where rooms are available. You'll be warmly greeted by Valeria and Mario who are thrilled that our group is coming.
You'll feast over two gourmet dinners at the Welcome "Benvenuti" and Farewell "Arrivederci " celebrations--both at the Osteria, La Bastarda Rossa, the B & B's acclaimed restaurant. The physical address is Via Talassese 94, Arcidosso
Who, What, When, Why And How
2019 Retreat Schedule
How is the retreat structured?
How is the retreat structured?
September 13-18, 2019"Often the hands will solve a mystery that the mind has struggled with in vain." ~Dr. Carl Jung
Intentionally designed with attention to detail, a dynamic program schedule is offered to:
- Ensure a balance between structured and free time
- Provide experiential activities that engage the hands, head, heart, and soul
- Write in interesting and inspiring inside and outside spaces
- Work alone and in small groups
- Enjoy the magic and mystery of the "Real Italy" found in Arcidosso!
How is the retreat structured?
How is the retreat structured?
How is the retreat structured?
Our personal guarantee that this retreat offers experiences of the “Real Italy” for personal and professional transformation.
Historic, Family-Owned Accommodations, Writing Workshops, Excursions and Meals to Include:
- 6 days/5 nights stay in Arcidosso, a medieval, hilltop village in southern Tuscany
- Lodging choices in three comfortable locations--only minutes walking distance from one another
- Choice of room types with single or shared rooms available
- WE ARE HAPPY (YET SAD) TO ANNOUNCE WE ARE SOLD OUT FOR THE SEPTEMBER 2019 RETREAT! Please check out our future retreats above.
Who is Invited?
How is the retreat structured?
Arcidosso, Our Location
Any woman who…
--Deserves a once-in-a-lifetime, cultural experience that creatively combines the hands, head, heart and soul ;
--Enjoys writing, journaling, blogging—you don’t have to be a professional or published to join us;
--Appreciates being in a community of like-minded, soul-full writing sisters;
--Seeks a creative “Under the Tuscan Sun” adventure to enliven your writing practice by exploring the landscape, architecture, and traditions while connecting with writing sisters...and Michele’s family and friends!
--Yearns for quiet, reflective "me" time to unplug to plug in;
Photo: Some of the writing sisters headed to Tuscany, as of 3-2-19
Arcidosso, Our Location
Arcidosso, Our Location
Arcidosso, Our Location
Benvenuto ad Arcidosso!
Welcome to Arcidosso!
(Prounounced Arch (like parch)-ih-doe-so)
This quaint medieval village of only 4,295 in southern Tuscany is renown for the best-preserved medieval castle in Europe. It's also close to where Merlin is said to have lived in a cave--perhaps he'll revisit as a muse while you write.
Arcidosso is nestled at the base of Mount Amiata, the tallest mountain peak in Tuscany; get ready for spectacular vistas sure to inspire your writing!
This stunning jewel is located between Siena and Rome and two hours to Florence. In one day, you can both ski Mount Amiata and enjoy the beach in the Maremma di Grosseto for dinner.
Tuscany's rich history, architecture, countryside, and vistas are sure to inspire your writing, creativity, and transformation!
Meet Your Hosts
Arcidosso, Our Location
Meet Your Hosts
In 2017 Michele met Lore in one of her Divine Dialogue Writing Circles in Florida. After writing together through a year's focus using Elizabeth Gilbert's Big Magic, they became inspired to co-create a retreat solely reserved for feminine energy.
They envisioned that a select number of women would gather as a creative community of writing sisters to access their individual white-hot core of creativity... and bond over tasty Italian fare and wine in Michele's ancestral home. These are a few of the reasons that make the Eat, Pray, Write: Women's Tuscan Writing Retreat a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Registration
Arcidosso, Our Location
Meet Your Hosts
Early Bird Pricing is Over Now...But!
For those who reserved their sacred space first, there are beds available in the house pictured above. See the building under the church bell? That's Michele's home, Casa della Famiglia, and our retreat headquarters. Next, there are a few shared or private rooms offsite at Michele's cousin's B&B, Thalassa--only a one-minute stroll to and from MIchele's home.
Finally, there's one room available in the house where Michele's great-grandparents ran the Trattoria La Stella--also a few minutes walk to the retreat's home base.
Further Details...
Eat
Pray
Pray
- Welcome “Benvenuti” Gourmet Dinner on arrival day at Osteria Bastarda Rossa, Michele’s cousin’s acclaimed restaurant
- Daily delish, Italian continental breakfast buffet (gluten-free options); coffee & tea
- Daily, day’s end gathering for wine and nibbles at Your Soul Café: Conversations that Open Hearts and Inspire Actions (Total 5 gatherings)
- Celebration “Arrivederci” Gourmet Dinner & Awards before departure day--also at Osteria Bastarda Rossa
- Two, fun classes about wine tasting and, pasta making
- Meals included: 5 x breakfasts / 2 x lunches / 3 x dinners
Pray
Pray
Pray
"Prayer is talking to God. Meditation is listening to God." You'll have time for both to simply be.
- Balanced itinerary allows for sacred space to pray, reflect, meditate—and of course, write
- Sightseeing excursions to diverse places of interest, views, and worship—both contemporary and medieval sites like the Merigar West Buddhist Temple, Monte Labro; and medieval churches in Arcidosso
- The Divine Dialogue Writing System encourages writing two, daily gratitude lists; Meister Eckhart beleives, "If the only prayer you ever say in your life is thank you, it will be enough."
- Discover the practice of walking meditation through Arcidosso and excursion sites.
Write
- Daily Divine Dialogue Writing Workshops led by Lore Raymond (Total 3 workshops)
- Seminar & Discussion led by Lore and Michele where empowered feedback for your writing, projects, and skills are discussed. (Total 3 seminars)
- Local, historical sightseeing excursions designed and led by Michele True; each is planned to inspire, complement, and reinforce your writing experience (Total 2 excursions).
- Rich variety of interior and exterior spaces to inspire writing including Michele’s home and garden; the Knights Templar Church connected to her home; the historic village of Arcidosso and; all the excursion sites
What Is Not Included
Flights
Flights to and from any airport are not included and must be booked by each person. (Arrive Rome on September 13 for complimentary arrival and departure transfers for early birds.)
Round trip transportation to and from Arcidosso is not included and must be booked by each person (Included only in early bird pricing).
Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, tips, gifts, souvenirs and/or additional internet services
Passport or visa
Travel Hacks
Flights & Shuttle
Rome Accomodations
Rome Accomodations
Arrivals Before Friday, September 13
You can choose to arrive sooner than Friday, September 13 and explore Rome.
However, as an "earlybird," you must be at the Rome-Fiumicino International Airport (also known as Leonardo Da Vinci Airport) the morning of September 13 no later than 11:00 am for your complimentary shuttle service to Arcidosso, the retreat site! Details of where to meet at the airport (and other things) will be sent in a final email.
If you are not there, you are responsible for your transportation to the retreat; a shuttle costs $350.00, one way.
Arrivals on September 13
Most international flights departing the day before will arrive on Thursday, Friday, September 13 between 8 am and noon. We'll be there to happily meet you, gather luggage, and enjoy a coffee or nibble, while waiting for other arrivals. Then, it’s off to Arcidosso!
Photo: Inside the airport terminal
Traveling from the Airport into Rome BEFORE the retreat? Here is a great video for instructions how:
Rome Accomodations
Rome Accomodations
Rome Accomodations
Sleep’n Go Hotel
Michele and Herb recommend this B & B and often stay there. Best of all, the staff speaks English. RESERVE EARLY! Please make your own reservation and payment using sites like Booking,com.
Located in Fiumicino, the nearest airport is the Rome-Fiumicino International Airport, 2.5 miles from the property. The Sleep'n Go Hotel includes a garden, terrace, shared lounge, and free WiFi. This 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom.
All rooms in the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV and a desk. A buffet or Italian breakfast is available every morning on site. Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 8.5 for a two-person trip.
Address: Via Redipuglia, 25, 00054 Fiumicino RM, Italy
Hotel Mercure
This is another hotel that I've stayed in both coming and going if Sleep & Fly is full. It is clean, but not especially fancy. They have a free shuttle to and from the airport and reasonable rates.
Website: Click here.
Via Portuense, 2470, 00054 Fiumicino RM, Italy•
+39 06 99935
Passport & Insurance
Passport & Insurance
Passport & Insurance
Passports
One must be obtained in advance. Each participant is responsible for determining their specific passport requirements and for obtaining the necessary documents prior to departure. Non-U.S. citizens must consult with appropriate consulates to determine if any visas are needed.
CRITICAL! IMPORTANT!
Please note if you currently have a passport that your expiration date must be at least DECEMBER 20, 2019.
If it is not, you need to renew before you depart for the retreat.
Medical Insurance
Each person is responsible for checking with their current health insurance provider and insuring that they have adequate medical coverage.
Participants must carry medical insurance documentation while on the retreat and will be asked to share copies in advance with the hosts.
Passport & Insurance
Passport & Insurance
Benvenuto ad Arcidosso!
Welcome to Arcidosso!
(Prounounced Arch (like parch)-ih-doe-so)
This quaint medieval village of only 4,295 in southern Tuscany is renown for the best-preserved medieval castle in Europe. It's also close to where Merlin is said to have lived in a cave--perhaps he'll revisit as a muse while you write.
Arcidosso is nestled at the base of Mount Amiata, the tallest mountain peak in Tuscany; get ready for spectacular vistas sure to inspire your writing!
This stunning jewel is located between Siena and Rome and two hours to Florence. In one day, you can both ski Mount Amiata and enjoy the beach in the Maremma di Grosseto for dinner.
Tuscany's rich history, architecture, countryside, and vistas are sure to inspire your writing, creativity, and transformation!
Rome's Fuimicino Airport Tips
How to Get to Arcidosso on Your Own
Rental Cars: There are numerous rental car companies at Fuimicino Airport. They are accessible in a building attached to the airport, so there is some walking involved. Finding the tunnel to the rental cars is always a little confusing, even for me after all of these years, so I'm including a map of the airport and some written instructions to help. Most international travelers will find themselves arriving to Terminal 3 and directed to customs on the ground floor. No matter what terminal you find yourself in, Terminal 1, 2, or 3, you will want to make your way to the second level of the airport. There will be covered walkways on the top floor leading passengers over a roadway to the airport parking garages where the car rental desks are located on the fourth floor.
The car rental desks are located in Office Tower 2, or Torre Uffici 2.
If you happen to have questions while traveling through Fiumicino Airport, you should direct your questions to the information desks that are located in each terminal. Staff members at these locations will be able to help travelers who are looking for specific airport information, as well as individuals looking for information about currency conversion and driving rental cars in Italy. These attendants can also point you towards the counter for your Fiumicino Airport rental car, should you get lost.
Trains to Grosseto From Rome
Grosseto is the closest major hub to Arcidosso (approximately a 50 minute drive), and if for any reason you have delays and miss the shuttle, make your way to Grosseto and we'll make sure pick here. https://www.trenitalia.com/en.html
Casa della Famiglia
Thalassa Locanda B&B
Thalassa Locanda B&B
La Casa della Famiglia. Because it's not just Michele's house. Her cousins Mario & Valeria purchased it and remodeled the home to the magnificent house it is today. Ergo Michele and husband, Herb, have named it La Casa della Famiglia.
Thalassa Locanda B&B
Thalassa Locanda B&B
Thalassa Locanda B&B
My cousin Mario and Valeria have created a delightful B&B in Arcidosso mere steps from Michele's home.
They are consistently ranked with TripAdvisor's Award for Excellence.
Casetta Ione
Thalassa Locanda B&B
Valeria's Gourmet Cuisine
Here is our tribe, less our two oldest sons standing in front of the Casetta Ione--my grandparent's home for decades.
Valeria's Gourmet Cuisine
Valeria's Gourmet Cuisine
Valeria's Gourmet Cuisine
Your Welcome "Benvenuti " and Farewell "Arrivederci" Celebration Dinners will be held at La Bastarda Rossa, where Valeria's gourmet cuisine will delight you!
We're Close, Very Close
Valeria's Gourmet Cuisine
We're Close, Very Close
Just in case you're wondering how far you have to walk from some of the off-site rooms to the retreat home base --La Casa della Famiglia--here's a map.
Plan on three minutes walking--at the most.
Meals
Valeria's Gourmet Cuisine
We're Close, Very Close
Unplug and let us spoil you! In the mornings we'll have crostada, brioche, coffee, tea and other nibbles available for you. Most of your lunches will be Italian-style brown bag lunch. An intimate cooking class and pizza night is planned, as well as a personalized wine tasting experience.
Daily Schedule
Friday
Saturday
Saturday
DAY ONE September 13
(Friday, the Lucky 13!)
ARRIVIAMO!
Arrive in Rome's Fiumicino international Airport (also known as Leonardo DaVincii) where you'll be picked up and shuttled by your hosts to Arcidosso, Tuscany. (For earlybird registrations only.)
MORNING
Travel to Arcidosso and prepare to gather for the experience of a lifetime!
AFTERNOON
Please arrive before 2:00 pm to check-in. Take time to find your room and start renewing your body and creative soul. Breathe in the crisp mountain air and survey the paradise that is Tuscany.
Nap. Unpack. Practice self-care.
EVENING
For Introductions & Orientation, gather for Your Soul Cafe: Conversations that Open Hearts and Inspire Actions over wine and nibbles.
Stroll to the Welcome “Bienvenuti” Dinner at the Osteria Bastardo Rossa.
MEALS INCLUDED TODAY
Lunch, gourmet dinner
Saturday
Saturday
Saturday
DAY TWO September 14 (Saturday)
Full Harvest Moon
MORNING
Espresso & tea ready for the Coffee Mug Swap; followed by an Italian-style buffet breakfast: Brioche, gluten-free crostada, fruit, yogurt, granola, boiled eggs.
WRITING WORKSHOP #1, Gather for the first Divine Dialogue Writing™ Circle; start learning and practicing the three steps of this transformational writing system using creative prompts. (90 minutes)
SEMINAR & DISCUSSION #1: Empowered Feedback for your writing, ideas, and skills. (90 minutes)
To unplug to plug in, try making this a social media/cell phone-free time until lunch.
AFTERNOON
Lunch on your own in the charming village. Free time for individual writing and doing whatever your intuition whispers!
EVENING
Gather for Your Soul Cafe: Conversations that Open Hearts and Inspire Actions. Enjoy pizza at Michele’s home.
Then, in the garden celebrate the Full Harvest Moon with a releasing ceremony, symbol sharing, and storytelling.
MEALS INCLUDED TODAY
Breakfast, dinner
Sunday
Saturday
Sunday
DAY THREE September 15 (Sunday)
MORNING
Espresso & tea ready followed by an Italian-style buffet breakfast: Brioche, gluten-free crostada, fruit, yogurt, granola, boiled eggs.
Create and complete our retreat’s “writing altar” with symbols/tokens from last night’s Full Harvest Moon Celebration.
Depart and walk to San Leonardo, Catholic Church--the bell tower “campanella”-- is part of Michele’s home.
Next, depart by van for Merigar West-Buddhist Temple; enjoy a picnic-style lunch on the grounds or a walking meditation. The temple is a point of inspiration for more spectacular vistas as Merigar means “place of the fire mountain.”
AFTERNOON
Unplug to plug in for recharging and writing.
EVENING
Reconnect during Your Soul Cafe: Conversations that Open Hearts and Inspire Actions. Then, gather with Writing Sisters for dinner on your own at one of Arcidosso’s many charming restaurants; take a book for the Book Swap & Share.
MEALS INCLUDED TODAY
Breakfast, lunch
Monday
Wednesday
Sunday
DAY FOUR September 16 (Monday)
Archangel Gabriel’s Day, Writer’s Muse
MORNING
Espresso & tea ready followed by an Italian-style buffet breakfast
WRITING WORKSHOP #2, Gather for your Divine Dialogue Writing™ Circle (90 minutes) and;
SEMINAR & DISCUSSION #2: Empowered Feedback for your writing, ideas, and skills. (90 minutes)
To unplug to plug in, make this a social media/cell phone-free time until lunch.
AFTERNOON
Depart in van for Monte Labro, a stunning site with a fascinating story of Davide Lazzeretti. Experience a 365-degree vista that stretches from the Apennine Mountains to the island of Corsica. Soak in the mountain air with your picnic-style lunch.
EVENING
Share your adventures at Your Soul Café over wine and nibbles; learn from a local vineyard expert with a special Wine Tasting & Class. Dinner on your own with Writing Sisters.
MEALS INCLUDED TODAY
Breakfast, lunch
Tuesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
DAY FIVE September 17 (Tuesday)
MORNING
Espresso & tea ready followed by an Italian-style buffet breakfast: Brioche, gluten-free crostada, fruit, yogurt, granola, boiled eggs.
WRITING WORKSHOP #3, Gather for your Divine Dialogue Writing™ Circle (90 minutes) and; SEMINAR & DISCUSSION #3: Empowered feedback for your writing, ideas, and skills. (90 minutes)
To unplug to plug in, make this a social media/cell phone-free time until lunch
AFTERNOON
Lunch on your own for last minute shopping or sightseeing--plus packing, writing, resting and reflecting. Get dressed in your newly purchased Italian fashion or LBD--Little Black Dress--for the evening’s festivities.
EVENING
At this final Your Soul Cafe, the evening’s program features YOU--From Page to Stage: Sharing a Favorite Retreat Writing.
Then its our Celebration “Arrivederci” Awards Dinner once again at the Osteria Bastardo Rossa!
MEALS INCLUDED TODAY
Breakfast, gourmet dinner
Wednesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
DAY SIX September 18 (Wednesday)
MORNING
Van departs for Rome's Fuimicino Airport at 10:00 a.m. sharp. Your flights must be scheduled after 4:00 p.m. for return flights if you are going back to the United States on the 18th.
Meals after brunch on your own.
MEALS INCLUDED TODAY
Brunch 9:00
Thank you for joining us!
Register
They've registered and are headed to Tuscany! Ciao bella from some of the writing sisters~
Please take these four steps to complete your Eat, Pray, Write Registration:
1) Make your lodging choice--all on a first come, first serve basis!
2) Completely fill out the easy Registration Form with Terms & Conditions that follows below
3) Make your deposit via Pay Pal (If you don't have PayPal, please contact us.)
and
4) Please read the TRAVEL TAB (Home page) BEFORE making flight reservations!
Then, celebrate your investment in YOU and start packing!
Lodging: Three Family-Owned Locations Offered
In the Retreat Heart Center, Casa della Famiglia (Michele's Home)
- Sunflower Room -Twin, Main level (2 beds) BOOKED -Welcome, Heidi!
- Nunnery - Twin, downstairs (1 bed) BOOKED - Welcome, Jennifer!
- Michelangelo's Loft - (2 twin beds) upstairs BOOKED - Welcome, Domini & Lynne!
In Mario & Valeria's B&B Thalassa
- Standard Rooms (2 twin beds, 1 room) -Welcome, Coleen!
- Standard Room (double bed, private.) BOOKED-Welcome, Karen! Welcome, Cheryl!
- Deluxe Liz Gilbert's Suite - Full (2 beds, 2 rooms) w/living room & terrace, shared bathroom.;
BOTH BOOKED - Welcome, Judy & Robyn, and Amy!
- Deluxe Alda Merini Room w/private sunken tub, desk, chiffarobe -Full (1 bed)
BOOKED-Welcome, Linda!
In La Cassetta Ione (Michele's Grandmother's Cottage)
- Vista Bella - Twin, Main level (2 beds) BOOKED-Welcome, Lois and Sally!
Terms & Conditions
Tuition Investment Terms:
Please read very carefully!
Yeah! You’ve chosen to join us. Please make your first payment; this amount will
include the non-refundable deposit of $250.00 to hold your space.
When you register to attend the retreat, you are:
(1) Reserving a sacred space that could prevent another writing sister from registering and;
(2) Being counted in the minimum number of eight (8) enrollments, which determines whether or not the retreat will take place.
Eat, Pray, Write Retreat Dates
Friday, September 13 to Thursday, September 18, 2019
Your Investment
Before May 13
$1,999/shared room
$2,300/single room
$2,500/deluxe Alda Merini Room or Liz Gilbert's Suite
After May 13
$2,300/shared room
$2,600/single room
$2,800/deluxe Alda Merini Room or Liz Gilbert's Suite
All final investment payments are due on/by midnight of July 13, 2019.
If you have to cancel (And we hope you won’t!), we know that real life happens.
Your cancellation must be sent via email to michele@micheletrue.com Confirmation that it’s been received and read will be sent to you.
If you cancel before July 13, 2019:
There’s a non-refundable deposit of $250.00 and your other payments will be happily refunded--no questions asked.
If you cancel after midnight of July 13, 2019--two months before the retreat starts:
We regretfully cannot refund any of your deposit or investment. You are welcome to sell or give away your sacred space, contingent upon the writer completing the registration form and having a brief conversation with Lore Raymond.
If cancelled by the Eat, Pray, Write: Women's Tuscan Writing Retreat for any reason:
All payments and deposits will be refunded in full.
Contact:
Questions? Please contact us. We'd be happy to hear from you!
Let’s Get Started!