Hello
Welcome Romance Fans and Writers...or soon to be Writers!
Want to skip the introduction and move straight to the schedule? We don't blame you!
Benvenuto to Arcidosso, Tuscany * September 19-26, 2020!
Program Schedule
Program Schedule
Program Schedule
This is Write Place and Write Time to join us in the Tuscan hamlet of Arcidosso.
Our programs are intentionally designed to:
Ensure you experience a balance between structured and free time
Provide a variety of experiences that engage all the senses, as well as your desire for adventure in Tuscany. Some of these include wine and olive oil tastings, excursions to Siena and Florence, and cooking lessons from extraordinary chefs
Include Places to Write that are interesting and inspiring within nature and within ancient walls
Balance Writing alone and/or in small groups
Submerse You In the authentic, Italian lifestyle that only exists in small, rural villages
Be Flexible because we honor your right to empowerment and the choice to write when and where inspiration hits!
What's Included?
Program Schedule
Program Schedule
I personally guarantee a retreat full of experiences that will expand your creativity and provide the opportunity to make connections with other writers that last a lifetime with:
Access to Historic, Family-Owned locations that have a story of their own
Writing Workshops, organized into small, manageable groups. Your workshop partners will provide respectful feedback that will help you take your writing to the next level
Scheduled Meals that take away the stress of figuring out where and when to find great food, but also allow you the autonomy to explore on your own.
Included:
- 7 x continental breakfasts / 4 x dinners
Safe, clean, and inspirational accommodations:
- 8 days/7 nights in Arcidosso, a medieval, hilltop city in southern Tuscany
- Choices for Location AND Privacy
Who's Invited?
Program Schedule
Arcidosso, Our Location
Anyone who…
Deserves a once-in-a-lifetime, cultural experience
Is Driven to find the Write Time, Write Place to create—you don’t have to be a professional or previously-published to join us
Appreciates being in a community of like-minded, craft-oriented or craft-curious writers
Seeks an enchanted “Under the Tuscan Sun” adventure while expanding a writing lifestyle through exploration of land, architecture, cuisine, personal spirituality and traditions while connecting with other writers...as well as Michele’s family and friends
Yearns for quiet, reflective time to retreat into creativity.
Is Drawn to adventure. Personal excursions for sailing, cycling, hiking, swimming in the Mediterranean, and more can be customized for you for a small up-charge
Shops 'Til They Drop If you dream of Prada Outlets and jewelry on the Ponta Vecchio. We can help with that!
Arcidosso, Our Location
Arcidosso, Our Location
Arcidosso, Our Location
Benvenuto ad Arcidosso!
Welcome to Arcidosso!
You probably want to know how that is pronounced. Don't worry, it's a question I am asked constantly:
Arc- think starch. That is the "arch" in Arcidosso.
i - ih, as in the word kid
do- "doe" a female deer
so- "sew."
This quaint, medieval village of only 4,295 people nested in the mountains of southern Tuscany is renown for its "best-preserved 9th century 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 start or finish your damn book!
Arcidosso lies at the base of Monte 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 Michele
Arcidosso, Our Location
Accommodations & Prices
Michele adores bringing writers together to share her passion and love for her Italian heritage, family, and heart's home.
The stones of this ancient Knight's Templar village bear witness to hundreds of years of human interaction. To lean against them is to absorb their memory and dignity.
The people of Arcidosso (Arcidossini) are a friendly, welcoming lot who enjoy their visitors. They will bowl you over with their warmth and humor. You'll feel safe here. Comfortably wandering through the gardens or cafe's to find a place to write alone or with new friends.
Michele speaks Italian and is available to translate. She loves to take her guests to the local Tuesday market and introduce them to vendors who are willing to bargain.
Monte Amiata has an energy that has attracted the wise for many generations. Merlin was rumored to have lived in a cave nearby; the grounds of Merigar West, a Buddhist enclave is one of serenity and inspiration; and Davide Lazeratti's story of spiritual leadership and martyrdom can be witnessed at the archeological site of Monte Labbro.
One of our September guests wrote this, "Totally met my overall intentions and so much more. Words cannot express the growth I have experienced in so many aspects of my life."
These are just a few of the reasons to Eat, Pray, Write with us!
Accommodations & Prices
Arcidosso, Our Location
Accommodations & Prices
We offer accommodations in three, historic, family-owned locations--each only a one-minute walk between each other:
- Casa della Famiglia: See the picture above of Michele's home --that building under the church bell? That is the Casa della Famiglia, and our retreat headquarters.
- Locanda Thalassa: Next, there are several shared or private rooms offsite at Michele's cousin's B&B, the Locanda Thalassa--only a one-minute stroll to and from MIchele's home.
- Cassetta Ione: Finally, there are two roomss available in the house where Michele's great-grandparents ran the Trattoria La Stella--also a few minutes walk to the retreat headquarters.
Arcidosso, Tuscany, Italy
Step Back in Time...
This retreat will take you back in through time via ancient surroundings. It is designed to allow you to unplug from whatever is hectic in your daily routine and plug into your white-hot center of creativity. Isn't it time you gave yourself the gift of time? Best of all, you'll be in a safe space with other writers, like yourself, who value their craft, themselves, and the time it takes to get a project started....or finished!
Benvenuto! Welcome to Michele's Home, Casa della Famiglia--the Retreat's Heart Center
As you can see, Michele's two-and-a-half story home is attached to the Chiesa San Andrea, an ancient Knights Templar Chapel. (San Andrea is to the far left.)
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.
Michele has a loft (Michaelangelo's Loft) that is a very large, open space with one full-size bed and one twin bed (the bathroom is one level down, so stairs are involved.) On the second level, the Sunflower Room is bright and airy, and has two twin size beds (if you want to share a space, this is a great space to share), and on the main level, there is a tiny, yet lovely room Michele has dubbed the Naughty Nunnery for it's small, yet plush and enlightening accommodations. All three spaces have desks available for writing.
Although everyone in Casa della Famiglia shares a bathroom, there are three large facilities, and the sharing has never posed a problem yet.
Cugino Mio! My Cousin
A mere one-minute walk from Michele's home is her cousin's 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.
At the B &B, Mario and Valeria offer accomodations, from the two bedroom, two bath with living room and verandah Liz Gilbert suite, to the Deluxe Alda Merini room with an enormous jacuzzi tub.
The giardino (garden) and terrazzo (terrace) at Mario and Valeria's is lovely, and they look forward to making sure each writingsistre is able to enjoy their outdoor space.
What IS Included for You!
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 the Gathering Spot, a.ka. Michele's large dining room. (Total 7 gatherings)
- Celebration “Arrivederci” Gourmet Dinner & Awards before departure day--also at Osteria Bastarda Rossa
- Two, fun hands-on adventures: wine and olive oil tasting night and cooking classes that include hand-rolled pasta
- Meals included: 7 x breakfasts / 4 x dinners
Pray
Pray
Pray
- Balanced itinerary that allows for sacred space to pray, reflect, meditate—and of course, write
- Plenty of free-time to create in the privacy of your room, in communal areas, or to walk the narrow, stone passages of Arcidosso in discovery of the many medieval churches and piazzas that make a perfect place for reflection and writing.
- Excursions:
- Buddhist temple and spiritual enclave of Merigar West a mere ten minute drive from Arcidosso. Here you will be able to tour the grounds and visit the extensive library that Merigar houses.
- Monte Labbro nature reserve and archeological site of important historical and cultural buildings, dating back to the “Giurisdavidico” movement led by Davide Lazzaretti
Write
- Daily group work, solitary writing time, and workshop clinics
- Writing tools discussions and workshops led by Michele where empowered feedback for your writing, projects, and skills are discussed. (Total 3 seminars)
- Writing prompts, optional mentoring, and writing routines...everything you need to take your experience back home and continue writing when the retreat is over!
- Workshop opportunities with other writers who write in unique groups based on experience
- Quiet Write is time set aside in Michele's house where you can gather around the table in the dining hall, curl up on couches and chairs in the living room, or find a group in the garden area where everyone is writing, together and the only sound that you'll hear is the clicking of keyboards.
- Rich variety of interior and exterior spaces to inspire writing including Michele’s home and garden; any number of local churches; a breathtaking city park, and many others waiting for your discovery.
Eat, Pray, Write International Retreat Application
We are thrilled to invite you to register and join us for Eat, Pray, Write's April 2020 Writer's Retreat in Tuscany! We will be accepting between ten and twelve writers for a small, group experience created to inspire your writing!
To reserve your experience of a lifetime:
1. Fill out the International Retreat Application located by linking on the "Apply Here" link below. Remember to make a copy for your records.
2. PayPal your deposit of $250.00 (net) to paypal.me/EatPrayWrite
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What Is Not Included
Flights
Flights to and from any airport are not included and must be booked individually. (Please plan to arrive Rome on April 22nd and spend the night at one of our recommended hotels in Fiumicino. If arrival on the 22nd is not possible, please arrive before 10 a.m. April 23, 2021 for complimentary arrival and departure transfers.)
Unscheduled Transportation Needs
To and from Rome's Fuimicino airport on any dates other than the 23th and 30th of April, 2021. Any local transportation needs in Arcidosso, other than scheduled group excursions. Please feel free to rent a car and meet us in Arcidosso if you would like to have a wide range of mobility during your free time.
Items of a personal nature
such as laundry, telephone calls, tips, gifts, souvenirs and/or additional internet services
Passports or Visas
Accommodations
Lodge With Your Host in the Medieval Home: Casa Della Famiglia
Michele & Herb's Medieval Home
The French Room
This is a small, intimate room on the main level of Michele's home. Decorated in luxurious velvet, tapestries and crystal, this room is perfect for pampering.. One single bed and small chest comes with with a private bathroom that boasts a rare soaking tub! Of course the obligatory bidet, toilet, sink and room for toiletries is provided. BONUS: A desk area and living room adjoin the this naughty nunney, and provides a comfortable writing space and inspiration. $2,300.00
Sunflower Room
An oversized room with two comfortable twin beds awaits you on the second floor of Michele's ancient home. If you are attending with friends, this is a great option! This room comes with a designated bathroom for privacy--only four steps away. $2,500.00 per person.
Pricing includes all tuition, excursions, and transfers to and from Fiumicino. Price excludes airfare.
Michelangelo's Loft
Room for two! One downy-soft, queen bed and one twin bed (equally downy-soft) are wait for you in the loft of Michele's home, just under the Templar Church Bell! Perfect for sharing with a friend! Please note that the bathroom is down one flight of stairs and is a shared facility with house guests and hosts. $2,800.00 for the Queen bed and $2,600.00 for the twin bed. Both prices include tuition, excursions and transfers to and from Fuimicino,
Casetta Ione
A stand alone apartment, once the Trattoria La Stella, owned by generations of Michele's grandfathers.
Ione: Double Bed, Private Room
Within this small house is the immaculate Ione room, named after Michele's grandmother. This accommodation comes with a queen-size bed, wardrobe, beautiful view and privacy. The kitchen, living room and bathroom is shared with one other attendee. Planning on coming with a friend? This is the perfect retreat within a retreat. On sale now for $3,300.00 This price includes transfers to and from Fuimicino, all excursions, cooking lesson, wine-tasting, olive oil tasting and more! (Excludes airfare.)
Giselda: Single Bed, Private Room
Welcome to the Giselda room, named after Michele's great-grandmother. This lovely room provides a plethora of personal storage space, a comfortable bed, a fantastic view, and tranquility. You'll love the delightful sounds of sparrows and church bells ringing across the valley. On sale now for only $3,000.00! This price includes transfers to and from Fuimicino, all excursions, cooking lesson, wine-tasting, olive oil tasting and more! (Excludes airfare.)
Shared Living Area & Bath
A view of the shared living room, kitchen area of the Casetta Ione, once the dining room of the Trattoria La Stella run by the Tassi family for generations. The tables and chairs pictured here are original from the Trattoria La Stella and family heirlooms. You'll find modern conveniences of a washing machine in the bathroom, blow dryer, fully functioning kitchen for immediate access to coffee, tea, snacks or lunch at your convenience, and cable television.
Price List Continued
Locanda Thalassa
Mario & Valeria, Michele's Cousins, run this boutique beauty steps away from Michele's house.
Bronte Sisters Room
Two twin beds in this shared space with plenty of room and a shared bathroom and a desk for writing. Price per person in this shared room is only $2,900.00 and includes transfers to and from Fuimicino, all excursions, cooking lesson, wine-tasting, olive oil tasting and more! (Excludes airfare.)
Can be booked as a private room with private bath for $3,300.00.
Jhumpa Lahiri "Thalassa" Room
This private room with double bed and private bath will delight you and cradle you in a creative inspiration. Price per person in if shared room is only $2,900.00 and includes transfers to and from Fiumicino, all excursions, cooking lesson, wine-tasting, olive oil tasting and more! (Excludes airfare.)
Can be booked as a private room with private bath for $3,300.00.
CURRENTLY RESERVED for A! Benvenuto!
Alda Merini Suite
A large, spacious room with Queen bed, desk and huge bathroom with Jacuzzi tub. The Alda Merini en Suite has been dubbed the center of creativity by our recent retreat sunflower, Linda G! This room is a rare treat at only $3,700.00. This price includes transfers to and from Fuimicino, all excursions, cooking lesson, wine-tasting, olive oil tasting and more! (Excludes airfare.)
Option to Share: $2,500 per person
Liz Gilbert Suite Private Room 1
Price per person in this deluxe suite with terrace facing the Chiesa della Madonna is as follows:
One Person: Double bed $4,000.00
Two People: Two twin beds, shared foyer and bathroom $3,400.00
Three People: Three twin beds, third bed in foyer and is a walk-through area ato get to private room and private bath. $2,500.00
Meet the Owners Of Locando Thalassa....
Mario & Valeria have created a magical space in the oldest part of medieval Arcidosso. Via Talasesse, the street Michele's grandmother was raised, is home now to the next generation of hospitality and warmth.