Tuscany offers an endless source of inspiration for artists—the golden light, sprawling landscapes, olive groves, lemon trees, terracotta rooftops, and ancient stone buildings creating a natural palette of color, texture, and atmosphere. This retreat invites you to slow down and truly observe your surroundings, translating the beauty of Tuscany into watercolor through thoughtful instruction, experimentation, and hands-on exploration.
Throughout the week, Julie will guide you through techniques for mixing rich, saturated colors and creating visual and three-dimensional texture. You’ll explore how different paints, brushes, and artistic tools can transform what you see into expressive artwork inspired by the places and experiences around you.
This is an immersive creative experience where the landscape, culture, food, and traditions of Tuscany become part of the artistic process. Rather than simply painting from photographs or working within a traditional studio setting, you’ll draw inspiration directly from your surroundings and the experiences woven throughout the retreat.
Each art session offers a new opportunity to explore the colors, textures, and details that make Tuscany so distinctive.
Each workshop combines guided instruction with time to experiment and develop your own artistic voice. Julie will introduce new techniques while encouraging you to make creative choices based on your individual style and observations. The goal is not simply to recreate what you see, but to translate the feeling, color, and character of Tuscany into your own work.
This retreat is designed for intermediate and advanced artists looking to deepen their watercolor practice while finding fresh inspiration in a new environment. You’ll leave with new techniques, a deeper understanding of color and texture, and a collection of artwork shaped by the landscapes, experiences, and beauty of Tuscany.
JULIE McGLONE
Julie McGlone is an artist, author, and avid cook with more than 45 years of experience as an artist. A lifelong educator, Julie brings her love of teaching into her watercolor classes, where she encourages artists to explore, experiment, and step outside their comfort zones.
Based in The Villages, Florida, Julie has spent decades developing her own artistic practice while sharing her passion for watercolor with others. Her love of creativity extends far beyond the studio—through travels across six continents, she has sought out art and cooking lessons wherever she goes, even participating in a teacher exchange in Russia.
For Julie, creativity is all about curiosity, connection, and embracing new experiences. Her philosophy is simple: “Life begins when you get out of your comfort zone.”
TUSCANY, ITALY
Tuscany is a region that seems painted by the very artists it has inspired for centuries. Rolling hills dotted with vineyards and olive groves, cypress-lined roads, medieval towns perched on hilltops, and golden light stretching across the countryside create an atmosphere that feels timeless. At its heart lies Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, where grand architecture, historic streets, and centuries of craftsmanship continue to shape the city’s creative spirit.
For those drawn to art, Tuscany is more than a destination; it’s a living studio. Wander through the medieval streets of San Gimignano and Siena, discover Florence’s remarkable artistic traditions, or find inspiration in the soft Tuscan light and landscapes that have captivated artists for generations. Beyond the art, days are enriched with local flavors—from handmade pasta and regional wines to gelato and traditional Tuscan cuisine. Here, every experience offers another way to connect with the beauty, history, and creativity of the region.
Spend a day discovering Florence through its art, history, architecture, and local traditions. With a private guide, explore the historic center and learn about the neighborhoods, landmarks, and stories that have shaped the city—from its Renaissance roots to the craftsmanship that still defines Florence today.
Beyond the city’s famous landmarks, Florence invites you to experience its everyday traditions. Browse renowned leather shops for Italian-made shoes, bags, or a special gift, stop for a seasonal gelato, or enjoy an afternoon aperitivo at one of the city’s charming wine windows.
Enjoy time to explore at your own pace before gathering for dinner at a welcoming, traditional Tuscan restaurant in the historic Santa Croce neighborhood. Settle in for classic local dishes, good wine, and the relaxed atmosphere of a neighborhood favorite before returning to the Tuscan countryside.
Step into the world of traditional Florentine paper marbling with local artisan Riccardo Luci. During this hands-on experience, discover the centuries-old techniques used to create the distinctive swirling patterns found on beautifully decorated Italian papers.
Learn how colors are prepared and carefully floated across the surface before being transformed into intricate patterns. Working directly with the artisan, you’ll have the opportunity to create your own marbled design and experience the process behind this highly specialized craft.
The workshop offers a personal look at a traditional Florentine art form, with each piece taking on its own unique combination of colors and patterns. Your finished marbled paper becomes a one-of-a-kind keepsake from your time in Florence.
Journey through the medieval heart of Tuscany with a full day exploring two of the region’s most captivating historic cities alongside your private guide. Begin in Siena, one of Italy’s best-preserved medieval cities. Explore its grand piazzas and winding streets, learn about the traditions surrounding the legendary Palio horse race, and visit the magnificent Siena Cathedral, home to masterpieces by Michelangelo, Donatello, and Bernini.
Continue to San Gimignano, where you’ll stroll through its historic center, taking in its famous medieval towers and learning about its history and renowned Vernaccia wine. After time to explore and sample local gelato, continue to a nearby Tuscan winery and farm overlooking the town’s iconic towers for a wine tasting and dinner featuring local flavors and ingredients before returning to the property.
This immersive day combines history, culture, and local flavors for a deeper look at the traditions that have shaped Tuscany.
Step into the kitchen at the villa for an intimate, hands-on cooking experience led by your private chef. Learn to make fresh potato gnocchi from scratch, working step by step from preparing the dough to shaping each piece by hand.
Once the cooking is complete, gather around the table for a three-course dinner featuring creamy burrata with tomato salad and extra virgin olive oil, the fresh gnocchi you prepared together, and classic Tuscan tiramisù for dessert. Paired with local wine and shared around the table, it’s an evening that brings together the flavors, traditions, and convivial spirit of Tuscany.
ITINERARY
BENVENUTI TO TUSCANY
Arrive at Florence Airport, where a private shuttle will welcome you and transport you into the rolling hills of Tuscany. As the city fades behind you, the landscape transforms into vineyards, olive groves, and winding country roads leading to your home for the week.
Settle into this peaceful Tuscan retreat, a historic countryside estate surrounded by the beauty that has inspired artists for centuries. Take time to unpack, relax, and begin embracing the slower rhythm of life in Tuscany.
As the afternoon light softens over the hills, gather together for a welcome aperitivo featuring local wines and seasonal bites. This evening, enjoy your first Tuscan dinner prepared by your private chef at the villa, celebrating the beginning of a week filled with creativity, connection, and inspiration.
FOUNDATIONS IN ART
Begin your first full day in Tuscany with a leisurely breakfast at the villa. Enjoy a morning cappuccino or Italian coffee alongside fresh pastries, seasonal fruit, yogurt, and other locally inspired favorites before gathering for your first art workshop with Julie.
Explore the creative foundations of the week ahead, from techniques and materials to composition and capturing the feeling of a place through light, movement, and atmosphere. Inspired by your Tuscan surroundings, create simple studies drawn from the countryside, local objects, flowers, architecture, and more.
Enjoy lunch prepared at the villa before spending the afternoon creating, relaxing by the pool, exploring the property, or simply soaking in the surroundings.
Gather in the evening for a chef-prepared Tuscan dinner at the villa, sharing good food and conversation after a day of creativity.
ART, ARTISANS + THE HEART OF THE RENAISSANCE
Today, venture into Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance and one of Italy’s greatest artistic cities. After arriving in the city, begin with a guided exploration that introduces you to Florence through its art, history, and remarkable artisan traditions.
Continue to a hands-on paper marbling workshop, where you’ll learn the centuries-old Florentine technique of creating intricate patterns on paper and create your own marbled piece to take home.
After the workshop, enjoy time to explore Florence at your own pace—browse local shops, wander the historic streets, or discover a charming café before gathering for an early dinner at a local restaurant. As the evening comes to a close, return to the Tuscan countryside after a day immersed in the art, culture, and energy of Florence.
CREATING + COOKING
Start the morning slowly with breakfast at the villa, enjoying freshly brewed Italian coffee, warm pastries, seasonal fruit, and a selection of savory favorites as you take in the peaceful Tuscan countryside. After breakfast, head to another art workshop with Julie.
Today’s focus will be translating the landscape into art—exploring composition, perspective, and the unique qualities of Tuscany’s rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves, and historic architecture.
Enjoy lunch at the villa before spending the afternoon continuing your artwork, relaxing, or exploring the peaceful grounds and surrounding countryside.
Later, step into the kitchen with your private chef for a hands-on Tuscan cooking experience. Learn the traditions behind regional dishes as you prepare a memorable meal together using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Then gather around the table to enjoy the meal you created, paired with local wines and good company.
MEDIEVAL TUSCANY
Step into the timeless beauty of Tuscany with a guided journey through Siena and San Gimignano, two of the region’s most captivating historic cities.
Begin in Siena with a guided exploration of its medieval streets and grand piazzas, learning about the traditions surrounding the famous Palio horse race. Visit the magnificent cathedral, home to masterpieces by Michelangelo, Donatello, and Bernini, before continuing to San Gimignano.
Explore San Gimignano’s historic center, taking in its famous medieval towers and learning about its history and renowned Vernaccia wine. Visit the cathedral and enjoy time to sample local gelato before continuing to a nearby Tuscan winery and farm overlooking the town’s iconic towers for a wine tasting and dinner featuring local flavors.
After a full day of history, culture, and local flavors, return to the Tuscan countryside.
COLORS OF TUSCANY
Enjoy a peaceful Tuscan morning with a cappuccino and a leisurely breakfast at the villa, featuring fresh-baked pastries, fruit, yogurt, and savory breakfast dishes prepared by your chef. Then, gather for another art workshop with Julie.
Inspired by the landscapes and experiences you’ve gathered throughout the week, today’s session focuses on bringing together observation, emotion, and technique. Capture the colors, textures, and atmosphere of Tuscany through your own artistic perspective.
After lunch prepared at the villa, enjoy time to continue creating, refine your work with guidance from Julie, relax, or take in the peaceful surroundings.
As the afternoon winds down, gather for a relaxed pizza dinner prepared by your private chefs. Enjoy a casual evening together at the villa, sharing conversation, local flavors, and the artwork taking shape throughout the week.
CREATING + CELEBRATING
Begin your final full day with a relaxed Italian breakfast at the villa. Linger over coffee, fresh pastries, seasonal fruit, yogurt, and savory specialties before heading to your final art workshop with Julie.
Use this final workshop to reflect on your creative journey, refine your favorite pieces, and add finishing touches to artwork inspired by your time in Tuscany.
After a leisurely lunch at the villa, enjoy a relaxed afternoon to complete your artwork, share ideas with fellow artists, or simply savor your final hours in the Tuscan countryside.
That evening, gather for an elevated farewell dinner celebrating the week and the artwork you’ve created together. With the setting transformed into an intimate gallery-inspired celebration, share your work, toast to new friendships, and reflect on a week filled with creativity and connection.
ONE LAST MORNING IN TUSCANY
Enjoy one final Italian breakfast, savoring a cappuccino or espresso alongside fresh pastries and seasonal fruit as you take in the countryside one last time. Take your time over breakfast before preparing for your departure.
Spend your remaining moments lingering over coffee, strolling the grounds, or simply reflecting on the memories created throughout this special week.
When it is time to depart, your private shuttle will transfer you back to Florence Airport.
As you leave Tuscany, you’ll carry home more than paintings—you’ll take with you the inspiration, friendships, and moments that made this creative journey unforgettable.
ROOM + BOARD
Set among the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside, our private countryside estate offers a peaceful home base for a week of art, exploration, and la dolce vita. Surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and expansive views, the property provides a relaxed setting to slow down between excursions and creative sessions.
Days begin with breakfast overlooking the countryside, while afternoons offer time to relax, create, or enjoy the property. In the evenings, gather around the table for chef-prepared meals featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients and the flavors of Tuscany.
The estate is located in a peaceful, rural area and is not within walking distance of a town, restaurants, shops, or other amenities. Guests will rely on planned transportation for excursions and off-property activities.
Your accommodations are set with the Podere Le Rondini estate, offering a comfortable and peaceful place to retreat after days spent exploring Tuscany. Rooms are thoughtfully appointed and designed to complement the character of the historic countryside setting, creating a warm and relaxed atmosphere throughout your stay.
Most rooms are designed for single occupancy, while select accommodations can accommodate two guests. Guests may choose to book with another retreat participant or bring a non-participating companion, depending on availability. Full room descriptions, occupancy options, and pricing details can be found on the Book Now page.
Food is an integral part of the retreat, with meals prepared by our private chef using fresh, seasonal ingredients inspired by the flavors of Tuscany. Each morning begins with an Italian breakfast featuring coffee, cappuccino or espresso, pastries, seasonal fruit, yogurt, and rotating savory specialties.
Breakfast is included every morning, with lunches and dinners served at the villa on most days. During our two full-day excursions, guests will enjoy lunch on their own while exploring Florence, San Gimignano, and Siena.
Enjoy chef-prepared Tuscan meals throughout the week, including a pizza night, hands-on pasta making class and dinner, and an elevated farewell dinner. Wine is included with most meals, along with a welcome aperitivo featuring local wine and seasonal bites.
Most dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice. Guests may share dietary preferences at checkout. Menus vary seasonally.
King Room
1 Participant
- Private bedroom with a King-size bed
- Private en-suite bathroom with hairdryer
- Air conditioning and high-speed WiFi
- Shared spaces include a dining room and gardens with outdoor seating and BBQs
- Beautiful countryside setting with access to the property’s panoramic swimming pool
- Rooms are individually designed within the historic agriturismo, so layouts and furnishings may vary; images may not represent the exact accommodation
Twin Room
2 Participants
- Shared bedroom with two twin-size beds
- Private en-suite bathroom with hairdryer
- Air conditioning and high-speed WiFi
- Shared spaces include a dining room and gardens with outdoor seating and BBQs
- Beautiful countryside setting with access to the property’s panoramic swimming pool
- Rooms are individually designed within the historic agriturismo, so layouts and furnishings may vary; images may not represent the exact accommodation
Double Room
1 Participant
- Private bedroom with a double-size bed
- Private en-suite bathroom with hairdryer
- Air conditioning and high-speed WiFi
- Shared spaces include a dining room and private gardens with outdoor seating and BBQs
- Beautiful countryside setting with access to the property’s panoramic swimming pool
- Rooms are individually designed within the historic agriturismo, so layouts and furnishings may vary; images may not represent the exact accommodation