| Join us for an idyllic getaway. You will reside in
the heart of Tuscany, birthplace of Dante, Boccaccio, Leonardo da Vinci,
and Michelangelo. Here time stops while you contemplate the harvest
landscape: olive trees cascading down hillsides, grape-laden vines stretching
toward the sun, the October light bathing the walls of our castle.
Two experienced authors, Grace Cavalieri and Karren Alenier will consult with the writers ( find out more
about Grace and Karen below ).
An Opportunity to Grow in Your Craft
Private writing time
Three workshops
Individual manuscript consultations
Individual readings
A maximum of 22 writers and their guests will be accepted. The
small size of each group offers flexibility to address the unique goals
of each participant. Emphasis will be on creating new work.
Your Castle is Your Home
Few areas of the world can compare to Tuscany, where nature and human
artistry merge so harmoniously. Your home and studio is the medieval
fortress, Castello di Montegufoni built in the 11th century, later refined
by the Renaissance. Meander through terraced gardens, savoring the
simple pleasures of life. Absorb the civilized, slower pace of Tuscany.
This sojourn in a gentler life will help awaken your own creativity.
Montegufoni stands on a peaceful country road, the same Via Volterrana
once followed by Charlemagne to Rome. Boccaccio and his friend, Petrarch,
sought refuge from the Black Plague in this castle. Originally Montegufoni
belonged to a family about whom Dante spoke in his Divine Comedy.
Later in the 1550s, it often hosted artists and men of letters. In
World War II the Birth of Venus and the Primavera, paintings by Botticelli,
were hidden in the cellars of Montegufoni. Our retreat brings
artists and writers to this special place once again.
Your Living Quarters
You will live in a comfortable apartment or house with modern facilities,
one of dozens created within Montegufoni’s two palaces, five villas,
armories, chapel and tower. Typically your accommodation will have
one to three bedrooms with bathroom, living area and efficiency kitchen.
Single bedrooms will be available at an additional charge. If you
wish, you will be matched with a roommate.
Meet Your Guides
Grace Cavalieri is author of ten books of poetry including Pinecrest
Rest Haven. She has written texts and lyrics for opera, stage, and
film. She has won many awards including the Pen-Syndicated Fiction
Award. Host of “The Poet and the Poem” on WPFW-FM for twenty years,
she now produces poetry programs for public radio. She teaches writing
in colleges throughout the U.S.
Karren L. Alenier is the president of the Word Works, a publisher of
poetry combining contemporary art to create collector edition publications.
Active in promoting the arts, the Word Works is a co-sponsor of this retreat.
Karren is the author of four poetry collections including Looking for Divine
Transportation. Her poetry and fiction have been published in prominent
literary journals. Karren has been involved in leading the Retreat
at Castello di Montegufoni since 1996.
Enjoy the Treasures of Florence, Lucca and San Gimignano
More than a retreat—a treat for all your senses.
Our schedule provides time for excursions to nearby Florence.
With our own guide, see the doors of Ghiberti, the Dome of Brunelleschi,
Michelangelo’s David. An entire day in this walkable center of culture
provides ample time to shop the boutiques, stroll the Ponte Vecchio, stop
at Vivoli for a gelato (some say the best ice cream in the world)
and take a panoramic photo of the city from the heights of Piazzale Michelangelo.
From our central location, it’s an easy afternoon visit by our private
coach to Lucca, a surprisingly sophisticated small town. Stroll or
ride a bicycle through the park which is constructed atop the fortress
encircling the city. Despite three circles of walls, light
pours through the cobblestone streets, highlighting elegantly dressed men
and women as they stroll arm in arm through streets closed to cars.
Be sure to visit the surprising oval piazza surrounded by medieval houses,
all built into the walls of a Roman amphitheater.
Another afternoon our destination will be Siena. Experience
the flamboyant mix of medieval palaces and towers surrounded by
olive groves and orchards. With a Sienese guide, tour Il Campo,
the piazza where the spectacular Palio horse race errupts each year.
Several afternoons will be free for your creative work, strolling in
the gardens of the castle or hiking in the nearby hills. For those
who wish to return to Florence, a local bus passes by Montegufoni and whisks
you into the city in 35 minutes.
Who Should Go
If you long for a place to nurture your writing or art. . .value feedback
from a recognized artist. . . seek inspiration from cross-cultural
experience. . . want an arts colony experience. . . appreciate the
serenity of country life. . . relish beautiful landscapes and art
treasures. . . enjoy making your own discoveries. . .and appreciate
good value for your money—then you will love the Tuscany Castle Arts
Retreat!
A Typical Day at the Tuscany Arts Retreat:
(note: itinerary not finalized)
Morning
8:30 Breakfast in your apartment
9:00 Writing or Painting/Drawing Activities
Afternoon
1:00 Dinner in garden cafe of Montegufoni
2:30 Bus departs for sightseeing visits
7:00 Bus returns to Montegufoni
Evening
7:30 Supper in apartment or nearby trattoria
9:00 Readings by writers or art lecture
What’s Included
Transportation. Transfers between Florence and Montegufoni.
Coach with professional driver for three excursions.
Accommodations. Seven nights in two-to-six-person apartments
or
houses with shared kitchens and bath facilities. Bedrooms are double
occupancy (single rooms depending on availability at extra cost of $350
to $550).
Meals. Six gourmet dinners served with mineral water and
wine from the estate, including the festive farewell dinner, breakfast
fixings in your apartment (opportunity to purchase additional breakfast
foods at a local supermercato).
Welcome Reception upon arrival with Tuscan antipasto specialties
and wine
Florence Walking Tour. See city highlights and discover
its history with an expert guide.
Ask about rates for 2003
Air Arrangements. We will be booking round-trip fares to
Florence, including tax, from Washington/Dulles. If you want
Great Travels to arrange travel on these flights or others, please call.
Note: airport transfers in Florence can only be guaranteed for participants
arriving and departing on designated flights.
Travel Insurance. We recommend that you purchase insurance
within 14 days of making your deposit to safeguard your investment should
you cancel or interrupt your trip. Please call to obtain a copy of
an Access folder by mail or fax.
Extend Your Stay. Great Travels Italy experts will
help with arrangements for add-on itineraries. Visit Florence, Venice,
Rome, the Cinque Terre or call us to discuss your interests.
How to Reserve Your Place Please call for an application form
and return it to Great Travels, Inc. with your deposit of $300.
Call now 800-411-3728.
What to Expect at the Tuscany Castle Arts Retreat
Italy, a place of spectacular art is an ideal setting for contacting
your muse. The Tuscany Castle Arts Retreat offers a nurturing place
to learn and create. Evaluations from past participants testify to
the benefits of the retreat.
Retreat Participants Say. . .
“…a lovely, remote, peaceful environment to create new work. “
- Barbara Koons,Indianapolis, IN
“What I liked most were the leaders, the bonding, the scenery and the
two cats sleeping on the doorstep.”
- Fran Kaplan, Chicago, IL
“I am certainly glad I went. What I liked most was the opportunity
to learn in magnificent surroundings, the castle, the countryside
and, by great good fortune, my roommates.”
- Robert Sargent, Washington, DC
“A wonderful, rewarding time talking to other writers and just looking
out the window at the hills and Tuscan landscape.”
- Susan Pigman, Columbia, MD
“It's such an indulgence to have someone who knows about writing to
focus that much time specifically on my work.”
- Jean Emerson, San Jose, CA
“Time to write and share ideas with fellow artists from different
disciplines. I am still writing poems germinated from the retreat.”
- Hilary Tham, Arlington, VA
“Well organized. Food outstanding. Castle and people were
great!”
- Rick Vitullo, Crownsville, MD
“A nice balance of structure and freedom.”
- Mary Trachsel, Lisbon, IA
“A unique experience that engages all the senses.”
- Nina Mills, San Francisco, CA
“A lovely trip to a magical place. I would like to do it again!
”
- Marie Robins, Southern Pines, NC
“In my wildest dreams, I could not have asked for better retreat leaders. They
created an atmosphere of joy and trust. Tuscany did the rest.”
- Barbara Alfaro, Bethesda, MD
“The castle atmosphere was liberating and conducive to working, with interesting
nooks and crannies and lovely vistas.”
- Vivian Dorsel, Richmond, VA
“It's phenomenal! If you'd like golden sunshine, perfect pasta, poets who write like angels
and a castle to live in... come to Tuscany and Castello di Montefugoni.”
- Ruth Moon Kempher, St Augustine, FL
“My trip to Tuscany was glorious beyond belief. The Castello di Montefugoni is surrounded
by vineyards and olive groves and hills made familiar by the paintings of a hundred Renaissance
artists. If you've ever seen the movie “ Enchanted April ”, you have an inkling of my week at the castle.”
- Miles David Moore, Alexandria, VA
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