More Details…and FAQ…and A.
Frequently asked questions and answers.

This retreat will be a week-long celebration of art and the art of living, Tuscan-style.
Imagine… Medieval villages, art cities, luscious countryside, delicious food--- and we absorb it through all five senses. Painting and journaling; art history and appreciation; the art of food: cooking class, wine and olive-oil tasting; art for the soul: ancient abbeys, gregorian chants; rejuvenation for the body: yoga every morning, and time for walks or runs on the trails, or lounging by the pool.
And lots of good eating, wine-tasting, laughing and enjoying La Dolce Vita--the sweet life!

Who will be the staff?
Colleen Cannon is your host on Women’s Quest, and Julia Ingersoll will be leading this retreat. We will also have the assistance of specially-chosen local staff who will share their expertise with us on specific occasions. Together, the staff brings experience, attention to detail, enthusiasm and a good sense of humor to Toscana Creativa, so come enjoy life!

Colleen is the founder and director of Women's Quest fitness retreats. She is a world champion triathlete, whose passions now include horses and music. Colleen leads an active mountain life; skiing, snowshoeing, running, and riding. Colleen has mastered the art of living well, playing hard, embracing life and sharing her passion for living.

Julia is a professional painter who has been living and working in the Tuscan hills for most of the past 10 years. Julia studied Classical painting and drawing at the Florence Academy of Art in Florence, Italy, the Aegean Center for Fine Arts, and in apprenticeship with master Austrian painter Michael Fuchs in Vienna. She speaks fluent Italian and French, and one of her greatest joys is sharing her appreciation and knowledge of Italian art, history and culture as we tour through the hilltowns and countryside of Tuscany. Julia is an experienced group leader and teacher, who has been leading trips in Tuscany and California for the past eight years. She has taught drawing, watercolor and oil painting both privately and for Women’s Quest retreats. In addition, Julia teaches yoga on selected Women’s Quest retreats, offering a balanced practice to start our mornings. Julia regularly exhibits her paintings in Europe and the U.S. and is represented by Mary Williams Fine Arts in Boulder, CO, and the DeCampo Gallery of Big Sur in Big Sur, CA. Her latest solo exhibition, “Sanctuary”, was held at the Venetian Museum on the island of Naxos, Greece in July 2007.

What will the Creative reatreat be like? …Hands-on art-making, and art-history brought to life:
We will enjoy creative sessions of outdoor painting and sketching—with instruction for all levels in oil or watercolor and drawing mediums. We will also create a personal illustrated journal of our experiences, with daily suggested exercises in writing and decorating techniques. We will be working both in the magnificent landscape of our villa-estate and going off to paint and sketch in fabulously inspiring places. From elegant towns such as Montalcino to jewel-like villages such as Pienza; from the famous gardens of Villa La Foce to the ancient-Roman spa of Bagno Vignoni, the majestic spiritual abbeys of Sant’Anna (the church where the English Patient was filmed), and exquisite Sant’Antimo and Monte Oliveto Maggiore where the monks still celebrate mass in Gregorian chant as they have for over 1000 years. We will have a feast of subjects to enjoy. We will spend a full day in beautiful Siena discovering the city’s history and mystical secrets, and appreciating it’s art with outstanding Sienese-born guide Cristina.

There will be full, expert instruction for all levels… Beginning and experienced artists alike will be treated to a feast of inspiring locations and guidance, in the land where art is a way of life and life itself is artful!

We will be painting outdoors most days as well as creating a personal, illustrated journal with daily suggested exercises designed to attune you to your heart’s inner desire, connecting you with the present moment, recording clues, making a personal map of the journey.
Artists are welcome to work in the medium of their choice. Specific instruction will be offered in plein-air oil and watercolor painting. Experienced painters are welcome to work in the size and format of their choice. Beginning painters will focus on creating small-format outdoor paintings that can be completed in one or two sessions, learning traditional historical plein-air techniques for capturing the light and forms of the landscapes and architecture surrounding us. The emphasis will be on the joy of the process and the fun of discovery—art is a long-term project, not an instant fad! A typical morning of painting will include a brief demonstration and suggestions for beginning, followed by individual guidance during the painting practice. We will gather for a group appreciation of our efforts after lunch.

We will also have a suggested journaling activity each day, often during our explorations of villages or sightseeing, a great way of connecting deeply with a place and moment in our day.

The Secret Life of Art
In all the places we visit we will be treated to an insightful view into the history and significance of the art we see. Linking art-history and heart-history--exploring the connection between the Renaissance and our own journeys.

Where will we be based?
From our meeting point in Florence, we will travel by van about 2 hours south into the province of Siena. This region is known as the Val d’Orcia and is one of the most picturesque and beautiful areas in all of Italy. The estate is located just outside the charming village of Trequanda, where there is a particularly good cappuccino bar as well as important 14th Century paintings in the town church. We will be lodging here for the whole week, so we can settle in and not have to pack and unpack. The area is a treasure-trove of gorgeous villages, towns, gardens, and abbeys for our day-tripping pleasure.

What will the acccomodations be like?
Our home will be historic Fattoria del Colle, an authentic working wine and olive-oil estate with beautifully renovated farmhouses and main villa for our lodging. The rooms are simple but comfortable, decorated in traditional Tuscan style, and many are arranged in appartment form with a central living room. The bathrooms are also simple but functional, with showers not tubs. The estate also includes a formal lemon garden, a small chapel, and two swimming pools with expansive views over the magnificent countryside that reflects the quintessential dream of Tuscany. Our delicious Tuscan meals, prepared from fresh, local ingredients, will be served in the farm’s lovely restaurant.

Breakfast at Fattoria del Colle is served buffet style, with an abundance of homemade pastries and jams as well as local cheeses, cereals, bread, yogurt, juices, and egg frittatas. Foamy cappuccinos and lattes made to order. On days we are out touring we will enjoy lunch out in local trattorias, while some days we will have lunch at our estate, served outdoors overlooking the vineyards, weather permitting. Dinners feature delicious local specialties of the region, served in the estate’s lovely restaurant. The produce is fresh and organic, direct from surrounding gardens and farms. One or two nights we will dine out to sample an acclaimed trattoria in a nearby village. Some special dietary considerations can be accomodated with advance notice. Vegetarians are well-provided for in Tuscany, and wheat-free pastas and rice are available substitutes for those with gluten allergies. The proprietor of Colle, Contessa Donatella Cinelli Colombini, is one of Italy’s few female vintners, and one of the finest winemakers overall. She produces award-winning Brunello di Montalcino wines, and her signature vintage, Prime Donne, is produced solely by women. Combining the beauty of ancient stone architecture with modern comforts, we will retreat to a timeless world at Colle, in harmony with the peaceful and exquisite countryside surrounding us.

Other Activities:
Rejuvenating and relaxing yoga sessions will be offered each morning before breakfast, and there will be free-time each day for walking/running the trails around our estate, or relaxing poolside. In addition to hands-on art-making, we will also be exploring the bounteous art-treasures of Siena, the frescoes of the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, the Renaissance masterpieces of Pienza, and browsing or shopping in the towns.

Naturally, we will also be celebrating the art of living, following local custom.. Slow down, taste, savor, sip, and indulge. We will partake of one of the most luscious culinary traditions in the world, and learn traditional recipes in a cooking class at the villa. We will enjoy a guided visit of the working vineyards of our estate, and taste their award-winning wines, among the finest in Italy. In addition to our swimming pool, one day we will have the opportunity to enjoy the hotsprings pool in the ancient Roman spa town of Bagno Vignoni after our morning of painting in this gorgeous village.

What if I am new to Italy or Europe?
If you've never been to Europe, relax! You will love it. If you've been many times- you'll be surprised, refreshed, and delighted by our intimate version of the European experience. We will pick you up and always be available for any questions and with a helping hand. You'll feel like part of an extended Italian family at this retreat.

Who can help me with my travel?
You are welcome to plan your own travel or work with your own travel agent. The travel is very simple and you will fly in and out of Florence and we will do the rest. However, if you prefer, I am excited to introduce you to Heather, a very helpful travel agent with whom I have been working for 20 years. Heather at the Travel Society at 303-381-7423 or 303-381-0601. Heather has been coordinating cycling trips for years and can help you with whatever you need. Heatherr@travelsociety.com

Some info to ease your mind and aid your packing!
PASSPORT! Now would be a good time to check your passport! You must have at least six months left on your passport from your time of departure! If not, visit the State Department's website (http://travel.state.gov/passport_services.html) or visit your local post office for your renewal. You do not need a visa for your stay.

WEATHER is generally temperate. Daytime temperatures in the 70's and cool nights. When it rains - it POURS, so do bring rain gear. Visit: www.weather.com and type in Pisa, Italy to check the local weather forecast before departure.

DRESS Italian rural culture is fairly relaxed, however short shorts and tank tops are not advised in restaurants or while sight-seeing. Please bring some smart casual (tending towards the conservative if you’re in doubt) attire to help you to feel more comfortable when out and about. This means, longer walking shorts, skirts, summer dresses, nice slacks, and blouses or tees. Nothing too fancy, just nice, easy and casual. Plan to do laundry in the sink and hang out to dry (micro-fibers dry fastest). And do bring warmer things for cool evenings and dinners on the terrace, and the unexpected. An old work shirt to pull on while painting is nice to have, or an apron, for protecting clothes.A brimmed hat or visor is recommended to wear while painting

GEAR We will walk, do yoga, hike, and swim. We will be painting outside, on location in villages, fields, wherever inspiration leads. Bring appropriate wear. Comfortable sturdy shoes, comfortable sandals or flip-flops, a swim suit, and a yoga mat.

Art Materials List Plan to bring most supplies with you. The only art stores we will encounter are on our Siena day. You will be provided with a complete list of supplies which will be sent to you when you sign up. New artists can take this list into a local art supply store for assistance in choosing the materials.

OTHER STUFF As with all foreign travel, plan to bring all the prescriptions and lotions that you will need for the trip. Make no assumptions!. We recommend you be current on your tetanus (check with your doctor, or if you have not had one in 5 years) otherwise, no shots are required.

Expect airfares to run you from $900-1200 depending on where you fly from and timing (you never know when you might get good deals). Try to minimize the number of transfers so that you don't lose your baggage in transit.

Your carry-on should include: a change of clothes, your running/hiking shoes, a swimsuit and minis of your essential toiletries. This way, if they do lose your bags for a few days, it won't be as bad. Many essentials are easy to find --but bras, undies, shoes, and toiletries are difficult to replace. Pack smart. Additionally drink plenty of water on the journey, this is your best offense in staying healthy and adjusting to the time change quickly. I take an empty water bottle and then fill it up once I am through security

If you can, we suggest that you plan to arrive a day or two early to acclimatize.

Space is limited at this retreat to 15 participants in order to offer the finest, personalized instruction…

Sample Program Schedule… A revised, updated version will be sent to you before departure.

Saturday: Arrival day.Transfer from Florence to Fattoria di Colle in Trequanda. Settling in, wine and introductions on the terrace, and dinner.

Sun Day 1: At Colle: 7:00 Yoga, 8:30 breakfast, 9:30- 12:30 painting 1:00 lunch, relax, afternoon hike to Trequanda with journal exercise, 5:00 wine tour of the estate, 8:00 dinner.

Mon Day 2: Pienza and Sant’Anna in Caprena Church. 7:00 Yoga, 8:30 breakfast, 9:00 trip to Pienza. Visit town, and painting on site. 1:00 lunch. Visit to Sant’Anna in Caprena monastery in afternoon. free-time at Colle, 8:00 dinner.

Tues Day 3: Montalcino and Sant’Antimo. 7:00 Yoga, 8:30 breakfast, 9:30- 12:30 painting morning at Colle. Leave after lunch, to visit Montalcino. Abbey of Sant’Antimo to hear monks chant mass at sunset and journal work. Dinner out.

Wed Day 4: Montichiello and La Foce gardens. 7:00 Yoga, 8:30 breakfast. Trip to Montichiello to paint at village. lunch out. Afternoon painting at gardens of Villa La Foce, return to Colle for relax and dinner.

Thurs Day 5: Day at Colle. 7:00 Yoga, 8:30 breakfast, 9:30-12:30 painting, 1:00 lunch. Afternoon hike to traditional cheese-making farm; free-time, 5:00 cooking class, 8:00 dinner.

Fri Day 6: Siena. 7:00 yoga, 8:00 breakfast, 9:00 trip to Siena! Cristina guides us into the heart of the city. Sketch project for journals. Shopping time. Home to Colle for dinner.

Sat Day 7: Bagno Vignoni. 7:00 Yoga, 8:30 breakfast, 9:00 trip to Bagno Vignoni. Paint, and enjoy the hot springs pool, lunch, return in afternoon to Colle. Art show in evening, celebration dinner.

Sun Day 8: Travel back to Florence.

What’s Included

• Daily instruction and guidance in painting, sketching, journaling.
• Art-history insight to all places we visit by art-historian Priscilla
• Morning yoga
• Cooking class in traditional Tuscan dishes at our villa estate
• Guided tour of the winery and tasting award-winning wines and olive oils
• A visit and guided tour of the magnificent town of Siena.
• A soak in the ancient-Roman spa pool of Bagno Vignoni
• A visit to a traditional cheese-making farm
• painting, walking, swimming, shopping… fun!
• 7 nights accommodation on a beautiful historic wine estate (see "Frequently Asked Questions" for more detail regarding lodging and transportation (single-room upgrades are available for an additional charge)
• all dinners, 3 lunches and daily breakfasts. We will be out for four lunches which will be on your own.

Price does not include airfare, art materials or airport transfers

Come for joyful art-making, gentle yoga, for beauty, medieval villages, the ancient spa, the food, the wine, the delightful company, the magnificent abbeys, the magical landscape, the Renaissance masterpieces, in short-- the unequalled atmosphere of Tuscany… And return with a map of your own imagination, a bundle of paintings, new insight into your heart’s desire, and an experience to treasure!

How do I sign up?
A $500 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of registration. This deposit must be paid by cash/check. If you prefer, the remainder of your balance may be put on Visa/Mastercard. Balance is due 90 days prior to camp. The trip is limited to 20 women so sign up early. We’ll send you a profile, schedule of events and activities and local phone numbers after signing up.

Prices do NOT include airfare to Italy
Please send information and make checks payable to:

Women's Quest
2525 Arapahoe Avenue, Suite E-4 #181
Boulder, C0 80302
colleen@womensquest.com
(303) 545-9295

Credit cards are accepted.

Reservation and cancellation policy:
There is a $500 non-refundable deposit due at the time of registration. Balance due 90 days prior to camp. Your camp fee is nonrefundable within 90 days of the camp. Please note that injury or illness does not disqualify you from the cancellation policy and we are unable to transfer deposits and/or payments from one year to the next so we highly recommend trip insurance which you can obtain through your travel agent for a nominal cost. You must sign a liability release form to participate in camp, and payment does not include airfare, bike rental or airport transfer.

"There is no end, believe me, to the happiness your body is willing to bear."
--Mary Oliver