Back by popular demand!

Writing Retreat in Tuscany  

September 28 - October 5, 2012
Optional extension for Antiques Fair, October 6 - 7

Click here to read Laura’s article on the antiques fair in Arezzo, which ran on the cover of the Los Angeles Times travel section: Antique-hunting in Arezzo, Italy

Join us for a week of writing and traveling in Italy's jewels, Tuscany and Umbria.

The workshop will be based in the beautiful, medieval town of Arezzo, home to exquisite Renaissance frescoes, including the masterwork of Piero della Francesca, and other art treasures.

Find your own rhythm and become part of Arezzo's daily life. Stroll down the Corso Italia, where the locals take their evening passeggiata. Window shop, people watch, stop in the handmade pasta market, relax at a sidewalk café with an espresso or glass of wine. The pace is slow, the people warm and friendly. Life is sweet, la dolce vita.

After morning classes in Arezzo, explore the softly rolling countryside with vineyards, olive groves, and deep green cypress trees and visit charming nearby towns, including Cortona, Orvieto, Siena and Assisi. Local markets, medieval towns, and Renaissance art will provide great material for writers of both nonfiction and fiction, and offer a rare opportunity for those who would like to write about memoir, travel, food, art or history. Participants stay in lovely studio apartments, each with private bath and kitchen. The workshop includes some instruction, in-class writing exercises and feedback on your writing. This will be a memorable experience.

The week includes:

• Seven nights’ accommodations
• Welcome reception and farewell dinner in Arezzo; lunch in Orvieto
  
• Writing classes in Arezzo; writing session in Orvieto
• Walking tour of Arezzo, including the magnificent Piero della Francesca frescoes, Cathedral and Pieve di Santa Maria
• Daylong excursion to Orvieto with instructor, including the beautiful Orvieto Cathedral, underground caves, lunch, and a writing session in a 12th century church
• Afternoon excursion to Cortona of Under the Tuscan Sun fame. Other afternoons you're free to visit nearby hill towns. We'll provide guidance on what to see, as well as optional writing exercises.

In Arezzo's restaurants you'll find excellent meals at a fraction of what you'd expect in Rome or Florence. With bountiful markets and a kitchen in your room, it's possible to eat very well at reasonable prices.

You'll have a day at leisure, when you may visit Florence (40 minutes on the fast train), other nearby sights, or take advantage of a day to write in Arezzo.

Arezzo's famous antiques fair will take place the weekend after the retreat (October 6 - 7), and you're welcome to extend your stay if you'd like to attend. We've reserved space at our hotel, so let us know when you register for the retreat.

Not included:
Airfare and ground transportation to Arezzo; some local travel; some meals.
Arezzo is in the heart of Tuscany and Umbria, 40 - 75 minutes from Florence (depending on which train you take) and 2 - 2.5 hours from Rome.

Cost

$2975 if paid by March 1. $3375 after that. If you and a friend sign up, save $100 each. Rates for trip extension for antiques fair, Oct 6 and 7, upon request.

Deposit ($500) due now. Payment in full due by June 1.

Space is limited. Registration is first come, first served, so sign up early!

* Price based on the dollar/euro rate more than a year in advance of trip may be adjusted to reflect exchange rate at time of trip

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Links

For a brief introduction to Arezzo, see http://www.italyheaven.co.uk/tuscany/florence/daytrips.html

For current train schedules and fares, see http://www.trenitalia.com

Call Laura at 415.388.0900 or email info@lauradeutsch.com regarding payment or other questions.

Let us know if you’d like to receive information about future workshops in Italy or France.