FAQ’s
Who is this retreat for?
Our retreats are designed for women who love food, wine, culture and meaningful travel. Whether you’re travelling solo, with a friend, recently retired, an empty nester, or simply ready to do something for yourself, you’ll be warmly welcomed.
Most guests are aged between 40 and 70, though age is far less important than attitude. If you’re curious, open-minded, and excited to experience Italy beyond the tourist trail, you’ll fit right in.
How many people per retreat?
We intentionally keep our retreats small and intimate. Depending on the destination and accommodation, our groups are limited to between 6 and 10 guests.
Small groups allow us to create experiences that simply aren’t possible on larger tours — from long lunches with local producers to private workshops, boutique wineries, family-run farms and meaningful conversations around the table. Many guests tell us the friendships they make become one of the highlights of the trip.
What happens after I book?
Once you’ve secured your place, you’ll receive a welcome email, payment schedule, recommended reading list and access to our private guest WhatsApp group. Around 8 weeks before departure we’ll host an online welcome call so you can meet your fellow travellers and ask any questions before arriving in Italy.
Can I come on my own?
Absolutely! Many of our guests join as solo travelers, and our small group size makes it easy to feel at home right away. Whether you’re sharing a twin room with a friend you bring along, or booking a private room just for you, you’ll be welcomed into a warm, supportive community from the moment you arrive.
What experience can I expect from a Seasons to Gather retreat?
Think less tour, more invitation. Our retreats are centred around food, wine, local culture and meaningful connection.
A typical week may include cooking classes, winery visits, food markets, artisan workshops, countryside lunches, ocean swims, village strolls and plenty of free time to relax and explore. Some days are more active, others slower. We carefully design each itinerary to balance discovery with rest, ensuring you never feel rushed.
At the heart of every Seasons to Gather retreat is the opportunity to experience Italy through its people, traditions and table.
What is included in the retreat?
Please refer to the itinerary under each retreat for full inclusions.
What will the days be like?
No two days are the same, but the rhythm is intentionally slow. Mornings begin with a relaxed breakfast and a short transfer to a nearby town or vineyard. Afternoons often include hands-on workshops, a long lunch, or time to rest by the pool. Evenings are spent gathering around the table for multi-course Italian feasts paired with wine. Every day balances activity with leisure so you’ll never feel rushed.
Accommodation
What are the room options?
You can choose between:
- Private Queen Rooms with ensuite
- Twin Rooms (two king singles) with ensuite
Each is styled simply and elegantly to reflect the Italian countryside.You can have a private room to yourself, or share a private room or twin room.
Can I share a room with a friend?
Yes. Twin rooms are ideal for two guests travelling together - whether friends, sisters, or partners. You can also choose to share a private queen room.
Can I have a private room?
Of course. If you’d like your own space, you can book a queen room just for yourself which will ofcourse include a private bathroom.
Do I have to share a bathroom?
No. Every room has a private ensuite bathroom.
What type of accommodation do we stay in?
Our retreats are hosted in handpicked accommodations, personally experienced and chosen by us to balance comfort with authenticity. They vary between private luxury, villas and 4-5 star hotels depending on the tour. Please refer to the full itinerary for your tour to understand the type of accommodation for that particular tour.
Food and Wine
What if I have a dietary requirement?
We want everyone to feel well-nourished and cared for during the retreat. Most dietary requirements and intolerances can be accommodated in Italy, especially vegetarian, gluten-free, and lactose-free diets. Italy is particularly mindful of gluten intolerance and celiac disease, with many traditional dishes and products that can be adapted. That said, because Italian cuisine leans heavily on dairy and eggs, we’re not able to cater to a fully vegan diet.
If you have any dietary needs, please let me know in advance at info@seasonstogather.com so I can make sure we’re well-prepared. The more I know ahead of time, the better I can work with our chefs and local hosts to create a culinary experience that feels both safe and delightful for you.
What is included in a typical meal?
Food is the soul of our retreats, and there’s no better way to experience Italy than gathered around a table. Expect multi-course Italian feasts, paired with regional wines, as well as lighter lunches and breakfasts to balance the pace of the day.
All meals shared during the retreat are included unles noted on the itinerary, We have spent a great amount of attention to detail in our menus, hand curated food experiences in the region and partner with our in house private chef to create memorable food expereinces.
Are drinks included?
Yes water of course! Wines are also thoughtfully paired with our meals are included throughout the retreat, with reasonable limits in place. Any soft drinks, cocktails, spirits ordered outside of group meals will be at your own expense.
Payments
How do I secure my place?
A $500 deposit per person secures your place on the retreat.
Once your deposit is received, your spot is confirmed and we begin reserving accommodation and experiences on your behalf.
The remaining balance is divided into three installments due at 120, 90, and 60 days before departure.with final payment due 90 days prior to departure.
Can I set up a payment plan?
Yes, we offer an easy, structured payment plan so you can spread the cost comfortably.
Example Payment Schedule For our Sicily Trip: ($4,100 USD)
✔️ Deposit: $500 USD (paid at booking)
First Instalment: $1,200 USD- Due by 15 September 2026
Second Instalment: $1,200 USD - Due by 15 November 2026
Final Instalment: $1,200 USD - Due by 5 February 2027 (non-refundable after this date)
What if I need to cancel?
We understand that plans can change, and we’ve designed our cancellation policy to be fair to both our guests and our local partners.
• Cancellations up to 120 days before departure: Full refund, minus the $500 AUD deposit
• Cancellations within 120 days of departure: Payments are non-refundable
This 120-day window allows us time to offer the place to another guest and honour our commitments to local hosts. If you’re unable to attend, you’re welcome to transfer your place to someone else (with written notice), subject to approval. Full details are outlined in our Terms & Conditions.
Travel
When should I arrive and depart?
For peace of mind with possible delays, we strongly recommend arriving in the day before your trip begins. On arrival day, our group meets at the aagreed point. More information will be emailed to you once you have booked in about the meeting point with photos and contact details.
How do I get to the pick up point from the airport?
For the Umbria/Tuscany retreats, our meeting point is in Prati a suburb near the Vatican. We have guests coming in from all countires at different times of the day, as such this is the best meeting point- 31 Via Orazio, 00193, Rome. Rome has two airports, Fiumicino (FCO) and Ciampino (CIA), both similar distances into the city. Taxis are capped at €50, and buses are available for around €12. I can also share boutique hotel and accommodation suggestions with you near the meeting point.
Detailed instructions will be shared with you well before departure, and we’re happy to help with guidance on the easiest route.
What if I’m delayed on arrival day?
If you’re running late and miss the group transfer, you’ll need to make your own way to the accommodation at your own cost. We’ll provide clear directions and support where possible to help you join us smoothly.
Can I extend my trip before or after?
Definitely! Many guests arrive a day or two earlys we recommend arriving at a minimum the night before the tour starts for peace of mind with travel delays. We can help you book an additinal day at the Sicily hotel or reccomend hotels in Rome for our other trips. On departure days we reccomend departures after 1pm to allow for any traffic on the roads - it keeps the transfer stress-free. We’re happy to recommend places to stay and things to do just send me an email on info@seasonstogather.com
Need help planning your travel?
With 15 years in the airline industry, I’m more than happy to offer guidance or connect you with a trusted travel agent. Please reach out if you’d like assistance in planning your flights or an extended stay in Italy.
Do I need to book my flights?
Yes. flights are not included in the retreat price, and guests are responsible for arranging their travel to and from Rome, where our journey begins and ends.
On departure days we reccomend departures after 1pm to allow for any traffic on the roads - it keeps the transfer stress-free.
Do I need to speak Italian?
Not at all. While we love sharing the local language (and you’ll pick up a few handy phrases along the way!), all retreat activities are hosted in English and your host Grace can speak Italian. Our local partners and guides are also fluent in English, so you can relax and focus on enjoying the experience.
Health & Practicalities
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Travel insurance is mandatory. It should cover medical care, trip interruption, and cancellation. We will ask for the policy number pre departure.
Is this retreat physically demanding?
Our retreats are designed to be restorative and accessible. Most activities are relaxed and suitable for all fitness levels, but please be prepared for:
Gentle walking tours through hilltop towns with cobblestones and uneven paths
Countryside explorations that may involve extended but unhurried walking
One guided Pilates session to begin the day grounded (optional: you can always opt out)
Comfortable shoes are essential, but nothing on the retreat is strenuous. If you have specific concerns, feel free to get in touch so we can ensure the pace feels right for you.
What should I pack?
Think comfort over glamour! Italy’s charm is best enjoyed with practical shoes for cobblestones and countryside walks, layers for changing weather, and swimwear if you’d like to enjoy the pool. Don’t forget a small day bag, a sun hat, and a journal if you’d like to capture reflections from your trip. We’ll send a full packing list closer to departure, and you can also book a 20 min call with me if you have any questions pre-retreat here.
How physically demanding are the retreats?
Our retreats are designed for individuals with a moderate level of fitness due to the nature of activities involved. Expect walking tours through historic districts with uneven cobblestone paths and countryside explorations that may require more extensive walking.
What if need alone time, is it okay to spend the day on my own?
Absolutely! We understand that everyone has different comfort levels when it comes to social interaction. If you need some time to recharge, feel free to take a day for yourself. Whether you want to relax at the accomodation, explore nearby areas on your own, or simply enjoy some quiet time, you are welcome to do so. Please note that no activities are mandatory, so you can participate at your own pace. Your experience is all about finding the right balance for you, and we want you to feel comfortable and rejuvenated throughout the retreat!
What should I do if I get sick on retreat?
If illness occurs while on retreat, our first priority is ensuring you receive prompt and appropriate medical attention. All our retreat leaders are Senior first aid trianed, so in the first instance we will be able to support. We’ll assist you in accessing healthcare services swiftly, and we have a selection of local doctors available who can come to your accommodation if needed.
Please note that according to our terms and conditions, we’re unable to offer refunds for any part of the trip missed due to illness. All medical costs, including treatment, testing, medication, or any quarantine-related expenses, will be your responsibility or should be covered by your travel insurance policy. It’s essential to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers such situations to mitigate unexpected expenses.
Pricing & Cancellation Policy
Are prices quoted per person?
Yes, all my prices are quoted per person and listed in Euros or Australian Dollars.
What's not included in the retreat price?
Not included in the tour price are:
-International round-trip airfare and domestic travel to the tour departure point.
-Travel insurance to safeguard your trip.
-Activities outside the planned itinerary, allowing for personal exploration.
-Any meals and beverages not specified in our itinerary, giving you the freedom to explore local flavors on your own.
What is the cancellation policy?
We understand that plans can change, and we aim to be as fair as possible to our guests while honouring commitments made to our local partners.
Cancellations initiated by you:
• Up to 120 days prior to departure
A full refund applies, less the $500 AUD deposit.
• Within 120 days of departure
The booking is non-refundable.
If you’re unable to attend after the 120
For full details, please refer to our Terms & Conditions. If you have questions or concerns, we’re always here to help and guide you through any unforeseen circumstances with care.
Do you offer payment plans for the retreats?
Yes, we offer a simple, structured payment plan to help you spread the cost of your retreat comfortably over time.
To secure your place, a $500 AUD deposit is required at the time of booking. The remaining balance is then divided into scheduled instalments leading up to departure.
Example payment schedule
(Based on a $5,999 AUD Sicily retreat)
Deposit: $500 AUD (due at booking)
Instalment 1: $1,833 AUD (due 120 days before departure)
Instalment 2: $1,833 AUD (due 120 days before departure)
Final instalment: $1,833 AUD (due 90 days before departure)
All payments must be completed by the final due date to confirm your reservation. You’ll receive reminder emails ahead of each instalment, along with a secure payment link for ease and peace of mind.
For more details, please refer to our Payment Plan FAQ, or feel free to reach out to us at info@seasonstogather.com — we’re always happy to help.
Retreat Planning
How can I prepare for the retreat?
We want you to feel at ease and inspired before you even step on the plane. That’s why we’ve created a little preparation journey to help you soak up the spirit of Italy in advance. You’ll receive a thoughtfully curated list of books, articles, and podcast episodes to explore(pick your poison), each one chosen to give you a taste of the culture, food traditions, and history that make this country so special. If you’re arriving early, we’ll also share our favourite ways to enjoy the departure city, from hidden corners to must-visit cafés.
About two months before the retreat, we’ll gather online for a casual meet and greet call. It’s a chance to meet your fellow travellers, ask questions, and start weaving the connections that will make this experience so meaningful.
Think of it as your gentle head start: a mix of inspiration, tips, and community, all designed to help you step into Italy feeling ready, connected, and excited.
