Dolce Toscana
ITALY
Val d’Orcia, Tuscany
October 19 - 24, 2025
Val d’Orcia
ITALY
Immerse yourself in the very best of Tuscany—breathtaking landscapes, stunning architecture, rich art and history, vibrant culture, and the region’s famed cuisine.
Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Val d’Orcia, a hidden gem of Tuscany showcased in films like Gladiator and The English Patient. Wander through picturesque medieval and Renaissance towns, including Siena and Pienza, each brimming with charm and history. Savor the world-renowned wines of Montepulciano and Montalcino, as you indulge in what has become our most popular—and most beloved—Tuscan itinerary.
✦ Enjoy a cooking class at a historical, family-owned castle winery
✦ Tour an organic farm and taste their pecorino cheese
Highlights
✦ Savour farm to table meals prepared by a private chef
✦ Wander Pienza and Siena on guided tours
Italian Country Charm
Authentically Tuscan, the villa has been beautifully refurbished while still maintaining its original character. With both single and double rooms, private and shared bathrooms, the villa can sleep up to eighteen guests.
Relaxing Spaces
A converted barn is now an extra living area and yoga studio with a view looking out onto the countryside and Montalcino in the distance.
Glorious Grounds
The villa has a panoramic swimming pool and plenty of places to lounge and play. A converted barn is now an extra living area / yoga studio with a view.
Plush Rooms
Each of the villa's rooms is spacious and comfortable. Some boast views across the valley while others face the thick trees in the back. Wake up to chirping birds and sleep to the soothing soft sounds of crickets and frogs.
The Experience
Day Trips
We'll visit hidden gems like a nearby Romanesque abbey, tour a prestigious Montalcino winery, and enjoy the most charming, medieval and Renaissance-era towns of Tuscany like Montepulciano, Siena and Pienza.
Private Chef
We'll have a top local chef cooking us typical, Tuscan cuisine —including beautiful breakfast spreads and delectable dinners. Local wine and spirits are included, no extra cost.
Cooking Class
We'll have a cooking class at a nearby, top-rated historical castle winery. Afterwards, we'll eat what we've made and enjoy tasting the wineries perfectly paired wines.
Niccolò & Alexandra Forzoni
Meet Your Trip Leaders
Niccolo and Alexandra Forzoni are the amazing duo hosts with the most in Tuscany. They’ll show you all over their native Val d’Orcia region, answer all your questions, make you laugh and feel like family. Like us, you’ll come back again and again.
What’s included.
Prices are per person and include:
Shared rooms starting at
£2950 per person
Arrive early, stay late.
Coming on a retreat with us and want to arrive a bit beforehand? We can help create the perfect experience to enhance your trip. Choose from one of our packages below and add your preferred experiences.
The 4* Bellissimo, Rome
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Stay in a centrally-located, 4-star boutique hotel for your chosen number of days
Breakfast each day
Vespa Tour of Rome
Airport / train station pick up (arrival only)
from £500 per night
The 4* Botticelli, Florence
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Centrally-located, 4-star boutique hotel for your chosen number of days
Breakfast each day
Guided Walking Artisan Tour of Florence
from £500 per night
The 5* Meraviglioso, Rome
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Centrally-located, 5-star boutique hotel for your chosen number of days
Breakfast each day
Guided Walking Tour
Vespa Tour of Rome
Airport / train station pick up (arrival only)
from £1000 per night
The 5* Michelangelo, Florence
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Centrally-located, 5-star boutique hotel for your chosen number of days
Breakfast each day
Guided Walking Artisan Tour of Florence
from £1000 per night
FAQs
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We recommend you fly into Florence as it's a small, easy airport to navigate and well connected to the city center. It's also where we're all going to meet in Piazza Santa Maria Novella on the first day of the retreat for private transfer to the villa.
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Yes, absolutely. We offer 'bijou' small, add-on itineraries for those who'd like to spend a few days in Rome, Florence, the Amalfi Coast or Milan on either end of the trip. Just click here, choose your dates and package and voila. Sorted! Don't see what you're looking for among one of our pre-package tours? Write to us at duende@duenderetreats.comand we'll help with a bespoke itinerary suited to exactly what you're looking for.
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All are welcome! It's an itinerary that would be enjoyable for anyone who likes to eat, laugh, walk, cook, cycle, wine taste and explore. (Children not permitted.)
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Yes. When you register and pay your 30% nonrefundable deposit, you can opt into setting up a payment plan.
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Deposits are nonrefundable unless there's a waiting list and someone would like to take your spot. In the case we are able to sell your spot, you will be refunded your deposit, less £100 admin / transaction fees.
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The full itinerary will be sent to you about a month prior to departure. If you have specific questions regarding the excursions, please do reach out to us.
Explore the possibilities.
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Savoring Umbria
with Anna Francese Gass
October 12 - 17, 2025
An unforgettable culinary adventure through the beloved region of Umbria.
from £2,900 per person
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The Holiday: Christmastime in London
December 7 - 12, 2025
Nowhere does Christmas quite like jolly old England! Wander through twinkling streets adorned with festive lights and explore iconic landmarks draped in holiday cheer.
£3600 per person
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Dolce Toscana
October 19 - 24, 2025
Join us this fall for five spectacular days at a private villa in beautiful Val d’Orcia, Tuscany.
from £2950 per person
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Haute Couture
with Amanda Tatom
Jan 18 - 24, 2026
Join us in the fashion capital of the world for an unforgettable journey through the city’s most iconic style spots. Explore exclusive boutiques, discover emerging designers, and enjoy luxurious VIP shopping experiences.
from £6000
Our trips, tailored to you.
Any of our trips can be tailored to suit your needs. Click on the button below and fill out our simple easy form and we’ll send you a quote.
