Ritiro di quilting in Toscana: 7-Day Quilting Retreat in Italy with Barbie Mitchell
Your TourHero
Barbie is a published quilter, pattern designer, teacher & a lover of all things handmade, living on Bundjalung Country in NSW Australia. She has chosen quilting as her creative medium and presents workshops on designing quilts, needle turn appliqué, piecing & big stitch quilting.
Duration
7 days · 6 nights
Travel Date
Apr 8 - 14, 2025
Activity Level
Light
Group Size
6 - 10
Transportation
Group airport & activity transfers
Tour Price
Your Fellow Explorers
Age range
21+
Travel interest
Quilting, community, healing, sightseeing, nature, history
Fellow Travelers
Gaynel
Mary Jane
Janet
RosalindImmerse yourself in a quilting retreat celebrating textiles, handwork, and the wonders of Italy. Spend 6 nights nestled in picturesque Chianti where you’ll learn the art of quiltmaking from Barbie. She’ll teach needle turn applique, patchwork, and hand piecing while everyone makes their quilt top under her guidance and expertise. Each day, you’ll partake in a morning class, then enjoy a mix of guided explorations and free time to immerse yourself in the tranquility of the area.
Join us for an inspiring journey of quilting, art, and friendship in the enchanting beauty of Chianti, Italy. Book now and secure your spot today!
NOTE: There will be a chance to meet & greet on Zoom before the tour to get prepared for class with video links to techniques. There will also be a Zoom call to reconnect and share finished quilts after the tour.
Cancellation policy
Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.
Refunds for balance payment
If you cancel your trip on or before Jan 3, 2025 at 11:59 PM local time (GMT +1), you will get a refund of the remaining balance. This may or may not include the deposit amount. See deposit refund section above.
If you cancel your trip from Jan 4, 2025 at 12:00 AM local time (GMT +1) onwards, no refunds will be issued.
You can change or cancel your trip in your TourHero account by clicking on Your Trips.
TourHero, the retreat host, and the tour operator reserve the right to cancel or reschedule this trip up until January 3, 2025. If the departure is canceled out of your control, you will be alerted by this date and will receive a full refund.
In this case, TourHero is not responsible for your preparation expenses, such as airline tickets, extra accommodations, loss of work, or any other cost associated with preparing for your trip. We recommend booking travel insurance, along with refundable flights/accommodations in case of cancellation.
Your TourHero
Barbie is a published quilter, pattern designer, teacher & a lover of all things handmade, living on Bundjalung Country in NSW Australia. She has chosen quilting as her creative medium and presents workshops on designing quilts, needle turn appliqué, piecing & big stitch quilting.
Duration
7 days · 6 nights
Travel Date
Apr 8 - 14, 2025
Activity Level
Light
Group Size
6 - 10
Transportation
Group airport & activity transfers
Immerse yourself in a quilting retreat celebrating textiles, handwork, and the wonders of Italy. Spend 6 nights nestled in picturesque Chianti where you’ll learn the art of quiltmaking from Barbie. She’ll teach needle turn applique, patchwork, and hand piecing while everyone makes their quilt top under her guidance and expertise. Each day, you’ll partake in a morning class, then enjoy a mix of guided explorations and free time to immerse yourself in the tranquility of the area.
Join us for an inspiring journey of quilting, art, and friendship in the enchanting beauty of Chianti, Italy. Book now and secure your spot today!
NOTE: There will be a chance to meet & greet on Zoom before the tour to get prepared for class with video links to techniques. There will also be a Zoom call to reconnect and share finished quilts after the tour.
Timeline
- Day 1 · April 8, 2025 · Chianti
- Arrive at Florence Airport
- Group transfer from airport to accommodation
- Check-in at Le Cetinelle
- Free time
- Welcome dinner
- Day 2 · April 9, 2025 · Lucca & Chianti
- Breakfast
- Quilt making class
- Visit Lucca with guide: Musei Nazionali & Palazzo Mansi National (lunch not included)
- Transfer to Pisa
- Leaning Tower of Pisa visit
- Return to accommodation
- Dinner
- Day 3 · April 10, 2025 · Prato & Chianti
- Breakfast
- Quilt making class
- Visit Prato with guide: Textile Museum & Prato Castle (lunch not included)
- Return to accommodation
- Dinner
- Day 4 · April 11, 2025 · Siena & Chianti
- Breakfast
- Quilt making class
- Visit Siena with guide: Museo Archeologico Nazionale & Siena Cathedral (lunch not included)
- Return to accommodation
- Dinner
- Day 5 · April 12, 2025 · Florence & Chianti
- Breakfast
- Quilt making class
- Visit Florence: Palazzo Pitti + Boboli Gardens, Florence Cathedral, Uffizi Gallery, Accademia (lunch not included)
- Return to accommodation
- Dinner
- Day 6 · April 13, 2025 · Chianti
- Breakfast
- Quilt making class
- Lunch
- Free time
- Cooking class with dinner
- Day 7 · April 14, 2025 · Departure
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Group transfer to Florence Airport
- Journey ends
Details
Day 1 · April 8, 2025
Welcome to Italy – get settled in beautiful Chianti
Welcome to your enchanting quilting retreat in Italy! Your journey begins as you arrive at Florence Airport, where a warm Italian welcome awaits you. We'll whisk you away in a group transfer to your delightful haven, Le Cetinelle. As you check-in, take a moment to immerse yourself in the rustic charm and serenity of this Tuscan gem. After settling in, the afternoon is yours to explore the beautiful surroundings or simply unwind in the tranquil atmosphere.
In the evening, we'll gather for a delightful welcome dinner, where you can savor delectable Italian cuisine and get to know your fellow quilting enthusiasts. Get ready for a memorable experience in the heart of Italy!
Day 2 · April 9, 2025
Start your quilting experience with Barbie, visit Lucca, and stop by the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Start your day in this Italian paradise with a delicious breakfast to prepare for your first quilting workshop with Barbie. Hone your craft and learn from the best! After an inspiring morning, we are changing up the pace with a trip to Lucca, a charming medieval city surrounded by Renaissance walls, known for its well-preserved historic architecture, cobblestone streets, and picturesque squares. While there, we will visit Musei Nazionali, a cultural treasure trove featuring a diverse collection of art, artifacts, and exhibits, and Palazzo Mansi National, another museum containing art, furniture, and decorative objects, providing insights into the opulent lifestyle of past centuries.
The day isn't over yet: we will then transfer to Pisa to visit none other than the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. As a testament to both architectural marvel and engineering quirk, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is definitely a must-see. Finally, we'll return back to our accommodation for a delightful dinner, savoring Italian flavors while sharing stories and laughter with fellow quilting enthusiasts.
Day 3 · April 10, 2025
Discover Prato on a day-trip to the Textile Museum and castle
Your morning begins with a delicious breakfast, fueling you for the upcoming quilting adventure. After an engaging class with Barbie, where you'll learn and hone your quilting skills, we'll take you on a captivating journey to Prato, guided by our local expert. Explore the rich history of textiles at the Textile Museum and delve into the past at Prato Castle, a historic fortress that adds to the city's charm and heritage.
As the day unfolds, we'll return to the cozy comfort of your accommodation for free time and dinner, allowing you to relish Italian flavors and share stories of your day's discoveries with fellow quilting enthusiasts.
Day 4 · April 11, 2025
Visit beautiful Siena with a trip to the National Archeology Museum and Cathedral
Rise and shine to another Italian sunrise and start your day with a delectable breakfast, setting the stage for your quilting journey. Dive into your next class to refine your skills in the tranquil Tuscan setting. Then, we'll whisk you away to Siena, a captivating city known for its stunning medieval architecture, including the magnificent Siena Cathedral, which you’ll get to see today. You’ll also explore the treasures of the Museo Archeologico Nazionale with our expert guide.
As the day winds down, we'll return to your cozy accommodation, providing time for relaxation, reflection, and dinner.
Day 5 · April 12, 2025
See all the top sights in Florence on a half-day excursion
Indulge in a day of art and creativity, starting with a delicious breakfast, followed by our quilt making class. Afterward, embark on a cultural journey to Florence, a Renaissance masterpiece known for its breathtaking art, architecture, and cultural heritage. We’ll explore the opulent iconic landmarks, such as Palazzo Pitti and the lush Boboli Gardens, we’ll admire the magnificent Florence Cathedral, and immerse ourselves in the treasures of the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia. After our adventure, we’ll head back to the accommodation for rest and dinner.
Day 6 · April 13, 2025
Spend one final day enjoying your community, your quilting projects, and the serene Tuscan backdrop
Our final full day in Italy has arrived, and we’ll honor it with breakfast, a quit making class, and ample free time to enjoy the accommodation and the area. In the evening, we'll join together for a cooking class where we will learn a recipe together and then eat the dishes we have created for dinner! Celebrate the bonds you've formed and the beautiful quilts created during this memorable journey. It's a day of reflection and camaraderie, marking the end of an unforgettable quilting retreat in the heart of Italy. Enjoy every last second of it.
Day 7 · April 14, 2025
Pack up and say goodbye to Italy
As we bid farewell to our enchanting retreat in Italy, the day begins with a final delicious breakfast and check-out from your accommodation. We'll then provide a group transfer to Florence Airport, ensuring a smooth and convenient journey back home. With hearts full of memories and quilting experiences, our delightful adventure comes to a close, marking the end of a truly special Italian retreat. Safe travels, and we hope to see you again soon!
Accommodation
Le Cetinelle
Le Cetinelle is a charming farmhouse B&B in Chianti, near Greve, offering a serene getaway with stunning views of the Chianti hills extending to Florence and San Gimignano. This tranquil retreat provides six air-conditioned double bedrooms with modern en-suite bathrooms, tastefully decorated in Tuscan style, and serves breakfast in the dining room. Guests can enjoy the swimming pool and garden, taking advantage of the unique microclimate at 600 meters above sea level. Le Cetinelle also produces organic Tuscan wines and extra virgin olive oil available for purchase. The large garden offers panoramic views, children's toys, hammocks, and seating areas, creating an idyllic setting for a relaxing stay. Room type: Double occupancy. Room configuration: Twin beds.
Included
6 nights at Le Cetinelle
Double occupancy in accommodation
All breakfasts & dinners
Lunch day 6
Airport & activity transfers
1 group arrival airport transfer from Florence Airport
1 group departure airport transfer to Florence Airport
Daily quilt making class with Barbie
Day trips to Lucca, Pisa, Prato, Siena, and Florence
Local English-speaking guide during trip to Lucca, Prato, Siena, and Florence
Not included
Flights
All food & drink not mentioned in inclusions
Personal expenses
Optional add-ons
Travel insurance
Gratuities
FAQ
What happens if I need to cancel my trip?
Please check the cancellation policy section on this itinerary page for specific details.
Will TourHero or the operator take care of my visa (if applicable)?
Travelers are responsible for researching visa requirements and obtaining a visa if needed. Please check government websites to ensure you have the necessary documents, along with passport requirements, before your departure date. This includes necessary transit visas, permits, and vaccinations required prior to travel and any required reciprocity fees for the destination. TourHero will provide a booking confirmation document after purchase, which may be needed to obtain a visa.
If your visa is denied for any reason, TourHero will issue a refund based on the cancellation policy. However, we are unable to provide a refund after the cancellation due date has passed.
Do I need a passport for this trip?
A full and valid passport is required for all persons traveling to any destination outside of one’s home country. Most international tours require a passport that's valid for at least six (6) months beyond the scheduled end of your itinerary. TourHero will not issue refunds based on passport issues such as renewals or lost passports.
What's included in the price?
Please check the inclusion and exclusion sections above. You'll find information about included meals, transfers, flights, and activities. If you have any questions or need support, please contact hello@tourhero.com.
Available add-on
Private room upgrade
Upgrade to a private room at Le Cetinelle and enjoy plenty of alone time.
Price: USD 580
9 spots left
Cancellation policy
Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.
Refunds for balance payment
If you cancel your trip on or before Jan 3, 2025 at 11:59 PM local time (GMT +1), you will get a refund of the remaining balance. This may or may not include the deposit amount. See deposit refund section above.
If you cancel your trip from Jan 4, 2025 at 12:00 AM local time (GMT +1) onwards, no refunds will be issued.
You can change or cancel your trip in your TourHero account by clicking on Your Trips.
TourHero, the retreat host, and the tour operator reserve the right to cancel or reschedule this trip up until January 3, 2025. If the departure is canceled out of your control, you will be alerted by this date and will receive a full refund.
In this case, TourHero is not responsible for your preparation expenses, such as airline tickets, extra accommodations, loss of work, or any other cost associated with preparing for your trip. We recommend booking travel insurance, along with refundable flights/accommodations in case of cancellation.
- Your next stop is at the Uffizi Gallery, where your guide will teach you the history of the building and show you all the classic art housed inside. - Unsplash: Matteo Lezzi
- From the building's architecture to the sculptures on site, this experience will leave you speechless. - Unsplash: Tzenik
- No visit to Florence is complete without stopping at the Florence Cathedral. With construction beginning in the 14th century, there's a lot of history to absorb here. - Pixabay: flutie8211
- Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance movement, welcomes you! - Wikimedia Commons
- Stand in the presence of the Leaning Tower of Pisa! - Unsplash: Alex Vasey
- Le Cetinelle - Le Cetinelle
- Le Cetinelle - Le Cetinelle
- Le Cetinelle - Le Cetinelle
- Le Cetinelle - Facebook: Le Cetinelle
- Le Cetinelle - Facebook: Le Cetinelle
- You'll call the charming Le Cetinelle your home away from home. - Facebook: Le Cetinelle
- Prato, Italy, is renowned for its historic textile industry and is home to the impressive Textile Museum, showcasing its rich textile heritage. - Pixabay: Marjonhorn
- We'll visit the majestic Prato Castle, a historic fortress that adds to the city's charm and heritage. - Wikimedia Commons: Andrzej Otrębski
- Siena, Italy, is a captivating city known for its stunning medieval architecture, including the magnificent Siena Cathedral, and its rich history and culture. - Unsplash: Alessandro Rossi
- We'll get to explore the Museo Archeologico Nazionale and the magnificent Cathedral. - Pixabay: stux
- Use your free time to simply relax on the property. - Facebook: Le Cetinelle
- Welcome to Chianti, Italy! Renowned for its picturesque vineyards and rolling hills, this region produces some of the world's finest wines. - Unsplash: Rowan Heuvel
- Add-on: Private room upgrade - Cetinelle
- Off to charming Lucca to indulge in the arts. - Unsplash: Gabriele Natali
- Hang by the pool and soak up that Tuscan sun. - Le Cetinelle