Bellagio, Italy October 9 - 16, 2027

Next Fall we're gathering on the shores of Lake Como in Bellagio, Italy, a place I've come to love and can't wait to share with you. This is your invitation to step away from the noise, pick up a paintbrush or a pen, and connect with our Creator in the stillness. You'll find friendship with women who are walking this same journey of faith, all while being refreshed and encouraged in your walk with God. This isn't just a getaway. It's a chance to create, to breathe, and to be renewed, in one of the most beautiful corners of the world.

This retreat is extra special, because the little cove we stay in, in Bellagio, is my favorite place in all of Lake Como, Italy… And at this time of year the fall colors cascade over the buildings and spill out over the waters, and I promise you will fall in love with it too! If you are looking for a quiet retreat “by still waters”… this one is it.

Yes, we’ll see all the beautiful villas, the incredible architecture, the views everywhere you turn, enjoy creative classes and devotional time, and experience the food… of course the food! But you’ll also step into the lives of the people we love dearly here, and you will love them too. And you’ll be reminded of the faithfulness of God in this place. Italy is a place that takes the slow and simple life seriously… and it is seriously life-changing when you experience it.

Bellagio is made up of about 26 hamlets, but the main area we’ll be staying in is really only about the size of a large mall.  Our apartment building is on the right side of the lake (the Lecco branch) and to get to the city center (the Borgo) your walk is about a 10 minute walk, and it is up and down a lot of stair pathways.  There will be times when I have a driver pick us up and take us places, but you will need to know that this retreat will include cobblestone steps that are from ancient days and certainly not ADA compliant. I always tell the ladies who sign up to start walking right away to get your body ready for Bellagio (it’s a town made up of an upper and lower village, and you walk everywhere), but with this retreat it will be even more walking because, like I mentioned above, we are about a 10 - 15 minute walk into the main part of the town. It’s a beautiful pathway to town, and I promise you will come to LOVE it, but I want everyone to know ahead of time that this is the retreat where you’ll need to be able to walk up and down stairs quite a bit.

I’ve rented 3 apartments in Pescallo (a hamlet of Bellagio) with 7 bedrooms in total. This retreat will be the smallest one of the year because of that. There are 5 bedrooms available for single occupancy, and 1 bedroom with double occupancy, but it will be a shared double bed because they do not have the ability to split the bed. Therefore, I will be capping this retreat at 7 students. This retreat is more relaxed than the other retreats as well, with more free time to create, read a book, wander the cobblestone streets and delve deeper into God’s Word and seek Him.

I hope you’ll prayerfully consider joining us in Bellagio, Italy October 9 - 16, 2027

ADD-ON: THERE WILL BE AN OPTIONal 3 DAY ADD-ON IN VENICE, ITALY BEFORE THE RETREAT! Please notify me if you are interested in this optional portion and I will start an Interest List.

I can’t wait to see who joins me next year in this beautiful place! Reserve your spot today.

Here's a preview of what the Weeklong Art & Faith Creative Retreat in Italy will include:

• 7 nights Accommodations in a beautiful apartment in Bellagio, right on the waterfront

• Private Transfer to and from the Milan Malpensa Airport

• Welcome Reception and Aperitivo upon arrival

• Guided Tour of Bellagio with our beloved local tour guide Rita

• Villa Melzi’s Garden Tour on the shores of Lake Como

• Morning devotions in our private cove w/ Laura’s Devotional Book

• Creative Art Journaling Classes (and class materials) throughout the week

• Private Boat Tour to explore Lake Como and its hidden treasures

• Lakeside Lunch in a private cove across from the only island on the lake

• Private Cooking Class with Il Cortiletto Cooking School

• 5 Dinners together in gorgeous locations around Lake Como

• 4 Lunches together as we explore different villages dotted along the lake

• 3 Breakfast together in our apartment or at the local cafe

• Gifts and Food in your apartment upon arrival

• FUN SURPRISES throughout the entire week!

• Plus time to relax and stroll the cobblestone streets

• And…an unforgettable experience in Italy you will treasure forever!!

Price for the Weeklong Retreat: Double Occupancy $7,495.00 Single Occupancy Supplement: $1400

* Not included:  Air Fare, Trip Insurance and meals not listed.

Let’s come together next fall and learn God’s Word, trust Him with our next steps and take time to create art from a place of praise and worship!

NOTE: Once you sign up we will send you a welcome email with everything you need to prepare for our retreat next year. I will also send the contract to read through, sign and send back. I will then put you on a payment plan and encourage you to get trip insurance. If you have any questions about making travel arrangements, we are happy to help as well!