There are two booking categories available for the La Dolce Vita: Antiquing Edition retreat:
SINGLE BOOKING RATE
For clients who would like a
private bedroom:
$4150 US DOLLARS
payable to Carolyn Peeler
Creative Studios
PLUS
€1630 EUROS
Payable to our travel agent
collaborator e20Toscani.
or
DOUBLE BOOKING RATE
For clients who are coming with a friend, and/or who don't mind sharing a room:
$3650 US DOLLARS
payable to Carolyn Peeler
Creative Studios
PLUS
€1170 EUROS
Payable to travel agent e20Toscani.
There are two booking categories available for the La Dolce Vita: Antiquing Edition retreat:
SINGLE BOOKING RATE
For clients who would like a private bedroom:
$4150 US DOLLARS
payable to Carolyn Peeler Creative Studios
PLUS
€1630 EUROS
Payable to our travel agent
collaborator e20Toscani.
or
DOUBLE BOOKING RATE
For clients who are coming with a friend, and/or who don't mind sharing a room:
$3650 US DOLLARS
payable to Carolyn Peeler Creative Studios
PLUS
€1170 EUROS
Payable to travel agent e20Toscani.
To register, please email: carolyn@pronetowanderretreats.com
and request a spot. All bookings will be honoured in the order in which they are received.
In your email, please let Carolyn know:
• the number of people in your booking.
• your name, address, email, and phone number, and that of anyone else in your party, if applicable.
• the room category you would like to book.
• What email address(es) we should send the $150 USD per person PayPal deposit invoice to.
If you are registering together with a friend - or group of friends, we recommend that you send the information for everyone in your party in one email so that you ensure that your booking is linked together.
Upon receiving your registration email, we will reply letting you know if there is a spot available. If there is, you will be forwarded the retreat contracts from e20Toscani and Carolyn Peeler Creative Studios for your review, along with a PayPal invoice for the $150 booking deposit. You will have 48 hours to review the documents, pay the invoice, and confirm your registration. Once you confirm, we will instruct you on how to proceed in the registration process.
Payments to e20Toscani will be accepted by credit card, and payments to Carolyn Peeler Creative Studios will be accepted by cheque. Payment options will be discussed with any non-US clients upon registration.
Your payment to our travel agent collaborator, e20Toscani, €1630 or €1170 depending which bedroom option you choose, is payable upon confirmation of your registration.
There are payment plans available for clients who prefer to pay Carolyn Peeler Creative Studios via equal instalments. You may choose from the following options:
• Payment in full, due upon registration
• 2 instalments, with the payments due: May 1, 2024, and August 1, 2024
• 3 instalments, with the payments due: May 1, 2024, July 1, 2024, and Sept 1, 2024
• 5 instalments, with the payments due: May 1, 2024, June 1, 2024, July 1, 2024, August 1, 2024, and Sept 1, 2024
Due to the significant financial and logistical investment for producing this small group retreat, both e20Toscani and Carolyn Peeler Creative Studios have a firm cancellation policy. Once you are registered, your payments are non refundable. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you purchase cancellation insurance. However, if for any reason your plans change after you have registered, your spot IS fully transferable until September 1, 2024. Upon receiving your registration inquiry, attendees will be emailed the retreat terms and conditions to read and sign before submitting their deposit. The complete details of the cancellation policy can be read there.
REGISTRATION OPENS APRIL 27th at 09:00 Pacific Standard Time
To register, please email: carolyn@pronetowanderretreats.com and request a spot. All bookings will be honoured in the order in which they are received.
In your email, please let Carolyn know:
• the number of people in your booking.
• your name, address, email, and phone number, and that of anyone else in your party, if applicable.
• the room category you would like to book.
• What email address(es) we should send the $150 USD per person PayPal deposit invoice to.
If you are registering together with a friend - or group of friends, we recommend that you send the information for everyone in your party in one email so that you ensure that your booking is linked together.
Upon receiving your registration email, we will reply letting you know if there is a spot available. If there is, you will be forwarded the retreat contracts from e20Toscani and Carolyn Peeler Creative Studios for your review, along with a PayPal invoice for a $150 booking deposit. You will have 48 hours to review the documents, pay the invoice, and confirm your registration. Once you confirm, we will instruct you on how to proceed in the registration process.
Payments to e20Toscani will be accepted by credit card, and payments to Carolyn Peeler Creative Studios will be accepted by cheque. Payment options will be discussed with any non-US clients upon registration.
Your payment to our travel agent collaborator, e20Toscani, €1630 or €1170 depending which booking category you choose, is payable upon confirmation of your registration.
There are payment plans available for clients who prefer to pay Carolyn Peeler Creative Studios via equal instalment plans. You may choose from the following options:
• Payment in full, due upon registration
• 2 instalments, with the payments due: May 1, 2024 and August 1, 2024
• 3 instalments, with the payments due: May 1, 2024, July 1, 2024 and September 1, 2024
• 5 instalments, with the payments due: May 1, 2024, June 1, 2024, July 1, 2024, August 1, 2024, and Sept 1, 2024
Due to the significant financial and logistical investment for producing this small group retreat, both e20Toscani and Carolyn Peeler Creative Studios have a firm cancellation policy; registration fees are non refundable. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you purchase cancellation insurance. However, if for any reason your plans change after you have registered, your spot IS fully transferable to a friend or family member until September 1, 2024. Upon receiving your registration inquiry, attendees will be emailed the retreat terms and conditions to read and sign before submitting their deposit. The complete details of the cancellation policy can be read there.
How to Register
This retreat is offered in coordination with e20Toscani, an Italy based Travel agent who will administer and fulfill the accommodation and chartered bus bookings for La Dolce Vita.
Imagine strolling down the street of a picturesque village in Tuscany shopping for antique treasures to decorate your home or fill your antique booth/shop...
Now imagine that your biggest worry is whether your budget is sufficient for all the beautiful antiques and vintage objects that catch your eye, not trying to figure out where the markets are, where to park, where you should go for lunch or dinner, or where to find a post office to ship items home! Sounds perfect, right?
Let your retreat hostess, Carolyn Peeler, handle all the details, your job is very simple - to come, eat, shop, and enjoy being a part of this small group experience as you join fellow antique lovers to experience the best of Tuscany.
By the end of your week it will be difficult to decide what your favourtie activity was... antique shopping at the markets and second hand shops, our workshop with Melissa Parks, the cooking lesson at a breathtaking private villa, the unforgettable meals, or the creative workshop where you will try your hand at an ancient Tuscan art form under the direction of a sixth generation artisan. All will contribute to a week that will knock your socks off!
Imagine strolling down the street of a picturesque village in Tuscany shopping for antique treasures to decorate your home, use in your artworks, or fill your antique booth/shop...
Now imagine that your biggest worry is whether your budget is sufficient for all the beautiful antiques and vintage objects that catch your eye, not trying to figure out where the markets are, where to park, where you should go for lunch or dinner, or where to find a post office to ship items home! Sounds perfect, right?
Let your retreat hostess, Carolyn Peeler, handle all the details, your job is very simple - to come, eat, shop, and enjoy being a part of this small group experience as you join fellow antique lovers to experience the best of Tuscany.
By the end of your week it will be difficult to decide what your favourtie activity was... antique shopping at the markets and second hand shops, our workshop with Melissa Parks, the cooking lesson at a breathtaking private villa whose first floor is akin to a private museum, the unforgettable meals, or the creative workshop where you will try your hand at an ancient Tuscan art form under the direction of a sixth generation artisan. All will contribute to a week that will knock your socks off!
Joining Carolyn will be her special guest, antique dealer and published writer in "Flea Market Style" and "Lived-In Style" magazines, Melissa Parks. Her years of experience in antiquing and styling are the perfect match for this retreat!
Our itinerary takes advantage of Carolyn's ten years of hosting retreats in Tuscany, the relationships she has built with her talented collaborators, and her personal experiences in shopping at Italian markets and transporting her purchases back home.
HAVE QUESTIONS? CHECK OUT THE LA DOLCE VITA RETREAT FAQ PAGE,
Combining antiquing with the culinary + cultural activities that make Tuscany unforgettable,
this retreat is specifically designed for those who have a passion for vintage.
Combining antiquing with the culinary + cultural activities that make Tuscany unforgettable, this retreat is specifically designed for those who have a passion for vintage.
While you may come for the antiquing, we are certain
that the vibrant food culture and culinary history of Tuscany will be another highlight of your La Dolce Vita experience.
While you may come for the antiquing, we are certain that the vibrant food culture and
culinary history of Tuscany will be another highlight of your La Dolce Vita experience.
meals & culinary explorations
meals & culinary explorations
Under the direction of Orsa, a PhD in culinary anthropology and our private chef, retreat meals will feature fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Imagine digging into a plate of perfectly al dente pasta dressed with Orsa's pink pesto whose recipe is always in high demand from prior retreat attendees, or participating in a culinary lesson where you learn to make traditional dishes that are easily replicated, allowing you to go home and wow your family and friends with your new skills!
We promise, you're going to eat well when gathering 'round our table!
In collaboration with our travel agent partner, e20Toscani, our group will enjoy
the exclusive use of a small boutique hotel in the Tuscan countryside.
In collaboration with our travel agent partner, e20Toscani, our group will enjoy the exclusive use of a small boutique hotel in the Tuscan countryside.
the venue
retreat VENUE
Our home base is an olive oil producing, family run farm located 14 km from the medieval city of Siena. Surrounded by olive groves and located in the heart of a terrain dotted with forests, natural springs, and historic and artistic heritage sites, it's nestled in an area that has been declared a “Site of Community Importance” by the European Community.
Our home base is an olive oil producing, family run farm located 14 km from the medieval city of Siena. Surrounded by olive groves and located in the heart of a terrain dotted with forests, natural springs, and historic and artistic heritage sites, it's nestled in an area that has been declared a “Site of Community Importance” by the European Community.
We know that you will fall in love with this little piece of Tuscan paradise.
Your registration to La Dolce Vita Retreat: Antiquing Edition
October 19-26, 2024 includes the following:
Your registration to La Dolce Vita Retreat: Antiquing Edition October 19-26, 2024
includes the following:
• 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners.
• One workshop with our featured guest, Melissa Parks
• One creative workshop with Maria Giannini, a sixth generation master artisan who runs her family's Florence book binding and paper marbling atelier.
• One day trip to an Italian antique market in Lucca.
• One private dinner, with wine pairings, at a spectacular Tuscan castle and vineyard.
• A visit to the Siena local (non-antique) market. It is one of the largest markets of the region where the locals do much of their shopping for housewares, clothing and shoes. It is always beloved by retreat attendees for its great selection of European fashion and good prices. After the market closes, you will have time to enjoy the city for several hours.
• A culinary workshop with a local chef at a stunning private villa where we will also enjoy a tour of the first floor family museum and stunning gardens.
• Visits to the private warehouses of some local antique dealers, along with visiting one of Carolyn's favourite second hand stores where treasures can be found when you dig!
• One workshop with Orsa Pellion, who has a PhD in food anthropology, tying together the history and tradition of Tuscan cuisine with us.
• There will be a stop at a shipping company so those who wish to ship purchases home may do so.
• Exclusive use of the gardens at Borgo Personatina during La Dolce Vita.
• The opportunity to meet women from around the world who all share similar interests and a love of vintage!
• 7 nights accommodation, in the room category of your choice, in an apartment at Borgo Personatina. (Fulfilled by e20Toscani)
• Chartered bus transfers to and from the scheduled excursions on our itinerary. (Fulfilled by e20Toscani.)
• 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners.
• One workshop with our featured guest, Melissa Parks
• One creative workshop with Maria Giannini, a sixth generation master artisan who runs her family's Florence book binding and paper marbling atelier.
• One day trip to an Italian antique market in Lucca.
• One private dinner, with wine pairings, at a spectacular Tuscan castle and vineyard.
• A visit to the Siena local (non-antique) market. It is one of the largest markets of the region where the locals do much of their shopping for housewares, clothing and shoes. It is always beloved by retreat attendees for its great selection of European fashion and good prices. After the market closes, you will have time to enjoy the city for several hours.
• A culinary workshop with a local chef at a stunning private villa where we will also enjoy a tour of the first floor family museum and stunning gardens.
• Visits to the private warehouses of some local antique dealers, along with visiting one of Carolyn's favourite second hand stores where treasures can be found when you dig!
• One workshop with Orsa Pellion, who has a PhD in food anthropology, tying together the history and tradition of Tuscan cuisine with us.
• There will be a stop at a shipping company so that those who need to ship their purchases home can do so.
• Exclusive use of the gardens at Borgo Personatina during La Dolce Vita.
• The opportunity to meet women from around the world who all share similar interests and a love of vintage!
• 7 nights accommodation, in the room category of your choice, in an apartment at Borgo Personatina. (Fulfilled by e20Toscani)
• Chartered bus transfers to and from the scheduled excursions on our itinerary. (Fulfilled by e20Toscani.)
The following items are not included in your retreat registration:
• Airfare, including baggage fees.
• Transfers to/from the airport, or downtown Florence, to our event location. (We will recommend a transfer service
and anticipate that attendees will organize amongst themselves to ride-share in order to reduce costs.)
• Insurance: cancellation, medical, etc. for the trip.
• Meals outside of those listed on the retreat itinerary and alcoholic beverages
• Shipping your antique purchases home (if needed)
• Tips and gratuities
In addition to visiting the antique market in Lucca, we will shop at places Carolyn has discovered through
her own passion for antiquing and ones recommended by local antique dealer and friend, Paolo.
In addition to visiting some places discovered through Carolyn's own passion for antiquing, our group will attend an antique market nestled inside the mediaeval walls of Lucca.
During our shopping excursions, you will find a little bit of everything:
• textiles: grains sacks, bedding, clothing, lace, etc.
• lighting: chandeliers, sconces, lamps, etc.
• pottery: everything from large urns to small vases and bowels
• artwork: framed and unframed
• religious relics/statuary
• ephemera
• jewelry: costume and fine rings, earrings, necklaces, cuff links, etc.
• dolls
• books
• toys
MARKET & city visits
market & city visits
october 19 - 26, 2024
If you love European antiques, and you've always dreamed of travelling to the continent to purchase them directly from the source - then join Carolyn Peeler and her special guest Melissa Parks, aka: social media's @megillicutti, for a week long adventure in Tuscany, Italy that will seriously scratch your European antiquing itch!
As we journey through the countryside, visiting markets, second hand shops, and dealer warehouses, you’ll rack up serious savings over North American antique prices, allowing you to come home with some amazing treasures from your time in Italy.
La Dolce Vita retreat: antiquing edition
This retreat is currently sold out. Please email us to be added to the no-obligation wait list in case a spot opens up.
what to expect
but wait, there's more!
join the optional two night milan antique market extension, Oct 26 - 28, 2024
For those who want to soak up every market opportunity that they can, we invite you to join us after the retreat for an optional two day add-on as we journey north from the province of Tuscany to the capital of Lombardy, Milan, to shop the Naviglio Antique Market with us!
Immediately post retreat, our travel agent partner, e20Toscani, will arrange a private bus to take us from our retreat base to the Milan city center where we will stay at a boutique hotel that is like a small jewel box with layers of beauty, a phenomenal buffet breakfast, and a location that is a market shoppers dream. All it takes is opening the door to the hotel on Sunday morning, October 27th and booths will be right there!
However, before the market, we will have the chance to explore the heart of the city for a few hours Saturday evening, after our arrival. Typically our retreat attendees seek out the Duomo and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, two of the most popular and photographed landmarks in the city.
Pricing will vary based on the number of clients who choose to add this extension. Based on previous experience, we expect that the ballpark add on price will be between €450-600 euros based on double occupancy. Once we know how many clients plan to add the extension, the precise cost will be disclosed before clients are asked to commit.
meet MELISSA
meet MELISSA
what to expect
What previous attendees are saying about our retreats
"The experience turned out to be so much more than I anticipated. Upon arrival I was surprised by the beauty of the 17th century farm. From the veranda I greatly enjoyed the tranquillity and beauty of the surrounding garden and the countryside in the distance. Tasteful meals from the loveable staff, served at an enchantingly laid table. Imagine meeting new friends in Tuscany and sharing stories over a fine bottle of Italian wine…!
Every day brought a surprise from our good humoured host Carolyn. Buying vintage jewelry at the antique market in Cortona together with some of “the girls”, a special dinner and wine tasting at a castle, the paper marbling workshop, the farewell dinner... were some of the many highlights of my stay.
I left my adventure re-inspired and I’m ready for more!"
• HELLA MOODY FROM THE NETHERLANDS •
read more testimonials
"I would tell anyone considering this retreat to GO FOR IT! My expectations were exceeded in every way.
It was as if someone looked into my mind and created an experience that included all of my favorite things, from shopping, to creating, to cooking classes, and many unexpected surprises, including forging friendships with the other attendees. It was obvious from the moment I arrived that every detail had been considered and Carolyn was the ultimate vacation party planner."
• AMY MARSHALL FROM BELGIUM •
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"Carolyn walks you through every aspect of your travel before you leave home. Have a question, your email is answered promptly.
There is a sisterhood that develops as creative women come together. The workshops are fun and informative. Don't consider yourself creative? Come anyway just for fun and pure joy.
I've had a few experiences that I say are worth every penny; Eleven Madison Park, Outstanding in the Field and La Dolce Vita Retreat. One of the best experiences of my life."
• MICHELE WHITE FROM NEW YORK •
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"I attended La Dolce Vita for the first time in 2019. I had never done anything like this before and went in with some reservations traveling alone. It was an absolutely amazing experience. Every single person was so warm and welcoming.
Carolyn does absolutely everything with excellence. Every small little detail is planned out to perfection. I had special dietary needs and that was all pre planned and perfect.
I own Whim So Doodle, a scrapbooking store in Florida, and spend time with many artists but this took everything I have ever done to the next level. It was the most relaxing getaway I have ever had and it filled my soul. What a treat. Carolyn I don’t know anyone who can do what you do with the level of excellence in which you do it. "
• JILL OROBELLO FROM FLORIDA •
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"La Dolce Vita retreat was a recharge week in the middle of my busy year. One week in a beautiful place that after half an hour felt like home, with lovely ladies from all over the world.
Carolyn and her team pay attention to the small details that make each day special. Delicious food, enjoyable activities, amazing hosts - the best combination that made this week unforgettable for me. I am sure that I'll be back for a future La Dolce Vita retreat."
• RIKI NUDLER FROM THE NETHERLANDS •
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"I know what you’re asking yourself, will this be all that I expect? I mean, I’ve paid good money for this. I’ve travelled a long way. At least, I know that’s what ran through my head at first, but I took the leap. And this adventure turned out to be more than I could have ever dreamed - better than the description on the website.
Carolyn is a wonderfully kind and fun loving host and has a fantastic team supporting her. The setting was beautiful and every event we had was well planned. I’ve made great friends.
I know you want me to tell you everything we did, but no, that would spoil everything! The magic of this trip is that you will wake up every day to discover a great adventure. Go and enjoy yourself. You won’t want to leave."
• LINDA HAYES FROM CALIFORNIA •
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"From the moment Carolyn came to greet us with a big smile and a hug…. (I love hugs), I felt at home.
It was a week full of amazing cooking, photography, wine testing, trips to antique markets, flower arrangements class and much more. I loved every minute while making new friends and treasured memories. Thank you for the hospitality and the wonderful meals.
If you have the opportunity to join a retreat overseas, this is the one, you must go! You will not regret your decision. Carolyn, you are such a kind and caring person. Looking forward to seeing you again."
• RITA READE FROM CALIFORNIA •
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"I appreciated that the scheduling was very easy, allowing ample time for breakfast with no rushing to catch a bus or make a tour. All of the activities had a level of quality that made me feel very privileged to be there and the info we got before the trip was so helpful: exchanging money, Florence airport, Transport (shuttle vans), private Facebook page, what to pack. For someone like me who had never been to Italy, each of these things gave me such peace of mind.
The goal of immersion into everyday life was fully realized. I feel re-oriented to a lifestyle I can create at home. Warmth. Hospitality. Simplicity. Quality. Pride."
• KAREN FLOREK FROM CALIFORNIA •
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"With a balance of city and country, elegance and authenticity, we were treated to local foods, wines, and tastes of the Italian "Sweet Life", including estate tours, antique markets and lessons in crafting, cooking, and photography. It was a visual, social and gastronomical feast, highlighted by the rich interaction of interesting people: Leaders, locals, and lovely ladies - none of whom will be forgotten.
I'm grateful for a most excellent experience, and the many delightful surprises that were added to our days! Photographs, friendships and a head full of memories: yet another RE-treat! I absolutely recommend taking advantage of this opportunity for yourself!"
• ELIZABETH CECCHETTINI FROM NORTH CAROLINA •
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