Cook in Italy, Write in Portugal
| How many of us have dreamed of taking time, lots of time, to dig deeper into a hobby or interest – 6 months in France learning the language, or maybe 3 months learning jewelry making in Morocco? The reality is that those “chunks” of time are hard to find. A more realistic and achievable goal is a week devoted to your passion. 2024 can be that year for you. See below for two, week-long immersion sessions that nurture creativity, yet also allow you to dig deeper into a destination. |
| April 1-7, 2024: Writing Retreat in Portugal In partnership with Sweet Labs Writing retreats are vital to creativity. Long stretches away from your regular routine allow you to spend time alone with your work, without distraction, while feeling supported by other writers. Whether you are writing short stories, personal essays, a memoir or a novel, we will help you make real progress on you work. See highlights from our writing retreat in Marrakesh and the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. This April, Portugal beckons! From April 1-7, we’ll immerse ourselves in writing and reveling in Portugal. We will stay one night in Lisbon at the boiutique hotel Santiago de Alfama and five nights in the countryside of Alentejo at the The Green House. You will enjoy full and lively discussions of your work, and leave the retreat feeling energized, with new work in hand. Most important: You will forge close, working friendships with other writers who are as passionate about finishing their writing projects as you are. Are you ready to retreat to Portugal? Deadline to register: February 1. |
| A Week of Cooking & Culture in the Emilia-Romagna Region of Italy In partnership with Beyond the Gates Stanley Tucci introduced it to popular culture, but gastronomy aficionados have long known that the region of Emilia-Romagna has some of the best cuisine in Italy. What could be more inspiring to your own culinary pursuits than a week in the region, in a private country villa, a lovingly restored farmer’s house, surrounded by a working organic farm? Spend a week on the private estate of Tabiano, an 11th century castle, farm and village belonging to the family of Alessandro and Giacomo Cavazza de Altamer. Each morning, your Master Chef will instruct you in the art of Italian cuisine. In the afternoons you will explore the Emilia-Romagna region with Alessandro or Giacomo or one of their trusted guides. During your week of cooking and culture, you will learn about the renowned cheese-making and ham production of the Parma region, tour architecturally significant buildings, and visit important art collections. The highlight of the week is an elegant farewell dinner in Tabiano castle, in the family’s private apartments surrounded by their stunning collection of art and antiques. Tabiano is located 1h 15min south of Milan, close to both Milan international airports, but in the middle of the Parma province. Parma, first city of the world since 2015, has been recognized by Unesco for the outstanding quality of its food. Register as an individual, a small group or a family |
| Personalized Travel & Learn Experiences Not an aspiring writer or chef? Whatever your interests, Valise can create an immersive travel-stay program to nurture and inspire. Valise has a world-wide network of craftspeople, artisans and educators ready to lead you on an adventure of travel and learning. Ideas include immersive travel based on ceramics, textiles, painting, architecture, language, garden design, jewelry making, yoga teacher training, art & antiques. Contact VTC to create your personalized Travel & Learn itinerary. |