Writer's Digest Writing Retreat: Tuscany 2027

Retreat Price Includes:

• 4-star hotel in Florence
• 5 nights on a nature reserve in the hills of Tuscany, an 1,100-acre organic farm, Tenuta di Spannocchia
• All breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 5 dinners
• Dedicated writing time, instruction, and 1-1 coaching in the scenic Tuscan countryside

Retreat Price Excludes:

• Airfare. Each retreat member books their own flight to Florence Airport (FLR) for arrival on April 11, 2027.
• Travel insurance (required)
• 2 lunches, 2 dinners + all drinks/snacks
• Tips to coach driver

Payment Schedule:

A $1,500 (USD) deposit is due when you book your tour.

Final payment, in full, is due on January 31, 2027. Payment plans are available. Please contact us for more information.

After January 31, 2027, please contact us to confirm that there are still spots available on this retreat. If we are able to accommodate your reservation, full payment, reservation form and proof of insurance will be due immediately.

NOTE: Writer’s Digest Writing Retreat offers thoughtfully arranged retreats. Each tour is guaranteed to proceed as soon as the minimum of 12 reservations has been met. If our reservation minimum is not met, Writer’s Digest Writing Retreat reserves the right to cancel the tour. Deposits/payments will be refunded in full if the tour is canceled.

If you need to cancel your reservation, the deposit and final payment are fully refundable up to 12 weeks (January 17, 2027),before the start of the retreat. After January 17, 2027, the deposit is nonefundable. After January 31, 2027, no refunds for the deposit or final payment will be issued.

Please DO NOT make your airline reservations until Writer’s Digest Writing Retreat has guaranteed (by email) that the tour will proceed.

April 11: One night at Grand Hotel Cavour in Florence

April 12–17: 5 nights at Tenuta di Spannocchia
Tenuta di Spannocchia is a historic estate dating back to 1225. It is currently a working organic farm and retreat center focused on the arts, culture, writing, etc., located 12 miles from Siena. The coordinators of Tenuta di Spannocchia describe the property in the following way:
“Accommodations, facilities, and services at the Castello are designed for comfort and convenience but are not luxurious. The primary goal of the entire estate of Tenuta di Spannocchia is the preservation of its historic and rustic character; as a result, visitors will enjoy one of the most beautiful and tranquil spots on earth, but should understand that Spannocchia is truly rural and not a vacation resort—it is a working historic farm, a wildlife preserve, and an educational center.”

April 17: One night at Grand Hotel Cavour in Florence

Food & Dining

A Note From Tenuta di Spannocchia:
“The restaurant at Spannocchia highlights the local cuisine, where the fruits of the earth are treated with care and respect, enjoyed in a relaxed and convivial setting. Breakfast and lunch are set up as a self-service buffet while dinners are multi-course, family-style service, with a fixed menu that changes daily and one seating time.
“Please be aware Spannocchia has one small kitchen and is not set up to provide special meals or prepare meals in isolation in the case of allergies. They always offer nonmeat dishes for vegetarians and can provide gluten-free alternatives as needed.”
If you have questions about allergies or dietary restrictions, please email writersdigestretreats@aimmedia.com or include a note on your registration form.

Accessibility

Some of the guest rooms at Spannocchia are solely available by old, relatively steep stairs. Please let us know on your registration form if you have special accessibility needs or email writersdigestretreats@aimmedia.com with questions.
Likewise, the historic city center of Siena is formed mostly of very hilly cobblestone streets and includes strenuous walking. The day trip to Siena is optional, but please let us know if you have questions.

Coach Travel

Transportation will be provided by a modern, comfortable coach operated by an experienced driver.

Retreat Participant Agreement

Please read carefully before booking. By making a reservation you agree to all terms below.

1. Responsibilities

As the hosting organization, Active Interest Media Holdco, Inc., the publisher of Writer's Digest and referred to herein as “Writer's Digest”, provides reservation and coordination services. Each third-party service provider (including but not limited to hotels, airlines, ground transportation operators, local guides, and garden venues) is solely responsible to the participant for providing their respective services. Writer's Digest acts as an agent for these third-party providers and not as a principal. Writer's Digest does not select, supervise, or control the manner in which third-party providers render their services.

By making a reservation for a retreat hosted by Writer's Digest, the participant certifies that they have disclosed to Writer's Digest any condition that may require accommodation or that may affect their ability to safely participate in retreat activities. Writer's Digest reserves the right in its sole discretion to accept, decline to accept, or remove any participant on a retreat at any time for any legitimate, non-discriminatory reason, subject to the provisions of Section 10 of these Terms and Conditions.

2. Physical Fitness & Medical Acknowledgment

Writer's Digest retreats involve physical activity including walking on uneven terrain, cobblestones, subway platforms, steps, and outdoor environments in varied weather conditions. By booking this retreat, the participant affirmatively represents and warrants that:

• They are in sufficiently good health and physical condition to participate in the retreat activities as described in the itinerary;
• They have consulted a physician if they have any medical condition, physical limitation, or disability that could be affected by travel or retreat activities;
• They will promptly inform Writer's Digest in writing of any medical condition, allergy, dietary restriction, or mobility limitation that may require accommodation prior to departure;
• They understand that certain retreat locations may not be fully accessible to individuals with limited mobility, and that Writer's Digest cannot guarantee accessibility at all sites; however, Writer's Digest will make reasonable efforts to provide accommodations where feasible upon advance request.

Writer's Digest is not responsible for any costs, losses, or damages arising from a participant's failure to disclose a medical condition or physical limitation.

3. Assumption of Risk & Release of Liability

BY BOOKING THIS RETREAT, THE PARTICIPANT EXPRESSLY ACKNOWLEDGES AND ASSUMES ALL INHERENT RISKS OF TRAVEL AND RETREAT PARTICIPATION, including but not limited to: slips, trips, and falls on uneven or slippery surfaces; exposure to weather and environmental conditions; risks associated with transportation by air, motor coach, rail, boat, or other conveyance; risks of illness, injury, or death; and risks arising from the actions of third parties or unforeseen events.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the participant, on behalf of themselves and their heirs, assigns, and legal representatives, hereby releases, waives, and discharges Writer's Digest, its officers, directors, employees, agents, and contractors from any and all claims, demands, damages, losses, costs, or expenses arising from or in connection with the participant’s participation in the retreat, except to the extent directly caused by the proven gross negligence or willful misconduct of Writer's Digest.

BY BOOKING THIS RETREAT, THE PARTICIPANT ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD THIS ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY, AND VOLUNTARILY AGREE TO ITS TERMS.

4. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law:

• Writer's Digest’s total cumulative liability to any participant for any claim arising out of or relating to a retreat shall not exceed the total amount paid by that participant for the retreat from which the claim arises.
• Writer's Digest shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to loss of enjoyment, missed connections, lost business income, emotional distress, or any costs arising from changes to transportation arrangements.
• Writer's Digest has no responsibility or liability for loss of baggage, money, valuables, documents, or other personal property. Participants are advised to carry travel insurance that covers personal property loss.

The liabilities and conditions set forth in this agreement apply regardless of the legal theory upon which any claim is based, whether in contract, tort, strict liability, or otherwise.

5. Third-Party Service Providers

Writer's Digest arranges services provided by independent third-party suppliers including, but not limited to, airlines, hotels, motor coach companies, rail operators, restaurants, museum venues, and local guides (collectively, “Suppliers”). Writer's Digest acts solely as an agent for these Suppliers and does not own, operate, or control their services.

By booking a retreat, the participant acknowledges that they are responsible for reviewing and accepting the terms and conditions of major Suppliers, including airlines and hotels, which may contain additional limitations of liability, assumption of risk provisions, and forum selection clauses.

All tickets, vouchers, and bookings are issued subject to the terms and conditions of the respective Suppliers. Any additional liability of Writer's Digest for the acts, omissions, or negligence of Suppliers is expressly excluded to the fullest extent permitted by law. Participants agree to address any service complaints directly with the relevant Supplier in the first instance.

6. Force Majeure & Liability for External Events

Writer's Digest has no responsibility or liability for any loss, damage, injury, delay, or additional expenses caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to: weather conditions (rain, wind, fog, extreme heat or cold, snow, or ice); natural disasters; acts of God; civil disturbances; riot; war; terrorism; strikes or labor disputes; government actions; travel advisories or restrictions; pandemics or public health emergencies; illegal acts of third parties; or any other event constituting Force Majeure.

In the event of a Force Majeure situation, Writer's Digest will endeavor to minimize disruption to the retreat, but shall not be obligated to provide refunds for any services affected by such events unless otherwise required by applicable law. Any voluntary refund or credit provided by Writer's Digest in the event of Force Majeure shall be at Writer's Digest’s sole discretion and shall not establish any precedent or obligation for future events.

7. Price

Retreat prices are based upon exchange rates, tariffs, and taxes in effect at the time of publication. Fluctuations in these rates may result in a price adjustment prior to full payment of the retreat price. Writer's Digest will provide written notice, which may be by email to the address provided at booking, of any price adjustment as promptly as reasonably practicable.

Price Protection: Once the retreat price is paid in full, no further price adjustment will be made due to changes in exchange rates, tariffs, or taxes.

Significant Price Increases: If a price increase exceeds 8% of the original quoted retreat price and occurs prior to the final payment deadline, as specified in the booking confirmation, the participant will have the option to cancel their booking and receive a full refund of all amounts paid, provided written notice of cancellation is received within 14 days of notification of the price increase. Failure to provide written notice of cancellation within such 14-day period shall constitute acceptance of the revised price, and the participant shall have no further right to cancel with a refund based on such price increase.

8. Cancellations by Participant

If you need to withdraw from a retreat for any reason, written notice of cancellation must be submitted to Writer's Digest by email to the address provided at the time of booking or by certified mail. Cancellation becomes effective upon confirmed receipt of written notice. The following cancellation schedule applies:

• 12 weeks or more before the retreat start date: Full refund of deposit and all payments made.
• Between 12 weeks and the final payment deadline, as specified in the booking confirmation: Deposit is nonrefundable; any additional payments made above the deposit will be refunded.
• On or after the final payment deadline: No refund from Writer's Digest. Participants are strongly encouraged to hold travel insurance to cover this period.
• Mid-retreat departure: If a participant must leave the retreat after departure for any reason (including illness, personal emergency, or removal under Section 10), no refund will be issued by Writer's Digest for unused services. The participant is solely responsible for all costs associated with their early departure, including alternative transportation and accommodation.

Writer's Digest strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance with cancellation-for-any-reason coverage to protect against losses within the non-refund period.

9. Retreat Cancellations & Changes by Writer's Digest

Cancellation by Us: Writer's Digest aims to operate all retreats as booked. We reserve the right to cancel a retreat for any legitimate business reason, including but not limited to insufficient enrollment, safety concerns, Supplier unavailability, or operational necessity. If we cancel your retreat for any reason other than your failure to make required payments, you will receive a full refund of all amounts paid to Writer's Digest. Except as expressly provided in this Section 9, Writer's Digest is not responsible for any incidental or consequential costs incurred by participants in preparation for the retreat, including non-refundable airfare, visa fees, or other personal expenses. Travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover such costs.

Itinerary Changes: Writer's Digest strives to operate according to the published itinerary. However, in the event of unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, or opportunities that would materially enhance the itinerary, adjustments may be necessary or appropriate. Writer's Digest reserves the right, without penalty, to make changes in the agreed-upon itinerary whenever conditions warrant or when deemed necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of participants. In the event of material itinerary changes, Writer's Digest will use commercially reasonable efforts to provide experiences of comparable value and quality. We will notify participants of significant changes as soon as practicable before departure or, if discovered during the retreat, will announce changes at the earliest opportunity.

Partial Retreat Disruption: If the retreat is shortened after departure due to circumstances within our control, Writer's Digest may, in its sole discretion, provide a pro-rated partial refund for the value of material services not provided. Any such refund shall constitute the participant’s sole and exclusive remedy for partial retreat disruption. Refunds will not be issued for portions of the retreat affected by Force Majeure events as defined in Section 6.

10. Participant Conduct

All participants are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that is respectful of fellow retreat participants, Writer's Digest staff, Suppliers, and the communities and venues visited. Writer's Digest reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to remove from the retreat any participant whose behavior is determined to be:

• Disruptive, offensive, threatening, or harassing toward other participants, staff, or hosts;
• Dangerous to themselves or others;
• In violation of the laws or regulations of any country, state, or locality visited;
• Incompatible with the orderly conduct and enjoyment of the retreat;
• In material breach of any provision of these Terms & Conditions.

A participant removed from the retreat under this section will not be entitled to any refund and will be solely responsible for all costs associated with their return home, including transportation and accommodation. Writer's Digest will have no further liability to a removed participant.

11. Smoking & Vaping Policy

All participants agree to comply with a strict non-smoking and non-vaping policy on all motor coaches, in restaurants (unless otherwise permitted by the establishment), in all lodging facilities (unless in designated outdoor areas), and at all venues. Violation of this policy may result in removal from the retreat in accordance with Section 10.

12. Travel Documents, Passports & Visas

Each participant is solely responsible for obtaining and maintaining all required travel documentation, including but not limited to:

• A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining beyond the retreat end date;
• All required entry visas, travel authorizations (e.g., ETIAS, ETA), or permits for all countries on the itinerary;
• Any required vaccinations, health certificates, or medical documentation;
• Any other documentation required by the laws or regulations of destinatin countries. 

Writer's Digest is not responsible for any costs, losses, or damages arising from a participant’s failure to obtain or maintain the required travel documentation. No refund will be issued if a participant is denied boarding, entry, or travel due to inadequate documentation. Participants are responsible for verifying document requirements with the relevant embassies, consulates, or official government sources. Any information regarding visa, passport, or entry requirements provided by Writer's Digest is for general convenience only, may not be current or complete, and does not constitute legal advice. Participants should not rely solely on information provided by Writer's Digest and must independently verify travel requirements.

13. Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is strongly recommended and , for certain retreats as specified in the booking confirmation, is required as a condition of participation. At minimum, participants should obtain coverage for:

• Trip cancellation and interruption;
• Emergency medical expenses and hospitalization;
• Medical evacuation and repatriation;
• Loss, theft, or damage to baggage and personal effects;
• Travel delay and missed connections.

Recommended search platforms include Squaremouth (squaremouth.com) and Insure My Trip (insuremytrip.com). World Nomads (worldnomads.com) is a commonly economical option for participants under 70. Writer's Digest does not endorse any specific insurer and recommends that participants review policy terms carefully. Writer's Digest makes no representations regarding the adequacy, suitability, or coverage terms of any insurance policy, and participants are solely responsible for selecting appropriate coverage.

Insurance Declination: If a participant chooses to travel without insurance, where insurance is not required as a condition of participation, they do so entirely at their own risk and acknowledge that Writer's Digest will have no financial obligation beyond the refund terms stated in Section 8 above.

14. Complaints

In the unlikely event that you have a complaint, you must promptly notify the Writer's Digest host so that remedial action may be taken on the spot. Failure to notify the Writer's Digest host of a complaint during the retreat may limit or waive the participant’s right to pursue certain claims if the matter could have been remedied on-site.

If the matter cannot be resolved directly during the retreat, any formal complaints must be submitted in writing to Writer's Digest within 20 days of your return date. Written complaints should be sent via email to the contact address provided at booking, or by certified mail to our principal business address. Complaints submitted after the 20-day period will not be considered, except to the extent such limitation is prohibited by applicable law. Writer's Digest will acknowledge receipt of all written complaints within 10 business days.

15. Dispute Resolution

Informal Resolution: Before initiating any formal legal proceeding, both parties agree to attempt to resolve any dispute in good faith through direct negotiation for a period of 30 days following written notice of the dispute.

Mediation: If informal resolution is unsuccessful, the parties agree to submit the dispute to non-binding mediation administered by a mutually agreed-upon mediator before initiating litigation. The cost of mediation shall be shared equally by the parties.

Class Action Waiver: To the fullest extent permitted by law, each party waives the right to participate in a class action lawsuit or class-wide arbitration. All claims must be brought on an individual basis only.

16. Governing Law & Jurisdiction

These Terms & Conditions and any dispute arising out of or in connection with a retreat booking shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. If you are booking from outside the United States, you agree that U.S. law governs and that any proceedings will take place in the United States.

The participant acknowledges that they have had the opportunity to consult with legal counsel regarding these Terms and Conditions and the selection of governing law, and voluntarily agrees to the foregoing provisions.

17. Photography & Media Release

Writer's Digest will photograph and video-record retreat activities and events for editorial, promotional, marketing, and archival purposes. By booking and participating in a retreat, each participant grants Writer's Digest an irrevocable, royalty-free, worldwide license to use, reproduce, edit, crop, publish, and distribute photographs and video recordings in which the participant may appear, in any media now known or hereafter developed, including print publications, websites, social media, and promotional materials, without compensation to the participant.

Participants who object to being photographed or recorded must notify Writer's Digest in writing prior to the retreat departure. Writer's Digest will make reasonable efforts to accommodate such requests but cannot guarantee that participants will not inadvertently appear in group photographs.

Participants under the age of 18 ("Minor Participants") may participate in retreats only when accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or chaperone, who is also a registered participant on the same retreat. A parent or legal guardian must sign these Terms & Conditions on behalf of the Minor Participant and accepts full responsibility for the Minor Participant's conduct, safety, and compliance with all retreat policies. All provisions of these Terms & Conditions, including the assumption of risk, release of liability, limitation of liability, and media release provisions, shall apply to Minor Participants to the fullest extent permitted by law. By signing on behalf of a Minor Participant, the parent or legal guardian represents and warrants that they have legal authority to bind the Minor Participant to these Terms & Conditions.

18. Severability

If any provision of these Terms & Conditions is found by a court or arbitrator of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, unlawful, void, or for any reason unenforceable, that provision shall be deemed severed from these Terms & Conditions and shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions, which shall continue in full force and effect.

19. Entire Agreement

These Terms & Conditions, together with the retreat booking confirmation and any retreat-specific addenda provided in writing to the participant, constitute the entire agreement between the participant and Writer's Digest with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersede all prior or contemporaneous oral or written agreements, representations, or understandings.

No modification of these Terms & Conditions shall be effective unless made in writing and signed by an authorized representative of Writer's Digest.

No Waiver: The failure of Writer's Digest to enforce any provision of these Terms and Conditions shall not constitute a waiver of Writer's Digest’s right to enforce such provision or any other provision in the future. Any waiver must be in writing and signed by an authorized representative of Writer's Digest to be effective.

Assignment: Writer's Digest may assign its rights and obligations under these Terms and Conditions to any affiliate or successor entity without notice to or consent of the participant. The participant may not assign their rights or obligations without Writer's Digest’s prior written consent.