Join us in
Umbria, Italy

Art classes, food & wine, wellness, history, and a deep dive into italian culture

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the La Dolce Vita Experience

Dive into the Italian way of life during this one-of-a-kind retreat. During this six night, seven day adventure, you’ll experience the magic of Umbria and immerse yourself in the beauty of art and nature. From exploring centuries old cathedrals, daily art lessons in our beautiful monastery garden, to immersing yourself in local farm to table food and wine, to a chance to explore Florence, and more, this is truly an adventure of a lifetime!

Are you ready for adventure?

dates available

May 23rd- 29th, 2025

Register for Spring

Register for Fall

dates available

Oct 3rd-9th, 2025

Register for Spring

Register for Fall

Here are just a few of the exciting activities planned for our time in Umbria

a private wine tasting at one of Italy’s most beautiful wineries
a cooking class with a focus on clean, seasonal Umbrian fare
a day trip to Florence with a guided visit to the David
daily offerings of art lessons as well as various cultural and wellness activities
trips to surrounding historic hilltop villages
local farm-to-table family restaurants
time to relax in the garden and explore the village
and much more

*All itineraries will be finalized 30 days before your adventure.

Here are just a few of the exciting activities planned for our time in Umbria

a private wine tasting at one of Italy’s most beautiful wineries
a cooking class on a family farm
a day trip to Florence with a guided visit to the David
trips to surrounding historic hilltop villages
local farm-to-table family restaurants
time to relax in the garden and explore the village and much more

*All itineraries will be finalized 30 days before your adventure.

Bringing you a behind-the-scenes week in Italy, for a truly unique experience.

Come and experience authentic Italy!
This isn’t your average trip to Italy. During our time, you’ll live like an Italian in a fairy-tale village, see world-renowned masterpieces, and experience firsthand how to live La Dolce Vita. Our vision is for you to truly see and experience Italy the way the Italians do, immersed in history, surrounded by amazing food, and with a deep appreciation for the beauty, nature, and art all around you.

- Lodging in a beautifully restored
former monastery
- Wine and meals - clean,
delicious, and locally grown and
prepared
- Art classes with our master art
teacher, including art supplies,
wine and snacks
- All excursions, activities and
entrance tickets
- A local tour guide
- All transportation
- And much more

Starting at $3450
Airfare not included.

- All lodging in a beautifully restored former monastery
- All wine and meals - clean, delicious, and locally grown and
prepared
- Art classes with our master art teacher, including art supplies,
wine and snacks.
- A variety of wellness activities, including daily stretching sessions in the garden and guided nature walks or hikes
- All excursions, activities and entrance tickets
- A local tour guide
- All transportation
- And much more

Starting at $3450
Airfare not included.

Your Adventure Includes

Join Us

— Mary S.

Heather is both hostess and your travel guide extraordinaire on your trip to Italy. I have been lucky enough to do two retreats with Heather and each one was special. Heather finds the most incredible local restaurants and sights, including wine making, a cheese farm, a hot springs spa, trips to the ancient city of Civitas and Orvieto’s famous cathedral. Each day is planned for your enjoyment!

— April T.

Monica is an absolute dream and such a gifted art instructor. She truly sees the beauty in all art and all abilities. Her perspective truly brought out focus on the little things in the beauty of Italy.

— Karla G.

Monica is patient and kind and knows that all of us are “artists”. She gently nudges that truth and what comes out on the page is special and unique to our gifting.

— Kerry P.

The Casa Erica Art retreat was amazing! I loved how every day felt full, without being too much. I met so many great women on the trip, with whom I plan to stay in touch.

What our guests say...

Where is the retreat held?

This retreat is held in the beautiful, charming village of Lubriano. Lubriano is an ancient, historic medieval town, set in a fairy tale landscape. The locals are warm, welcoming, and proud to share their village with us!

is this an art retreat?

In a sense, everything in Italy is art-centered. So while we're still offering Monica's much-loved art classes each afternoon, we're expanding these retreats to focus on all types of art including food and wine, Italian history, architecture, and culture, and perhaps most importantly, the fine art of La Dolce Vita - the sweet life!

What if I’m an experienced artist?

You’ll love it! You'll be surrounded by inspiration, and we have all the supplies and materials you need. We've had many professional artist guests who have each learned from Monica’s unique perspective on art in Italy.

Do I need to bring any of my own supplies?

No, we provide everything you need including art supplies, yoga mats, and anything else you'll need to participate in any of the offered activities.

How do I get to Lubriano?

It is easy to get to us by train! We'll provide instructions on how to do that, and our driver will meet you at the train station on your arrival. We can also arrange a private transfer for a fee. The price will vary with the number of people, please let us know if you're interested in more information.

And, please know we are only an email away if you have any additional questions.

Connect

do you have any wellness programs?

Yes! We know that many of you are interested in wellness, or needing a week of restoration. To that end we're offering a daily stretching/breathwork session, guided nature walks in the stunning surrounding countryside, visits to the ancient papal thermal springs, and an optional add-on for in home massages.

Our restored monastery has three separate-but-connected homes which we have beautifully outfitted for guests. Each home has its own kitchen, living room, and dining space. When needed we procure other homes within a short walking distance from the monastery that meet our criteria and ensure your comfort.

Where do we stay?

Founder of Casa Erica Travel and proud owner of the Casa Erica property in Lubriano, Heather is delighted to share the magic of Italy with curious travelers.

Our resident art instructor and historian, and founder of The Art Garage, there is nothing Monica loves more than opening minds to the joy of art.

Heather Deyo

your Trip hosts

Monica Foye

Read Heather’s Story

Learn More About Monica

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Adventure Awaits

If you’re ready to take a deep breath, relax, create, and have a whole lot of fun, come with us!

connect

Have more questions before you book? We’d love to answer them! Fill out the form on our contact page, let us know which retreat you are interested in and any questions you may have. We’ll be happy to answer them over email or schedule a phone call.