Best Of Italy Cultural Retreats

Music Appreciation Classes and/or Art Workshops - 7 Nights
2026-09-20 00:00 - 2026-09-26 23:59 (Europe/Paris) | L’Anfiteatro di I Rabbini Località I Rabbini, 25, 29020 I Rabbini PC, Italy, Località I Rabbini 25, I Rabbini, 29020, Italy
7 Days of Cultural Exploration for the Inquisitive Mind

This relaxed yet enriching retreat invites you to spend seven days immersed in the cultural heritage of Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, focusing on music appreciation, fine art, and photography, accompanied by local excursions, thoughtful discussion, and shared enjoyment.

🎼 Music Appreciation Classes

Unlock Your Creative Potential with Our These sessions are designed for those who enjoy listening to music and wish to deepen their understanding in a friendly, non-academic environment. The classes are led by guest lecturers from the Royal College of Music, Manchester, and the Monteverdi School of Music, Cremona. The retreat is curated by Enzo Scalzo, who has attended and enjoyed hundreds of music appreciation events across the UK and around the world. Inspired by these experiences, he created this unique programme in a charming Italian village, where music is not only studied but lived, in harmony with the country’s rich culture, enduring art, heartfelt passion, and deep historical roots.

Across the week, we will explore:

The development of Baroque, Classical, and Late Romantic styles

An introduction to Russian Ballet music and early Jazz

The art of film composition: music for the big screen

Talks supported by slideshows, recordings, and short documentaries

Opportunities to attend concerts and live performances in the region

Time for open discussion in an informal group setting

The focus is on enjoyment, connection, and curiosity; no prior music theory knowledge is required.

🎨 Art & Photography Classes (Optional Track or Combined)

Visual arts sessions are guided by two experienced UK-based professionals:

Guy Portelli FRBS, Fellow of the Royal British Society of Sculptors

Marek Boryslewicz MA, photography classes for both beginners and intermediates.

Classes are designed to be flexible and accessible, with time to work independently or under guidance.

ART CLASSES🎨 Get ready to be inspired! Our art classes are proudly led by the world-renowned artist, Guy Portelli. Join us for an unforgettable journey into the world of art. Classes will be held twice a day.🖌️ Explore your creativity through sketching and painting sessions at diverse and inspiring locations.👩‍🎨 Delve into the art of life drawing with a professional model to hone your skills.🎨 Master composition and color theory through engaging talks and hands-on practical classes🏞️ Enjoy all-day access to our well-equipped art studio, giving you the freedom to create whenever inspiration strikes.📸 Enhance your skills with additional mobile photography courses (Optional).

I Rabbini

MORNING AND EVENING ACTIVITIES🏋️‍♀️ Energize your mornings with invigorating activities like power walks, cycling, running, or a gym workout.

TASTE OF ITALY EXPERIENCE🍷 Savor the flavors of the region with delightful wine-tasting sessions.🍝 Discover the secrets of Italian cuisine with pasta-making courses and indulge in the local honey tasting.🍽️ Dine like royalty at Ristorante Stradivari, once owned by the legendary Antonio Stradivari.

Castell’Arquato Medival TownMonastero di San Colombano.Giuseppe Verdi homedefaultdefaultdefaultBobbio, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy

HISTORY AND CULTURE 🏰 Experience history through daily excursions to historic towns and medieval castles. This includes visits to Castell’Arquato, Città di Bobbio, Roman bridge, Monastero di San Colombano, and the Duomo.🏛️ Explore the rich cultural heritage with a visit to G. Verdi’s home and the Teatro Giuseppe Verdi Tour.🎶 Immerse yourself in classical music concerts that resonate with the soul.

RELAXING EVENINGS 🍿 Indulge in indoor cinema featuring specially selected documentaries, films, music, and live performances for unforgettable evenings.

STRESS-FREE TRAVEL 🚗 Enjoy stress-free travel with complimentary transportation to and from the airport. You will also receive transportation during our daily excursions.Elevate your artistry, embrace inspiration, and create lasting memories. Join us for an unforgettable a✨

Who is this for?

This retreat is for those who love music, art, and culture. It’s ideal for curious travellers seeking creativity, connection, and inspiration. Set in a traditional Italian village, you’ll stay in local cottages, enjoy regional food, and live like the locals. Whether you’re drawn to classical music, painting, or simply exploring Northern Italy, this experience offers a rich blend of learning, beauty, and authentic Italian life.

Read Full Itinerary

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BOOK THIS RETREAT

About ART WORKSHOPS

The BOIArt Workshops are fully accessible to all ages, from millennials to baby boomers, and to all levels of experience. You will be guided through the different art techniques, like watercolors, acrylic painting, or sketching. Different options will give those with more experience to challenge themselves, whilst ensuring that the basic variations keep the course inclusive and fun for all. There will be a relaxing and fun focus, not academic teaching. You will also have direct access to your art teachers throughout your time on the retreat to share your own personal creative journey.

There will be enough time each day to enjoy painting or drawing, with the morning options for an active start of the day. With the optional “mobile photography” course, you will be able to improve your photography skills. Whilst the evenings will bring more relaxing and calm atmosphere with additional activities like live music and cinema evening.

All classes will be held in the grounds of the monastery and our studio space, right beside the retreat residencies, or at the location of medieval castles you will visit, in the clean Appenini mountain air, with all basic art equipment provided.

Our mentors will advise and support you throughout the week of ‘Best of Italy Art’ holiday. You’ll develop your artistic practice in peaceful surroundings and discover the best of Italy.

Itinerary (example)

Please note: This itinerary is a sample and may be adjusted to suit the interests of the group, with flexibility to focus more on either music appreciation or art, depending on participants’ preferences and the direction of the classes.

Arriving / SundayDay 1 / MondayDay 2 / TuesdayDay 3 / WednesdayDay 4 / ThursdayDay 5 / FridayDay 6 / SaturdayLeaving / Sunday

Arriving

*FREE COLLECTIONCollection from either Milano Linate or Milano Bergamo.*Please book a morning flight.

If you arriving later (pm flights) please take a direct train from Milano Central Station to Fiorenzuola.

If you coming by car, we do offer free parking at the location.

Afternoon Collection from the airport (Milano Bergamo)

Accommodation Check-in Free time to relax.

19.00 Aperitif and dinner in Rabbini.

20.30 Cinema or live music evening.

Day 1 Itinerary07:00 – Tea and coffee available in the main house07:30–08:30 – Morning workout options: walk, cycle, run, or gymFrom 08:30 – Buffet breakfast in the main house10:00 – Excursion to Castell’Arquato (30-minute drive): explore the medieval castle town, join a sketching class, and enjoy photo opportunities13:00 – Lunch at a local restaurant14:30 – Scenic drive back through vineyards and the Chiavenna valley. If time allows, visit Veleia, an ancient Roman city with an amphitheatre and Romanesque church15:00–16:30 – Afternoon classes17:30–18:30 – Gentle stretching (30 min) followed by relaxation and meditation (15 min)19:30 – Supper at Rabbini21:00 – Evening event: concert, live music, or documentary screening at the cinema (TBC)

Day 2 Itinerary

07:30–08:30 – Morning options: walk, gym, or cycle08:30 – Buffet breakfast09:30 – Depart for pasta-making class at La Rocchetta in Chiavenna11:00 – Wine tasting in Vigolo Marchese, with a visit to the Roman church en route. Tasting at Cantina Pusteria with Francesca13:30 – Lunch at La Rocchetta, enjoying the pasta you’ve made15:00–16:30 – Afternoon class at Rabbini17:30 – Local honey tasting with cheese and wine19:00 – Dinner at Rabbini20:30 – Film night at the cinema (TBC)

Day 3 Itinerary07:30–08:30 – Morning options: walk, gym, or cycle08:30 – Buffet breakfast09:30 – Visit to Busseto, birthplace of Giuseppe Verdi

Tour Verdi’s 18th-century childhood home

Private visit to the G. Verdi Opera House in a 15th-century palazzo (now the town hall)

13:00 – Lunch at Osteria Via Romana, featuring local cuisine. Return to Rabbini15:30–17:00 – Afternoon classes17:30–18:30 – Stretching and relaxation exercises20:00 – Dinner at Rabbini21:00 – Cinema night: music film, documentary, or feature (TBC)

Day 4 Itinerary07:30–08:30 – Breakfast09:00 – Choice of morning classes or depart for a visit to Grazzano Visconti, a unique medieval castle village — ideal for sketching and photography13:30 – Lunch at Vecchia Osteria Da Luigi, a family-run local restaurant since 1930. Return to Rabbini16:30–18:00 – Afternoon classes18:00 onwards – Free time19:00 – Supper at Rabbini – BBQ night20:30 – Cinema evening: jazz concert, documentary, or film (TBC)

Day 5 Itinerary

07.30 – 08.30 Walk, gym, or cycle.

08.30 Buffet Breakfast.

10.00 – 12.00 Classes at Rabbini.

13.00 Lunch in Ristorante Pie Dei Ponti.

15.00 -16.30 Afternoon Classes.

17.30 -18.30 Stretching and relaxation class.

19.30 Local vineyards wine tasting

21.00 Cinema – Documentary, Film or Live music (TBC)

Day 6 Itinerary

07.30 – 08.30 Walk, gym, or cycle options.

08.30 Buffett Breakfast.

10.00 Morning Classes or Leave excursion to Castle of Vigoleno for sketching including a visit to the ancient Church dedicated to St.George and the Dragon.

13.30 Lunch on the terrace at Ristorante Valtolla near the Lake and Dam of Mignano.

15.30 – 17.00 Afternoon Classes Rabbini or free time.

19.00 Drinks followed by Dinner Rabbini.

20.30 Cinema – Documentary, Film or Live music (TBC)

Sunday / Leaving

06.00 Check out Pie Dei Monti, just leave the room key in the door.

Flight from Bergamo Linate.

Retreat

Retreat CategoriesWhat levels of experienceBenefitsOther activitiesLanguage

Music Appreciation Art Workshops Affordable Art Workshops Short BreaksWellness RetreatsArt HolidaysArt Workshops for Beginners Art Workshops for Established ArtistsMindfulness RetreatsRelaxation RetreatsReset Retreats

BeginnerIntermediateAdvanced

Expert GuidanceInspirationSkill DevelopmentConfidence BuildingPortfolio EnhancementArtistic PerspectiveExposure to New MediaCredibilityPersonal GrowthLifetime ExperienceRelaxRechargeDe-stressHealthy body and mindLocationGetawayStructureDiscover yourself

Live music events in our amphitheaterFilms in our 5m screen indoor cinemaMobile Photography CoursePasta Making and Wine TestingTrips to medieval towns and castles

EnglishItalian

OPTIONS

Shared room

Double or Twin bedAll inclusive

£1200

SINGLE ROOM

Single accommodationAll inclusive

£1400

BOOK THIS RETREAT

What’s included in YOUR package and PRICE

Daily Art ClassesBasic Art equipment Water, tea, and coffee served throughout the dayDaily meals: Breakfast, Luch, Dinner, Tea, Coffee, Cold Drinks, Wine (Lunch and Dinner)Cooking classes – pasta-making workshopsFree Wifi connectionSpecialised workshops (Mobile photography, stretching )Free Parking (we offer complimentary transportation to and from the airport, as well as during our daily excursions, so the car is not necessary, however, if you decide to rent a car, we do have free parking) Accommodation ( Twin/Double or single-occupation )Free Airport pick-up and drop-offTransportation during the treatmentLuggage storageWelcome drinkProfessional event photos and app-sharing photo albumFREE GIFT – Welcome pack

Accommodation

We provide local R&B accommodations, conveniently nestled just a 1-minute walk from our vibrant center. Your comfort is our priority.

Simple ensuite double shared room (twin or double bed)Simple ensuite single accommodation room.

What’s NOT included in this package

Travel InsuranceFlights costsVisa feeAdditional activities not included in the itinerary

ABOUT L’Anfiteatro di I Rabbini

Idyllic location in the foothills of the Appennini mountains of Emilia Romagna.

Situated in the picturesque Vale of the river Arda at over 1000 ft in the foothills of the Appennini Mountains. It’s surrounded by nature, green fields, and lush forests, wonderful light, fresh air.

The weather is usually 5C lower than the PO Valley plains a retreat for city dwellers seeking cooler climates in the height of the summer. Average early summer Temperatures are from 25C to 28C during the day dropping to 20C at night for a good night’s sleep.

The emphasis will be on a healthy lifestyle, mainly vegetarian food from markets and local farms. Lots of options to keep fit with daily activities and classes, our own gym and cycles available, or just relax and embrace the mountain air.

Address

Travel Help

A recommended Packing list will be sent out when booking courses, yoga, and other Equipment all provided in-house, including fresh towels etc.Free collection in the morning from Milan Bergamo. Free collection from Fiorenzuola Train Station (direct train from Milan Central Station).Free parking at the center if you coming by car.

BOOKING

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Name *FirstLastEmail *Tel / WhatsApp numberPrefered retreats:Music AppreciationArt WorkshopsMobile Photography CourseAdvanced Photography CourseCulinary EscapeItalian Language and CultureOther (please describe in the comments) I would like to book the following week: *20th-27th September 20266th – 27th September 20263rd-10th May 202619th-25th May 20267th Sept – 14th September 2025 BOIart28th April – 4th May 2025 – SOLD OUT30th March – 6th April 2025 BOIart – SOLD OUTOther Date ( add your dates in the comments ). Available for group from 6 to 8 people.Please choose your prefered dates. Comment or MessageSubmit

Following receipt of your request, we will send you the payment details.
