Escape to the rolling hills of Tuscany for a slow, soulful week designed for women who want more than just a vacation—this retreat is an experience.
Together, we’ll spend six days immersed in the beauty of the Tuscan countryside, staying at Ebbio a restored 13th-century farmhouse where organic gardens, olive trees, and breathtaking views create the perfect setting to slow down and reconnect.
We’ll wander through medieval villages, explore Siena’s historic streets and markets, soak in natural thermal baths, share long farm-to-table meals, enjoy local wines, and experience the magic of Tuscany at a slower pace.
With a maximum of just 12 women, this intimate women’s retreat in Tuscany is designed to foster meaningful connection while still allowing space to unwind, reflect, and embrace the Italian way of life.
At Ebbio, food is more than a meal—it’s part of the experience. Rooted in the philosophy that food is medicine, you’ll enjoy vibrant, organic, vegetarian dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, many grown right on the property. Each meal celebrates the seasons and the rich flavors of the Mediterranean.
As a travel photographer, I’ll also be documenting moments throughout the week and hosting a golden hour photoshoot in the Tuscan countryside. You’ll receive a curated digital image gallery so you can be fully present while still bringing home beautiful memories from your time in Italy.
Just beautiful places, meaningful conversations, incredible food, and a week dedicated to embracing la dolce vita—the sweetness of life.
What’s Included
✔ 5 nights at a restored Tuscan farmhouse
✔ Daily breakfast or brunch
✔ Welcome dinner
✔ Day trip to Siena
✔ Visit to Tuscany’s natural thermal baths
✔ Picnic lunch during our thermal baths excursion
✔ Hands-on Italian cooking class
✔ Multi-town excursion through Tuscany’s most charming hilltop villages
✔ Winery lunch & wine tasting
✔ Farewell dinner
✔ Transportation throughout the retreat
✔ Golden Hour Photoshoot and curated digital image gallery
✔ Hosted by Jacquie of Journey by Jacq
Your Week in Tuscany
Day 1 – Welcome to Tuscany
Arrive at Ebbio, our beautiful countryside home for the week. After settling in, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner, sharing our first meal together surrounded by the rolling hills of Tuscany.
Inclusions: Airport Transfer, Welcome Dinner
Day 2 – Siena & Local Life
After breakfast, we’ll head to Siena, one of Tuscany’s most beloved medieval cities. If you’re anything like me, you’ll love wandering through the city’s weekly market, where locals gather to shop for everything from clothing and textiles to household goods and seasonal treasures.
Held every Wednesday, the Mercato delle Merci is one of Tuscany’s largest traditional markets and offers a glimpse into everyday Italian life beyond the typical tourist experience. After exploring the market, we’ll spend the afternoon wandering Siena’s cobblestone streets, discovering hidden corners, local cafés, and historic piazzas.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Day Trip to Siena
Day 3 – Slow Living & Tuscan Evenings
Today is all about embracing the slower rhythm of Tuscany.
Start your morning with anoptional yoga session, surrounded by rolling hills and fresh countryside air. Afterward, gather for a relaxed farm-to-table brunch featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients grown right at Ebbio. This is your chance to slow down, connect with the group, and savor the flavors of the Tuscan countryside.
Later, we’ll explore Ebbio’s organic farm, wandering through vegetable gardens, olive groves, and seasonal harvests while learning about the property’s farm-to-table philosophy and commitment to sustainable living.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Relax with a massage, or choose from optional activities including chestnut foraging, truffle hunting, horseback riding, or wine tasting.
In the late afternoon, we’ll come together for a travel photography workshop and golden hour photoshoot, capturing the magic of Tuscany’s rolling hills in the most beautiful light. Think flowing dresses, golden fields, and dreamy countryside backdrops. ✨📸
As evening approaches, we’ll head to the enchanting walled village of Monteriggioni, where you’ll have free time to wander the cobblestone streets, enjoy an optional wine tasting, or settle into a local restaurant for dinner.
Inclusions: Brunch, Farm Tour, Photography Workshop and Photoshoot
Optional Activities: Yoga, massage, chestnut foraging, truffle hunting, horseback riding, and wine tasting are available at an additional cost.
Day 4 – Thermal Baths & Farm-to-Table Cooking
After breakfast at the villa, we’ll set off for one of Tuscany’s most beloved natural treasures: its thermal baths. Spend the afternoon soaking in mineral-rich hot springs surrounded by stunning countryside views, embracing the slower pace and restorative spirit of the region.
We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch before returning to Ebbio for an evening centered around one of Italy’s greatest traditions—food. During a hands-on cooking class, you’ll learn to prepare authentic Italian dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients.
As the sun sets, we’ll gather around the table to enjoy the meal we’ve created together. Paired with local wine and served family-style, it’s an evening of laughter, connection, and simple pleasures—the perfect embodiment of la dolce vita.
Wake up to a leisurely farm-to-table breakfast at the villa before setting off to explore some of Tuscany’s most enchanting hilltop towns. We’ll spend the day wandering through villages like San Gimignano and Volterra, where medieval architecture, winding cobblestone streets, artisan shops, and breathtaking countryside views transport you to another era.
Midday, we’ll pause for a leisurely winery lunch, savoring regional cuisine and local wines while taking in the beauty of the Tuscan countryside. It’s the perfect opportunity to slow down, soak in the views, and toast to an unforgettable week together.
In the evening, we’ll return to Ebbio for a special farewell dinner. Gather around the table one last time to enjoy a seasonal farm-to-table meal, local wine, and meaningful conversation as we celebrate the memories made, the friendships formed, and the magic of Tuscany.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Day Trip though Medieval Villages, Winery Lunch & Wine Tasting, Farewell Dinner
Day 6 – Arrivederci, Tuscany
Enjoy one final breakfast overlooking the countryside before departures. Leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and connected—with a little piece of Tuscany to take home with you.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Airport Transfer
🍂 November in Tuscany
November is one of Tuscany’s best-kept secrets. While the summer crowds have disappeared, the countryside takes on a cozy autumn charm, making it the perfect time to slow down and experience the region like a local.
It’s also truffle and chestnut season, when menus throughout Tuscany feature some of the region’s most beloved seasonal specialties. The cooler temperatures are ideal for wandering medieval villages, soaking in thermal baths, and enjoying a glass of Tuscan red wine by the fire.
Expect beautiful autumn colors, fewer tourists, and a more authentic side of Tuscany that many travelers never get to experience.
Average temperatures range from approximately 45–60°F (7–16°C). We recommend packing layers, comfortable walking shoes, and a light rain jacket.
✨ If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing Tuscany at a slower pace, November may just be the perfect time to visit.
This Trip Is Perfect For You If:
✔ You love beautiful places but don’t want to plan everything yourself
✔ You’re craving meaningful connection and community
✔ You enjoy food, wine, culture, and slower travel
✔ You want professional photos without constantly worrying about capturing the moment
✔ You’re ready to experience Tuscany beyond the typical tourist itinerary
*Only 12 spots are available to keep the experience intimate and personalized.
Everything has been thoughtfully planned—from accommodations and transportation to meals, excursions, and photography—so you can simply arrive and enjoy the experience.
🤍 Meet Your Host
Hi, I’m Jacquie, a travel photographer, former expat, and founder of Journey by Jacq. After spending four years living in Europe and leading women’s group trips, I’ve learned that the most meaningful travel experiences aren’t about rushing from sight to sight—they’re about slowing down, connecting with a place, and sharing it with great people. As someone who loves finding authentic local experiences, Tuscany has long been one of my favorite regions in Europe. I’ve designed this retreat to combine everything I love most about travel: beautiful countryside, incredible food, charming villages, meaningful conversations, and the opportunity to be fully present in the moment. As your host—and photographer—I’ll be there every step of the way, handling the logistics, documenting the experience, and helping create a welcoming environment where friendships can naturally form.
My goal is simple: create a week where you can relax, explore, connect, and experience the sweetness of life—without worrying about the details.
Only 12 spots are available for this intimate experience. Once the early bird spots are filled, pricing will increase.
Perfect for solo travelers, friends, sisters, mothers and daughters, or anyone looking to experience Tuscany in a more meaningful way.
✨ Most guests join solo, and many leave with lifelong friendships.
EARLY BIRD PRICE: $2,899
REGULAR PRICE: $3,099
✔ Secure your spot with a $600 non-refundable deposit. ✔ The remaining balance is due 90 days before departure. ✔ After the 90-day deadline, all payments become non-refundable.
MONTHLY PAYMENT PLANS ARE AVAILABLE!!
Want to save on credit card processing fees? Zelle and Venmo payment options are available. Please contact me at journey@journeybyjacq.com for payment instructions.
*Only 12 spots are available to keep the experience intimate and personalized.
Pricing is based on shared accommodations in thoughtfully designed rooms at Ebbio. Most guests join solo and are carefully paired with another traveler.
A limited number of private rooms are available for an additional $1,000.
Exclusions
International Flight Tickets
Travel Insurance
Additional meals and beverages beyond what’s included in the itinerary
Personal expenditures
Tips for leaders, guide and driver
Optional activities
Important Information
Women-Only Group Experience
This trip is exclusively for women, creating a supportive and inspiring environment to connect with like-minded travelers while experiencing the beauty, culture, and slower pace of Tuscany.
Recommended Airport
Fly into Florence Airport (FLR).
One scheduled group transfer will be provided from Florence Airport on arrival day and one scheduled transfer on departure day. Flight recommendations and transfer times will be provided well in advance to help guests coordinate travel plans.
Travel Insurance Requirement
Travel insurance is mandatory for all travelers, and it is the responsibility of each participant to ensure adequate coverage is purchased. Insurance must cover: ✔ Personal accident, death, medical expenses, and emergency repatriation ✔ We strongly recommend additional coverage for trip cancellation, curtailment, personal liability, loss of luggage, and personal effects.
⚠️ Important: If you do not have valid travel insurance, you may be prevented from joining the trip. Please ensure you have proof of coverage before departure.
Payment & Cancellation Policy
✔ The trip can be booked with a $600 NONREFUNDABLE down payment. ✔ The remaining balance must be paid 90 days prior to the trip. ✔ After the 90-day mark, the trip is no longer refundable.
