There are two booking categories available for the La Dolce Vita: Antiquing Edition retreat:
SINGLE BOOKING RATE
For those who would like a private bedroom:
$6100 US DOLLARS
or
DOUBLE BOOKING RATE
For those who are coming with a friend, and/or who don't mind sharing a room:
$5100 US DOLLARS
There are two booking categories available for the La Dolce Vita: Antiquing Edition retreat:
SINGLE BOOKING RATE
For those who would like a private bedroom:
$6100 US DOLLARS
or
DOUBLE BOOKING RATE
For those who are coming with a friend, and/or who don't mind sharing a room:
$5100 US DOLLARS
GENERAL REGISTRATION OPENS: March 12th at 09:00 Pacific Stand Time.
To register, please email: carolyn@pronetowanderretreats.com once registration opens and request a spot. All bookings will be honoured in the order in which they are received. A $500 US Dollar deposit is due at registration.
In your email, please let Carolyn know:
• the number of people in your booking.
• your name, address, email, and phone number, and that of anyone else in your party, if applicable.
• the room category you would like to book: single or double.
• What email address(es) we should send the $500 USD per person PayPal deposit invoice to.
If you are registering together with a friend - or group of friends, we recommend that you send the information for everyone in your party in one email so that you ensure that your booking is linked together.
Upon receiving your registration email, we will reply letting you know if there is a spot available. If there is, you will be forwarded the retreat contracts from Prone to Wander Retreats Inc for your review, along with a PayPal invoice for a $500 non-refundable booking deposit. You will have 48 hours to review the documents, pay the invoice, and confirm your registration. Once you confirm, you will be instructed on how to proceed in the registration process.
After receiving your PayPal deposit, the balance of your retreat payment will be paid to Prone to Wander Retreats Inc. by cheque. Payment options will be discussed with any non-US clients upon registration.
While we welcome payments in full, Prone to Wander Retreats Inc. does offer equal instalment plans. For this retreat, clients may choose from the following options:
• 2 instalments, with the payments due: April 1, 2025 and July 1, 2025
• 3 instalments, with the payments due: April 1, 2025, June 1, 2025, Aug 1, 2025
• 6 instalments, with the payments due on the first of the month each month from: April 1, 2025 through to September 1, 2025
Due to the significant financial and logistical investment for producing this small group retreat, Prone to Wander Retreats Inc has a firm cancellation policy; payments are committed and non refundable. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you purchase cancellation insurance. However, if for any reason your plans change after you have registered, your spot IS fully transferable until Sept 1, 2025. Upon receiving your registration inquiry, attendees will be emailed the retreat terms and conditions to read and sign before submitting their deposit. The complete details of the cancellation policy can be read there.
GENERAL REGISTRATION OPENS: March 12th at 09:00 Pacific Stand Time.
To register, please email: carolyn@pronetowanderretreats.com once registration opens and request a spot. All bookings will be honoured in the order in which they are received. A $500 US Dollar deposit is due at registration.
In your email, please let Carolyn know:
• the number of people in your booking.
• your name, address, email, and phone number, and that of anyone else in your party, if applicable.
• the room category you would like to book: single or double.
• What email address(es) we should send the $500 USD per person PayPal deposit invoice to.
If you are registering together with a friend - or group of friends, we recommend that you send the information for everyone in your party in one email so that you ensure that your booking is linked together.
Upon receiving your registration email, we will reply letting you know if there is a spot available. If there is, you will be forwarded the retreat contracts from Prone to Wander Retreats Inc for your review, along with a PayPal invoice for a $500 non-refundable booking deposit. You will have 48 hours to review the documents, pay the invoice, and confirm your registration. Once you confirm, you will be instructed on how to proceed in the registration process.
After receiving your PayPal deposit, the balance of your retreat payment will be paid to Prone to Wander Retreats Inc. by cheque. Payment options will be discussed with any non-US clients upon registration.
While we welcome payments in full, Prone to Wander Retreats Inc. does offer equal instalment plans. For this retreat, clients may choose from the following options:
• 2 instalments, with the payments due: April 1, 2025 and July 1, 2025
• 3 instalments, with the payments due: April 1, 2025, June 1, 2025, Aug 1, 2025
• 6 instalments, with the payments due on the first of the month each month from: April 1, 2025 through to September 1, 2025
Due to the significant financial and logistical investment for producing this small group retreat, Prone to Wander Retreats Inc has a firm cancellation policy; payments are committed and non refundable. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you purchase cancellation insurance. However, if for any reason your plans change after you have registered, your spot IS fully transferable until Sept 1, 2025. Upon receiving your registration inquiry, attendees will be emailed the retreat terms and conditions to read and sign before submitting their deposit. The complete details of the cancellation policy can be read there.
How to Register
Imagine strolling down the street of a picturesque village in Tuscany shopping for antique treasures to decorate your home or fill your antique booth/shop...
Now imagine that your biggest worry is whether your budget is sufficient for all the beautiful antiques and vintage objects that catch your eye, not trying to figure out where the markets are, where to park, where you should go for lunch or dinner, or where to find a post office to ship items home! Sounds perfect, right?
Let your retreat hostess, Carolyn Peeler, handle all the details. Your job is very simple - come, eat, shop, and enjoy being a part of this small group experience as you join fellow antique lovers to experience the best of Tuscany.
By the end of your week it will be difficult to decide what your favourtie activity was... antique shopping at the markets and second hand shops, our workshop with Melissa Parks, the cooking lesson at a breathtaking private villa, the unforgettable meals, or the creative workshop where you will try your hand at an ancient Tuscan art form under the direction of a sixth generation artisan. All will contribute to a week that will knock your socks off!
Imagine strolling down the street of a picturesque village in Tuscany shopping for antique treasures to decorate your home or fill your antique booth/shop...
Now imagine that your biggest worry is whether your budget is sufficient for all the beautiful antiques and vintage objects that catch your eye, not trying to figure out where the markets are, where to park, where you should go for lunch or dinner, or where to find a post office to ship items home! Sounds perfect, right?
Let your retreat hostess, Carolyn Peeler, handle all the details, your job is very simple - to come, eat, shop, and enjoy being a part of this small group experience as you join fellow antique lovers to experience the best of Tuscany.
By the end of your week it will be difficult to decide what your favourtie activity was... antique shopping at the markets, dealer stores, and second hand shops, the memorable pizza making lesson at a 0km farm, the unforgettable meals, or the creative workshop where you will try your hand at an ancient Tuscan art form under the direction of a sixth generation artisan. All will contribute to a week that will knock your socks off!
Our itinerary takes advantage of Carolyn's eleven years of hosting retreats in Tuscany, the relationships she has built with her talented collaborators, and her personal experiences in shopping at Italian markets and getting her purchases back home. From more chandeliers than she can possibly hang (seriously, it's an addiction that she can't shake!), to stacks of ephemera, old books, religious statuary and sweet little paintings, Carolyn's bought it all!
Combining antiquing with a handful of culinary + cultural activities that make Tuscany
unforgettable, this retreat is specifically designed for those who have a passion for vintage.
Combining antiquing with the culinary + cultural activities that make Tuscany unforgettable, this retreat is specifically designed for those who have a passion for vintage.
While you may come for the antiquing, we are certain
that the vibrant food culture and culinary history of Tuscany will be another highlight of your La Dolce
Vita experience.
While you may come for the antiquing, we are certain that the vibrant food culture and
culinary history of Tuscany will be another highlight of your La Dolce Vita experience.
meals & culinary explorations
meals & culinary explorations
Under the direction of Orsa, a PhD in culinary anthropology and our private chef, retreat meals will feature fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Imagine digging into a plate of perfectly al dente pasta dressed with Orsa's pink pesto whose recipe is always in high demand from prior retreat attendees, or participating in a culinary lesson where you learn to make traditional dishes that are easily replicated so that you can go home and wow your family and friends.
We promise, you're going to eat well when gathering 'round our table!
During our week together, the group will enjoy
the exclusive use of a small boutique hotel in the Tuscan countryside.
In collaboration with our travel agent partner, e20Toscani, our group will enjoy the exclusive use of a small boutique hotel in the Tuscan countryside.
the venue
retreat VENUE
Our home base is an olive oil producing, family run farm located 14 km from the medieval city of Siena. Surrounded by its olive groves and located in the heart of a terrain dotted with forests, natural springs, and historical and artistic heritage sites, it's nestled in an area that has been declared a “Site of Community Importance” by the European Community.
Your registration to La Dolce Vita Retreat: Antiquing Edition
September 20-27, 2025 includes the following:
Your registration to La Dolce Vita Retreat: Antiquing Edition September 20-17, 2025
includes the following:
• 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 7 dinners.
• One creative workshop with Maria Giannini, a sixth generation master artisan who runs her family's Florence book binding and paper marbling atelier.
• One day trip to an Italian antique market in Lucca.
• One private dinner, with wine pairings, at a spectacular Tuscan castle and vineyard.
• A visit to the Siena local (non-antique) market. It is one of the largest markets of the region where the locals do much of their shopping for housewares, clothing and shoes. It is always beloved by retreat attendees for its great selection of European fashion and good prices. After the market closes, you will have time to enjoy the city for several hours.
• A pizza workshop at a stunning 0km farm where we will learn to make a fantastic pizza dough, then try our hand at being a pizzaiola!
• Visits to the private warehouses of some local antique dealers, along with visiting one of Carolyn's favourite second hand stores where treasures can be found when you dig!
• One workshop with Orsa Pellion, who has a PhD in food anthropology, tying together the history and tradition of Tuscan cuisine with us.
• Exclusive use of the grounds/gardens at Borgo Personatina during La Dolce Vita.
• The opportunity to meet women from around the world who all share similar interests and a love of vintage!
• 7 nights accommodation, in the room category of your choice, in an apartment at Borgo Personatina.
• Chartered bus transfers to and from the scheduled excursions on our itinerary.
• 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners.
• One creative workshop with Maria Giannini, a sixth generation master artisan who runs her family's Florence book binding and paper marbling atelier.
• One day trip to an Italian antique market in Lucca.
• One private dinner, with wine pairings, at a spectacular Tuscan castle and vineyard.
• A visit to the Siena local (non-antique) market. It is one of the largest markets of the region where the locals do much of their shopping for housewares, clothing and shoes. It is always beloved by retreat attendees for its great selection of European fashion and good prices. After the market closes, you will have time to enjoy the city for several hours.
• A pizza workshop at a stunning 0km farm where we will learn to make a fantastic pizza dough, then try our hand at being a pizzaiola!
• Visits to the private warehouses of some local antique dealers, along with visiting one of Carolyn's favourite second hand stores where treasures can be found when you dig!
• One workshop with Orsa Pellion, who has a PhD in food anthropology, tying together the history and tradition of Tuscan cuisine with us.
• Exclusive use of the grounds/gardens at Borgo Personatina during La Dolce Vita.
• The opportunity to meet women from around the world who all share similar interests and a love of vintage!
• 7 nights accommodation, in the room category of your choice, in an apartment at Borgo Personatina.
• Chartered bus transfers to and from the scheduled excursions on our itinerary.
The following items are not included in your retreat registration:
• Airfare, including baggage fees.
• Transfers to/from the airport, or downtown Florence, to our event location. (We will recommend a transfer service
and anticipate that attendees will organize amongst themselves to ride-share in order to reduce costs.)
• Insurance: cancellation, medical, etc. for the trip.
• Meals outside of those listed on the retreat itinerary and alcoholic beverages.
• Shipping your antique purchases home (if needed).
• Tips and gratuities.
In addition to visiting some secret places discovered through Carolyn's own passion for antiquing,
our group will attend the second largest antique market in Tuscany, the Lucca Market.
In addition to visiting some secret places discovered through Carolyn's own passion for antiquing,
our group will attend the second largest antique market in Tuscany, the Lucca Market.
During our shopping excursions, you will find a little bit of everything:
• textiles: grains sacks, bedding, clothing, lace, etc.
• lighting: chandeliers, sconces, lamps, etc.
• pottery: everything from large urns to small vases and bowels
• artwork: framed and unframed
• religious relics/statuary
• ephemera
• jewelry: costume and fine rings, earrings, necklaces, cuff links, etc.
• dolls
• books
• toys
MARKET & city visits
market & city visits
September 20 - 27, 2025
Sept. 20 - 27, 2025
If you love European antiques, and you've always dreamed of travelling to the continent to purchase them directly from the source - then join Carolyn Peeler for a week long adventure in Tuscany, Italy that will seriously scratch your European antiquing itch!
As we journey through the countryside, visiting markets, second hand shops, and dealer warehouses, you’ll rack up serious savings over North American antique prices, allowing you to come home with some amazing treasures from your time in Italy.
La Dolce Vita retreat: antiquing edition
This retreat is SOLD OUT. Please send us an email to join the no obligation wait list.
what to expect
what to expect
but wait, there's more!
join the optional two night milan antique market extension, Sept 27 - 29, 2025
For those who want to soak up every antique market opportunity that they can, we invite you to join us after the retreat for an optional two day add-on as we journey north from the province of Tuscany to the capital of Lombardy, Milan, to shop the Naviglio Antique Market with us!
Immediately post retreat, we will take a private bus from our retreat base to the Milan city center where we will stay at a boutique hotel that is like a small jewel box with layers of beauty, a phenomenal buffet breakfast, and a location that is a market shoppers dream.
However, before the market, we will have the chance to explore the heart of the city for a few hours Saturday evening, after our arrival. Typically our retreat attendees seek out the Duomo and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, two of the most popular and photographed landmarks in the city.
Pricing will vary based on the number of clients who choose to add this extension. Based on previous experience, we expect that the ballpark add on price will be between $500-700 (US Dollars) based on double occupancy. Once we know how many clients plan to add the extension, the precise cost will be disclosed before clients are asked to commit.
pricing
A: The Florence Peretola (FLR) Airport is the closest and is approximately 1 hour, 20 minutes away from the retreat location. Depending on flight cost, and your desire to see other areas of Italy, you may also consider flying into Rome, Pisa, or even Milan.
A: Transportation to and from the retreat is not included in your retreat tuition. We have a transfer company who we will recommend to you, and encourage the group to consider coordinating their arrival schedules in order to minimize the cost per person. Or, for those who would like to rent a car, you will find ample parking at the retreat venue.
A: You are welcome to arrive at the estate any time after 15:00 (3 PM) on the first day of the retreat you register to attend. Our welcome banquet, which is the kick off for La Dolce Vita, will begin later in the evening.
A: You will kindly be asked to leave the apartments by 9:00 AM the morning of the end of your retreat, and the estate by 09:30 AM. Should the apartments at the estate not be booked the next day, it is possible that we may be able to push the vacate time a bit later, but we will not know that until closer to the retreat date.
A: Yes, all apartments have wifi. That being said, this is the countryside of Italy, the wifi is spotty – and with our group all trying to use devices, it can be hit or miss (often mainly miss) as to getting online reliably. So, we can not guarantee that you will have consistent access to the web. We will share recommendations for picking up an inexpensive local SIM card for those staying in Florence pre-retreat, or recommend purchasing an e-SIM before leaving home. Either option will allow you to purchase a data plan for your smart phone that will offer you consistent coverage while you are in Italy.
A: The Tuscan region is a popular tourist stop in Italy, so many of the people, especially in the towns, will speak English. It has never been a huge impediment for the attendees of La Dolce Vita. Usually if the specific person you are trying to communicate with does not speak English, you can ask around and find someone who will kindly agree to translate.
A: While on tour, we encourage all guests to monitor their own well-being and take precautions and preventative measures as recommended by their doctors. If a guest is exhibiting symptoms commonly associated with a contagious illness (such as a cold, flu, Covid, etc.) while on a Prone to Wander Retreat, they will be encouraged to isolate and/or wear a mask in any enclosed settings (bus, interior spaces) while with the group. Please be prepared by packing along your own N95/KN95 masks. Guests agree to support the well-being of all fellow travelers by taking personal accountability for their own health.
Q: If I'd like to arrive in Tuscany early, do you have any suggestions for where I could spend a few days before the retreat begins?
A: For those who are able to take the extra time, we would strongly urge you to consider arriving in Italy a day or two before La Dolce Vita starts. This is both to avoid the possibility of a flight delay which could eat into your precious retreat time, and so that you have time to adjust to the time difference. For North Americans, Italy is 6 – 9 hours ahead of their home time zone, so that extra day or two will really help your body catch up. As for where to stay, most retreat guests who come early choose to enjoy Florence for a day or two. I have multipage PDFs which I share in our private Facebook group with Florence hotel, restaurant, and shopping recommendations.
A: Due to the challenges of logistics, and the up front costs of hosting our retreats, Prone to Wander Retreats, Inc. has a firm no refund policy. We strongly encourage attendees purchase cancellation insurance to protect their investment. However, your spot is fully transferable to a friend or family member, up until a cut off date, typically approximately 6-8 weeks before the retreat (the specific date will be listed in the contract for each retreat).
What previous attendees are saying about our retreats
"The experience turned out to be so much more than I anticipated. Upon arrival I was surprised by the beauty of the 17th century farm. From the veranda I greatly enjoyed the tranquillity and beauty of the surrounding garden and the countryside in the distance. Tasteful meals from the loveable staff, served at an enchantingly laid table. Imagine meeting new friends in Tuscany and sharing stories over a fine bottle of Italian wine…!
Every day brought a surprise from our good humoured host Carolyn. Buying vintage jewelry at the antique market in Cortona together with some of “the girls”, a special dinner and wine tasting at a castle, the paper marbling workshop, the farewell dinner... were some of the many highlights of my stay.
I left my adventure re-inspired and I’m ready for more!"
• HELLA MOODY FROM THE NETHERLANDS •
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"I would tell anyone considering this retreat to GO FOR IT! My expectations were exceeded in every way.
It was as if someone looked into my mind and created an experience that included all of my favorite things, from shopping, to creating, to cooking classes, and many unexpected surprises, including forging friendships with the other attendees. It was obvious from the moment I arrived that every detail had been considered and Carolyn was the ultimate vacation party planner."
• AMY MARSHALL FROM BELGIUM •
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"Carolyn walks you through every aspect of your travel before you leave home. Have a question, your email is answered promptly.
There is a sisterhood that develops as creative women come together. The workshops are fun and informative. Don't consider yourself creative? Come anyway just for fun and pure joy.
I've had a few experiences that I say are worth every penny; Eleven Madison Park, Outstanding in the Field and La Dolce Vita Retreat. One of the best experiences of my life."
• MICHELE WHITE FROM NEW YORK •
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"I attended La Dolce Vita for the first time in 2019. I had never done anything like this before and went in with some reservations traveling alone. It was an absolutely amazing experience. Every single person was so warm and welcoming.
Carolyn does absolutely everything with excellence. Every small little detail is planned out to perfection. I had special dietary needs and that was all pre planned and perfect.
I own Whim So Doodle, a scrapbooking store in Florida, and spend time with many artists but this took everything I have ever done to the next level. It was the most relaxing getaway I have ever had and it filled my soul. What a treat. Carolyn I don’t know anyone who can do what you do with the level of excellence in which you do it. "
• JILL OROBELLO FROM FLORIDA •
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"La Dolce Vita retreat was a recharge week in the middle of my busy year. One week in a beautiful place that after half an hour felt like home, with lovely ladies from all over the world.
Carolyn and her team pay attention to the small details that make each day special. Delicious food, enjoyable activities, amazing hosts - the best combination that made this week unforgettable for me. I am sure that I'll be back for a future La Dolce Vita retreat."
• RIKI NUDLER FROM THE NETHERLANDS •
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"I know what you’re asking yourself, will this be all that I expect? I mean, I’ve paid good money for this. I’ve travelled a long way. At least, I know that’s what ran through my head at first, but I took the leap. And this adventure turned out to be more than I could have ever dreamed - better than the description on the website.
Carolyn is a wonderfully kind and fun loving host and has a fantastic team supporting her. The setting was beautiful and every event we had was well planned. I’ve made great friends.
I know you want me to tell you everything we did, but no, that would spoil everything! The magic of this trip is that you will wake up every day to discover a great adventure. Go and enjoy yourself. You won’t want to leave."
• LINDA HAYES FROM CALIFORNIA •
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"From the moment Carolyn came to greet us with a big smile and a hug…. (I love hugs), I felt at home.
It was a week full of amazing cooking, photography, wine testing, trips to antique markets, flower arrangements class and much more. I loved every minute while making new friends and treasured memories. Thank you for the hospitality and the wonderful meals.
If you have the opportunity to join a retreat overseas, this is the one, you must go! You will not regret your decision. Carolyn, you are such a kind and caring person. Looking forward to seeing you again."
• RITA READE FROM CALIFORNIA •
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"I appreciated that the scheduling was very easy, allowing ample time for breakfast with no rushing to catch a bus or make a tour. All of the activities had a level of quality that made me feel very privileged to be there and the info we got before the trip was so helpful: exchanging money, Florence airport, Transport (shuttle vans), private Facebook page, what to pack. For someone like me who had never been to Italy, each of these things gave me such peace of mind.
The goal of immersion into everyday life was fully realized. I feel re-oriented to a lifestyle I can create at home. Warmth. Hospitality. Simplicity. Quality. Pride."
• KAREN FLOREK FROM CALIFORNIA •
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"With a balance of city and country, elegance and authenticity, we were treated to local foods, wines, and tastes of the Italian "Sweet Life", including estate tours, antique markets and lessons in crafting, cooking, and photography. It was a visual, social and gastronomical feast, highlighted by the rich interaction of interesting people: Leaders, locals, and lovely ladies - none of whom will be forgotten.
I'm grateful for a most excellent experience, and the many delightful surprises that were added to our days! Photographs, friendships and a head full of memories: yet another RE-treat! I absolutely recommend taking advantage of this opportunity for yourself!"
• ELIZABETH CECCHETTINI FROM NORTH CAROLINA •
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