[SOLD OUT] ABSTRACT WANDERLUST:
An Intuitive Painting Retreat in Southern Italy
Salento, Italy
Oct 14 - Oct 20th, 2025
Let’s get our paint on in the boot!
Using inspiration from our gorgeous surroundings, we’ll spend 7 days & 6 nights in Puglia, a southern region forming the heel of Italy’s “boot,” known for its whitewashed hill towns, centuries-old farmland and hundreds of kilometers of Mediterranean coastline.
We’ll be painting intuitive abstract paintings using acrylic paint and mixed media that are authentic, heartfelt, and shaped by our unique lived experiences.
Prepare to be immersed in a once-in-a-lifetime art experience.
This is so much more than an art retreat
Want to make art in a welcoming and inclusive community where your identities and stories are celebrated?
This is an opportunity to gather with kindreds and find unbridled freedom and joy in intuitive painting. I’ll gently guide you every step of the way in the spirit of play, where experimentation is celebrated, and without judgment.
I infuse the space with loving guidance and encouragement, but the heart of the experience is the community we form together. The collection of creatives misfits who lift and support each other along the way.
This process will help you loosen up, tune into your intuition, release expectation, and invite joyful expression in painting and your daily life.
You’ll Experience and Learn:
My integration of a whole hearted practice, including meditation, journaling, and tarot
Painting demonstrations aplenty
Expressive mark making and layering techniques
My favorite paints and tools
Color mixing tips and tricks
Be bold. Let go. Get wild.
We're all artists! This class is for everyone, with no previous painting experience necessary.
You’re An Artist!
If you’ve never picked up a paintbrush or paint often, all levels are welcome.
This isn’t a paint by numbers class. Those serve their purpose, but I don’t want you to paint like me or everyone else. Here you’ll tell your own story and explore your unique style.
There are no mistakes here, perfectionism is a trap, and the possibilities are endless. We’ll focus on the process and not the end result.
I anticipate lots of laughter, making a big 'ol mess, and maybe some dancing!
With the Adriatic to the east, the Ionian to the west, and home to some of Italy's loveliest beaches, Salento is a haven for sea lovers.
Get Inspired By Your Surroundings
Salento is a cultural, historical and geographic region at the southern end of Apulia. It is a sub-peninsula of the Italian Peninsula, sometimes described as the "heel" of the Italian "boot".
After visiting, you'll know it for the dreamy beaches, mouthwatering street food, burgeoning wine scene, Ancient Greek history, and traditional farmhouse homestays. While the coastal area in the southern region of Puglia has been a favorite for tourists across Italy for decades, it's still under the radar for most international travelers, helping it to preserve its rustic charm.
Disconnect To Reconnect
7 days filled with adventure, relaxation, and creativity
What’s Included In The Cost?
Nourishment
Our Italiana Tours Guide, Piero, is a certified international sommelier.
Daily breakfast, 5 lunches, and 6 dinners (including beverages) are included.
What do you get with an Internationally Certified Sommelier as your guide in a small town in Italy? Wine lessons and meticulously planned wine and menu pairings to give you a unique 5-star dining experience.
We’ll start with breakfast at our hotel each day, which features espresso, local produce, and fresh pastries. For lunches and dinners, Piero meets with every chef prior to your tour to hand-pick the perfect Italian wines – not for each meal, but for each course!
Sit back, relax, and let your taste buds enjoy all that Italy has to offer!
Transportation
Private transfer to and from the Brindisi (BDS) airport is included.
You can get to Brindisi by car, train, plane, or by ferry. Brindisi Airport receives regular flights from major cities in Italy, as well as from across Europe. From here, you can reach the city center by bus.
In our commitment to making your traveling experience to Salento as easy and convenient as possible, your host, Piero Pagliardini, will meet you at the airport (*we’ll share time stipulations later) and escort you to the hotel.
Day Trips
Bring your adventurous spirit and sense of wonder.
Together we’ll take multiple day trips to soak in all the beauty of Southern Italy.
Private tour of Martano and Cistercensi’s monastery
Private guided tour of Lecce - Known as the "Florence of the South", this city amazes and fascinates with it’s archaeological remains of Roman rule and the exuberance of 17th-century baroque
Boat day trip and lunch by the seaside in Otranto
Private Aloe plant workshop and dinner at Naturalis Bio Resort
Paint
When was the last time you painted in a renovated 18th century building? We’ll paint in a private and stunning studio at the Palazzo Micali.
Everything is provided - all you need to do is show up. Paint, brushes, a variety of mark making tools, substrates (watercolor paper and canvas) will be provided.
We’ll work in acrylic paint and a variety of mixed media tools to create abstract paintings from start to finish. Through mind, body, and soul practices, we will enliven your already established creative practice or offer a start fresh. I will offer insight into the intuitive painting process, including prompts to get your started, tips for expressive mark making, techniques for building layers, lessons in color theory, ways to elevate your value, and contrast, and so much more.
While I'll share plenty of painting tips, techniques, and "rules", I'll also encourage you to break them all. The goal of the retreat is to help you tame your inner critic and release expectations so that you make more instinctual choices and create more freely.
Stay
Six night of accommodations where the Renaissance meets the modern - surrounded by the charm and beauty of Martano, Italy.
We’ll stay at the Borgoterra Hotel, a renovated former convent located in the heart of town featuring artisan stonework, a garden, and a rooftop terrace.
Each room is unique. Some feature access to a private garden, patio or balcony. All guestrooms at Borgoterra include ensuite baths and other comforts, such as air conditioning and bathrobes, as well as amenities like WiFi, bottled water, refrigerators, coffee/tea makers, and daily housekeeping.
Your Investment
SOLD OUT: Waitlist is open - in case of cancelations
Trip Price: $4,199 $3899 per person (Register by January 15th to receive a $300 discount)
Secure your spot now with a $800 deposit.
***Bring your friend or loved one with you, as this retreat will include a non-painter itinerary with a $300 discount.
The remaining balance is due 60 days before departure. For bookings made within 30 days of departure, payment is due in full at the time of registration.
OUR ITINERARY
Tuesday, Oct 14 (DAY 1):
Arrival (*BDS Brindisi is the recommended airport). In our commitment to making your journey to Salento as easy and convenient as possible, your host, Piero Pagliardini, will meet you at the airport and escort you to the hotel.
Take time to settle in, unpack, and explore before we all meet up. The hotel is totally immersed in the Martano village life and unspoiled by time.
Becky and Piero, our host, will welcome you over drinks and give an overview of the week to come. Then, pizza night! Enjoy the best pizza in town in an authentic Italian pizzeria. End the night with a stroll, a nightcap, and a good night’s sleep.
Wednesday, Oct 15 (DAY 2):
Wake up to the smell of pastries and espresso. After your breakfast at the hotel, we’ll have our first painting workshop with Becky.
Break for a “light” (in Italy that means 2 courses!) lunch at the studio.
After lunch, time to relax or studio time, followed by an afternoon painting workshop.
***Non painters will have the opportunity to discover the Grecìa Salentina: scenic drive to visit nearby villages to sit with the locals for an espresso and gelato. With Piero you will never get bored!
After class, our group we will explore village life, the “Antica Terra” charm. Learn about Martano’s traditions, spanning over centuries, including its castle, the old Palazzos, and the fascinating Menhirs.
Time to relax and then a group dinner at one of the best restaurants in town!
Thursday, Oct 16 (DAY 3):
Enjoy a local breakfast of cappuccino and pastries (or pasticciotti) at your hotel.
Morning painting workshop with Becky.
***Non painters will venture out for a visit of the Trulli, the traditional dry stone huts with a corbelled roof. We’ll visit Alberobello.
After lunch, relax or studio time, followed by an afternoon workshop with Becky.
Late afternoon (all group trip) to a private Aloe plant workshop. Visit to Naturalis Bio Resort - the first organic Aloe and Olive tree farm in Italy!
Dinner at the resort highlighting their organic and local cuisine.
Friday, Oct 17 (DAY 4):
Grab your swimsuit and sunscreen: a boat day trip to the seaside is awaiting you!
Enjoy the marvelous sea in Puglia: this unpolluted and crystal clear water will take your breath away. We will be able to explore the coastline from an other point of view, while sipping a nice glass of wine, and taste outstanding grilled fish made by the local fishers.
Then, time to discover Otranto on your own or sit down for a gelato or an aperitif.
Late afternoon return to our hotel for free time.
Another fabulous dinner in town!
Saturday, Oct 18 (DAY 5):
Enjoy a local breakfast at the hotel (have you tried the pistachio pastries yet?), followed by a private guided tour of Lecce. “Lecce may be called the Florence of the Baroque. In this artistic tendency in Italy, there is nothing that can be compared.” This is how the historian Gregorovius described Lecce. It’s a minor Baroque masterpiece, built of a limestone called pietra leccese, that glints gold and cream in the sunlight, and will fascinate you.
After a traditional lunch, free time to explore more!
Return to the hotel in the afternoon for an evening painting workshop with Becky.
Dinner in Martano!
Sunday, Oct 19 (DAY 6):
Leisurely morning and breakfast at the hotel.
Morning painting workshop with Becky.
After our usual break for lunch, we’ll return to the studio for your last class with Becky!
***Non painters will visit a typical masseria, where olive oil, wine and other traditional Apulian products are produced. You will taste them all and try to decide which one is your favorite!
Late afternoon free time to pack and relax.
Meet that evening for a farewell dinner where we will raise a glass (or two, or three!) to our week in Puglia. Cin-cin! Cheers! And a warm salute until next year!
Monday, Oct 20 (DAY 7):
Our check out time is at 11:00 am and the airport is very close only 45 minutes by car. Please contact Italian Tours with your scheduled time for arrival end departure and we will do our best to meet your availaibility.
We recommend booking a night or more in the Puglia region at the end/beginning of your trip to explore this beautiful land and to make your departure/arrival flights more convenient. More information will be provided and we’re happy to help with recommendations.
*subject to minor changes due to weather, group desires, or opportunities
Refund Policy
Due to the highly coordinated nature of this trips, no refunds are made. The exception being a refund (minus $275 for office costs) may be made if the workshop/tour is completely filled and your place can be filled from the waiting list. Cancellation will forfeit all deposits and payments.
Travel Insurance
It is HIGHLY recommended that you obtain trip insurance that covers travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements.
We strongly advise that your chosen policy provides coverage in case of lost or delayed baggage, loss of personal belongings, trip cancellation, trip interruption, accidents, illness, injury, medical expenses, death, and emergency repatriation.
Terms and coverages vary depending on the specific insurance carrier. Carefully check before purchasing your policy.
Accessibility
Please note this retreat may not be suitable for participants with low or limited mobility.
Getting around requires short walks on uneven terrain (vineyard paths, cobblestone streets, etc.).
Safer Space
As a white queer cis femme woman with a professional background in gender studies and queer theory, I strive to create a safer space that promotes equity, open-mindedness, a willingness to learn from others, and affirmation of the unconditional value of all peoples.
My hope is that the space is both critical of the power structures that impact our everyday lives and allows us all to be free to grow, thrive, and express our individual identities.
Confirmation
Once you are enrolled in the retreat, you will receive several emails in the coming year to arrange transportation, schedule any remaining payments, and provide more retreat details.
Please feel free to email any questions to becky@beckyjoanspringer. I am here to help!
