Write with joy in Italy! 

 

Join this inspiring, weeklong writing retreat in a private Italian villa, led by author Maryrose Wood. 

Seats are limited. Apply now.

 

TELL ME MORE!

“Outside the realm of the everyday...”

 

A great story takes the reader “outside the realm of the everyday,” as Joseph Campbell once said. By loosening the grip of our too-familiar habits and making space for discovery, we can truly open up to a transformative experience.

Join author and mentor Maryrose Wood and a select group of fellow storytellers for a transformative, joyous, and deeply creative week at the 2026 Path of the Storyteller retreat in Orte, Italy. 

WHERE AND WHEN IS THIS CREATIVE ADVENTURE?

OCTOBER 16th — 23rd, 2026

You'll arrive at our private villa on Friday October 16th, 2026. There are direct trains from Rome, which is the nearest international airport. Orte is very well serviced by the train lines generally, so you can also get there from airports in Milan and Florence.

Once here, you’ll enjoy a seven-night stay at a spacious, recently renovated villa that’s been custom-designed for working retreats, with more than touch of relaxation and la dolce vita thrown in.

Our group will have the whole villa to ourselves, indoors and out. We’ll have chef-prepared lunches and dinners daily, inspiring day trips, and dedicated time to write, learn, relax, and recharge.

Here’s what to expect:

PRIVATE ROOMS AND SHARED AMENITIES

Our villa is a seven-bedroom, four-bathroom house. The large private rooms have queen-sized beds, a desk, and ample closet space. There are two kitchens for cooking together or preparing breakfast or snacks on your own. Each of the four bathrooms will be shared by the residents of the adjacent bedrooms.

CHEF-PREPARED MEALS

Chef-prepared lunches and dinners will be provided at the villa daily. Most dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice. We'll make a few grocery runs to make sure your favorite breakfast, snacks, and beverages are stocked in the kitchens.

COZY HANGOUTS

Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs happen when you least expect it. Our villa is a great place to hang out, relax, and form supportive writer-to-writer friendships that just might last a lifetime. You'll find seating areas inside and outdoors on the spacious terraces (yes, there are hammocks). Three fireplaces make the villa extra cozy!

SPACE TO WORK, PLUS CREATIVE COMMUNITY

You’ll find many options for writing nooks, tables, and desks, both indoors and outdoors, with ergonomic chairs available and fast Starlink wifi.

During this week dedicated to you and your creative work, you can spend as much time writing as you like. You can also sharpen your skills in targeted craft workshops, sharing your work with others, and take the opportunity for personal mentorship with Maryrose.

KICK BACK AND RELAX!

The villa is all ours for the week, so make yourself at home! There are lovely grounds to wander, hammocks and shady terraces. Some October days might be cool for pool swimming, but we’ve got that covered too—would a thermal hot spring meet your soaking needs? Come prepared to recharge your mental, physical, and creative energy.

FIELD TRIPS AND THE CHANCE TO EXPLORE

Any trip to Italy has to include unforgettable encounters with the local culture and cuisine. How about a wine tasting in Tuscany? A visit to an extraordinary palazzo with spectacular gardens? Or sharing a spritz by one of the region's beautiful lakes? Our group excursions have been chosen to delight and inspire, with onsite writing opportunities built into the day. 

AN ITALIAN WELCOME FROM MARYROSE

 

Benvenuti a tutti! I’m Maryrose Wood, author of many critically acclaimed books for middle grade readers. For the past twenty years I’ve had the honor of being published by Hachette, HarperCollins, Macmillan, and Penguin Random House. My books have earned starred reviews and appeared on many best-of-year lists; most importantly, they’ve brought joy to readers worldwide. I’m proud to mentor my students from the perspective of a seasoned, working writer. (You can learn more about my writing here.)

I’m thrilled to host this carefully curated retreat for writers. I’ll be onsite with you all week long, ready to offer clarity, coaching, and support. I’ll lead group craft workshops and facilitate work-sharing sessions for those who choose to participate. 

And remember, if you want to be left alone to write, that’s fine too!

A fun fact about me: I moved to Italy two years ago! My most recent book was written here, and I’m already working on my next. I’ve found deep meaning and power in the transformative energy that comes from taking a big personal leap, and I love the creative boost Italy’s welcoming and artistically rich culture continues to offer. I think you’ll love it, too.

The perfect Italian location...


If you'd like to plan a personal holiday in Italy before or after our retreat, you couldn't be in a better spot.

The Path of the Storyteller writing retreat is hosted by Nesting Away at their award-winning retreat center and coworking villa, just outside the medieval hilltop town of Orte.

It's centrally located in the region of Lazio, with close and easy access to the bordering regions of Umbria and Tuscany. Orte is an easy train ride from Rome (it’s less than hour to Roma Termini on the express train). 

Italy is home to more UNESCO world heritage sites than any other nation on earth. Its natural beauty and the richness of its culture and history make it one of the most-loved destinations for travelers worldwide. Even Italy's many extraordinary regional cuisines have been collectively recognized by UNESCO as part of our world heritage. After one meal you'll see why! 

APPLY NOW

To make sure this small group retreat is a good fit for everyone, applicants are asked to book an informal online conversation with Maryrose as a first step. 

The number of seats is limited and a seat is not guaranteed. If we agree this retreat is right for you, a $500 deposit will be required to hold your place.

 

➡️ Please see the FAQs below for payment deadlines and refund policies.

 

Pricing and what's included

A DEPOSIT HOLDS YOUR SPOT

$500

After seven days, deposits are nonrefundable. See FAQs for details.

 

  • There are four private bedrooms with queen sized beds, and two rooms that can be configured as singles or doubles. (The seventh room is reserved for Maryrose). Rooms will be assigned once we have a full complement of writers.
  • Occupants of adjacent rooms will share a designated bathroom. The house has seven bedrooms and four bathrooms, so there are plenty of facilities.
  • A payment link for your deposit will be provided after a successful application call. The deposit holds your room, with the balance due by July 20th.
  • Are you interested in bringing a non-writing spouse or partner to share your private room? See the FAQs below.

 

ADDITIONAL BALANCE DUE (Pay by July 20th to get this insider's earlybird price)

$2450

Unless otherwise arranged, prices are for private room and shared bath

 

✅ INCLUDED: Seven nights at our private retreat villa in Orte (arriving Friday October 16th and leaving Friday October 23rd)

✅ INCLUDED: Lunch and dinner at the villa daily; kitchens will be stocked with breakfast, snack, and beverage options.

✅ INCLUDED: Onsite mentorship by Maryrose Wood, including craft workshops, work-sharing sessions, and Q&A.

✅ INCLUDED: Field trips! Three curated group excursions will be offered, with van transportation included.

❌ NOT INCLUDED: While away from the villa, we may eat lunch in a restaurant, stop for a spritz or a gelato, pay a modest admission fee to access an activity, take public transportation, etc. These expenses are not included.

❌ NOT INCLUDED: You are solely responsible for your travel expenses to and from the retreat villa. This might include airfare, trains, taxis, etc. 

❌ NOT INCLUDED: You are solely responsible for any loss or damage to your possessions, as well as any personal injury or medical expenses incurred during your travel to, from, or during the retreat. Please consider obtaining travel insurance.

☎️ BOOK YOUR APPLICATION CALL

Questions? Read the FAQS below.

Please read these FAQs carefully before your call with Maryrose. We want to get all your questions answered so you can have the best possible retreat experience!