More Than a Trip to Italy: A Photography & Antiquing Retreat to Remember

There are some trips you enjoy…

And then there are the ones you carry home with you long after the suitcases are unpacked.

Our recent retreat in Italy was exactly that kind of experience.

A Photography & Antiquing Retreat to Remember

Hosted by me, alongside my friend Toma Clark Haines (aka The Antiques Diva), this trip brought together an incredible group of creative, kind, amazing women for a week filled with beauty, laughter, inspiration, amazing food, and yes… a little wine too.

Okay, maybe more than a little.

From the moment we arrived, something shifted.

Maybe it was the slower pace of Italian life. Maybe it was the rolling countryside. Or maybe it was simply being surrounded by women who instantly felt like old friends.

Whatever it was… magic happened.

One of our travelers, Stephanie, brought her drone and was able to capture some spectacular images of the countryside and our group. Here we are having lunch at one of the two bed and breakfasts we stayed at.

Italy Through a Different Lens

As many of you know, I’m passionate about helping people feel more confident taking beautiful photos with their smartphones.

And Italy? Well, Italy made that pretty easy.

This retreat wasn’t about formal photography classes or technical training sessions (although I did present a class on editing).

Instead, it was about immersing ourselves in places so visually inspiring that you couldn’t help but want to capture them.

Everywhere we turned there was something beautiful: weathered stone buildings, charming villages, dramatic doorways, vineyard views, candlelit restaurants, colorful markets, gorgeous tablescapes, and everyday scenes that practically begged to be photographed.

What I loved most was watching everyone naturally begin to see differently. People slowed down. They noticed light. They paid attention to details. They started framing shots more intentionally without even realizing it.

And because everyone was photographing throughout the trip, there were plenty of moments to share ideas, ask questions, and learn from each other along the way.

Vintage Finds, Italian Craftsmanship & Hidden Gems

While this wasn’t a hardcore antiquing trip, we did explore several wonderful vintage shops and artisan spaces that gave us a deeper appreciation for Italian craftsmanship and design.

One of the highlights was visiting a terracotta factory where everything was still handmade using traditional methods.

After seeing the process up close, none of us will ever look at terracotta pots the same way again. It gave all of us a newfound appreciation for the beauty of things created slowly and intentionally. And honestly, that theme seemed to carry through the entire trip. Italy reminds you that beautiful things take time.

The Meals We’ll Never Forget

One thing Italy does exceptionally well? Gathering people around a table. Every meal became an experience. Long conversations. Shared plates. Local wine. Fresh pasta.
Laughter echoing across the table. Nobody rushed. Nobody checked the time. Nobody cared what day it was. And honestly, that may have been one of the greatest gifts of the entire trip.

The food was not only the best I've ever had in my life but the presentation was equally photo worthy.

In our everyday lives, we’re all moving so fast. Running businesses. Taking care of families. Managing responsibilities. This retreat gave everyone permission to slow down for a while. To sit longer. Laugh harder. (like tears running down our faces laughter) Eat slower. And reconnect with joy.

The Unexpected Gift

Yes, we came for the beauty of Italy. But somewhere between the vineyard lunches, the espresso stops, and the late-night dinners, something else happened. Friendships formed. Real ones.

The kind where women encourage each other, support each other, laugh until they cry, and instantly feel comfortable being themselves.

That’s the part nobody can fully explain before a retreat. But it’s almost always the part people remember most.

Interested in Joining Us Next Time?

If you’ve been craving inspiration…Adventure…Creativity…Connection…Or simply time away from the constant demands of everyday life…I hope you’ll consider joining us on a future retreat.

You do NOT need to be a professional photographer. You do NOT need to know anything about antiques. And you definitely do NOT need to be “good at travel.”

You simply need curiosity, a sense of adventure, and comfortable shoes. (Trust me on the shoes.)

This wasn’t just a trip to Italy. It was an experience filled with beauty, creativity, friendship, inspiration, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

And judging by the thousands of photos on all our phones…

I’d say we made the most of every minute. Below are some more of my photos from our trip.