the italian reading retreat with Jess 2.0
the italian reading retreat with Jess 2.0
$0.00
TBC - 5 nights
starting from €
deposit from €
payment plans available
following the wonderful success of her first italian reading retreat, jess invites you to join her once again—this time in the heart of tuscany.
set amongst rolling vineyards, olive groves, and the timeless beauty of the tuscan countryside, this five-day retreat is a celebration of books, connection, and the simple pleasure of slowing down. designed for readers who crave a little breathing room from everyday life, it's an opportunity to immerse yourself in stories while surrounded by inspiring landscapes and like-minded company.
days unfold gently here. wake slowly with a coffee and a few chapters, find a quiet corner in the garden to lose yourself in a novel, or join fellow guests for thoughtful conversations about the books you're reading. long lunches, golden afternoon light, and leisurely evenings around the table are all part of the experience.
alongside plenty of time to read and relax, we'll venture out to explore some of tuscany's most beautiful historic towns. wander the medieval streets of siena, with its grand piazzas and rich history, or spend the day discovering the charm of arezzo and cortona, where cobbled lanes, hidden bookshops, and sweeping countryside views offer inspiration around every corner.
there are no reading targets to hit and no packed itinerary to follow. instead, this retreat offers something increasingly rare: time. time to read, to rest, to reflect, and to reconnect with the things that bring you joy.
whether you're working through a towering stack of unread books or rediscovering an old favourite, you'll find space to enjoy reading in its purest form. by the end of the retreat, you'll leave tuscany with a refreshed mind, a fuller heart, and perhaps a few new literary friendships too.
itinerary
day one
SETTLE IN to your room at a beautiful tuscan country house, surrounded by olive groves, ancient stone walls, and rolling countryside views. on arrival, you'll find a thoughtfully curated goodie bag waiting for you, including a specially selected book that we'll enjoy discussing together later in the retreat.
MEET JESS and your fellow retreat guests over welcome drinks and aperitivos, as the late afternoon sun settles over the tuscan hills. get to know one another, swap reading recommendations, and ease into the slower rhythm of retreat life.
DINE AL FRESCO beneath the stars, enjoying a leisurely welcome dinner filled with delicious local food, wine, and great company.
day two
BRUNCH enjoy a leisurely spread of seasonal, locally sourced produce.
BOOK CLUB discuss our first retreat read, selected from a curated reading list shared before the retreat begins. gather with fellow guests to exchange thoughts, insights, and favourite moments from the book.
FREE TIME spend the afternoon reading by the pool, exploring the grounds, or simply embracing the art of doing nothing.
DINNER come together for a relaxed family-style meal.
MOVIE NIGHT unwind beneath the stars with a cosy outdoor film screening.
day three
BREAKFAST enjoy a relaxed start to the day with fresh local produce and good conversation.
EXPLORE AREZZO spend the morning wandering one of tuscany's most charming historic towns, browsing independent shops and cafés, soaking up the atmosphere, and discovering hidden corners at your own pace.
FREE TIME return to the villa for an afternoon of reading, swimming, or simply unwinding beneath the tuscan sun.
DINNER gather back at the villa for a long, leisurely evening of delicious food, wine, and conversation.
day four
BREAKFAST start the day with a relaxed morning at the villa.
TRADITIONAL COOKING CLASS learn the art of handmade pasta and classic tuscan dishes.
LONG LUNCH enjoy the fruits of your labour together.
FREE TIME relax with a book, take a dip in the pool, or find a quiet corner to write and reflect.
DINNER enjoy a relaxed evening with good food, conversation, and plenty of time to unwind.
day five
BRUNCH enjoy a slow morning and unhurried conversation.
FREE TIME to enjoy your final full day at the villa. read by the pool, journal beneath the olive trees, take a swim, or simply soak up the beauty of the tuscan countryside.
EVENING IN CORTONA wander the enchanting hilltop town as golden hour settles across the landscape, exploring its cobbled streets, artisan shops, and breathtaking views.
FAREWELL DINNER gather together for a memorable final evening in cortona, sharing delicious food, great conversation, and a relaxed discussion of our bookclub read as the retreat draws to a close.
day six
FAREWELL BREAKFAST gather together one final time for a leisurely breakfast and closing circle, reflecting on the books, conversations, and connections that have made the week so special.
Depart as our tuscan reading retreat comes to an end, leaving with full hearts, new friendships, and plenty of stories to take home.
invitation from jess
Ever since I started my book club a few years ago I’ve wanted to host a reading retreat, where we might meet from all over the world and gather to discuss books and make new and lasting friendships. And now the day is finally here!
I invite you all to come with me to beautiful Italy, where you’ll be able to meet like-minded bibliophiles and share a few days together. We’ll discuss a curated reading list, explore the surrounding area, and enjoy the peace and quiet of beautiful Umbria. I’m so looking forward to reading alongside some of you.
Jess x
exclusions
Flights to and from Italy
Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
Tips and gratuities
Travel insurance
Add on activities
inclusions
5 nights accommodation
Transfer from Perugia airport (also close to Florence and Rome Airport, please make your way to Perugia)
Brunch and dinner every day prepared by in-house chefs and made with organic ingredients from the farm that can tailor to any dietary requirement
Cooking class
Day trip to Arezzo
Dinner in Cortona
Book club sessions
Curated reading list
Movie nights
Goodie bag including bookclub book
All ground transportation
about jess
Meet Jess, your host! She’s a 31-year-old London-based book YouTuber, critic, and editor-in-training with a deep love for all things literary.
Jess enjoys exploring a wide range of genres from literary fiction to the wonderfully weird and speculative. She’s the creator of The Unseen Review, a book club and community dedicated to discovering the very best in literature. Through thoughtful courses and slow reads, Jess helps readers get more out of every page. You can find The Unseen Review on Substack and Instagram @unseenreview.
Above all, Jess is passionate about sharing her love of books and building connections through the joy of reading.
accommodation
we’ll be staying in a restored 17th-century italian villa nestled in the rolling hills of perugia. surrounded by olive groves and perched at the foot of mount serano, the villa is steeped in history and charm. each room is thoughtfully decorated with antique furniture and traditional artwork, offering a cosy and elegant place to rest. the grounds include a peaceful garden, a sun-drenched swimming pool lined with flowering oleanders, and quiet corners perfect for journaling or a morning coffee. the villa’s central location allows for easy access to the cultural gems of the region, from perugia to assisi, while still feeling worlds away from the rush of everyday life.
location
perched on a hillside overlooking the olive groves of the umbrian valley, trevi is a charming medieval town known for its rich history, stunning views, and world-class olive oil. with its narrow cobbled streets, ancient churches, and renaissance architecture, trevi offers a peaceful escape into authentic italian life. it's a hidden gem in umbria, perfect for travelers seeking culture, nature, and traditional cuisine in one picturesque setting.
FAQs
How can I join?
Please secure your place by paying a deposit. Confirmation will take place via email. There is a limited number of places available on this retreat, so act fast.
How do I get there?
One group transfer from Perugia airport on day one at 2pm. Closest major airports are Florence and Rome.
What is the rooming configuration?
The trip is priced on a twin share and private basis share so you will have a bestie or besties for the entire journey. If you would like a private room please email operations@aweventurer.com .
How can I pay?
Click pay now and follow the booking process.
What should I pack?
Day pack for carrying essentials.
Comfortable walking shoes with good grip.
Sun protection - a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen.
Insect repellent and hand sanitiser.
Light layers for the daytime
Warmer layers for night time.
Swimmers.
Electrical adaptor.
Water bottle.