Writers, Artists, Friends…

Join Me for a Week in Northern Italy

August 31 – September 7, 2026

Write, create, explore, and relax in Valle del Cervo, in the foothills of the Northern Italian Alps, on this inclusive 7-night Writing and Art Retreat.

In a small stone hamlet close to the border of Switzerland, far away from the tourist throngs…

…you will dine on slow food from the region prepared for us at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Explore the valley and nearby historic sites. Write, draw, create, hike, reflect, and enjoy… all as you like.

You will hear the rush of a mountain stream, church bells echoing up the valley, and maybe no other Americans at all.

It feels remote, yet you will be just a short distance to Milan, Turin, France, Switzerland, and the rest of Europe if you wish to extend your stay.

“I’ve never eaten so well and been surrounded by such beauty. The small group makes the experience comfortable and intimate. You can do as much or as little as your mood and energy allows, with daily writing sessions led by Ericka, excursions to interesting spots in the area, and spectacular hikes nearby. I fell in love with the location and with our home of Villa Emma.” — Angela B.

This is the creative reset you need.

I have participated in “big” conferences and none comes close to Ericka’s transformative magic, which advances the very soul of one’s creative being. Ericka recognizes the special uniqueness of each participant and skillfully aids them in the care and feeding of their words. Ericka is a writer’s “philosophical mercury,” performing alchemy on muses. Talk about the creative spark, Ericka sets her group on fire every day of the retreat. — Camille C.

What does it cost? What is included?

The base charge of $2,395 per person includes:

7 nights in a beautiful private villa
17 delicious, healthy garden-to-table meals, catered by La Mascaria Azienda Agricola
Transfer from Biella, Italy train station
Fresh juices, local wines, free-flowing coffee and tea
Double occupancy bedroom (single beds, shared bathrooms)
Daily guided generative writing sessions and craft talks led by Ericka Lutz
Create in community or in solitude
Art-making facilities and some art supplies (also… bring your own!)
A half-day regional cooking class at La Mascaria
Hikes! Strolls! Rambles!
A day exploring Biella’s palazzos, restaurants, cafes
An excursion to the esoteric stonemason’s mountain village of Rosazza
Garden cocktail party at La Bursch Country House
Salon! Share your work in our group reading and open studio
Time to rest, sit in solitude, dream, replenish
Travel advice and resources
Companionship. Fun.

Not included in the base charge…

Private room with $500 upcharge (very limited space)
Manuscript review sessions with Ericka
Airfare to Italy and travel to Biella, extended excursions, entrance fees, out-of-Villa meals, travel insurance, hard alcoholic drinks, laundry, gratuities
…anything not specifically stated above

Value for money? Yes definitely. I enjoyed the writing exercises, the free time to write, and the art basement. The villa is charming, with frescos on almost every ceiling and other eccentric features. I loved the views of the foothills of the Alps and stargazing at night. It was a luxury to be served amazing food by a lovely mother-and-daughter team. — Bridget W.

Sign up NOW!

A Typical Day at Villa Emma (subject to change)

8:30am Coffee and breakfast
10am Guided generative writing, craft, and/or process discussions
12:30 pm Lunch
11-5pm Write. Make art. Eat cheese. Practice your Italian. Dance. Go on an excursion. Consult with Ericka. Explore the Valle del Cervo. Take a nap.
5pm … Creative check in over a glass of wine or fresh juice from Martina’s farm…
6:30pm Group dinner

About Villa Emma

Villa Emma is a three-story historic private villa, built in the 1890s, that has maintained its character and original features. It is located in a tiny hamlet in northwestern Italy, in the Piedmont region, in the foothills of the Alps. The town of Biella is 25 minutes away by car. Our hosts are my longtime friend, photographer L. Mikelle Standbridge, and her Italian husband Simone, who provide Villa Emma for us to live, work, and play. The retreat is co-sponsored by Casa Regis – center for culture and contemporary art, Mikelle’s organization located in Mosso Santa Maria, a half-hour drive away.

Ericka and Mikelle

About Ericka Lutz

Ericka Lutz is an award-winning author, performer, storyteller, developmental editor, and longtime writing coach who leads creativity retreats in beautiful international places.

A few more details…

There will be a maximum number of 8 participants.
The villa has no disabled access, and there are stairs.
A non-refundable deposit of $500 books your place on the retreat.
Balance due by June 1, 2026 (talk to me about payment plans).
Travel insurance is recommended, all participants must sign a liability waiver.
Optional private manuscript consultations with Ericka will be scheduled before arrival.

**Note: you don’t have to write – or be a writer – to enjoy or benefit from this retreat.**

I am SO excited to have you join us.

This retreat has limited availability.

Sign up NOW!

{ retreat – reboot – restore – resist – risotto }

Villa Emma is an amazing space, a baby Grande Dame. Old, loved, worn and regal. The rooms were comfortable jewels. The countryside is stunning, the walks and vistas are so special, devoid of tourists, a time to reflect, listen to the river roiling over the rocks, and the town bell chiming on the quarter hour. And on the hour, echoing through the valley, first our town bell, then neighboring ones replying, and finally our bell repeating its timekeeping. — Jane W.

I will long remember my experience … it was relaxing, fascinating, productive, and delicious. Villa Emma is a treasure, nestled in the mountains and filled with antiques and beautiful art. Ericka provided intriguing prompts and exercises for the writers and a fun workspace for the visual artists in the group. I particularly appreciated the pacing of our days, with plenty of time to work, relax, and explore the local area. — Catherine M.

Villa Emma
Waiver/Contract form
Contact me with your questions: ericka.lutz@gmail.com