Our souls are nourished by beauty and awakened through self-discovery and insight. When writing is used to investigate the false stories and negative beliefs that limit you and prevent flourishing, you are able to tap into your deepest potential with new dimensions of creative expression and discover the beauty within you.
This seven-day writing retreat at Il Borgo Gallinaio in Tuscany is a unique opportunity to work personally with Mark and use his Writing to Awaken method as a path of transformation, self-discovery, and creativity. Nestled in the heart of the magnificent Tuscan countryside, you will spend your week in group and private writing sessions, practicing self-inquiry, working one-on-one with Mark, and enjoying the cultural and culinary splendors of this historic region.
“This retreat was one of the best things I’ve ever done in my life. The teaching, and the writing, and the experiences of just being in this beautiful environment. Fantastic!”
~ Diana, USA
Who would benefit from Wisdom of the Heart
* Memoir writers who are interested in penetrating into the truth of their stories
* Journal keepers who enjoy self-exploration, and writing as a tool for mindfulness
* Legacy writers who want to record their experiences for family or preservation
* Writing Enthuisiasts that would like to create a regular writing practice
* Seekers who would like to explore important life themes using writing
What you will learn in this workshop
* Writing as a path of self-realization
* Seeing the world through sacred eyes
* Using beauty to fuel your life
* Tuning into witness awareness
* Overcoming shame, fear, and self-censorship in writing
* Utilizing shadow materials in service to creativity
* Developing an ongoing writing practice
Whether you’re working on a creative project or prefer to use this time for self-exploration, Writing to Awaken in Italy will leave you – as one attendee put it – “whole and balanced, with lots of things to think about and ways to grow.” We invite you to join us for this enchanting retreat at Il Borgo Gallinaio for a week of inspiration, insight, and self-renewal in the heart of Italy.
About Il Borgo Gallinaio
Il Borgo Gallinaio is an estate that extends for 40 hectares and is framed by rows of turkey oaks, holm oaks, and olive trees. Nestled in the Sienese Montagnola, the property borders the renowned Camino Via Francigena, an ancient road and pilgrimage route running from the cathedral city of Canterbury in England, through France and Switzerland, to Rome and then to Apulia, Italy, where there were ports of embarkation for the Holy Land.
The borgo reflects all the charm of old 15th century Tuscan buildings, retaining its original architecture, which has remained intact. With plenty of outdoor areas and a swimming pool immersed in an immense park, it’s an ideal location to reconnect and commune with nature. The property is located less than 2 km from Monteriggioni, a 13th century fortified borgo set on a panoramic hill, dominating the slopes planted with vineyards and olive trees. The borgo is also just a short distance from Siena and the entire Chianti region, dotted with numerous castles transformed into wineries and medieval towns where you will be conquered by splendid landscapes and ancient buildings.
“The retreat was really far beyond my expectations. It was incredible how the group really worked together and fit and soon became friends. I really think every single one of us made some very unexpected, significant progress in our lives in some way. It was wonderful.”
~ Susan, USA
What to Expect
Our goal is to provide you with a nurturing, stress-free, world-class experience so that you can focus on the task at hand – enjoying your time in Italy to the fullest. Once you land, everything is taken care of until we drop you off and say our goodbyes.
ARRIVAL DAY: Saturday, June 14, 2025
By Plane: Fly to Rome Fiumicino (FCO) – Arrival Time: Before 12:00 pm
By Train: Siena Train Station – Arrival Time: Before 3:15 pm
You will be met at the airport and accompanied on the short walk to the Hilton Rome Airport Hotel where there will be space to gather, rest, and have a bite to eat while we wait for the rest of the guests. Once all attendees have arrived, we will make the drive to the retreat site together. For anyone arriving by train, we will provide pick-up at the Siena Train Station.
During the week, writing sessions take place in the mornings and early afternoon. Late afternoons and evenings are reserved for local excursions, free time, massages, and one-on-one meetings with Mark. Excursions are optional and will be planned taking weather, attendance, and availability into account.
Meals are prepared on-site with the loving hands of Chef Tania, David, and Giani. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style and dinners are al fresco as a group. Dietary restrictions are taken into consideration when preparing all meals. There will be two dinners off-site.
DEPARTURE DAY: Saturday, June 21
The retreat ends after a short morning session with Mark. We depart by 11:30 am and provide transportation to the Siena train station and the Fiumicino Airport in Rome (FCO). All attendees must depart on Saturday. Additional nights at the Borgo are not possible. Guests are free to make their own arrival and departure arrangements at their own expense.
Please contact us with any questions about the retreat.
We are very excited about our return to Il Borgo Gallinaio and look forward to sharing this unique and beautiful experience.
RETREAT COSTS
Early Registration
Register before 12/31/24 and save! Prices increase by $350 after 12/31/24.
Queen Room with En Suite Bath: $3,600
Premium Room with En Suite Bath: $3,950
Premium rooms are larger suites with sitting areas. All rooms have air-conditioning. Couples are welcome and shared rooms are available for people who come together. Rates are inclusive of instruction, meals, ground transportation, and excursions. (airfare not included)
To register, we require a $500 non-refundable deposit and a completed registration form.
CONTACT US TO REGISTER OR WITH QUESTIONS
Testimonials
“This workshop has been the most important thing I’ve done for myself in ages. The place was beautiful, magical, the food was so thoughtfully prepared, served and delicious, and most importantly the people inspired such love in me for them and myself. The sessions with Mark made me go deeper than ever. I loved the tours as well. Italy is just magical! This workshop is a MUST for a seeker. I came home a different person. I like her.”
~ Jimmie, USA
“The Return to Wonder retreat at Borgo Gallinaio was an invitation personified from beginning to end. Mark’s outstanding facilitation consistently encouraged and helped the words grow and take on meaning. He also facilitated relationship among the participants, creating a caring and relaxed environment. In addition, David and Kellie extended an ongoing invitation with their continual care and exquisite celebratory dinners. And of course there was the setting, the villa and the grounds extended an invitation to explore, and revel in the beauty that surrounded us. A wonder+full experience!”
~ Mary Ann, USA
“The retreat was an epiphany for me and kept on delivering. Even on the 10 hour drive home more revelations kept coming. I have a clarity I have never known before – my path, my mission, my purpose is now clear. Even if you are not a writer, if you are questioning or seeking Do This Retreat The WRITING is the tool/process, the AWAKENING is the result. Thank you Mark Matousek you have changed my life.”
~ Bill, Australia
“My heart is full. How can I express what this wonderful retreat meant to me in just a few words? It was Fabulous, soul stirring work rest and play, intense but gentle, supportive, funny, sad, thought provoking, eye opening heart-warming. I loved the way we all interacted and gelled as a group. The meditation was a gorgeous start to each day, and individual time with Mark was so supportive a launch pad for the discipline I now intend to bring to my writing life. This retreat has changed my focus – and therefore my life – and I am deeply grateful.”
~ Gill, UK
“My time with Mark Matousek was adventurous, joyful, regenerative, and truly life altering. In this intimate setting, his visceral and experiential teaching tactics are sublime. Anyone can easily feel how deeply honored he is to help people from all walks of life catalyze their own creative process. Travel with him to the absolute edge of your best self and I promise that your creative life will never be the same!”
~ Mickaela, USA
Monteriggioni
Siena
Chianti
Via Francigena
