There comes a season to reap what we’ve sown, to enjoy the fruits of our labors and allow ourselves to savor the richness of our existence. Writing is a superb tool for discovering what we’ve planted, uncovering new insights, and exploring the abundance of our harvest.
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. In the heart of the magnificent Tuscan countryside, you will spend the 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 A Time to Reap
* Memoir writers wanting to hone their craft and uncover their core narratives
* Journal keepers drawn to self-exploration and writing as a path of insight
* Legacy writers interested in recording their experiences for posterity
* Writing enthusiasts wishing to create a regular writing practice
* Seekers who like to use reflective writing as an adjunct to their spiritual practice
What you will explore in this workshop
* Using writing to free the mind and uncover your natural gifts
* Questioning your “authorized” stories to reveal outdated narratives
* Overcoming the fear that blocks authenticity and personal growth
* Discovering your shadow parts and the originality concealed there
* Dissolving perfectionism and self-judgement on the path to freedom
* Cultivating creative seeds you wish to bring to fruition
Whether you’re working on a creative project or want to use writing for self-exploration, A Time to Reap will nourish your spirit, clear your mind, and help open you to the richness of living. We invite you to join us at Il Borgo Gallinaio for this restorative, inspirational retreat in the historic heart of Tuscany.
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, October 3, 2026
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 afternoons. 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 David, Tania, 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, October 10, 2026
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 Special
Register before April 15, 2026
Single Occupancy
Queen Room with En Suite Bath: $3,625
Premium Room with En Suite Bath: $4,025
Double Occupancy
Queen Room with En Suite Bath: $6,200
Premium Room with En Suite Bath: $6,625
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). Prices increase by $350 per person after April 15.
To register, complete and submit the form below and we will contact you with next steps. A $500 non-refundable deposit and a completed registration form is required to register.
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
