Next Retreat: 7 nights from 11th to 18th October 2025
Following on from the success of our gardeners’ spring retreats at Villa Pia, we’re thrilled to announce that we can now release the dates for our NEW autumn retreat itinerary.
This exclusive garden-themed holiday, is timed to celebrate a time of abundant harvests in glorious Umbria and Tuscany.
Hosted by garden guru David Hurrion and photography expert Sarah Cuttle, there’ll be walks, garden tours and visits to the historic city of Siena and the ancient, picturesque hill-town of Montepulciano, PLUS garden talks and Q&A sessions, as well as photography workshops.
All this together with time to relax, swim and enjoy the friendly atmosphere of Villa Pia at the heart of historic Lippiano in glorious scenery in the foothills of the Appenine mountains.
The price for the week will be £1650 per adult in a single room with en suite and £1350 in a two person shared room with en suite, flights are not included. Included in the price will be:
- Accommodation at Villa Pia, Lippiano, Umbria
- Breakfast each day
- Buffet lunches (except on full-day excursions) and dinners at Villa Pia
- Fresh fruit, coffee, tea, soft drinks and alcohol available all day, at no extra cost
- Expert hosts, guides, entrances and tutoring
- Coach transfers from and to Perugia Airport, and transport for visits
For bookings and enquiries, please get in touch via the VILLA PIA BOOKING PAGE.
Itinerary Highlights Planned*
- Guided walks to see local woods and spectacular landscape views in the countryside around Lippiano, led by your expert hosts.
- A special tour of the classic gardens at Castello di Celsa with it’s beautiful views. Plus time to explore the captivating city of Siena, with its magnificent cathedral and maze of streets radiating from the imposing Piazza del Campo.
- Full-day excursion to the famous historic hill-top town of Montepulciano, famed for its wines and far-reaching views of the Val d’Orcia, together with the beautiful ground-breaking gardens of Villa Trecci.
- A trip to the inspiring, award-winning project Archeologia Arborea, to see the abundant fruit on the heritage varieties planted in its orchard.
- Visits to both an olive producer and a home-grower of summer crops as they preserve their harvests.
- An exclusive talk on the origins of plants in your garden with David Hurrion, who’ll also share tips on gardening and growing.
- An exclusive talk and Q&A session with David Hurrion who’ll share tips on gardening in a changing climate.
- Photography workshops with Sarah Cuttle, who’ll give individual support on visits to get the best shots, no matter what camera you use!
PLEASE NOTE: there will be easy to moderate walking (FULL day and HALF day) in towns, and on paths and woodland trails.
*This provisional itinerary may be subject to minor changes due to operational reasons.
About David Hurrion
Having started gardening as a child, David has been growing plants for more than 50 years. His extensive knowledge and experience of plants and growing techniques is based on a botanical and scientific training, complemented by an in-depth understanding of garden design, wildlife, geology and climatology.
He is currently Associate Editor for BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine and is a Judge for the Royal Horticultural Society, as well as sitting on their Tender Plant Committee.
David has travelled to every continent, with the exception of Antarctica, to discover plants and gardens, and on more than 50 trips accompanying groups of gardeners.
About Sarah Cuttle
As a professional garden and plant photographer, Sarah’s career spans 18 years and has taken her across the UK, Europe and the Americas. She is a regular contributor to Gardeners’ World magazine, working with the presenters and production team from the BBC series.
She works with other magazine titles such as RHS The Garden, The English Garden, Gardens Illustrated, House & Garden and Country Living and has had the privilege of meeting passionate plant specialists, garden designers and garden owners.
Sarah also works with the RHS for the coverage of their Annual shows and enjoys the title of Associate Photographer for the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew.
What people are saying about the hosts:
““You’ve created a very special place at Villa Pia. Absolutely everything was perfect from the warm atmosphere to the friendly staff. It felt like nothing was too much trouble. David and Sarah’s itinerary was really well planned, making a good balance of ‘doing’ and ‘not doing’, so it felt like a proper holiday. I met lovely people and visited beautiful places. I’m sure I’ll be back!””
– Hanna, April 2025
“We had such a wonderful time, our hosts and guides were so knowledgeable and easy to get on with. Villa Pia was incredible and we were made to feel very much at home”
– Duncan & Mary, April 2023
“Beautifully organised trips to fascinating destinations and delicious fresh, Italian food. A richly rewarding insight into the glorious landscapes and gardens of this area”
– Phil, April 2022
“Sarah has a genuine passion for gardens, plants and the beauty of garden making, but also working with people. Her images show this in all she does – whether it’s a shoot that focuses on the people who’ve made the outdoor space, or the plants that happily grow there.”
“During our cruise holiday David was the perfect horticultural guru and companion – accessible, helpful, hugely knowledgeable, never overbearing or patronizing. He listens carefully and is thoughtful with his replies. His group talks are truly interesting, well researched and interactive.”
“David’s knowledge of plants from all corners of the world, never ceases to amaze together with his professionalism, care and concern for clients, and infectious smile, all goes hand in hand to make him a great host and person to share your travels with!”
“Torrential rain or blinding sunshine? Sarah tackles the challenges of garden photography with both professionalism and humour.”
