The Programme
Moving to Abruzzo Retreat
3 Nights, 4 Days | Abruzzo, Italy
What This Is
A practical, immersive programme for people seriously considering a move to Abruzzo. Not a property sales trip. Not a holiday with a few talks bolted on. Four days of honest information, real expertise, and the space to decide whether this move is right for you.
You'll hear from the professionals who actually do this work: notaries, tax advisors, builders, bank managers. You'll visit real properties with a critical eye, not a sales pitch. You'll meet expats who've made the move and will tell you what they wish they'd known.
Whether you're coming on your own, as a couple making this decision together, or as a small group of friends or family exploring the idea, the programme adapts to how you're approaching this.
You'll leave with clarity, not pressure.
How It Works
Each retreat brings together 10-20 people, a mix of individuals, couples, and small groups, all exploring whether Abruzzo is right for them. You'll share the core programme: the expert sessions, the town visit, the property viewings, the expat panel, the meals. The mix of perspectives is part of the value.
Within that shared experience, key elements are shaped around how you're coming and what you need:
Individual
- Accommodation
- Single occupancy
- Pre-retreat questionnaire
- Focused on your situation
- Property viewings
- Matched to your criteria
- Day 3 check-in
- Private 1:1
- Post-retreat support
- Individual follow-up
Couple
- Accommodation
- Shared double/twin
- Pre-retreat questionnaire
- Joint, both perspectives
- Property viewings
- Matched to shared criteria
- Day 3 check-in
- Joint session
- Post-retreat support
- Joint follow-up
Small Group
- Accommodation
- Flexible configuration
- Pre-retreat questionnaire
- Group + individual inputs
- Property viewings
- Tailored to group criteria
- Day 3 check-in
- Group session
- Post-retreat support
- Tailored to group
Prefer something private?
We also run the programme on a private basis for individuals, couples, or families who want the full experience tailored entirely to them. Different format, different price. Get in touch to discuss.
Who This Is For
- -People curious about life in Abruzzo, whether it's a serious plan or a recurring daydream
- -Couples who need to make this decision together, not separately
- -Small groups of friends or family exploring a shared move or neighbouring purchases
- -Anyone tired of glossy property listings that skip the hard questions
- -Those who want real information before making real decisions
- -People at any stage, from "wouldn't it be nice" to "we're actually doing this"
- -Those who've done some research but feel overwhelmed by conflicting information
- -Anyone who wants to make this decision with confidence, not anxiety
- -People who value honesty over hype
Who This Might Not Be For
If you're looking for a relaxing break in the Italian countryside with a few talks in the background, this isn't that. The days are full and the content is detailed. It's enjoyable, but it's a working programme.
If you're looking for a property sales tour where someone shows you houses and helps you close a deal, that's not what we do. We teach you how to evaluate properties and make your own decision.
If one partner is keen and the other is coming reluctantly, that's actually fine. The retreat often clarifies things for the uncertain partner. But if one of you has already decided and sees this as a formality, you may find the honest, balanced approach frustrating.
Day 0: Arrival
Arrive in Abruzzo and settle into the venue. No agenda, no rush.
Meet your fellow attendees and the Moving to Abruzzo team. We'll share what the next three days hold and answer any burning questions. Then dinner together. Good food, good wine, easy conversation.
Overnight at venue
Day 1: The Knowledge Day
A full day of expert sessions, small group conversations, and hands-on learning. By the end of today, you'll understand how buying property in Abruzzo actually works: the process, the costs, the risks, and the professionals you'll need.
Morning Sessions
Breakfast
Optional morning walk. A gentle 30-minute walk for those who want fresh air before we begin.
With Elliott Nedas, Moving to Abruzzo
Welcome and introductions. We'll frame the three days ahead and hear from each of you: where are you in your journey, and what do you most need to know?
With a local Notary
The Italian property purchase explained clearly: proposta, compromesso, rogito. What each contract commits you to. Where deposits become non-refundable. How to protect yourself. Plenty of time for questions.
Break
With a Commercialista (Italian tax advisor)
Tax residency rules and what triggers them. How pensions are treated. Ongoing tax obligations. When you need Italian residency and when you don't. Bring your specific questions.
With a local Bank Manager
Opening an Italian bank account as a foreigner. Mortgage options and realistic expectations. Currency transfer considerations. The common blockers and how to get past them.
A long lunch at the venue. Speakers remain available at tables for informal conversation. This is your chance to ask the questions you didn't want to raise in front of the group.
14:15 | Small Group Rotations
We split into three groups. Each group rotates through three intimate sessions (35 minutes each):
Station A
Renovation Reality
With a local Builder and Geometra. Permits, timelines, and budgets: what they quote versus what you'll pay. A real before-and-after project with actual numbers.
Station B
Healthcare & Bureaucracy
With a healthcare specialist and experienced expat. Registering for Italian healthcare. Finding a doctor. Navigating the comune.
Station C
Culture, Climate & Daily Life
With local expats. What daily life actually looks like. The seasons and how they change everything. Integration, what works and what doesn't.
Break
With Elliott Nedas and a Geometra
Time to put the day's learning into practice. In small groups, you'll review a real property pack: listing, cadastral documents, floor plans, photos. Your task: spot the red flags, estimate the true cost, and decide whether you'd proceed.
Free time. Rest, reflect, take a walk, or continue conversations.
A celebratory meal at the venue with local live music. You've earned it.
Overnight at venue
Day 2: The Experience Day
Today we leave the venue and see Abruzzo for real. A town visit to feel daily life on the ground. Three property viewings chosen not to sell you anything, but to teach you how to evaluate what you're seeing. Properties are selected based on your pre-retreat questionnaire, what you told us you're looking for.
Property viewings are selected based on your pre-retreat questionnaire. They are drawn from multiple sources but chosen entirely on merit — no agent pays for placement, and no one earns a commission if you buy. The viewings are there to educate your eye, not to close a sale.
Breakfast
Depart by bus
We'll walk a real Abruzzo town together. Not the highlights reel, the actual infrastructure of daily life. The pharmacy, the market, the bars, the church. We'll meet a local resident or business owner and hear what living here is really like.
Our first property of the day. This isn't a showcase, it's a teaching moment. We'll walk through what to look for, what questions to ask, and how to read what you're seeing. A geometra will join us to point out what most buyers miss.
Property viewings are curated based on individual and group needs, not sourced from agents paying for placement. We don't take fees from agents or earn commission on any property.
A long lunch at a traditional Abruzzo restaurant. Local food, local wine, time to digest the morning, literally and figuratively.
A different type of property. Different price point, different condition, different potential. We'll compare and contrast with the morning's viewing.
A third property to complete the picture. By now you'll be seeing with sharper eyes.
Return to venue
Before the day escapes into evening, we'll sit down together and process what we saw. What surprised you? What concerns emerged? What excited you? We'll compare the three properties, not to pick a winner, but to clarify what trade-offs matter to you.
Free time
A different menu tonight. Relaxed conversation. No programme.
Overnight at venue
Day 3: The Decision Day
The final morning. No more new information. Today is about synthesis. What does this all mean for your specific situation? What happens next?
Breakfast
With 2-3 local expats at different stages of their journey
This isn't a lecture. It's a conversation with people who've done what you're considering. They'll share what they wish they'd known, what surprised them, what they love and what they struggle with. You can ask them anything.
Break
With Elliott Nedas
We'll step back and look at the big picture. The key questions you need to answer before committing. The different timelines: ready now, need more time, or not right for me. What support is available after you leave.
This isn't a sales pitch. You have explicit permission to decide "not yet" or "not ever." The goal is a good decision, whatever that looks like for you.
(Optional)
Private sessions tailored to how you came: 1:1 for individuals, joint session for couples, group session for those who came together. A chance to discuss your specific situation, concerns, and next steps. Sign up at breakfast.
A final meal together. Swap details with people you've connected with. Ask any last questions.
Carriages. You're ready.
Pricing & What's Included
Individual
€1,650
per person · single occupancy
Couple
€1,550
per person · €3,100 per couple
Small groups and private retreats: get in touch for pricing.
What's Included
- -3 nights accommodation at a carefully chosen Abruzzo venue
- -All meals from dinner on Day 0 to lunch on Day 3
- -All seminar sessions and workshop materials
- -Small group sessions with expert professionals
- -Guided town visit
- -Three property viewings with expert commentary
- -All local transport during the programme
- -Welcome drinks and one evening with live music
- -Pre-retreat questionnaire and tailored preparation
- -Post-retreat summary and follow-up call
What's Not Included
- -Flights to/from Italy
- -Personal expenses
- -Travel insurance (required)
Upcoming Dates
2026 dates coming soon
Register your interest below to be notified first when dates are announced.
Register Your Interest
No commitment. Whether you're coming alone, as a couple, or with a group, register your interest and Elliott will be in touch personally when 2026 dates are confirmed.
Join the WaitlistQuestions? Book a free call or email ciao@movingtoabruzzo.com
Have questions? Read our Frequently Asked Questions.
Read more about why we built Moving to Abruzzo.