The Retreat

Frequently Asked Questions

Most property tours put you in front of agents who want to sell you something. We put you in front of the people who'll tell you what can go wrong,and how to prevent it. Lawyers, geometras, tax professionals, renovation experts. Not because we're pessimists, but because informed decisions are better decisions.

Booking & Logistics

How do I book?

Join the waitlist on our website. When registration opens for upcoming retreats (typically 3-4 months in advance), waitlist members get first access. We'll email you with dates, availability, and booking instructions.

What's the payment schedule?

€500 deposit to secure your place (non-refundable but transferable to future dates). Remaining balance due 6 weeks before the retreat start date. Full payment can be made at booking if preferred.

What's the cancellation policy?

More than 6 weeks before: full refund minus €500 deposit (or transfer deposit to future date). 3-6 weeks before: 50% refund. Less than 3 weeks: no refund, but you can transfer to a future retreat if space is available. We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers trip cancellation.

How do I get to Abruzzo?

Fly to Pescara (PSR) for easiest access. Transfers from Pescara airport are included in the retreat fee. Rome Fiumicino (FCO) is an alternative with more flight options; we can arrange transfers from Rome for an additional fee. Train to Pescara is also possible from major cities.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, required. You must have travel insurance covering medical emergencies and trip cancellation. EU citizens should also bring their EHIC/GHIC card. We'll ask for proof of insurance before the retreat.

Is It Right for Me?

I'm just starting to think about moving. Is it too early?

No. The retreat works for people at any stage, from a recurring daydream to an active plan. If anything, coming early is smarter: you'll get clarity before you've committed time and money to the wrong research. Many attendees arrive unsure and leave knowing whether this is worth pursuing or not. That's exactly what it's for.

I've already decided. Do I still need this?

Depends on what you mean by "decided." If you know you want to move to Abruzzo but haven't chosen an area or seen properties with expert guidance, the retreat adds value. If you've already bought property and just need execution help, the retreat isn't the right fit. You'd benefit more from direct professional support.

I have mobility limitations. Can I participate?

Some aspects involve walking on uneven surfaces and stairs (Italian villages aren't accessible). If you have limitations, contact us to discuss. We can adjust some activities, but not all properties or locations will be accessible. Be honest about your capabilities so we can assess whether the retreat format works for you.

I don't speak any Italian. Is that a problem?

Not for the retreat. Everything is conducted in English, and we translate as needed. However, the retreat will reinforce how important Italian will be for actually living here. If you're resistant to learning Italian, that's worth examining before committing to relocation.

Couples & Groups

Can we come as a couple?

Yes, and we'd encourage it. Relocation decisions made by one partner rarely work out well. The retreat helps both of you see the same reality and have the same conversations with experts. Couples share accommodation and receive a joint pre-retreat questionnaire, tailored check-in session, and combined follow-up support. The per-person rate for couples is €1,550 (€3,100 total).

My partner isn't sure about this move. Should we both come?

Strongly recommended. The retreat often clarifies things for the uncertain partner, sometimes positively, sometimes not. Either outcome is valuable. Better to know before buying than after. If one of you has already fully decided and sees this as a formality, be aware that the honest, balanced approach may feel frustrating.

Can we book as a small group?

Yes. Friends, family members, or any group exploring this together. We tailor accommodation, property viewings, and post-retreat support to the group's collective needs. Group pricing depends on size and requirements, so get in touch to discuss before booking.

How does pricing differ?

Individuals pay €1,650 per person. Couples pay €1,550 per person (€3,100 total), reflecting shared accommodation while accounting for the tailored elements we provide. Small groups receive bespoke pricing based on size and requirements. The core programme content is the same across all formats.

What's actually different for couples and groups?

Five things are tailored: accommodation configuration, the pre-retreat questionnaire (covering multiple perspectives and shared priorities), property viewings (matched to your combined criteria), Day 3 check-in sessions (joint rather than individual), and post-retreat follow-up support. The expert sessions, town visit, and group programme are the same for everyone.

Practical Questions

What's the weather like?

Depends on season. Spring (March) and autumn (October) retreats typically have mild days (12-18°C) with occasional rain. Winter retreats (February) are colder (5-12°C) with possible snow in hills, but this shows you what winters are really like. Bring layers regardless of season.

Is food provided?

Breakfast daily at accommodation. Three group dinners included (typically at local restaurants). One evening is free for you to explore on your own. Lunches are at our expense when we're at a trattoria together; otherwise, we cover our own. Dietary requirements can usually be accommodated. Let us know in advance.

How much walking is involved?

Typically 2-4 hours of walking per day, often on cobblestones or uneven ground. Property viewing involves stairs (Italian houses have lots of stairs). You don't need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable with moderate activity. There's vehicle transport between locations.

Will there be WiFi?

Yes, but this is rural Italy. Speeds and reliability vary. Enough for email and basic browsing, not always enough for video calls. Consider this part of the experience: you're seeing what connectivity is really like in the areas you'd be living.

Can I extend my stay?

Yes, many participants arrive a day early or stay a few days after to explore independently. We can help arrange accommodation and suggest what to do. Some people use post-retreat time to revisit properties or areas that interested them.

Content Questions

Are you an estate agency?

No. We don't list properties, represent sellers, or take commission from anyone. We don't earn referral fees from the professionals we introduce you to, either. Our only revenue is the retreat fee paid by you, for your benefit. That means our advice has no hidden incentive behind it.

Will I see properties I could actually buy?

Yes. Properties we visit are real listings at various price points. Some may still be available; others sell. The goal isn't to find "the one" but to understand what different budgets buy in different areas. If you find something interesting, we can discuss next steps, but there's no pressure to buy anything.

Do you receive commission on properties?

No. We have no financial relationship with estate agents or property sellers. This is important: our advice is independent. We may recommend agents we trust, but we don't benefit financially from any purchase you make.

What if I'm interested in areas you don't cover?

The retreat focuses on areas we know well and believe offer good value for expat relocation. We don't cover all of Abruzzo. If you're set on a specific area we don't feature, the retreat may not be the right fit. Contact us to discuss before booking.

How honest are the expats you introduce us to?

We specifically choose people who will tell you the truth, including the difficult parts. We don't curate success stories or people who only have positive things to say. Expect to hear about struggles, disappointments, and things that didn't work. That's the point.

Can the retreat be customized for my specific needs?

To some extent. We tailor property viewings and discussions based on group needs (as reported in pre-retreat questionnaire). Major customization isn't possible in the standard group format. If you need a fully bespoke experience, contact us about private retreats.

After the Retreat

What support do I get afterward?

You receive a summary document, a 30-day follow-up call, and ongoing email support for specific questions. For couples and groups, the follow-up is joint, covering your shared situation and any differing perspectives that emerged. Beyond that, retreat alumni stay connected through an ongoing community — we will share more about how this works during the retreat itself. We are not ongoing consultants, but we do not disappear after Day 3 either.

Can you help me buy a specific property?

Not directly. We're not estate agents or buyers' representatives. But we can review a property you're considering, connect you with professionals who can help with surveys and legal work, and advise on whether the price/condition/location makes sense.

What if I decide not to move after the retreat?

That's a perfectly valid outcome. The retreat's purpose is informed decision-making, not converting everyone into Abruzzo residents. Deciding not to move, because you've seen reality and it's not for you, is valuable. Better to know before buying than after.

Can I come back for another retreat?

Yes, some people do a second retreat to explore different areas or revisit with more specific questions. Repeat participants get 20% discount. However, if you've already done one retreat and are still undecided, consider whether more retreats are the answer or whether something else is blocking the decision.

Still Have Questions?

If your question isn't answered here, email us. We're happy to discuss whether the retreat is right for your situation, whether you're coming alone, as a couple, or as a group, before you commit.

Join the Waitlist