FIORI DELLA TOSCANA with Alicia Schwede

Join Alicia for an immersion into the beauty of flowers at her exclusive floral design workshop in Italy. Get ready to learn Alicia’s expert strategies, insider techniques and must-know tips for designing stunning floral arrangements and installments, in a setting that has inspired countless creatives for centuries. All this while you enjoy spectacular side trips into the Tuscan countryside, delectable chef-prepared meals and unforgettable cultural experiences.

As the founder of Flirty Fleurs, an amazing blog and design company that Alicia created to share the best of the floral industry with other floral designers, Alicia’s experience in all-things-floral is always evident. From Instagram lives to extensive blog posts to print publications, her knowledge and easy-going manner makes learning from her a true joy! Check out Flirty Fleurs to learn more.

A NOTE from Alicia

“Sharing my love of flowers is where I find one of my greatest joys. For me, the special reward is when a student has an a-ha moment, or when they complete an arrangement, or when they share their beautiful new arrangement with others. I also enjoy watching connections being made in my classes, new friendships formed – it is very important to me to create an environment where people connect and feel welcome. I love what I do, whether it is designing flowers for a sweet bride, writing about the flower industry, or teaching fellow flower lovers, and I am thankful everyday for this flower filled journey I’m on.”

LEARN HOW TO…

• design large scale arrangements in Alicia’s distinct, breath-taking style
• create a low, flowing centerpiece in a compote vessel (the bell of the ball!)
• design a lush bridal bouquet with fresh roses from the villa’s garden
• create an armature of forged branches – even grape vine stock from the vineyard – as the base of a bridal bouquet
• design a stunning installation on an archway or gazebo
• create a tablescape with mixed-matched containers to achieve a cohesive, flowing effect (the secret of a stunning tablescape!)
• choose containers that compliment your flowers and desired effect
• best ways to prepare a vessel for arranging
• design adorable, wearable floral pieces (you’re going to love this session!)
• handle flowers the proper way from start to finish
• photograph your arrangements from the correct angle for a smart, professional look (essential for social media)
• apply Alicia’s tips and tricks for sharing images of your work on Instagram

TRIP ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival 

• Highlights: Group pick-up Rome Fiumicino Airport, welcome and workshop overview with Alicia
• Dinner

Upon your arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport, our private drivers will transport you to the Italian countryside, and your boutique hotel accommodations in the unspoiled village of Città della Pieve. After check in, you’ll enjoy a walking tour of the historic center of the village before gathering together for a workshop overview with Alicia. This evening you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by the talented Chef Jordy.

Day 2: Puscina Flower Farm

• Highlights: Tour and flower-gathering at Puscina Flower Farm, onsite demo with Alicia
• Breakfast, lunch, dinner

After breakfast this morning, our drivers will escort you through the breathtaking Tuscan countryside en route to the enchanting Puscina Flower Farm. Nestled among the rolling hills, this extraordinary organic garden is a true hidden gem of Tuscany. Upon arrival, you’ll be introduced to the fascinating history and philosophy behind the farm, followed by an inspiring floral composition demonstration with Alicia.

You’ll then enjoy an intimate guided tour through the gardens, where hundreds of varieties of organically cultivated blooms flourish in every direction. Afterward, you’ll have the opportunity to wander the fields and hand-select your own stems, gathering a beautiful collection of seasonal flowers to work with later in the day.

A leisurely farm-to-table lunch will be served on-site, featuring fresh local ingredients and the simple elegance of Tuscan cuisine.

In the afternoon, you’ll return to the studio for a continued floral session with Alicia, transforming the blooms you gathered into your own lush arrangements. As the day winds down, we’ll gather for a relaxed aperitivo and light dinner at our friends’ charming café.

Day 3: Flowers & Tulip Festa 

• Highlights: Instruction with Alicia, excursion to Castiglione del Lago
• Breakfast, lunch, dinner

This morning, after breakfast, you’ll join Alicia for an inspiring floral design session focused on her signature techniques and creative approach to arranging. Working with the spectacular spring blooms gathered from the flower farm, Alicia will guide you through demonstrations and hands-on instruction, sharing the artistry, mechanics, and natural styling that make her designs so distinctive. You’ll then begin creating your own floral project, bringing your personal vision to life with the season’s most beautiful blooms.

Lunch today will be enjoyed at our friends’ welcoming café, where you’ll savor another taste of Tuscany’s relaxed charm and local flavors.

This afternoon, we’ll travel to nearby Castiglione for the town’s annual Tulip Festival, a joyful Italian celebration bursting with color, music, and springtime energy. Stroll through vibrant displays, browse local shops and artisan offerings, and soak in the festive atmosphere alongside locals celebrating this cherished tradition.

In the evening, we’ll gather at a local trattoria for a delicious regional dinner, enjoying warm hospitality, local specialties, and a memorable close to another beautiful day in Italy.

Day 4: Flowers and Photos

• Highlights: Instruction with Alicia, stylized photo shoot with Sara Cencetti
• Breakfast, dinner

This morning, after breakfast, you’ll join Alicia for an inspiring class session focused on preparing florals for a large-scale installation and afternoon photo shoot. Using the flowers and techniques you’ve explored throughout the workshop, you’ll transport your blooms to a remarkable historic setting, where Alicia will guide you step-by-step in creating a breathtaking floral installation designed to complement the beauty and character of the space.

Following lunch on your own, you’ll be joined by acclaimed Italian photographer Sara Cencetti for a beautifully styled editorial photo shoot featuring your stunning floral creations. This special session offers the opportunity to see your work brought to life through a professional artistic lens, set against the timeless backdrop of Tuscany.

This evening, we’ll come together for a memorable farewell dinner thoughtfully prepared by Chef Jordy — a celebratory final gathering filled with exceptional food, wonderful company, and a chance to toast an unforgettable week of flowers, creativity, and inspiration.

Day 5: Departure 

Early morning departure to Rome Fiumicino Airport

WHO Should Attend

• flower enthusiasts
• floral hobbyists
• beginning florists
• experienced floral designers
• event planners
• wedding planners
• lifestyle bloggers

This is workshop is limited in size, so sessions with Alicia are beautifully tailored to YOUR level of experience!

ACCOMMODATIONS Boutique Hotel Vannucci

Hotel Vannucci began as a project of Vittoria Spinola, daughter of King Vittorio Emanuele II, who fled Pisa (and an arranged marriage with her elderly husband) to start a new life with her lover in Città della Pieve. Here, she and her soon-to-be new husband, Paolo, built two villas that became luxurious holiday accommodations for wealthy Romans vacationing in the countryside. In 1903 one of the villas became Hotel Vannucci, and today it maintains the elegance and refinement of its inception, with luxurious sleeping rooms, marble bathrooms and inviting gardens. A stay here is truly special, nestled just outside the medieval walls of the historic, and unspoiled, village of Città della Pieve.

VIEW the Photo Gallery

WHAT’S INCLUDED

•  4 nights stay at Boutique Hotel Vannucci
• Group transportation to/from Rome Fiumicino Airport on arrival and departure days
• Private van service to/from all towns and sites included in the itinerary
• All breakfasts
• 3 delicious lunches
• 4 delectable dinners
• Entrance fees to all sites included in trip itinerary
• Daily instruction with Alicia, both small-group and individual
• Alicia’s advanced floral techniques, Instagram tips and tricks and more!
• Organic flower farm visit in Tuscany
• Excursion to San Casciano dei Bagni
• Stylized photo shoot of your floral arrangements

Not included: Airfare, ground or water transportation outside of that listed in the trip itinerary, alcoholic drinks, wines or meals ordered “on your own”, gratuities for drivers and staff

The Unexpected is Part of the Journey: Sometimes unexpected things come up. If there is unscheduled closing or schedule change, we carefully pivot to include something that is equally as wonderful and interesting, so that the quality of your experience is never at risk. ☺️

DATES & DETAILS:  5 Days/4 Nights

• Dates:
  • April 25-29, 2027
• Trip Price: 
  • $4,195 USD – $4,795 USD per person (select room type upon booking)
• Room Descriptions:
  • Single: Single occupancy, single bed, private ensuite bathroom
  • Classic: Single occupancy, double bed, private ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
  • Superior: Single occupancy, double bed, private ensuite bathroom with tub/shower combination
  • Superior: Twin/double occupancy, 1 double bed or 2 twin beds, private ensuite bathroom with tub/shower combination
  • Deluxe: Double occupancy, double bed or two singles, private ensuite bathroom with tub and shower (specifically for couples or friends traveling together)
• A $700 deposit is required to secure your space on this workshop
• Arrival/departure airport is Rome Fiumicino
• See our Terms and Cancellation Policy

BOOK NOW