Slow Christmas and New Year Getaway in the Tuscan Apennines

A slow Christmas and New Year getaway at Casale di Clio, a writers', artists' and study retreat in the Tuscan Apennines, near Bagni di Lucca in Tuscany, Italy. It runs as two festive weeks, a Christmas week and a New Year week, for people who would rather step out of the usual rush and spend the holidays quietly. It suits writers, artists and anyone bringing a study or creative project, as well as those who simply want a calm, low-pressure retreat over the festive season. The guiding mantra is "no pressure, no stress."

What to Expect

Stays are best taken as seven nights, Saturday to Saturday, though there may be flexibility, including longer stays or an extra day or two at either end. Casale di Clio runs as it usually does, with its library and study spaces open. Quiet study and reflection hours are encouraged on weekday mornings and afternoons, with some negotiation on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve.

The house takes on a festive feel. It is decorated for the season, and outside quiet hours you may hear Christmas carols and seasonal music in the dining room. A 1000-piece festive jigsaw puzzle is there to spend time with, and other jigsaws are available if you prefer something less seasonal.

There are no big parties planned. Guests and hosts may share aperitivi and stuzzichini, and if any small social events are held at the house, residents are invited automatically. The hosts describe the local way of doing things as "piano, piano": slowly, steadily, with nobody watching the clock. Last year's New Year's Eve afternoon included a short walk to a neighbouring village for traditional Dutch doughnuts and aperitivi.

The Setting

Casale di Clio stands in the hill country of the Lima Valley, with Monte Prato a Fiorito rising behind it. The winter hills are not as green as in summer, and the hosts cannot promise snow, though it sometimes comes.

Bagni di Lucca and the villages of the valley are promoted each year as the "Valley of Father Christmas," with events through the festive period. Montefegatesi, the village up the hill with a statue of Dante, is known for its many presepi (nativity scenes) and makes a good outing. Villages can be reached by a mix of walking and the limited local bus service.

Lucca, the nearest city, is well worth a visit, and Florence and Pisa are further afield. For trips beyond walking and bus range, car hire is recommended, as the hosts do not provide a guest tour service. If you want to enjoy Lucca fully without a car, the hosts suggest staying there before or after your time here. The stay also fits well either side of a big-city culture trip or a skiing break at Abetone, a 55-minute drive away, though the house is not suited as a ski base.

Before You Go

No experience is required. Bring a project if you have one, or simply come to rest.

Included are the usual house facilities, a welcome drink and dinner on the day of arrival, an invitation to any small social events at the house, and the festive decorations and jigsaw. Beyond the arrival dinner, residents cater for themselves in the shared kitchen and are free to cook and eat together, hosts included. Special Christmas Day and New Year's Eve meals may be offered at extra cost, and the mix of guests will shape any shared festive meals.

Car hire and taxis are not included. Space is limited and last year had a long wait-list, so it is worth asking about availability early.