fleurs creative flower design studio in snohomish washington
    Join Alicia Schwede for a week of flowers, creativity, and Italian charm in the hills of Tuscany.

Italy Flower Retreat: Floral Design Workshop in Tuscany

Join Alicia Schwede for a floral designer retreat in Tuscany, Italy.

April 21-25, 2026

2026 Retreat Is Full

2027 Dates will be shared soon, retreat will take place in April. 

Visit Città della Pieve in Umbria Italy

 

 

Fiori della Toscana with Alicia Schwede

An Annual Floral Design Retreat in the Heart of Italy

Welcome to Fiori della Toscana, my annual floral design retreat in Italy, nestled in the storybook village of Città della Pieve, in the beautiful region of Umbria. Whether you’re a seasoned floral designer or simply someone who loves flowers, this retreat is for you.

Design, dine, and unwind in the heart of Tuscany and Umbria with like-minded floral enthusiasts. We’ll gather seasonal blooms, explore charming towns, and spend creative, joy-filled days together in a warm, supportive environment.

Join me, Alicia Schwede, for a week of flowers, creativity, and Italian charm—a retreat that celebrates your love for florals and offers inspiration at every turn.

 An inspiring retreat for flower lovers of all levels—no experience needed, just a love for blooms. 

Each spring, we gather in the breathtaking hills of Italy for an unforgettable flower retreat in Umbria and Tuscany—a week devoted to beauty, creativity, and the relaxed rhythm of Italian life. Our home base is the storybook town of Città della Pieve, located in the region of Umbria, known for its medieval charm, golden light, and slow pace.

From there, we explore the surrounding countryside, including a visit to Puscina Flowers, a renowned organic flower farm in nearby Tuscany. It’s a magical place where we connect with nature, gather seasonal blooms, and deepen our appreciation for the land and its bounty.

Past retreats have welcomed best friends, sisters, and solo travelers—from professional florists to first-timers who had never arranged a flower before.

What they all had in common was a love for flowers and a desire to be part of something meaningful, inspiring, and joyful.

This retreat is designed to be nurturing, not intimidating. I create an inclusive, hands-on learning environment where you’ll be supported no matter your skill level. If you’re passionate about flowers, you belong here.

Floral Designer Retreat
Visiting Puscina flower farm in Tuscany Italy as part of my floral design retreat

A Day on the Farm

Imagine yourself wandering through rows of blooms at a picturesque flower farm in the rolling hills of Tuscany. During our retreat, we’ll spend a magical day at Puscina Flower Farm, where Teresa will welcome us with the story of her family’s flower-growing journey and guide us through the art of harvesting blooms with care.

With buckets in hand, you’ll gather flowers straight from the fields—selecting the stems that inspire you most—before creating your own hand-tied bouquet under the Tuscan sun. It’s always one of the most treasured moments of our time together.

After a morning surrounded by flowers, we’ll enjoy a fresh, farm-to-table lunch lovingly prepared with local ingredients—often by Teresa’s mother herself. A true taste of Tuscany, shared in the heart of the garden.

 

Highlights of the Retreat:

  • Floral design sessions led by me, Alicia Schwede, in a cozy, light-filled studio filled with seasonal blooms and creative energy

  • Visit to Puscina Flowers, a renowned organic flower farm in the Tuscan hills, where we’ll tour the fields and gather inspiration

  • Hands-on pasta-making lesson with Cristian of Bistrot del Duca—followed by a shared meal of the pasta we create together

  • Professional photo shoot with the talented Sara Cencetti to beautifully capture your floral creations and special retreat moments

  • Strolling through cobbled lanes and discovering hidden corners of the medieval town of Città della Pieve

  • Peaceful time to unwind, savor Italian meals, journal, and simply be in the beauty of your surroundings

  • A nurturing, inclusive atmosphere—perfect for both experienced designers and those just beginning their flower journey

flower arranging workshop in Italy with Alicia of flirty fleurs, fountain decorated with flowers
flower arranging workshop in Tuscany, Italy at Puscina Flower Farm
Puscina Flower Farm in Tuscany
adorable arrangement in Murano glass vase at a floral design class in Italy
Entrance to Hotel Vannucci in Città della Pieve in Italy
Artistic retreat in Italy, pasta making lesson with a flower arranging workshop

 

 

 

A Taste of Italy: Pasta-Making with Christian

While flowers are at the heart of this retreat, we also take time to experience the rich culinary traditions of Italy. One of the most beloved parts of our retreat is a hands-on pasta-making lesson with Christian of Bistrot del Duca, right in the village of Città della Pieve.

Christian welcomes us into his space and guides us through the art of making traditional Italian pasta from scratch. It’s always a lively, laughter-filled experience that brings everyone together—no cooking skills required, just a willingness to have fun and get a little flour on your hands!

After the lesson, we’ll sit down and enjoy the fruits of our labor, dining on the fresh, handmade pasta we created together. It’s a delicious highlight of the retreat and a beautiful reminder of the simple joys of Italian life.

Your Hosts in Italy: The Strada Toscana Team

I’m incredibly fortunate to collaborate with the amazing team at Strada Toscana—led by the ever-talented Pamela, Paola, and their dedicated crew—to bring this floral retreat to life. They are the behind-the-scenes magic makers who ensure everything runs seamlessly from the moment you arrive.

From arranging charming accommodations in the heart of Città della Pieve to organizing local transportation, coordinating farm-to-table meals, and curating unforgettable cultural experiences, they take care of every detail with warmth and care. Because of their expert planning, I’m able to fully focus on what I love most: guiding you through floral design sessions and sharing the joy of flowers.

All you have to do is show up ready to create, connect, and soak in the beauty of Italy. It’s a truly effortless travel experience—with everything taken care of, and your creative spirit front and center.

If you’re dreaming of a flower-filled getaway in Italy—one that nurtures your artistry, offers heartfelt connection, and celebrates the joy of blooms—I hope you’ll join me.

Ready to come along?
Visit Strada Toscana’s retreat page for full details, dates, and registration.

Have questions? Send me, Alicia, an email at hello@fleurscreative.com or fill out the form on my contact page.

floral designer workshop in Italy, Alicia Schwede with Pamela Haack
Click here to Reserve Your Spot

Alicia Schwede –
Floral Designer, Educator, and Retreat Host

Alicia Schwede is the creative force behind Flirty Fleurs, a renowned floral design studio and blog dedicated to celebrating the art of flowers. With decades of experience designing for weddings, events, and personal artistry, Alicia brings a thoughtful and approachable teaching style to her classes and workshops.

At her Snohomish, Washington studio, Alicia welcomes flower lovers of all levels to explore the beauty of floral design. Through hands-on lessons, she guides students in creating everything from lush bouquets to abundant centerpieces, encouraging confidence and creativity in each participant. Her teaching emphasizes mechanics, artistry, and a love for seasonal blooms, leaving students inspired and empowered to continue their floral journey.

Beyond her studio, Alicia hosts Fiori della Toscana with Alicia, an immersive floral design retreat in the heart of Italy. Set in the charming village of Città della Pieve, the retreat blends her passion for flowers with the culture, food, and beauty of Italy. Guests create garden-inspired floral designs while enjoying a flower farm visit, hands-on pasta-making lessons, and the timeless charm of Italian life.

Through her blog, workshops, and international retreats, Alicia continues to inspire a community of flower enthusiasts, gardeners, and florists, all drawn to her artistry and genuine love for sharing the joy of flowers.

Alicia Schwede arranging flowers in a floral designer retreat in Tuscany Italy

Words from a Previous Participant

Flower arranging retreat workshop in Tuscany Italy with Flirty Fleurs

From Monica –

Attending Alicia’s Fiori della Toscana Floral Retreat was one of the best decisions and investments I’ve ever made.  To combine travel with floral arranging was a dream.  My expectations were high and they were far exceeded.  I learned something new with each day and arrangement with Alicia’s professional and gentle guidance and patience.  The studio where we worked was tucked away in the village of Citta della Pieve, walking distance from our beautiful and historic boutique hotel.  The village is beautiful and quaint and offers wonderful opportunities to stroll, sip, shop and meet the locals.  When we weren’t creating gorgeous floral arrangements, we were provided with additional amazing experiences planned by the Strada Toscana team, from making pasta with a local chef, learning about saffron from a farmer, tasting olive oils, and more.  This was an experience I will never forget and highly recommend it whether you are a floral designer or novice, or going on your own or with friends.  You only live once – go for it!