Venetian Shawl Crochet Retreat in Italy

Following the incredible energy of our Threads & Tiles retreat in PORTUGAL, we are heading to one of the most magical corners of Europe. Welcome to Venetian Shawl Crochet Retreat - an exclusive, 6-day/5-night all-inclusive creative escape in the breathtaking Friuli & Venice region of Italy, October 11-16, 2026.

Imagine this: a crisp October breeze, the stunning golden colors of Italian vineyards, a glass of exceptional estate wine, and a warm crochet project growing in your hands. Treat yourself to the ultimate Dolce Vita getaway during Italy’s most picturesque time of year: the romantic Golden Autumn. This is a time when the summer crowds have faded, the landscapes turn into a canvas of warm amber hues, and Italy belongs to the dreamers.

This is a purely WOMEN-ONLY retreat - a sacred, joyful space designed for us to laugh, create, and recharge. Whether you want to share this magic with your mom, your sister, your best friend, or come on your own to make lifelong connections with fellow makers - bring your favorite women and join our tribe!

Together, we will slow down, explore hidden Italian gems, and work on a brand-new, exclusive crochet project: Venetian Shawl, which I have designed specifically and exclusively for this autumn journey.

The Most Important Details

• When: October 11-16, 2026
• Where: Albafiorita, Latisana, ITALY
• Host: Olena of Jolly Lizard
• Cost: Price starts at 2,220 EUR. Don’t miss out on our shared room deal - save up to €375 each when booking for two!
• What Is Included: Everything but your flight! Transportation, accommodation, food, crochet supplies and swag, and excursions are ALL INCLUDED.
• Deposit & Payment: To reserve your spot, a deposit of around 20–30% is required (depending on your chosen room type), with the remaining balance due one month before the retreat starts.
• How to Book: Click below to apply to join and fill out the booking form. If you have any questions, you can always reach me at jollylizard@gmail.com.

 

Apply to join

 

We Will Be Staying at the Historic Agriturismo Albafiorita

For 5 unforgettable nights, we will be staying at Albafiorita, a boutique organic winery and estate steeped in history and pure Italian charm. Built around a beautifully restored historic farmhouse made of traditional wood and stone, this estate radiates a deep sense of peace. From the moment you arrive, it will feel like our own private sanctuary.

Albafiorita is a true family labor of love passed down through generations. Today, it is run by our passionate and welcoming host, Dino De Marchi, who carries on his family's legacy. Dino takes care of the lush, organic vineyards surrounding the property and is an absolute master of local hospitality. He will be making sure we feel entirely at home, sharing the best secrets of the region with us.

During our stay, we can take a soothing dip in the pristine swimming pool built with natural stone pebbles, or lounge with our hooks under the warm autumn sun, fully embracing the Italian philosophy of Slow Living.

Your Day-by-Day Italian Journey

Here is exactly how our magical week together will unfold:

Sunday, Oct 11: Benvenuti! Welcome to the Albafiorita

We will begin our journey as you arrive at the beautiful Albafiorita estate at your own pace. Settle into your charming, uniquely designed room. This is not a cookie-cutter, chain hotel - every corner breathes authentic Italian soul, and you will feel that special warmth the moment you step inside.

Monday, Oct 12: A Deep Dive Into Our Project & Pure Relaxation

We will start our retreat with a full day of complete immersion into our creative project. No alarms, no rush. Everything is 100% included, so you don’t need to bring a single thing from home - and I might have even packed a few extra surprises for you! After a delicious breakfast, you will open your welcome kit and we will begin our shawl. We will spend the day lounging by the stone pool under the warm autumn sun, crocheting in great company.

Our agriturismo is nestled in the heart of lush, rolling vineyards, which stretch out right from our doorstep. It is from these very organic grapes that several exceptional varieties of wine are crafted directly on the estate.

This evening will feature a full, indulgent tasting of all their wine varieties, perfectly paired with a curated selection of local cheeses, authentic prosciutto, and traditional Italian appetizers. I have personally tasted everything, and I am in absolute awe - my ultimate favorite is their signature, crisp prosecco! With great company, amazing flavors, and incredible estate wine, our first evening together is going to be nothing short of wonderful.

Tuesday, Oct 13: Lagoon Cruise & Seafood Lunch

Today, we balance our stitching with a gentle, half-day coastal escape. We will board a private boat to cruise the tranquil, breathtaking waters of the Marano Lagoon, discovering hidden natural beauty far away from ordinary tourist paths. Our journey leads us to a traditional historical fisherman’s hut - a casoni - where we will enjoy a spectacular, authentic lunch of fresh fish caught right from the lagoon, perfectly paired with local wine.

Afterward, we will return to the peaceful sanctuary of our hotel to continue our creative workshops. Our shawls will be growing right before our eyes as we chat and relax!

Wednesday, Oct 14: The Magic of Venice & Chasing Cicchetti

The absolute highlight of our excursions! We will catch a traditional Italian express train, stepping off right into the heart of magical Venice. Our private, born-and-raised Italian guide will be waiting for us at the station. He will lead our group away from the tourist traps, guiding us through hidden alleyways and sharing the secret, romantic history of the floating city.

Afterward, he will take us to his favorite local bàcari (traditional hidden wine bars). Together, we will laugh, drink refreshing Aperol Spritz, and indulge in authentic Venetian cicchetti (gourmet local tapas) like true locals.

And to sweeten the day, I will personally show you where to get the absolute best gelato in all of Venice!

Thursday, Oct 15: San Daniele Prosciutto & Our Farewell Evening

We will start our morning with a delicious culinary journey to San Daniele, the world capital of premium cured ham. We will tour an authentic family-run factory, learn the secrets of their ancient craft, and sit down for a fabulous, indulgent prosciutto-centric lunch.

In the afternoon, we return to the peaceful sanctuary of Albafiorita. We will spend our final hours putting the finishing touches on our shawls, sharing stories, and celebrating our sisterhood with a farewell dinner at the estate.

Friday, Oct 16: Arrivederci, Italy!

We will enjoy one final homemade Italian breakfast together and wrap ourselves in our newly crocheted shawls. Pack your bags without any rush, say your goodbyes to Dino and our beautiful villa, and take your private transfer back to the airport. You will head home carrying a gorgeous finished piece, a heart full of inspiration, and a whole new tribe of lifelong friends.

Pricing & Packages

This is an intimate, boutique experience. We have been allocated only 10 rooms in total for our group to ensure a cozy, close-knit family vibe and personalized attention for everyone.

• Double Occupancy Suite (Shared Room): 2,220 EUR  per person — perfect if you are coming with your mom, sister, or best friend!
• Single Occupancy Suite (Private Room): 2,595 EUR per person — your own private sanctuary.

Deposit & Payment:

To reserve your spot, a deposit of around 20–30% is required (depending on your chosen room type), with the remaining balance due one month before the retreat starts.

 

Limited spots left - Book Now!

 

Please note: Flights are not included. All land logistics, meals, wine, excursions, transfers, and crochet supplies are 100% covered.

What’s Included in Your Italian Escape

We have taken care of every single detail so you can completely turn off your brain and just enjoy. Your booking covers:

• 6 days/5 nights of accommodation at Agriturismo Albafiorita
• Daily breakfasts, lunches, and dinners hosted on-site
• Цine tasting of the estate's organic varieties, paired with local cheeses, prosciutto, and appetizers
• All creative workshops, including a welcome kit with autumn yarn and a 6mm hook
• Half-day private boat cruise through the Marano Lagoon
• Seafood lunch inside a traditional historical casoni hut (local wine included)
• Tour of a family-run prosciutto factory in San Daniele with a dedicated lunch
• Round-trip train tickets to Venice
• Private tour of Venice with a local Italian guide
• Private group airport transfers and all transportation for our daily excursions

What’s NOT Included

• Airfare to and from Italy
• Aperol Spritz, cicchetti (tapas), and gelato during our time in Venice
• Travel insurance

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be an advanced crocheter to join?

No. This retreat is suitable for confident beginners and beyond. You do not need advanced skills - only basic crochet knowledge (like how to hold a hook and make basic stitches) and a willingness to learn. I will be there to guide you every step of the way!

Will there be teaching, or is it more of a social retreat?

Both! There will be guided crochet sessions and masterclasses where I will teach you the logic behind the pattern, how to read charts, and how to master the textured stitches. You will get plenty of 1-on-1 attention, alongside lots of relaxed social time to chat, laugh, and sip prosecco together.

What exactly will we crochet?

We will crochet Venetian Shawl a brand-new, elegant autumn design created specifically and exclusively for this retreat. The focus is on enjoying the creative process, understanding the construction, and making a beautiful piece you can wrap around your shoulders.

Are crochet materials included?

Yes. All necessary materials are included. You will receive yarn from Hobbii, crochet hooks from Prym, and all required components for the project, including a printed pattern and all additional supplies needed to complete the shawl.

What language will the retreat be held in?

The retreat will be held in English.

Is the daily schedule very strict?

No. There will be a planned schedule, which you can check above, but the overall pace is relaxed. There will be free time built into each day for rest, personal exploration, or extra crochet time.

What activities are included besides crochet?

So many incredible Italian experiences! Your package includes a full-day VIP trip to Venice with a private local guide (including an authentic cicchetti and Aperol tour), a private boat cruise through the Marano Lagoon with a seafood lunch in a traditional casoni fisherman's hut, a gourmet tour and lunch at an authentic Prosciutto factory in San Daniele, and a private wine tasting of organic estate-grown wines right at our villa.

Are flights included?

No. Flights are not included. Everything else during the retreat, including accommodation, meals, activities, local transportation, and crochet sessions, is included.

Which airport should I fly into?

Closest Airports: Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) or Treviso Airport (TSF) are the best and closest options for this trip. To make your journey completely stress-free, a private transfer will be arranged just for you. We will pick you up directly from either of these Venice airports and take you straight to our agriturismo. All you need to do is book your flight and share your arrival details with us!

Can I come alone?

Absolutely! Many of our attendees travel solo. This retreat is a warm, safe, and purely women-only space designed to feel welcoming from the very first moment. You will arrive as an individual but leave with a whole new tribe of lifelong friends. You can also book a Double Occupancy room, and we will happily pair you with a fellow maker!

Who do I contact if I have questions about booking or accommodation?

You can reach out directly to me! If you have any questions about the rooms, payments, or logistics, just send an email to jollylizard@gmail.com or send me a DM on Instagram. I’m always happy to help!

 

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