The Story Within
A transformational writing retreat in Vasto, Italy, with Ireland’s Mary Berkery
Vasto, Italy – May 16–23, 2026 – Presented by Vasto Arts Workshops
WHERE WE ARE ~ DETAILS ~ APPLY
A transformational writing retreat in Italy for aspiring and emerging writers with Mary Berkery Irish poet, author, TEDx speaker, soul coach, and retreat guide.
We each carry powerful stories of love, loss, courage, and becoming.
Some are drawn from real life, some imagined, and many a woven tapestry of both. All deserve to be honoured and expressed.
This intimate retreat is for those who write, who feel the call to write and are ready to begin. This can be to explore personal narrative, create a legacy for family, or start a meaningful writing project for the wider audience.
WHERE WE ARE
Nestled along the Adriatic coast, Vasto is a historic town founded in the 7th century BCE. Its medieval center is home to charming churches and hidden artistic treasures. The town is known for its connection to the Palizzi brothers, prominent painters of the Neapolitan school, as well as Gabriele Rossetti, father of Christina and Dante Gabriel, and Pietro di Donato, author of Christ in Concrete.
WORKSHOP DETAILS
Saturday, May 16 – Saturday, May 23, 2026
(Workshop sessions run Sunday afternoon through Friday)
Throughout the week, participants will:
- Tap into creative flow through guided journaling and intuitive based
writing practices - Write with confidence without pressure, judgment, or perfectionism
- Be deeply supported through curated group sessions and personal
reflection time - Receive inspiration from the coastal beauty and cultural richness
of the region - Leave with a clear pathway and the confidence to continue writing
With roots in ancient Celtic and Bardic wisdom, Mary Berkery will guide you in accessing:
- The ‘gold’ embedded in your life experiences
- Your creative courage and flow
- Your authentic and unique voice
- Her highly intuitive and supportive style creates a trusted space where writing becomes a journey of joyful expression, empowerment, and self-discovery.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Five days of immersive workshops and guided writing sessions with Mary Berkery , poet, author, TEDx speaker, and coach
- Personalized guidance and support to help you find your voice and shape your story
- Seven nights’ accommodation in charming, character-filled residences in Vasto’s historic centre, close to cafés, shops, the Adriatic coastline
- Daily breakfast and leisurely lunches at local cafés and trattoria featuring fresh regional cuisine
- Curated local recommendations for evening dining and exploring Vasto’s art, culture, and local charm
- A final evening feast on a traditional trabocco and storytelling gathering, celebrating the week’s creative journey in true bardic spirit
- Opening and closing gatherings to connect, share, and anchor intentions
- All workshop materials and group sessions
NOT INCLUDED
- Airfare
- Insurance
- Travel costs
- Any expenses not explicitly mentioned
Limited Availability
Only 12 spots available for an intimate, hands-on experience.
Participation Cost
Early Bird Rate:
€2,026 — when booked with a 50% deposit
by January 31, 2025
Regular Rate:
€2,395
Travel Information
GETTING HERE
For travelers from North America, we recommend flying into Rome. Several bus services provide direct transport to Vasto Bus Terminal directly from Rome’s Airports and from the Rome Tiburtina Bus Terminal.
There are also low-cost flights to the nearby PESCARA AIRPORT from London Stansted, Bruxelles, Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, and other cities.
You can find bus timetables and book tickets at the following links:
GROUP TRAVEL
If you are traveling as part of a group, please inform us in advance.
We will make every effort to accommodate group-specific needs and offer any additional arrangements when possible.
How to Apply
Fill out the application form to reserve your spot. Since spaces are limited, we recommend applying as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience.
REGISTER NOW
Spaces are limited to just 12 participants, so don’t miss your chance for an unforgettable artistic adventure in Vasto, Italy.
Join Us!
We would love to speak with you.
Feel free to reach out using the below details.