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For one week, a spectacular estate above the Tiber Valley is entirely ours. We're talking an 800-year-old chapel wrapped in original frescoes. Bedrooms dripping in splendor. An infinity pool that seems to spill into the Umbrian sky. Windows and porches with expansive vistas over endless olive groves and stone ruins.
Condé Nast Traveler called it one of the most Instagrammable houses in the world. They weren't exaggerating.
You could technically rent this villa yourself — ten bedrooms, a price tag built for splitting multiple ways.
What you can't buy on your own is what NextTribe brings to it: a 25-year friendship with the family who restored it; a co-leader who knows every medieval Umbrian town nearby--from Assisi to Perugia; another co-leader whose art historian background helps us interpret the beauty around us and to make some ourselves in creativity sessions.
On the days we venture out from this hilltop heaven, we explore Tuscany's quieter, equally gorgeous sister region. We'll meet women who've built their lives here, a weaver and a chef among them, and walk cobblestone streets that haven't changed in centuries. Every outing brings back colors, textures, and stories.
At NextTribe, we believe this stage of life — 45 and beyond — is exactly the moment to say yes to more of it: more beauty, more ease, more time that belongs to no one's schedule but your own.
We have easy, interest-free payment options.
Groups stay small on purpose — this estate, and this week, are built for a group who'll actually get to know each other, not get lost in a crowd. That means this trip fills fast.
~ Small groups — women 45+ ~ Solo travelers welcome
~ A villa most people will never see the inside of ~ A week of grandeur, quiet, and genuine connection.
This is not the kind of villa most people can rent on their own. But we can—just for you and a few other fun, curious women.
You won't be the only one. A good number of the women on this trip come solo. You'll land among women in exactly the same boat, by design.
Hosts who are just like you. Shannon and Jen lead every session themselves — this isn't a drop-in art teacher, it's women who know this villa and this region intimately, and who make sure no one sits alone.
Built-in togetherness--or not. Shared meals, shared playshops, shared piazza wanders . But plenty of glorious nooks and crannies if you need your own chill time.
Rooming made simple. Travel solo with your own room for a single supplement, or let us know and we'll match you with a roommate from the group.
A week spent in the most beautiful villa, with interesting woman, learning about art, local cooking/food and traveling to small villages and towns was such a delight. It was a unique and wonderful Italian experience!
--Michele R.
People say if you go to one European country, make it Italy. I'd add, make it a NextTribe trip! Honestly, I thought the Portugal trip was unbeatable. I am more than pleasantly surprised at the high quality of trips NT offers. NextTribe consistently delivers excellence.
--Ann W.
The trip to Umbria was truly magical. This trip provided an opportunity to stay in a restored 13th century villa, waking up each morning to extraordinary vistas and exploring five unique towns, each with historical significance. I feel personally enriched by the uniquely curated activities from pasta making, to soaking up the rich ambience of the Italian countryside.
--Sandy S.
All I can say is I came back from the Umbria trip a different person. I am so appreciative of my experience that NextTribe offered to me. I must say my stress level just melted off me on this trip. I could go on and on about everything from the wonderful accommodation of Castiglione Ugolino, to the workshops teaching us to be more creative , to the shopping in the nearby towns, the fantastic winery down the hill. And so much more!
--Tammy S.
This trip was a meaningful and unforgettable experience! The creativity part and daily "sparks" spoke to my inner child; communal living and cooking together spoke to my love of the sisterhood of amazing women; the culture, food and vino spoke to my heart and soul in a very deep way.
--Peggy M.
1. The Villa Will Spoil You Rotten
This isn't a hotel — it's a 12th-century complex of houses at the base of a ruined castle, restored over 25 years by a family who has been friends with NextTribe's founder for years. Panoramic views, centuries-old frescoes, an infinity pool over the Tiber Valley — the kind of place celebrities book quietly for milestone birthdays (such as when Dan Levy celebrated his 40th here). For one week, it's simply yours.
2. One Villa, Not a New Hotel Every Two Nights
Most Italy trips have you living out of a suitcase, checking in and out every other day. Here, you unpack once. The estate is home base for the whole week, which means mornings on the terrace, afternoons by the pool, walks among the olive groves, and the freedom to skip a day trip guilt-free if all you want is to laze about.
3. Umbria: Tuscany's Cooler, Less Crowded Sister
Our day trips take us into medieval hilltowns just down the road — Assisi, Spello, Gubbio, Perugia, Città di Castello — cobblestone streets that haven't changed in centuries, a local weaver, a local chef. It's the Italy people wish they'd found before it got famous.
4. Art, Seen Through Someone Who Knows It
Shannon, our co-leader, is a working artist and art historian. As we move through these towns, she helps us actually see what we're looking at — the frescoes, the light, the reasons this region has pulled artists here for centuries. If you want to put this inspiration into practice in one of our creativity sessions, the materials are there. If you'd rather just look, that's the whole point too — no assignment, no performance, just a deeper way of seeing.
5. The Women You'll Meet (Including Yourself)
With Jen Vicker's deep connections to the region, we get to meet fascinating local women you'd never encounter on your own. Plus, there are the curious, unhurried travelers sharing the week with you, which means this trip becomes as much about the company as the villa. There's something about a week with no rush to it that lets conversations go further than they would anywhere else.
Do I need to come with someone?
Not at all. Plenty of NextTribe travelers come solo, and this group bonds fast.
How much walking is involved?
A comfortable amount — cobblestone streets in the hilltowns, an easy pace, nothing that resembles a hike. This trip is about lingering, not covering ground.
What's included?
Your stay at the villa, all your meals, the creativity sessions, day trips to the hilltowns, and a NextTribe host throughout. International flights are not included.
Will I know anyone?
Probably not at the start. Almost certainly by day two. That's just how this works.
Do I need any art experience?
None. The creativity sessions are designed for women who haven't touched art supplies since elementary school. The goal isn't a masterpiece — it's permission to play, entirely optional.
What if I don't think of myself as “creative”?
That's exactly who this trip is for — and also fine if it's just not your thing. Shannon and Jen build the creativity sessions around rediscovery, not talent, and no one's required to take part.
What if I need to cancel?
Full refund up to 90 days out (except for your deposit, which can be applied to a future trip). We highly recommend travel protection insurance, and can point you toward options.
Jen Vickers (left) splits her time between Austin and Umbria where she and her family have spent 25 years restoring Castiglione Ugolino, a 12th century complex of houses at the base of a ruined castle. She’s traveled to widely in Europe, Asia and Central America, but her favorite explorations are of the small medieval towns of central Italy. A newly minted Italian citizen, she loves to spend time in Italy.
Shannon Faseler is a visual artist and art historian who works across media. Born in Texas, she is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin where she received a BFA in Studio art. She also holds a MFA in painting and drawing from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Upon graduating in Chicago, Shannon moved to California where she exhibited, taught, and ran the University Gallery. Currently, Shannon is in Wimberley, Texas, where she continues her studio practice in addition to teaching, exhibiting, and curating at home and abroad. Shannon also enjoys traveling and leading tours of college students and adult groups to Italy and beyond.
We'll gather at a pre-determined location in Rome and transfer together to Villa Castiglione Ugolino. After settling into your room (and probably taking seventeen photos of the view), we'll meet for aperitivo followed by a catered dinner—either in the chapel, where original frescoes still grace the walls, or on the patio overlooking the valley as the sun sets. Consider it your official permission slip to leave your regular life behind for a week.
Perched on a hilltop above the Tiber valley, Villa Castiglione Ugolino draws you into a timeless embrace of history and elegance. Once an ancient 13th-century castle and church, it now unfolds as a grand sanctuary, ten beautifully appointed bedrooms and luminous living spaces where stone, wood, and light meet in gentle harmony. Outside, an infinity pool seems to melt into the valley, while panoramic terraces, shaded pergolas, and an outdoor hot tub offer intimate corners for slow afternoons and evenings under the rising stars. At sunrise or nightfall, Villa Castiglione Ugolino becomes a retreat of serene grandeur, a place where history whispers, nature unfolds, and luxury takes its most poetic form.
After breakfast, we'll ease into creative exercises designed to bypass your inner critic and wake up your imagination. Think less "art class" and more "recess for adults."
Midday, we'll break for lunch at the iconic Taverna del Lupo in nearby Gubbio, then wander the winding cobbled streets of this perfectly preserved medieval town. Back at the villa, you'll have time to rest before aperitivo by the pool and dinner. Yes, this is your life now.
After breakfast, we'll depart for Assisi, the UNESCO World Heritage Site and birthplace of St. Francis. The Basilica alone is worth the trip—Giotto frescoes and all—but the entire town is an architectural marvel. We'll visit the Roman church, St. Francis's home, and give you time to explore on your own for lunch.
Then we're off to Spello, another breathtaking hilltop town that feels like someone's beautiful secret. Back at the villa, you can spend time in the studio. Over aperitivo, we'll discuss the creative process and the art history of the region before dinner.
Optional yoga on the villa's lawn starts the day (because stretching under the Umbrian sky is rather magnificent). After some creative mental exercises and light lunch at the villa, we'll head to Perugia, the hilltop capital of Umbria.
The setting is spectacular, and the ancient Etruscan walls that once encircled the entire town still stand in impressive sections. We'll meet a local weaver who'll share her craft and thoughts on textile design. You'll have time to explore the city's streets, shops, and museums before we gather for dinner at a beautiful restaurant in one of the lovely plazas.
Today we're staying put—but we're bringing the experience to us. A local chef will teach us how to make pasta from scratch (the kind that makes you wonder why you ever bought it in a box). Then we'll eat our delicious creations for lunch, naturally.
The afternoon is yours: hike the trails around the villa, lounge by the pool, or retreat to your studio space. This is your time to do exactly what calls to you.
We'll head to one of the region's best markets in the charming town of Città di Castello—perfect for wandering, people-watching, and maybe finding a treasure or two. Lunch will be at one of the town's loveliest restaurants.
The afternoon is free for relaxing, creating, or simply being before dinner.
The morning is yours for creative work or pure relaxation. Then we'll walk down the hill to Vineria di Carmine for wine tasting and lunch among the vines.
Later, we'll gather to share our creative breakthroughs from the week—what surprised us, what delighted us, what we're taking home. We'll celebrate with a farewell dinner that's equal parts grateful and bittersweet.
All good things must end. We'll transfer back to Rome, where you can catch your flight, hop on a train to your next adventure, or spend an extra night in the Eternal City (not included) before heading home.
Arrive in Rome on Saturday, May 8th
We will meet at a predetermined location in Rome for transport to the villa around 2:00 PM. If you arrive early in Rome or from another location, you will need to make your own arrangements before the official beginning of the trip.
The trip ends in Rome on Saturday, May 15th.
We will transfer you back to Rome on the afternoon of May 15th. From here, you are free to continue your travels. Unless you're going somewhere else in Europe, you will probably need to book a hotel room in Rome on this night and we will give suggestions. You could stay in central Rome, or it you have an early flight the next day, you might want to stay at the airport FCO.
We require all international travelers to purchase travel insurance. We strongly recommend trip protection insurance to protect your investment. (Scroll down for more details about insurance)
No visa is required for US Citizens to visit Italy. Please make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of the trip.
You will be receiving periodic communications from us leading up to departure with other important details included. If you have any questions, you can contact our travel manager, Marcy, at travel@nexttribe.com
Legal Stuff: For complete terms of service, see below
Inclusions
7 Nights Lodging
7 Dinners
4 Lunches
7 Breakfasts
Ground Transportation from Rome to the Villa
Ground Transportation for Day Trips
Art Supplies
A NextTribe host through out the tour
A specially curated Enrichment Guide to help you prepare for the trip.
Exclusions
Roundtrip Airfare
Alcohol not mentioned in itinerary
Travel Insurance
Gratuities
Gratuities to local guides, drivers, maids and hotel staff, alcohol, unless mentioned in itinerary, travel insurance, round trip airfare, passport and visa fees, personal items such as phone calls, laundry, baggage fees and items not expressly listed as included.
People say if you go to one European country, make it Italy. I'd add, make it a NextTribe trip! Honestly, I thought the Portugal trip was unbeatable. I am more than pleasantly surprised at the high quality of trips NT offers. NextTribe consistently delivers excellence.
Ann W.
Next Tribe requires all international travelers to purchase travel insurance.
Travel insurance can be a helpful and valuable resource to pack! It can protect the investment of your trip and you while traveling.
We partner with Wanderwell, a Certified B Corporation travel insurance provider that makes it as simple as possible by not overwhelming you with options.
They offer just a few modern, benefit-packed trip protection plans that can cover the most common travel perils related to trip cancellation, trip interruption, trip delay, travel Medical Expenses, baggage & personal effects, Emergency Medical Evacuation, and more.
Click Here to create quotes and purchase a plan through Wanderwell from our partner page.
If you prefer to talk to someone, please email support@gowanderwell.com. They will set up a phone call with you and can answer your questions.
On this trip, we require evacuation insurance. We are also an affiliate of Global Rescue. They offer comprehensive evacuation insurance if you feel you need more than what your standard policy will cover. This is extra coverage, in addition to your travel insurance.
For most of history, women past child-bearing years were basically put out to pasture. This was happening even in our mothers’ time. We call bullshit on that. We believe we are at a peak in so many ways and are devoted to helping women our age live the richest, most kick-ass lives possible.
We do that by informing, promoting and connecting women–through our magazine, through our member community and through the transformative experiences of travel.
So many travel choices…so little time. You could spend days and days trying to put together just the right combination of destination, activities, and price.
Or you could stop shopping and start traveling with us for something that feels like the greatest girlfriend trip ever–even if you come solo. We specialize in experiences that deeply connect you to other women–travelers and locals–and create life-lasting memories. Experiences you can’t get on your own. And do it all with flexible payment options.
This video will tell you if you’re a good fit for a NextTribe trip. We are proud that we’ve become known for how quickly and deeply our groups of women bond on our trips. One of our rules: No divas, please.
For more information, please contact our travel manager at travel@nexttribe.com