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15th - 19th May 2023
Luke Jermay • David Williamson
Pit Hartling • Andi Gladwin • Joshua Jay

The Retreat: Tuscany

Second week added! The first week (7th - 11th May 2023) sold out in just 48 hours. Therefore, we are adding a second week (15 - 19th May 2023). The events are the same for each event. Register now

Every year we organize a luxurious adventure in an exotic location. It’s a trip filled with sightseeing, unforgettable experiences, delicious locally-sourced food, and, of course, world-class magic. We are pleased to announce The Retreat: Tuscany. While most magic conventions aren’t enjoyable for spouses, partners, parents, or friends, on The Retreat we encourage you to bring a special someone on this adventure with you.

And if spending four days in one of the world’s most scenic regions isn’t enticing enough, imagine spending it in a converted fourteenth century monastery surrounded by history and incredible beauty. And on top of it all, our two guest performers for The Retreat: Tuscany, are: David Willamson and Luke Jermay. They will each share coveted secrets and deliver bespoke programs designed just for The Retreat guests.

Renowned for its wine and stunning serene scenery, Tuscany is often heralded for producing much of the world’s finest food. On this trip you’ll experience the history, sights, and tastes of this region while advancing your skills and appreciation for magic.

This will be our fourth Retreat. All three previous Retreats sold out entirely within days of being offered. We expect a fast sellout for Tuscany as well.

 
Magic retreat

The Adventure

​​Every day will present new adventures and experiences. We’ll dine on the region’s classic Italian dishes prepared for us by decorated regional chefs, eating a mix of al fresco, and indoors in an historic monastery.

We’ll spend an afternoon tasting local Chianti wine from one of its finest producers, and afterward we’ll enjoy several varieties over a gourmet lunch set in a medieval Castle.

As a group we’ll explore the charming hilltop town of San Gimignano where we’ll stroll through delightful, cobblestone streets and jam on magic with the rolling hills of Tuscany in the background.

We’ll visit one of the world’s most celebrated olive oil producers to learn about (and taste) olive oil, with lunch in a spectacular winery.

The Talent

David Williamson (Week 1 only) is, to many, the finest living magician. He is a rare master of both technique and presentation, and his wild antics often overshadow his exceptional skill. He is an IBM Gold Cups winner and has made numerous television appearances. Williamson has created some of the most enduring magic of the last three decades, including his seminal Cups & Balls, the Striking Vanish, “51 Cards to Pocket,” and more. For the last decade he has starred in the touring show The Illusionists, including extended runs on Broadway and in the West End.

We are delighted to welcome David to The Retreat, where he will deliver sleight-of-hand clinics for our guests in a hands-on scenario. Regardless of your skill level, David will work with guests in a group and individual basis to raise their levels.

Pit Hartling (Week 2 only) is a FISM Champion, and author of two of magic's most heralded and best-selling books of the past two decades. A founding member of the acclaimed magic troupe The Flicking Fingers, he has emerged as a thought-leader in the field of card magic. His material is a perfect blend of elegant mathematics, subtle sleight-of-hand, and whimsical presentations. We are, to put it bluntly, over-the-moon about his presence at week 2 of The Retreat.

Luke Jermay is among the most heralded mentalists working today. He has toured extensively in the UK and Europe and had a headline mind reading residency show in Las Vegas. Jermay has created many enduring pieces used by performers all over the world, including “Touching on Hoy” and the best-selling “Marksman Deck.” Jermay has enjoyed a special partnership with Vanishing Inc, and they have collaborated to release many best-selling products. Jermay rarely appears at conventions and this is a unique opportunity to work with not only one of the finest mind reading performers in the world, but also someone who understands deeply aspects of scripting magic and designing shows. Our guests will have the opportunity to work with Luke on both his material and their own.

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David Williamson magician
Pit Hartling magician
Luke Jermay magician
Magic Retreat in Tuscany
Magic Retreat in Tuscany
Magic Retreat in Tuscany
Magic Retreat in Tuscany
Magic Retreat in Tuscany
Magic Retreat in Tuscany
Magic Retreat in Tuscany
Magic Retreat in Tuscany
Magic Retreat in Tuscany

The Venue

Our venue for The Retreat: Tuscany is a famous, timeless converted monastery, called The Certosa di Pontignano. It’s located just a few miles from Siena, set on a hill looking over the city.

The Retreat venue dates back to 1343 and is much the same as it was nearly seven hundred years ago, except now it’s tricked out with all the modern amenities: swimming pool, air conditioning, state-of-the-art amenities, and high-speed internet. We’ve found an idyllic location that offers a blend of the perfect performing spaces for our guest speakers, a charming and historic venue, and the perfect leisure spot to extend your stay before or after The Retreat.

In 1703, the Chapel of Saint Agnes, recognised the world over for its exquisite ceiling paintings in the style of the Sistine chapel, was built on the site of our venue, and is available for viewing only to guests of the hotel.

The Certosa di Pontignano offers breathtaking views over the Italian countryside and the city of Siena. The lush resort gardens include the Certosa’s lemon house, a magical location adorned with aromatic plants.

We’ll make use of several historic rooms throughout our agenda, so that each performer and lecture has its own perfect pairing with our one-of-a-kind venue.

Limited spots available:
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Magic retreat

Photos provided

Everyone wishes they had a photographer on hand to catch the most memorable moments of your trip but nobody likes the hassle of doing it. We’ll have two photographers on hand for all the excursions and the magic events so that each of you leaves with a collection of professional grade moments from your trip. There is, of course, no charge for this feature. It’s included in your package.

Price and package

The Retreat alumni will observe two notable changes to our annual event: we’ve made The Retreat a day longer, and we’ve lowered the price from previous years. We’re thrilled about the package we can offer you.

The Retreat begins on the evening of May 7th and lasts four nights. You will depart on Thursday, May 11th. For registrants of the second event, you will arrive on the evening of May 15th and depart on May 19th.

Each magician guest will receive a custom-prepared gift package of booklets prepared by all the speakers at The Retreat: Tuscany, with the material they will cover (this is a highly coveted perk of the trip and is sought-after on the second hand market, with prices exceeding $200).

Costs are as follows:

• $3,000 per magician
• $1,200 partner rate

This cost includes all programming May 7-10 (or May 15 - 19th), excursions, hotel accommodation, as well as breakfast and dinner each day. Drinks, gratuities, meals not specified and items of a personal nature are for your own account.

For your convenience, you can select to pay everything now or pay in three installments: the first third is due upon sign up. The next due date is December 1, 2022, and the final payment is due March 1, 2023. To sign up for a payment plan, simply click this option upon checkout.

Limit spots available:
Register now