About This Retreat
“The most powerful thing anyone can say to us is what we say to ourselves”.
Christine D’Ercole’s Wordswork retreats combine powerful storytelling, compelling experiences, and writing experiments designed to reveal our unconscious use of language.
We all talk to ourselves and in doing so, we become storytellers.
Unwittingly we listen to and live by the stories we invent, about who we believe we are and who we believe are capable of being, or not. Left unchecked, these narratives become ingrained belief systems that may not serve us.
Christine’s straightforward simple process teaches us to:
-recognize habitual negative narratives
-cultivate the ability to catch ourselves
-develop the skills to edit our self-talk and course-correct our actions
-create new, more productive, and empowering narratives for our lives
Wordswork retreats offer practical and profound tools for navigating the terrain of deprecatory self-talk to change the way we think. It is, in effect, to practice the art of agency.
Spend a week away from the distractions of everyday life at a reinvented medieval monastery in Tuscany or surrounded by 360° sea views on the Greek isle of Crete. Immerse yourself in ancient history and the transformative practice of self-talk, while enjoying silent photo walks, bike rides through the Tuscan hills, and a day cruise in Mirabello Bay.
Participants leave the experience having punctuated a turning point in their lives, confident in their ability to navigate self-talk, and with a powerful sense of community support.
3-night accommodation at Castel Monastero, Italy | 17 – 20 October, 2025
3-night accommodation at Minos Palace Hotel & Suites, Greece | 20 – 23 October, 2025
About the Retreat Leader
Christine is a public speaker whose work is rooted in self-talk: the story we all tell ourselves about who we believe we are capable of being. Her Wordshops™ are workshops in managing our often unkind inner monologues. Wordswork™ is a deeper dive into her Wordshops in a retreat setting.
Through story-telling and interactive writing experiments, participants edit their self-talk in real time, developing the skills needed to move their lives from where they are to where they want to be.
Christine’s very down-to-earth authentic style puts participants at ease, creating a comfortable space for self-recognition. Wordshop is a practical and profound tool for change.
Christine is sought after by major organizations for the personal and professional impact of her work on mental health and well-being.
As a decorated competitive track cyclist, a Masters World Champion and a multiple time National Champion, Christine brings a wealth of knowledge to her role as one of the original cycling instructors at Peloton. Her classes are grounded in the science of cycling and the power of words. Her unique style of mindful motivation inspires members of the Peloton community, reaching thousands of devoted riders every day. She is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University and has been in the fitness industry for over 20 years.
You can learn more at @iamicaniwillido on Instagram and at her website Christinedercole.com
About the locations
Tuscany is not simply the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance; it is the ideal destination for many travelers seeking to experience its stunning landscapes, delicious food and wine.
Culture, food, art and traditions combined with gentle hills, vineyards and charming villages make Tuscany not only the most dreamed Italian destination, but an unforgettable experience that will leave you the desire to discover more and more about this fabulous region.
Crete, the largest island in Greece and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean, is a diverse and captivating destination.
Here, you can admire the remnants of brilliant civilizations, explore glorious beaches, impressive mountainscapes, fertile valleys and become part of the island’s rich gastronomic culture. The island is the ideal destination for all kinds of sports and nature activities – a paradise for thrill-seekers and nature-lovers.
Crete simply has it all !
About the hotels
Embrace the Italian lifestyle at Castel Monastero, a beautifully restored medieval monastery cradled in lush greenery, overlooking fields and century-old forests in the heart of Tuscany. This sanctuary of well-being, immersed in nature, offers a relaxing and rejuvenating stay where every detail and experience reveals the essence of the place and its seasons. It provides a harmonious balance between ancient history and wisdom and the desires and interests of modern-day travelers.
With 70 exclusive rooms and suites located in the medieval monastery and its hamlet, Castel Monastero embodies the soul of Tuscany while offering an intimate getaway.
Welcome to Minos Palace Hotel & Suites, a sanctuary situated on a private peninsula where soulful explorations blend seamlessly with bespoke design and nature’s embrace. This is a place where immersive wellness, ancient healing, and a unique landscape come together to create a transformative journey.
Nestled on a private peninsula near the picturesque towns of Agios Nikolaos and Elounda, the adults-only 5-star resort offers a 360° sea view and is rightfully regarded as one of the best hotels in Crete. With its thoughtful aesthetic and design, Minos Palace Hotel & Suites aims to provide the comfort and pleasure of a beachfront setting that embodies Cretan charm. The ambiance features free-flowing energy combined with natural elements that nurture the soul.
Indicative Schedule
DAY 1: October 17, 2025 (Italy)
- Arrival / Check-in at Castel Monastero, Tuscany, Italy
- 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM: Welcome Workshop with Christine & Start of Retreat
- 7:30 PM: Community Dinner with Christine
DAY 2: October 18, 2025 (Italy)
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Breakfast
- 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM: Cycling Tour and Picnic
- 3:00 PM - 6:30 PM: Free Time (*15-min writing experiment)
- 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM: Small Group Mantra Mentoring with Christine
- 7:30 PM: Community Dinner with Christine
DAY 3: October 19, 2025 (Italy)
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Breakfast
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Small Group Mantra Mentoring with Christine
- 11:00 AM - 4:30 PM: Free Time to Reflect and Explore / Optional Activities
- 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM: Final Workshop
- 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Final Community Dinner with Christine
DAY 4: October 20, 2025 (Italy & Greece)
- Early Morning Departure: Transport to BLQ Bologna International Airport for Heraklion International Airport in Crete. Suggested flight:
- Ryanair FR3815
- Departure: 09:25 AM BLQ Bologna International
- Arrival: 12:55 PM HER Crete Heraklion
- 1:00 PM: Transport to Minos Palace Hotel
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Free Time
- 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM: Silent Photo Walk / Free Time (*15-min writing experiment)
- 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM: Small Group Mantra Mentoring with Christine
- 7:30 PM: Community Dinner
DAY 5: October 21, 2025 (Greece)
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Breakfast
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Workshop
- 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Lunch and Silent Photo Walk into the town of Crete
- 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Free Time (*15-min writing experiment)
- 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM: Small Group Mantra Mentoring with Christine
- 7:30 PM: Community Dinner
DAY 6: October 22, 2025 (Greece)
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Breakfast
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Small Group Mantra Mentoring with Christine
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Workshop
- 1:00 PM - 6:30 PM: Sailing in Mirabello Bay
- 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM: Free Time
- 7:30 PM: Community Dinner with Christine
DAY 7: October 23, 2025 (Greece)
- 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM: Farewell Breakfast
- Check-out / Departure | Retreat Ends
Disclaimer: This schedule is indicative and is subject to change as we move closer to the retreat date.
Start your
journey
Event Highlights
Transformative Workshops: Engage in Wordshops to enhance self-talk and inner dialogue.
Guided Writing: Participate in storytelling and writing exercises to rewrite your life narrative.
Biking at the breathtaking Tuscan hills: Discover charming villages, rolling vineyards, and stunning landscapes while enjoying the fresh air and beautiful views.
Day Cruise in Mirabello Bay: Explore the beautiful coasts and crystal-clear waters of Elounda, Agios Nikolaos, and Plaka on a scenic boat cruise around Mirabello Bay.
Supportive Community: Connect with like-minded individuals focused on personal growth.
Luxury Accommodations: Stay 3 nights at Castel Monastero in Tuscany, Italy, and 3 nights at Minos Palace Hotel in Crete, Greece.
Mindful Reflection: Experience quiet moments for reflection on insights gained during the retreat.
Empowerment: Leave with practical tools for managing self-talk and owning your story.
Prices
5700€/per person
in Double Occ. Room
Prices
6700€/per person
in Single Occ. Room
Flexible payment
plan
what’s included
Italy
- 3-night accommodation at Castel Monastero
- All sessions with Christine D’ercole
- All breakfast meals
- All dinner meals
- Cycling in Tuscan hills
Greece
- 3-night accommodation at Minos Palace Hotel & Suites
- All sessions with Christine D’ercole
- All breakfast meals
- All dinner meals
- Day Cruise in Mirabello Bay
Transfers
- Transportation from Castel Monastero to Bologna International Airport (BLQ)
- Transportation from Heraklion International Airport (HER) in Crete to Minos Palace Hotel & Suites.
what’s not included
- Airtickets to/from Tuscany & Crete – We strongly advise you to book flexible airfare tickets and flights with fewer carbon emissions to contribute to environmental protection, as it is our responsibility to safeguard our environment
- Environmental resilience tax per room, per night is not included
- Airport and land transfers not specified in the inclusions
- Soft drinks, water, beverages
- Lunch meals
- Whatever is not mentioned clearly in the inclusions
more info
We strongly advise you to book flexible airfare tickets and flights with fewer carbon emissions to contribute to environmental protection, as it is our responsibility to safeguard our environment
Flexible Payment Plan: Available
Language: English
Non-participants / Accompanying Guests: Specific rates are available—please contact us at info@travelgems.com for more information
Private Transfer: Available upon request – kindly contact us at info@travelgems.com
Cancellation Policy: The Deposit amount is non-refundable | Should you wish to cancel your participation two month or less before the start of the retreat, 100% of cancellation fees are applied.
Transport: For Christine D’Ercole’s retreat in Crete, you can fly into Florence Airport (FLR). From there, you can book a transfer to the hotel (approximately 50 minutes). Alternatively, you can fly into Bologna Airport (BLQ). From Bologna, a transfer to the hotel takes approximately 2 hours.
October 20th: A pre-arranged transfer service will take you smoothly from the Castel Monastero Hotel in Tuscany to Bologna International Airport (BLQ). You will need to book your flight from Bologna Airport to Heraklion International Airport (HER) on your own. We suggest the following flight:
Ryanair FR3815 | Operated by Malta Air
- Date: 20 October 2025
- Departure: 09:25 from Bologna International Airport (BLQ)
- Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Arrival: 12:55 at Heraklion International Airport (HER)
Upon arrival at Heraklion International Airport (HER) in Crete, a pre-arranged transfer service will transport you directly to the Minos Palace Hotel.
Important Information: In case there are Covid-19 restrictions or restrictions related to any other pandemic that prevent guests from traveling, the total amount will be refunded.
Dietary Needs: Should you have a special dietary need/allergy, kindly let us know in advance in order for us to accommodate you in the best possible way.
