My Beautiful Fortress in Italy.

Thanks for stopping by. This space is devoted to my life in the Italian countryside. In the furthest northern part of Tuscany. A region known as Lunigiana. I am a photo/prop stylist and author.

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What is happening: Formulating new Retreats at La Fortezza for 2026

I am starting to noodle some ideas for organized retreats for 2026. As you know, I have taken a break from organizing retreats for the last couple of years, except for the Secret Flea Market Retreat, which happens in a few weeks. Usually, we like folks to gather their group and let us customize their retreat with the menu of experiences.

However, I have had many requests to organize retreats, like shopping, food-forward, and creative retreats. This is where you sign up for a spot; usually, six spots are available. Most likely, three of these organized retreats will be available in 2026. I am even thinking about creating a Widows’ Retreat. We have so many wonderful people who have joined us in the past. Some guests have now become good friends. Tell me in the comments section what you want to see in 2026. ALL NEW ORGANIZED RETREATS WILL POST IN NOVEMBER 2025.

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Start planning your 2026 retreat experience at La Fortezza NOW.

We are completely sold out for this year. Check out the menu of experiences from which you can choose for your custom retreat. Consider a corporate retreat. Please bring your friends and family and celebrate with us—birthday anniversaries, or simply the sweet life in the Italian countryside.
We look forward to hosting your perfect Italian holiday next year. Please feel free to email Gen with any inquiries or general questions. For more in-depth information, please visit the retreats page.

Menu of Experiences:

● Cooking Classes from my cookbook, At the Table of La Fortezza - Learn to create authentic Italian dishes from the Lunigiana region*

● Cocktails and Charcuterie board lesson*

● Yoga by the pool - Start your day with yoga taught by a local teacher in Italian and English*

● Truffle Hunting with lunch (seasonal - Fall only) - Forage for truffles with an experienced truffle hunter, then linger over a four-course truffle-infused lunch. Moderate difficulty hike

● Foraging and Flower arranging*

● Styling and Photography lesson*

● Olive Mill/Flour Mill - Tour our local olive oil or flour mill, learn about the process of pressing oil or grinding flour, and sample the freshest ingredients

● Amaro Factory Tour and Tasting - Learn about the famed Italian digestivo and enjoy a tasting

● Tour of Fivizzano - Tour this lovely historic town, including one of Annette’s favorite local cafes

● Tour of Sarzana - Tour a medieval town and fortress

● Tour of Modena - City tour and balsamic vinegar tasting with lunch at an artisan purveyor

● Tour of Parma - Tour the city and experience a tour and cheese tasting at a Parmesan cheese factory

● Winery with Wine Tasting - Learn about biodynamic winemaking, followed by lunch with wine tasting

● Slow Food Lecture and Cooking Class - Visit the town of Fivizzano and learn about the slow food movement, followed by a cooking class at a local shop

● Panagacci Dinner - Experience this delicious specialty of the Lunigiana region at a local restaurant

● Pizza Party* a must

● Day at Cinque Terra, Portovenere (seasonal - Fall only) - Enjoy a day taking in the sights, sounds, and flavors of the Italian Riviera

● Lunch or Supper at a farm-to-table winery

● Hiking, caving, rafting, mountain climbing, biking

● Flea Markets

● Tour of Pietrasanta - Tour this historic town, famous for its artistic contributions to Italian culture

● Private Carrara Quarry Tour with Lunch at the top of the mountain

● Private Castle Tour and art collection

● Testaroli Maker - Discover this ancient pasta, prepared by a local food purveyor

● Forte dei Marmi Market (seasonal - Summer only) - Experience this vibrant open-air market and enjoy a day at the beach

● Harvest at our Vineyard, dependent on the harvest timing

● Private boat rental; cruise the Bay of Poets with friends and have a picnic lunch on board.

*Indicates an experience personally hosted by Annette on-site

We have loads of choices and options for excursions and experiences. This is just a sample. You’ll get to know a little-known beautiful part of Italy. My special place. ~Annette x

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La Fortezza Kitchen on YouTube: Spaghetti Alla Vongole, (Spaghetti with Clams)

This week, on La Fortezza Kitchen, I'm sharing one of my favorite pasta recipes: Spaghetti Alla Vongole (spaghetti with clams). It’s a great recipe to share with guests. Have a peek.

Thanks for watching, and please consider subscribing to the channel.

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MY LATEST REAL-ESTATE YouTube VIDEO: Our film crew considers being my neighbor. Do Claire and Stephen pull the trigger on this cute cottage?

All About Annette YouTube channel, if you missed it, our film crew was excited about a small cottage we toured. You must watch until the end to see if they bring my neighbor. You will love this episode.

Check it out, and please like and subscribe to keep this crazy adventure going.

Thanks so much for watching my YouTube Channel, All About Annette. Please share my channel with your friends.

The channel has 12 K+ + subscribers! I'm trying for 20K this year; thanks for the support! Love you guys x