ITALY
Bella Umbria with Kalin Sheick — A Soulful Adventure Through Italy’s Heartland
October 3rd - 8th, 2027
Want to see what your week in Italy looks like?
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Umbria, Italy
Embark on an unforgettable journey in the lush, romantic landscapes of Umbria, one of Italy’s most enchanting regions. During the week, we'll have lifestyle influencer and speaker Kalin Sheick, along with us enjoying the local culture, exquisite flavors, and genuine connections.
From ancient hilltop towns to world-class wineries, every day is an invitation to savor beauty, deepen friendships, and celebrate la dolce vita.
✦ Enjoy a hands-on cooking class at a beautiful winery
✦ Explore medieval Orvieto with is ancient well and stunning cathedral
Highlights
✦ Enjoy evening strolls down Corso Vannucci just outside our boutique hotel
✦ Taste world-class wines at top Umbrian wineries
The Accommodation
Experience Umbrian Countryside Luxury: Private Villa Retreat with Culinary, Scenic & Cultural Adventures
Settle into a private villa nestled in the rolling Umbrian countryside — your home base for five nights of culinary delights, scenic exploration, and cultural discovery. You’ll balance guided excursions with free time to rest, explore, or connect with fellow travelers.
The Experience
Experience Umbria:
Day Trips & Great Wine Pairings
Each day we'll explore and savor the best bits of Umbria, both off-the-beaten-path as well as not-to-miss highlights.
Explore Montefalco, Spello
& Todi
Wander through charming hilltop towns rich in history, art, and stunning views. From Montefalco’s medieval streets to Spello’s flower-lined alleys and Todi’s panoramic vistas, this day reveals hidden gems of Umbria.
Day Trip to Orvieto
Journey to the striking city of Orvieto, famed for its towering cathedral, ancient underground grottoes, and enchanting old town. Savor lunch with local specialties and soak in breathtaking vistas.
Umbrian Wineries & Tastes
Discover the region’s celebrated wines with tastings at several top wineries. Learn from passionate wine-makers, sample local varietals, and enjoy assortments of regional cheeses and cured meats.
Kalin Sheick
A note from
Mahjong is more than a game to me—it is a passion, a community, and a way of life. I have channeled that love into teaching classes, running tournaments, and building competitive leagues that bring players of all skill levels together. There is nothing quite like watching a beginner place their first winning tile or witnessing seasoned players challenge one another to new heights around the tournament table.
My vision for mahjong, however, extends far beyond the game itself. I believe it deserves to be experienced in extraordinary places, which is why I am thrilled to be planning an upcoming mahjong retreat with Duende in Perugia—a destination as layered and captivating as the game itself. I also hold a deep affection for Italy, a country I have visited many times, and especially for Umbria, whose rolling hills, medieval towns, and rich, unhurried culture provide the perfect setting for meaningful play and genuine connection.
At its heart, everything I do is guided by the belief that mahjong has the power to bring people together in the most beautiful ways imaginable, and I look forward to sharing a seat at the table with you in beautiful Perugia, Italy!
“
Inclusions
Prices are per person and include:
Shared rooms starting at
£3200 per person
Arrive early, stay late.
Let us help create the perfect add-on experience to enhance your trip. Both Rome and Florence are great places to spend a few nights in on either end of your retreat.
Rome
Florence
FAQs
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Perugia does have an airport but it's likely that if you're coming from the US your best bet is to fly into Rome or Milan. From there you can catch a train to Perugia.
Trainline is a helpful website that gives travel options and even allows you to book online.
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Yes, absolutely. We offer custom, add-on itineraries for those who'd like to spend a few days in Rome, Florence, or even the Amalfi Coast on either end of the trip. Write to us at duende@duenderetreats.com and we'll help with a bespoke itinerary suited to exactly what you're looking for or simply recommend or book your hotel if that’s what you need.
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This is an itinerary that would be enjoyable for anyone who likes to eat, laugh, walk, cook, wine taste and play mahjong. (Children and anyone under the age of 21 not permitted.)
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Yes. Once the trip is confirmed, you’ll automatically be added to a monthly payment plan with the final payment due 100 days prior to the start date of the trip. You can also opt out of the payment plan and pay in full 100 days prior to the trip start date.
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Deposits are nonrefundable unless there's a waiting list and someone would like to take your spot. In the case we are able to sell your spot, you will be refunded your deposit, less £250 admin / transaction fees.
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The full itinerary will be sent to you about a month prior to departure. If you have specific questions regarding the excursions, please do reach out to us.
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If you’re interested in booking, don’t wait! We full expect to sell out well in advance of our registration closing date, September 30th, 2026.
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All levels are welcome. However, if you’re a novice and have never played, we recommend getting a few lessons under your belt before the trip so you can relax and enjoy.
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Perugia is a beautiful medieval hill town, and exploring it is part of the experience. While our accommodation is located along the main pedestrian street, which is relatively flat, much of the city is made up of cobblestone streets, hills, and occasional stairways.
Private transportation will be provided for all scheduled day trips outside of Perugia. However, participants should expect several hours of walking throughout the week, often on uneven cobblestones and hilly terrain. For this reason, we recommend that guests are in good health, comfortable walking daily, and able to navigate inclines with ease.