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Creating the Life You Would Love to Live – SOLD OUT
Gretchen Stein
September 23, 2025 - September 30, 2025
$2950Unfortunately, this workshop is currently full. Click on the “Sign Up Now” button below to add your name to the waiting list.
We will contact you in the event of a cancellation.
An Il Chiostro Life Style Workshop
facilitated by Gretchen M. Stein Ph.D.
“The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams”. Oprah Winfrey
All of us over time experience the loss of dreams that we have held for our lives. Take time to dream again for yourself in this inspiring workshop in Italy. Join Gretchen M. Stein, Ph.D., a compassionate, caring teacher with decades of experience helping people of all walks of life build and manifest, new or long held, dreams using a proven and tested structure of support.
Have fun and add to the richness of your life exploring the beauty of the Italian way of life in the Lakes area of Garda, Italy. This workshop provides both an inner and outer journey of discovery.
During this relaxed, joyful workshop you will learn how to discover, develop, and then harness the dreams of your own heart, so that you can absolutely create and live a life that you would love living. The principles and tools that are used in this workshop have been tested and proven to work by thousands of “Dream Builders” like you.
These principles were developed and taught to Gretchen by bestselling author and life coach Mary Morrissey. In Mary’s words “Your point of power is within you and what is within you is far greater than anything in your surroundings”. Learning to use the full power of your imagination to manifest your dreams is what this workshop is all about.
In a balanced itinerary, we will be given tours, wined and dined, and nurtured in the great tradition of Il Chiostro workshops.
What to Expect
A typical day will include breakfast at our hotel, followed by a morning discussion with our small group of 8-10 Dream Builders focused on the proven steps to building the life of your dreams. Then off we go on an excursion to discover the area around Garda and contemplate the desires of our hearts.
Lunch will be on your own in the charming villages we visit. In the afternoon you are free to contemplate, meditate, pray, journal, take a nap, go for a walk or shop. Whatever way suits you to take in and process this beautiful experience.
It was springtime and my brain seemed overly crowded with ideas and indecision. I needed someone in my corner who would honor the mysterious callings I felt, yet also a coach experienced with the realities of running a business! Working with Gretchen felt like we were a team of two, looking backward, inward, and forward as we examined those callings. With her trademark deep listening and connecting skills, Gretchen helped me see a pathway to dream boldly with clarity and purpose. ~ Danette McCarthy, McCarthy & Associates, Ince
SPECIAL BONUS!
An hour before dinner, in the tradition of the European salon, we will gather with those attending the painting workshop of artist, Mary Pettis, for a happy hour of friendship building, relaxation and inspiring discussion of topics to do with the creative process and the power of the imagination. This hour will be co-lead by workshop leaders, Mary and Gretchen.
After this hour, we will go together with new friends to enjoy excellent Italian cuisine and the joy of interesting conversation.
The Location
We begin our week by meeting at 3pm at the train station in the famed, romantic city of Verona, home to the tale of Romeo and Juliet. Our coach will pick us up there and take us directly to Lake Garda (1 hour away). In the charming village of Villa di Gargnano we’ll check into our home for the first 6 nights – Hotel Gardenia al Lago.
We will finish our program with a final night in Verona. After breakfast at the lake, the coach will take us back to Verona where we will check into the Hotel Indigo des Artes . We’ll have the day to explore museums and perhaps some shopping along the main artery (paved in pink marble!) and an independent lunch. From the hotel that evening we will walk to the town center for a farewell dinner a few steps away from the Roman arena. The next day will be departure after breakfast. From the hotel you can get a taxi to the airport if you are flying directly home, or to the train station if you are continuing your journey.
Everyone knows Lake Como because of George Clooney, but Lake Garda is the real hidden treasure coming down from the foothills of the Alps and plunging into the Veneto area. It is surrounded by dramatic layers of mountains, colorful towns and olive and lemon groves.
General Activities: in addition to the activities of the workshop, we will also see and explore this area of Lake Garda with various excursions selected from:
- A breath-taking ferry across the lake to the town of Malcesine
- Visiting various locations along the lake in towns, gardens and hilltops
- Full day excursion to the lovely Renaissance town of Mantua or other lake town
- Overnight and final dinner in the romantic city of Verona
- Optional museum visits and site seeing in Verona, like visiting the fabled setting of Juliet’s house
Price: $2,950, ($2,650 for non-participating partners)
Single room supplement: $485
All rooms with ensuite bathrooms. (Click the Accommodations tab above for more about our hotels.)
What is Included:
- Transfer by coach to/from Lake Garda
- Shared double room in lakeside hotel (single rooms available for supplement)
- Daily traditional breakfast and dinner, including wine
- Daily workshop sessions with Gretchen
- Dinner and hotel stay in Verona on final day
- All local transportation
- Fully escorted excursions
- ½ day excursion to nearby lake town Malcesine
- Full day excursion to Mantua or other lake town
- Return transfer to Verona for our final day/evening
Does Not Include:
- Airfare
- Lunch
- Gratuities (we suggest €10-20 p/p/day)
- Independent meals and sight-seeing
To Register: just click on the Sign Up Now button. A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required to secure your spot in the workshop. Payment can be made on line with a credit card, or you can send in your registration and payment by mail. Once we receive your deposit we will send you a formal Registration Confirmation with further information about the program. You will receive 2-3 other correspondences by email prior to the workshop with information about Italy, a supplies list and an electronic invoice for the balance. Final Balance is due by August 15th, 2025. Any time prior to your arrival, if you have questions about anything regarding the trip or the program, you can contact us by email or phone and we’ll be happy to assist you.
Cancellation policy:
$500 deposit is non-refundable. For cancellation:
- 60 days prior to workshop, full refund due less non-refundable deposit.
- 30-60 days prior to workshop, 50% refund of balance paid allowed, less non-refundable deposit.
Less than 30 days prior to workshop, no refund due.
Il Chiostro recommends personal travel insurance to cover the possibility of unexpected or last-minute cancellation.
Contact us for more information: info@ilchiostro.com or speak to us live at 800-990-3506.
We will start our adventure by meeting at the train station in Verona at 3pm on the first day. From there we will meet our coach that will take us to Lake Garda (approximately 75 minutes).
We'll spend the next 6 days at the small, family-owned Hotel Gardenia al Lago, right on the shores of Lake Garda.
This hotel was built on what was once a lemon and olive garden on the shores of the lake. Because this is an original villa refurbished into a hotel, each room is different with some of the decor dating from the original 1925 family home. Rooms are either doubles or singles (with a supplement).
Dinner will be served each evening, weather permitting, in the garden adjacent to the villa.
The charming village of Villa, with it's small harbor and cafes, is just a few steps away. The larger town of Gargnano is a short 10 minute walk where you will find shops, restaurants, another harbor and fantastic artisanal gelato!
Verona
We will spend the final night of our week in the magical city of Verona at the four star Grand Indigo Hotel des Arts. For anyone wishing to extend your stay at this hotel, please contact them directly through their web site.We’ll have time to walk around the city, enjoy lunch at a cafe, then have our our final dinner together in an old Verona restaurant. The next day after breakfast is departure. The train station is not far, if you want to continue your exploration in Venice, Bologna or Florence. Or you can get a taxi directly to the airport if your flight home leaves that day.
The group will meet at the train station in the center of Verona, from where we’ll board our coach that will take us to Lake Garda.
Unless you will be traveling around before the workshop, we recommend you fly to Verona's Villafranca airport. There are no direct flights from the US, but you can change in the European city associated with your airline. Then it is a quick taxi ride to the hotel. Other options include flying into Venice, Brescia, Florence, Bologna, or Milan’s Malpensa airport and traveling around on your own prior to our first meeting in Verona.
We’ll spend 6 nights in Lake Garda, then transfer back to Verona for our final night in this romantic, northern Italian city. After breakfast the next day, you can taxi back to the train station to continue our travels or to the airport for your flight home.
Travel Agents & Insurance: Over the last few years, the way we travel has undergone significant changes. For that reason, we now encourage everyone to use a professional travel agent when arranging their trips. Travel agents save you time and stress by handling all the details and tailoring your itinerary to your needs. One of the most important services they offer today is helping you choose and enroll in the right travel insurance program. With COVID and the continued possibility of schedule changes or postponements, travel insurance has become essential, and selecting the right plan on your own can be overwhelming.
If you encounter any issues during your travels, your agent can provide quick support and solutions, taking the pressure off your shoulders. While booking through online sites like Expedia or Hotels.com may seem more convenient or less expensive, they offer little help if you need to modify your plans. A travel professional, on the other hand, is there to assist you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth and worry-free travel experience.
If you choose to Go It Alone, we highly recommend taking out travel insurance for the trip in the event of any unforeseen obstacles to your travel. We recommend Travelex (800) 504-7883 or Travel Guard International (877) 901-7599.
"Those who are sensitive to all that is sublime. You are invited to look at the map of Lake Garda. The shores of this lake with its beautiful forests and calm waters constitute perhaps the most beautiful landscape in the world." - Stendhal
The Province of Lombardy: Both Milan and Lake Garda are located in Lombardy, a northern Italian region bordered by Switzerland to the north and Veneto to the east. Lombardy is the most populous region of Italy and has a rich, layered history. Over the centuries, it was ruled by Germanic tribes, the Spanish, the French, and the Austrians, before finally becoming part of unified Italy in 1861. As a result, Lombardy’s distinctive character—reflected in its art, cuisine, wine, and architecture—bears the influence of these past inhabitants.
Geologically, the Alpine rivers in the north have spread into a chain of stunning lakes, creating the famous Italian Lakes District. Nestled among the gentle slopes of the pre-Alpine hills, these sparkling waters and lush landscapes have earned this part of Lombardy the nickname “The Garden of Italy.”
Lake Garda: Also known as Lake Benaco, Lake Garda is not only the largest of the pre-Alpine lakes but also the biggest lake in all of Italy. Carved by glaciers during the last Ice Age, it stretches across three regions—Lombardy, Veneto, and Trentino-Alto Adige—and offers an astonishing variety of landscapes. Thanks to its mild, Mediterranean-style climate, the lake supports lush vegetation unusual for northern Italy: vineyards, olive groves, and citrus orchards thrive here, giving the shores a distinctly southern feel.
Lake Garda has been a crossroads of civilizations for millennia. From Bronze Age settlements and Gallic tribes to the Romans—who built villas, roads, and thermal baths along its shores—the area’s long history is still visible in ruins, castles, and charming medieval towns. The lake’s name is thought to come from the mighty castle of Torri del Benaco, which once “guarded” the waters against pestilence and invasion.
Today, the only “invaders” are happy travelers. Lake Garda is a favorite holiday spot for German and Austrian visitors and a popular weekend escape for Milanese city-dwellers. The lake offers something for everyone: sailing and windsurfing in the breezy north, cycling and hiking trails along the hills, and relaxing spa towns and gardens on the southern and western shores.
One of the most celebrated stretches is the Brescian Riviera, between Salò and Gargnano. This area is renowned for its elegant villas, lush parks, lemon houses, and historic health resorts. Beyond that, visitors can explore Limone sul Garda with its cliffside lemon groves, Sirmione with its fairytale Scaliger Castle and Roman ruins, or Riva del Garda, where Alpine peaks tumble dramatically into the water.
From medieval castles and pastel-colored harbors to award-winning gelaterie and lakeside promenades, Lake Garda is a place where history, culture, and leisure come together in one unforgettable setting.
Gargnano: Midway up Lake Garda’s western shore, Gargnano is a picture-perfect town with a small harbor where yachts and sailboats drift against a promenade shaded by orange trees and dotted with lakeside cafés. Despite its laid-back charm, the town has a rich past—most famously as Mussolini’s wartime headquarters at Villa Feltrinelli, now a luxury hotel.
Stroll through its medieval churches, explore the cloisters of San Francesco, or wander the narrow streets lined with citrus-scented gardens and traditional limonaie. Surrounded by the Alto Garda Bresciano Park, Gargnano is also a gateway to hiking, cycling, and sailing. It’s a place where history, nature, and lakeside leisure flow effortlessly together.
In her own words:
I have spent a successful career spanning over four decades helping individuals, families, work teams and organizations through the difficulties and challenges of managing life-altering transitions. As the co-founder of the Sand Creek Group Ltd., I created an international corporation specializing in employee assistance counseling, training, trauma response and organizational development.
I have worked with many high-profile organizations including four separate administrations of the Office of the President of the United States, the Commissioner of Major League Baseball, major league teams, corporations, and wide variety of others. From 1994-2019, I served as President and CEO of The Sand Creek Group, positively touching the lives of over one million covered employees and their families.
I hold a doctorate from the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Minnesota, where I was honored in 2016 with the Award of Distinguished Alumni for bringing distinction to my profession and for my significant contributions to behavioral healthcare delivery. I am certified as a Dream Builder life coach by the Brave Thinking Institute and was trained by its founder, bestselling author Mary Morrissey.
I have personally practiced the dream building principles I teach to make my own dreams come true, as well as the dreams of many clients. It is my passion to help others manifest the life they would love to live.
Testimonial:
"The Dream Builder Program helped me on my journey to a life I would love to live. Gretchen was my wonderful guide as I continue to learn to live a life that is open to God's plan. Gretchen helped me on the journey to have the kind of life I want to live. Gretchen is truly a gift".
Elizabeth, Retired Financial Consultant.
Website: www.gretchenmstein.com
