Terra Lumina Pottery Retreat
Three nights in nature. Two full days devoted to ceramics. Only 16 spots.
15–18 October 2026 · Relais Tenuta Il Cigno, Italy
Step away from the city for a few days and immerse yourself completely in ceramics.
The Terra Lumina Pottery Retreat – Autumn Edition is a three-night creative escape dedicated to clay, craftsmanship and the pleasure of slowing down, hosted in the beautiful surroundings of Relais Tenuta Il Cigno, nestled in the green countryside outside Milan.
Two full days of workshops, three different ceramic techniques, small groups and plenty of free time to enjoy the estate.
No previous experience is required. The retreat is designed for both complete beginners and experienced potters who want to deepen their practice.
The Experiences
Wheel Throwing - 3h
Discover the rhythm of the pottery wheel and learn how to transform a simple piece of clay into a balanced, functional form. Beginners will start with the fundamentals of centering, opening and pulling the walls, while more experienced participants can work on more complex shapes, larger forms or personal projects. Each participant will be guided according to their own level and pace.
Wheel Trimming - 3h
Return to the pieces created the day before and refine them directly on the pottery wheel. During this session, you will learn how to trim excess clay, define the foot, improve proportions and give each form a lighter, more finished appearance. You will also have the opportunity to add decorative details and surface finishes, completing the pieces you started during the first wheel-throwing session.
Kintsugi - 3h
Explore the beauty of imperfection through Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken ceramics while highlighting their fractures rather than hiding them. You will reconstruct a fragmented ceramic piece and transform its cracks into a visible part of its story, creating an object that celebrates repair, change and uniqueness.
Kurinuki - 3h
Discover Kurinuki, a Japanese handbuilding technique based on carving and hollowing a solid block of clay. Instead of aiming for perfect symmetry, this process embraces texture, spontaneity and the natural marks left by your hands and tools. You will create a sculptural ceramic piece with an organic, tactile character that is completely your own.
The Programme
Thursday 15 October — Arrival
From 3:00 PM · Check-in
Arrive at Relais Tenuta Il Cigno, settle into your room and enjoy some free time.
From 7:00 PM · Welcome Aperitivo
Meet the other participants and teachers over a relaxed welcome aperitivo.
Friday 16 October — Wheel Throwing & Kintsugi
10:00 AM–1:00 PM / 3:00–6:00 PM
The 16 participants will be divided into two alternating groups of 8.
Wheel Throwing — Throwing & Forming
Learn the fundamentals of centering and shaping, or explore more complex forms and personal projects according to your experience.
Kintsugi Workshop
Discover the Japanese art of repairing broken ceramics by highlighting their fractures and transforming them into part of the piece.
Saturday 17 October — Wheel Throwing & Kurinuki
10:00 AM–1:00 PM / 3:00–6:00 PM
The two groups will alternate between the two activities.
Wheel Throwing — Trimming & Decoration
Trim, refine and decorate the pieces created the previous day, completing their final shape and character.
Kurinuki Workshop
Carve and hollow a solid block of clay to create an organic, sculptural and completely unique piece.
Sunday 18 October — Departure
Breakfast & Check-out by 10:30 AM
Enjoy a final breakfast at the estate before heading home.
The Location
Relais Tenuta Il Cigno
The retreat will take place at Relais Tenuta Il Cigno, a beautiful countryside estate in Villanterio, near Pavia and within easy reach of Milan.
Surrounded by greenery, the estate offers an intimate setting where nature, relaxation and creativity come together.
The creative heart of the retreat will be the estate's beautiful Winter Garden — a bright and elegant space overlooking the surrounding greenery that will become our pottery studio for the weekend.
When we are not working with clay, your time is your own.
You can walk around the estate, relax, enjoy lunch or dinner at the restaurant, book time at the spa or discover the estate's horse riding activities.
Restaurant, spa and horse riding services are optional and are not included in the retreat fee.
Useful Details
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Never tried the pottery wheel before?
You’re absolutely welcome. We’ll guide you through the basics of clay preparation, centering and creating your first forms, step by step and at your own pace.
Already have experience?
You can refine your technique, explore more complex forms or develop your own personal project with the teacher’s guidance.
Open to all levels, from complete beginners to experienced potters.
Minimum age: 14 years old. -
Each participant will have access to up to 5 kg of clay for the wheel-throwing sessions.
The retreat includes:
use of pottery wheels and studio tools;
up to 5 kg of clay per participant;
all materials required for the workshops;
materials for trimming and decoration;
firing of the ceramic pieces created during the retreat;
all materials required for the Kintsugi workshop;
all materials required for the Kurinuki workshop.
After the retreat, the ceramic pieces will be transported back to Terra Lumina Studio in Milan, where the firing process will be completed.
Once ready, your pieces can be collected free of charge from Terra Lumina Studio in Milan.
Shipping is also available for an additional fee.
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An optional return transfer service can be arranged from:
Milano Centrale → Relais Tenuta Il Cigno → Milano Centrale
or
Milan Linate Airport → Relais Tenuta Il Cigno → Milan Linate Airport
€150 return
The transfer is optional and must be requested when booking.
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We have intentionally chosen to keep this retreat small.
Rather than creating a large pottery class, all workshops will take place in two groups of maximum 8 participants.
This means more time at the wheel, more space to work, more individual guidance and the possibility of adapting the experience to each participant's level.
It also means spending the weekend with a small group of people who share the same curiosity for ceramics, creativity and making things by hand.
16 participants. One countryside estate. One entire weekend dedicated to ceramics.
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Your place is confirmed with full payment at the time of booking.
You may cancel your participation and receive a full refund until 11:59 PM on 14 September 2026.
From 15 September 2026 onwards, the booking becomes final and non-refundable.
Due to the limited number of participants and accommodation options, places are subject to availability.
Retreat Fee
€530 €477 per person - 10% OFF
The retreat fee includes:
2 full days of pottery workshops
4 creative sessions of 3 hours each
Wheel Throwing — Throwing & Forming
Wheel Throwing — Trimming & Decoration
Kintsugi Workshop
Kurinuki Workshop
Up to 5 kg of clay per participant
All workshop materials
Firings
Welcome Aperitivo on Thursday evening
Accommodation
Accommodation is available for the full three-night stay from Thursday 15 October to Sunday 18 October 2026.
Travelling solo
Shared Twin Room with single beds - €75 per person, per night
Private Single Room - €110 per person, per night
Travelling as a pair
Double Room with double bed - €80 per person, per night
Apartment with kitchenette - €85 per person, per night
Breakfast is included with your accommodation.
Accommodation options are subject to availability and will be assigned according to booking order.
Request to Book
Submit your request and we’ll check availability for your preferred accommodation and retreat spot. If available, you’ll receive an email with the payment details.
Payment must be completed within 24 hours to secure your place. Your booking is considered confirmed only once the full payment has been received.
You may cancel your booking and receive a full refund until 11:59 PM on 14 September 2026. From 15 September 2026 onwards, all bookings are final and non-refundable.