How Two Weeks in a Medieval Italian Village Helped Me Reclaim Balance, Creativity, and Connection

Unlike whirlwind trips or high-priced retreats with pre-packed schedules, spending two to four weeks in a village like Vallo di Nera gives you more than a break — it gives you space.

- Work-life depth: Catch up on projects while actually enjoying your lunch breaks. Fast internet + natural ambiance = flow unlocked.

- Side hustle time: That ebook you’ve been dreaming about? The art project half-started? Here’s the mental and creative room to finish it.

- Personal reset: Mornings are quiet. People greet you by name. The mountains remind you to breathe.

MaryAnna, a novel writer from USA, told me, “I came to work remotely, but stayed to write poetry again.”

☕ Morning Rhythms & Medieval Surroundings

Days here start slowly — not with alarms, but the distant chiming of church bells echoing across stone walls. At Dolce Vita Coliving, you’ll share coffee over sunlit breakfasts, then head into your "office" — which might be a shared coworking space in a 13th-century home or a shady bench overlooking the Nera River.

Difficulty: Easy. The hardest decision is choosing where to sip your espresso.

What to Bring: Laptop, comfortable shoes for cobblestone strolls, a reusable water bottle, your curious heart.

🥾 Optional Morning Hike: Vallo di Nera—Piedipaterno Loop Trail

Want a pre-laptop detox? There’s a 10 km loop trail starting from Vallo di Nera that winds through cypress groves and hillside views to the quiet village of Piedipaterno — where you can grab a coffee and a quick panino before heading back.

- Duration: 3–4 hours at a relaxed pace

- Level: Moderate (some uphill climbs, bring sneakers or light hiking shoes)

- What to bring: Water, sunglasses, light backpack, notebook for spontaneous thoughts

🍷 Food & Wine Itinerary You’ll Want to Journal About

Day 4: Montefalco Wine Escape

Hop in the car for a day trip to Montefalco, the so-called “Balcony of Umbria.” This hilltop town offers sweeping views of vineyards and stone houses — and is home to the bold, rich Sagrantino di Montefalco wine.

- Must-visit winery: Arnaldo Caprai — a family-run vineyard offering tastings, vineyard views, and insight into the rare Sagrantino grape

- Dish to try: Strangozzi al Tartufo Nero — Umbrian handmade pasta with black truffle

Day 7: Farmers Market + Home Cooked Dinner in Vallo di Nera

Visit the local market in the nearby town of Spoleto and gather ingredients with a few fellow colivers — think fresh ricotta, sun-ripened tomatoes, foraged mushrooms. Back in the communal kitchen, prep a family-style dinner. Pair with a robust red and storytelling that stretches into midnight.

Pro Tip: Ask any of the Nonna next door for her secret cannellini bean recipe (they might invite you over to teach it).

🎨 Embrace the Unexpected

During my stay, I found myself painting again for the first time in years. Luigi, a village resident of Vallo di Nera, used his afternoons to paint in this cellar. For some, the "work" was inward — journaling, hiking, soul-checking.

Want something a little livelier?

📍 Day Trips That Stir the Soul

- Assisi (1 hour away): Architectural poetry in stone. Visit the Basilica of St. Francis, marvel at Giotto’s frescoes, and soak in the spiritual air that draws pilgrims from around the globe.

- Perugia: A city with medieval swagger and vibrant street life — perfect for an art fix or gelato-fueled people-watching in the piazza.

- Spoleto: If you time your trip for June–July, don’t miss the Festival dei Due Mondi, a dazzling mashup of opera, dance, and visual art.

🧘 Final Days: Let Go & Listen In

By the last days, most guests begin to recalibrate. Meetings feel easier. Meals last longer. Sleep comes deeper. The village no longer feels like a postcard — it starts to feel like yours.