Writers' Studio in Italy
with Mary Hall Surface
in partnership with the
Amalfi Coast Music & Arts Festival
April 18 - 24, 2026
Imagine spending a week creatively writing inspired by art, architecture, and literature on Italy's exquisite Amalfi coast. In collaboration with the Amalfi Coast Music & Arts Festival, we will take our close looking, wondering, imagining, and writing to a whole new level.
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"What a delight to be in the company of other writers, immersed in and inspired by the Amalfi setting, for a full week of reflective and creative pursuits. Mary Hall has crafted a one-of-a-kind program that engages the mind and satisfies the soul."
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2023 Amalfi Writers' Studio Participant
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"An amazing, enriching, and generative experience. Mary Hall's skillful guidance and gracious respect for us and for our creativity made horizons unfold."​​
2023 Amalfi Writers' Studio Participant
Program Description:
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We'll seek inspiration in the landscape and character of a region known for attracting generations of writers and artists. We'll reflect on writings by authors such as John Steinbeck, Edith Wharton, and Virginia Woolf and works of art by artists like John Singer Sargent and M.C. Escher that capture their response to the singular beauty and culture of Amalfi, Ravello, and more. I will craft vivid prompts inspired by these writings and artworks to generate your own creative and reflective writing. We'll tour places that inspired writers and artists of the past. We'll write in gardens, lemon groves, villas, and cafés as you respond to the landscape, architecture and art that surround you. We'll do an informal reading of our work, if you desire, to conclude our time together.
More Program Details:
The rhythm of our days will include 1 – 2 daily writing workshops of 2 – 3 hours, either in our home base, the coastal town of Maiori, or in a neighboring town. Our locations may include:
In Maiori, all within easy walking distance:
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A lemon grove and garden next to Reginna Palace Hotel where we will stay.
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A rose garden with historic fountains of Palazzo Mezzacapo where Caruso, the famous opera singer performed.
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A terraced lawn on a seaside bluff overlooking the water, with a bird’s eye view of the coast and an opportunity to visit a noted succulent garden.
Neighboring locations, with travel by van included:
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Explore Ravello, the famous artists’ retreat and magical hillside town with breathtaking views of the coastline.
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Write in outdoor cafés under the medieval porticoes of Cava de’ Tirreni.
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Discover the legendary town of Amalfi and its glorious Cathedral.
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Writers' Studio sessions will be scheduled to accommodate an add-on excursion to Pompeii. You may also add on an extra night to visit the famed island of Capri.
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You will have a very full schedule on some days and have more free time for personal writing and wanderings on other days. We anticipate at least 2 writing sessions in neighboring locations.
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All photos from Amalfi Writers' Studio 2023.
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Program subject to change.
Participants will have the option to gather for informal reflection and sharing of work with Mary Hall and one another throughout the week. Please note that the program is not designed to offer formal critique or one-on-one workshopping of participants’ writing.
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"Writers’ Studio is unique opportunity to combine writing and exploration of the beautiful Amalfi coast, in the company of kindred spirits and under the gentle guidance and support of Mary Hall Surface."
2022 & 2023 Amalfi Writers' Studio Participant
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Dates:
April 18 - 24, 2026
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Costs:
$3400 (6 nights of hotel, breakfast buffet, welcome and farewell receptions, 6 days of instruction with class-based excursions and more).
Cost does not include airfare.
Single room supplement: $600
Meal plan: $335. Enjoy the opportunity to socialize with the group and sample an array of classic Southern Italian dishes and wine. 6 dinners (including wine and mineral water). Depending on schedule, equivalent lunch may be substituted.​​
Add-ons:
Guided Excursion to Pompeii
Extra Day/Night to visit Capri
Travel:
The recommended airport is the Naples International Airport. We will help coordinate shared airport transportation (cost is not covered) and track the arrangements. Options include vans, shuttle bus, or ride- share service.
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Physical Demands:
Please note that most of our scheduled sites present challenges for people with limited mobility. Participants need to be able to traverse uneven surfaces and stairs, both indoors and outdoors, and to stand during tours.
