Rosemont College is pleased to announce the 2026 International Writer’s Retreat and Publishing Seminar, an unforgettable literary experience taking place in Siracusa, Sicily and Naples, Italy. Hosted by the MFA in Creative Writing and MA in Publishing programs by instructor Charles Holdefer, this retreat runs from December 30, 2025 to January 10, 2026.
The retreat offers graduate credit, noncredit, and companion registration options. Whether you are pursuing a degree or seeking inspiration, this program blends writing, publishing, and cultural exploration in one unique journey.
Explore Rosemont.edu to learn more about Writer’s Studio offerings also open to the public including Intro To Fiction I, Writing The Personal Essay, Publicity for Published Writers, International Writer’s Retreat & the Summer Writer’s Retreat.
Carla Spataro
Director, Creative Writing Program
cspataro@rosemont.edu
610.527.0200 x2346
This registration form is for non credit students and companions only! STUDENTS WHO WANT TO TAKE THE TRIP FOR CREDIT MUST REGISTER FOR CRW 7185 OR CRW 7186 Winter Writing Seminar or GPP 7185 International Publishing Seminar ON THE iWAY.
How to Register
To sign up, non credit students and companions must complete the registration form and provide the following:
- Emergency contact information
- Copy of passport
- Proof of insurance
Important Dates & Details
- Pre Trip Meeting: Friday, December 5, 2025, at 6:00pm in Lawrence Hall Faculty Lounge
- Deposit Due: October 24, 2025 ($500 reservation)
- Balance Due: December 16, 2025
- Use code deposit at checkout when paying your balance
Please note that airfare and overnight layovers are not included. Suggested flights will be provided, but participants must book travel independently.
Schedule
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
- Depart US
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
- Arrive Catania – transfer to Siracusa
- Welcome Dinner & New Year’s Eve Party!
Thursday, January 1, 2026
- New Year’s Day Swim?!
- Leftover Lunch
- Crossroads of Civilization Lecture
- Evening Free
Friday, January 2, 2026
- Morning: Meet with local publisher of Children’s Books, Verba Volant
- Afternoon: Catacombs & St. Lucy’s Church in Borgata (Caravaggio)
- Evening: Workshop
Saturday, January 3, 2026
- Morning: Visit Catania – Librerie reunite & Benedictine Monastary
- Afternoon: Winery near Siracusa or Catania
Sunday, January 4, 2026
- Free Day
- Late Afternoon: Local Live Nativity
- Evening: Free
Monday, January 5 2026
- Morning: Workshop
- Afternoon: Visit Neapolis Archaeological Park
- Evening: Free
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
- Morning: Workshop
- Afternoon: Castello Maniace and Jewish Baths
- Evening: Homemade pasta “cavateddi”
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
- Morning: bus to Messina – Reggio Calabria (Visit Messina Museum)
- Afternoon: cross to Calabria (Visit Archeological Museum of Riace)
- Evening: Arrive in Scilla – hotel
Thursday, January 8, 2026
- Morning: Visit Paestum
- Afternoon: Arrive in Naples
Friday, January 9, 2026
- Morning: Visit historic center of Naples – Spaccanapoli’maschio Angioino
- Afternoon: Free
- Evening: Farewell Pizza – Cristo Velato – San Gregorio Armeno
Saturday, January 10, 2026
- Departure from Naples
