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Writing HomeFrequently asked questions
Below are a few frequently asked questions relating to our creative writing holidays in Tuscany. If there are any further questions you might need answering, please do not hesitate to contact us using our Contact Form
Are there any hidden extras?
None whatsoever. Everything is included in the cost of your course: accommodation (including all linen and towels), pre-dinner aperitifs, all meals (including dinner with wine at charming local restaurants), local transportation (including transfers to Pisa airport; the excursion by train to Lucca or the Cinque Terre) and tuition. All you have to do is to get to Pisa and we do the rest!
On the excursion day (transport is free) at breakfast time we'll provide materials for your own picnic lunch or, if you prefer, you can buy a snack or a more formal lunch when you are out - it's up to you. Other than that you only need money for personal needs, postcards and the odd cappuccino in the piazza.
What are the pick-up and drop-off times at Pisa airport on the first and last days of my course?
We pick you up at Pisa airport on the first day between 11am and 2pm. We organise precise pick-up times to fit in with our guests' flight arrivals times. Transfers to the mill outside 11am and 2pm are extra, at cost.
If you arrive later than 2pm, we can arrange a taxi to pick you up at Pisa airport. This will be cheaper for you than hiring a taxi at Pisa airport. The cost for a taxi is of the order of 180 Euros. There are trains from Pisa airport to Aulla or to Soliera and we can arrange to pick you up at either of those stations, where the taxi fare will be cheaper than from Pisa.
Alternatively, you may care to arrive a day early and stay in Pisa overnight (See Where can I stay in Pisa? below) and come to the airport on the Saturday morning. The airport is close to the town and there is a shuttle bus from the centre, as well as a train and taxis. We will inform you of the precise time we will pick you up at the airport on Saturday morning..
Our departure times from Posara on the last Saturday are between 7am and 11am. (Precise timings of travel to Pisa will be worked out during the course.) If your flight time means that you will have to leave Posara before 7am we will arrange a taxi for you, which you will have to pay for.
For those who are leaving Pisa airport later in the day, we will drop you off at the airport in the morning. It's easy to leave your luggage there and enjoy sightseeing in the city. The airport is close to the town and there is a shuttle bus to and from the centre, as well as a train and taxis.
Please let us know your flight details as early as you can so we can make all the necessary arrangements.
What happens if I have to cancel my holiday?
A handling charge of £50 per person per week will be levied on all cancellations. In addition, if you have to cancel four to eight weeks before departure, a charge of 40% of the total price is payable; at two to four weeks, 60%; at one to two weeks, 80%; at less than one week, 90%. We highly recommend that you take out travel insurance that includes provision for you having to cancel.
Where can I stay in Pisa?
We are not in a position personally to recommend hotels in Pisa, since we don't ever stay there overnight! Our Personal Travel Adviser, Peter Millard
of The Co-operative Personal Travel Advisers, can also find a hotel for you (see How can I organise my flights? below.) There is absolutely no obligation to use him, but if you would like his help, his phone number is 0844 209 4039 (local call charge) and his email address is peter.millard@co-operativepta.co.uk.
How can I organise my flights?
You can book your own flights (there are good connections from Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, East Midlands, Birmingham, Leeds/Bradford, Manchester and Bristol and an increasing number of other UK airports)
Or, to make life easier, you can use the services of our Personal Travel Adviser, Peter Millard of The Co-operative Personal Travel Advisers, who will fix everything for you at very competitive prices. There is absolutely no obligation to use him, but if you would like his help,his phone number is 0844 209 4039 (local call charge) and his email address is peter.millard@co-operativepta.co.uk. We have found that many travel agents these days are not very helpful and are often tied to big tour operators. Peter will give you personal service.
Can I come by car?
Of course you can. You can park at the mill and we'll give you full instructions on how to get there. (We haven't lost anyone yet!). We reckon you can do Calais to the mill easily in two days using the French autoroutes and the Italian autostrade and it is even more fun if you take three days and make a holiday of the journey. We recommend stops near Strasbourg and beside Lake Como if you make a three-day trip. We'll gladly share our experiences of motoring down, suggesting routes and places to stay.
Can I bring my laptop?
Yes, of course. Italian electricity supply is at 220 volts. You will need an adaptor from your plug to a two-pin continental socket. We have wi-fi available in the administrative area in Apt 1.
What clothes do I need to pack?
Predicting the weather these days is an impossible task! In the Spring and Autumn when the creative writing courses are held, the days are usually warm to hot, but it can rain, sometimes for a day or two at a time. So we recommend a lightweight waterproof coat and perhaps an umbrella. The evenings might be a little cooler so warm pullovers or tops are a good idea. (We have a saying: lunch in shirtsleeves, dinner in a pullover.) Sensible shoes for walking are also recommended.
Some dinners are taken in local restaurants, but there is no need to dress formally. You'll find the Italians are 'smart casual', but everyone is very relaxed. For the men, there is no need to pack a tie.
Do I need to bring linen or towels?
No, all linen and towels are provided. There's also a washing machine for communal use, but please ask Kerstin first so she can fit you in around our laundering.
Are there hairdryers?
There is a hairdryer available which you can ask to borrow. If you bring your own, the electricity is 220V. You will need an adaptor from your system to a two-pin European plug.
Can I be contacted at the mill from the UK?
In an emergency it is probably best for your friends or relatives to contact Kerstin on her mobile: +39 328 30 74 644. It has an answering service and she will pick up messages regularly if she's not able to answer immediately. Or they can contact Bill on on his Italian mobile +39 366 488 2587. If you bring your laptop you can receive emails in our reception area.
Please note that the numbers above are correct; don't add or subtract zeros to the numbers above.
What can non-participating partners do?
Non-participating partners are welcome to join the groups.
For writing groups, you should certainly come on the day we go to the wonderful Al Vecchio Tino restaurant in its spectacular setting (and on the excursion to Lucca or the Cinque Terre). And we have many suggestions for fun places to visit and things to do while your partner is writing.
If you come by car, of course, your non-participating partner will enjoy even more freedom.
Many non-participating partners, however, find it rather relaxing to choose a quiet spot in the walled garden the lavender garden or the riverside gardens and settle back with a book or enjoying a dappled-sunlight snooze….
Watermill Info