The Laughing Retirement's®
Mini Retirement Bootcamp in Rieti, Italy

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Amble through the ancient hilltop villages of central Italy, soaking-in the pleasurable Italian lifestyle while learning about living in Italy.

Visit the quiet, tucked-away towns of Northern Lazio, within comfortable driving distance from the urban culture and elegance of Eternal Rome. Experience for yourself the breathtaking vistas, charming local ambiance and hidden cultural delights that exist around every corner, while learning about wine, local cuisine, and the relaxed pleasant routines that embody everyday life in Italy. 

Attend seminars and meet with Italian experts and professionals, as well as others who have gone before to get advice, guidance, support, and the insider tips and tricks you’ll need to know in order to make your Italian lifestyle a reality.
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Write your awesome label here.

Join us in beautiful Rieti Italy on
May 3 - 9, 2026

Your Package Includes:

  • 7 days/6 nights in a boutique hotel; private double or single room with ensuite bath
  • 6 breakfasts 4 Lunches (Main meal of the day in Italy) 3 Dinners 1
  • Wine tasting with Sommelier
  • 1 Wine tasting with Aperitifs
  • Expert American Tour Director and Guide Private Motor Coach for daytrips and tours nearby 
  • Daily group meetings about how to move to and establish a life in Italy in conference room with coffee service.
  • Walking Tour of Roman/Medieval City
  • Italian Cooking lesson with Chef at a Restaurant
  • Tour of 400-year-old Olive Oil Press
  • Tour of National Monument Castle
  • Tour of enchanting hilltop towns and World Heritage Site
  • Opportunity for Q and A and private meetings with English-speaking Experts/Professionals and Chip and Shonna

Introducing Your Guides, Experts, and Hosts

Travel -  Our travel Industry veteran of 30+ years, and past president of ASTA (American Society of Travel Advisors), Chris is one of the best. 

Attorney
- Our attorney helps foreigners obtain citizenship, visas, and can also advise you about real estate contract law. Her practice is in Milan and she works with Chip Italy at International Living Conferences to help people with move to Italy.

Real Estate/Housing - Our licensed Real Estate agent from Rieti, has helped other expats find housing, whether apartments or homes. From appraisal to finding clear title, Ricardo works with a group of professionals that provide all the necessary services in the home buying or rental process.
Tour Conductor - Originally from New York City, veteran Tour Conductor and Guide shares her knowledge of the delights and wonders of our area with both Italians and foreigners alike. We are fortunate to have her knowledge and expertise on board for the week.

Accountant - Chartered Certified Accountant and Italian Chartered Accountant currently practising in Parma and is a member of the ACCA. His international studies in Italy, the UK and the USA allowed him to consolidate his special interests in international business and tax issues. Our expert has helped many Americans retire in Italy.

Hosts Chip and Shonna Stites love slow travel and see life as an adventure.  They enjoy art, wine, slow food, festivals, golf, gardening, photography, long walks, and time with friends and family as part of their Italian lifestyle. They “retired” to central Italy 7 years ago with their dog, Frankie.

What can you expect from the mini camp 

We have done our best to offer you what we believe most of you will want/need to know. However, these offered sessions and seminars are optional.  You are free to attend or not. We can offer other info and even some outings in addition.

  • How to qualify, apply for and get your Visa/Citizenship
  • Managing your Finances Overseas and in Retirement Italian Taxes
  • Italian Taxes
  • Housing: Renting/purchasing a home/apt 
  • Average Cost of Living in sample Italian Cities
  • Healthcare and Health Insurance
  • Handouts from Daily Classes
  • List of useful and most reliable resources, i.e. websites, books, video channels, phone numbers, names, businesses, gov’t agencies, expat organizations, etc.
  • Driving in Italy: Advice about driving, getting a license, buying a car/car insurance and finding a mechanic
  • How to win friends and Influence Italians
  • Tips for Learning Italian and how to manage with the language barrier
  • How to order coffee and meals in Italy; Meal Etiquette
  • Map of Rieti with Restaurants
  • How to shop in Italy
  • How to define the lifestyle you REALLY need and want
  • Steps for Moving Overseas How to design a Timeline for your move
  • Logistics of your Move: Closing out one life and beginning another
  • All the things no one ever tells you about retirement and living abroad 
  • What it’s really like to live in Italy; Is it a good fit for you?
  • Bringing your Pet to Italy

Dates and Prices

May 3 - 9, 2026

Due to the overwhelming number of enthusiastic people who expressed interest in our camp, we will operate on a first non-refundable deposit paid, first reserved basis. In the interest of keeping the groups between 10-20 persons.


Total Cost Excluding Flights

$5,995, per couple  or  $5,495 with the $500 discount 
$4,495 per single or $4,195 with the $300 discount 

Deposit must be paid by January 15th to secure the hotel and venues
Couple deposit $1000
Single deposit $500 

Should we not reach the minimum requirement of 10 bookings, you will receive a full refund of all payments made, including your deposit minus stripe processing fee

Italy Mini-Camp Payment Option 1 – Couple 

Option 1:  Get a $500 discount if you pay in full today. Payment in full includes a non-refundable deposit of $1000
Write your awesome label here.
Write your awesome label here.

Italy Mini-Camp Payment Option 1 – Single

Option 1:  Get a $300 discount if you Pay in full today. Payment in full includes a non-refundable deposit of $500

Italy Mini-Camp Payment Option 2 – Couple

Option 2: Spread the payment over three months with our three-part payment plan. The first payment includes a non-refundable deposit of $1000

Write your awesome label here.
Write your awesome label here.

Italy Mini-Camp Payment Option 2 – Single

Option 2: Spread the payment over three months with our three-part payment plan. The first payment includes a non-refundable deposit of $500
If you are unsure, or have any questions please book a free online coffee chat using the booking page below.
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