Limited availability! – May 20-27, 2023
Join us for a week of transformation under the Tuscan sun. Rejuvenating walks/hikes, inspiring views, mindful meditation, relaxing yoga, fantastic cuisine and immersion in the spectacular Italian culture, art and history will provide you with the reset your mind and body have been craving.
Our May 2023 Tuscan Retreat takes place at a beautiful villa just outside of Lucca, Italy!! Most days start with an optional yoga stretching session in the on-site studio.
Day 1 (Saturday, May 20): Ben venuti in Italia!! Plan your flights so that you arrive in Florence sometime this morning. You’re picked up at the airport and brought to this fabulous villa where you will check in, freshen up a bit and relax! Maybe a little yoga session and stroll through the olive groves around the villa property…. And/or relax next to the pool with an aperitivo to kick off our week in Tuscany!
Day 2 (Sunday, May 21): Start your day with a few yoga stretches in the beautiful on-property studio! Today’s excursions start with Pisa, where we’ll check out the famous Leaning Tower. Then, we head to Lucca for a private tour of this charming little town. Later, dinner is prepared for us at the villa by our own personal chef for the week!
Day 3 (Monday, May 22): You’re in for a treat today, with a private guided walking tour of beautiful Siena, the center of which is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site! We’ll see it all, including the iconic shell-shaped piazza which is the site of the annual Palio horse race.
Day 4 (Tuesday, May 23): Today is hiking day! Well, for those up for the challenge, that is…. We’ll take on the iconic “blue path” Cinque Terre hike from Monterosso to Vernazza (don’t worry, there are options for non-hikers who still want to explore these fabulous towns!). From Vernazza, we can continue the hike (if the path is open) or we can hop from town to town on the very convenient train that runs along the coast. Regardless, our ultimate destination will be Manarola, where we will savor our “aperitivo” and take in the gorgeous coastal scenery.
Day 5 (Wednesday, May 24): Today we will continue that Tuscan vibe with our own private cooking class! Lunch today will be the result of our own work – an authentic Italian meal, made by YOU (wine sampling might also be on the menu)!
Day 6 (Thursday, May 25): You’ll have some free time this morning to do yoga, take a stroll, or sleep in. Then, we head to the beautiful heart of Tuscany, Florence!! Our private tour guide will meet us after our lunch at a centrally located cozy restaurant. We’ll definitely appreciate the walking tour after that fabulous Florentine cuisine! Our guided tour will grant us skip-the-line access to the Accademia Gallery where you can see the original Statue of David with your very own eyes. We’ll see all of the key landmarks in Florence. And then, what a treat! We have arranged for dinner in Florence too!!!
Day 7 (Friday, May 26): The grand finale for our week in Tuscany is today – a tour through the Chianti region including a visit to San Gimignano! First stop is a private visit at a family-run olive estate in Chianti. It’s perched on a hill, covered with olive trees, overlooking Florence in the distance. We’ll have a tour of the estate and learn about its history from the owner. We’ll also learn a bit about how top-quality extra virgin olive oil is produced, along with sampling!! Afterwards, we’ll head to San Gimignano, where we’ll have some free time to explore this charming walled-in town, famous for its many towers, saffron and a wonderful white wine. We’ll finish the day at a beautiful family-owned boutique castle winery where they’ve been making wine since 1596! The castle, where the owners reside, dates back to 1577 and we get a private tour!!! After visiting the estate and the cellar we’ll enjoy a tasting of their award-winning Chianti wines accompanied by some local Tuscan specialties.
Day 8 (Saturday, May 27): Sadly, all good things must come to an end. We check out by 10am – transportation back to the Florence airport for your flight will be provided.
Includes:
- 7 nights/8 days accommodation at a fabulous villa 5 miles from Lucca (45 min outside Florence), includes city taxes
- Each bedroom has private bathroom, AC, Wi-Fi (TV in common area)
- Amenities at the villa include hiking through olive groves, close walk to town, possibly swimming
- Airport transfers to/from Florence airport
- Meals at the villa – all breakfasts, most lunches, snack and dinners when not on excursions, includes table wine with dinner, healthy foods
- Cooking class on site
- Optional on-site yoga classes throughout the week
- Optional day trip excursions outlined above are included in the price – cinque terre hike, siena, florence, chianti region. pisa/lucca, beach day
Does not include: air fare, travel insurance, tips, meals during excursions, incidental purchases
Pricing: $4300 pp double occupancy ($4900 pp for a single; $3800 pp for a triple; $3600 pp for a quad)
Limited availability — don’t wait! $500 deposit (non-refundable) to reserve your spot