The Gift of Simplicity

A Yoga Retreat in Tuscany

April 29th - May 5, 2024
6 nights, 7 days 

Experience the beauty of Tuscany in early Spring.

Consider the gift of a pilgrimage to the Province of Siena, to the 12th-century agricultural estate Spannocchia.

Daily yoga and meditation classes will provide the foundation for our time at Spannocchia.

These classes will integrate the physical, philosophical and spiritual aspects of yoga, and will help our days to unfold gracefully. They will aim  to show us how the ancient teachings of yoga are relevant to our modern culture.

 We will be weaving together a tapestry of asana, sound, philosophy, the eight limbs of Ashtanga yoga, Chinese Medicine Theory, devotion, somatics, alignment and deep relaxation to reset the nervous system for an experience of wholeness and well being.

The Spannocchia estate is a working organic farm and comprises 1100 acres within the Alto Merse Reserve.

The landscape that surrounds Spannocchia tells a story of self sufficiency in ancient times. The olive trees, vineyards and gardens open the senses and spark the imagination. The buildings, the lodging, the castle, and the Italian farmhouse furnishings expand this sense of being in another place and time.

Most of all the warm hospitality, the delicious meals lovingly prepared, the relaxed atmosphere and the community spirit of the staff are an immersion into a culture that embodies simplicity, contentment, authenticity, joy and generosity of spirit.

There are many special spots at Spannocchia that invite quiet and rest.

The gardens, a library, a small chapel, reading nooks, outside patios and hiking trails are at our disposal. There is a swimming pool if the temperatures are warm enough.

Investment

Single Occupancy

VILLA

$2200
with early bird deposit

$2400
with no early bird discount

Double Occupancy

VILLA

 $1980
with early bird deposit

$2180
with no early bird discount

Rooms are assigned in order of deposits received.

Our days will be structured to invite self-reflection, inner nourishment, new friendships and an experience into a simpler lifestyle.

Includes:

  • All yoga classes

    • Early Morning Ashram - every morning 
      45 minutes, chanting, meditation, setting intention, light movement

    • Mid Morning Vinyasa - every morning
      (excluding the day we go to Siena) 
      2 hours, integrating awareness practices with mindful movement, journaling

    • Late afternoon, 2 classes
      1 hour, restorative, discussion, journaling
      (All classes are optional)

  • Lodging

  • All meals, wine included with dinner

  • Apertivo before dinner on the terrace

  • Transportation to and from Spannocchia departing and returning to Florence Santa Maria Novella train station

  • Transportation to Siena for a day trip

  • Lunch in Siena

  • Guided tour in Siena

Other activities included:

  • A guided tour of the Spannochia grounds and learning about its history.

  • Wine tour and tasting that will be full of information about the production of the wine produced at Spannocchia.

  • A guided hike to Ponte della Pia, a beautiful and famous bridge, passing by a hermitage and a castle on the ancient pilgrims route. Starts and ends at Spannochia, 4.3 miles.

  • A day trip to Siena, a Unesco world heritage site, with a knowledgeable guide, Miriam Grottanelli De Santi. The morning will be a guided tour, to be followed by a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant. The afternoon will be free time to wander, go to museums and shop. Did I mention gelato and cappuccino? We will meet at the end of the day for apertivo at one of Siena’s best overlooks. Then, back to Spannocchia where dinner will be waiting for us.

Does Not Include:

  • Airfare

  • Transportation to Spannocchia if you miss the pick up at Florence train station, cost approximately 60 euros.

  • Optional activities:

    • Olive oil tasting

    • Cooking class

    • Guided hiking

Schedule for Payment

$250 non-refundable deposit (to be subtracted from final payment), to be received no later than December 5th to qualify for early bird pricing.

  • 1st payment due no later than December 14th, 2023 (1/2 of total tuition)

  • 2nd payment due no later than March 1, 2024 (balance of tuition)

  • No refunds after January 5th, 2024. 

Could you be in need of a reset?

I would be honored to facilitate you on this journey.