Italy – Tuscany
Seven day Vacation–Retreat in a quiet farm, south of Florence, surrounded by the beautiful Tuscan landscape and medieval history. The retreat component will be mainly based on nature and the healing power of the forest. Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Therapy) training and practice will be the main focus of this relaxing holiday, together with our mindfulness meditation sessions and introduction to Tibetan Dream Yoga.
Venue
Dimore di Poggianto Agriturismo
A beautiful Tuscan Agriturismo Farmhouse complex sitting atop a hill with breathtaking panoramic view. The surroundings include the famous River Arno, small vineyards and the hilly native wilderness of rural Tuscany.
Our guests can enjoy the dreamlike surroundings and peacefulness of the typical Tuscan countryside. An old Roman road paved with stones takes you to the river Arno, until the spot where it is said Leonardo was inspired to paint the bridge that is seen behind Mona Lisa’s left shoulder. This road was a connection to the Via Francigena, which pilgrims used to walk since the 11th century to get to Rome.
This area is at the heart of Tuscany, we will be driving on excursions to the North, East and South of the venue, enjoying the view of the Tuscan hills, visiting historical spots like the home of Michelangelo in Caprese, the Villa Bramasole in Cortona where the movie “Under the Tuscan Sun” was based on, and of course Florence, city that many consider the birthplace of the renaissance, so rich in medieval history and art.
See for yourself, read the reviews of our Shinrin Yoku program in Germany here
Dates 2023
To be announced. Sign up to our newsletter here to receive re-opening news.
(Optional extension at the end of the retreat with full day visits to Perugia, Assisi and Rome)
What’s Included in Package Price
Retreat component:
Mindfulness in Nature & Shinrin Yoku (Forest Therapy) Program
• Daily mindfulness meditation sessions
• Daily Forest Therapy sessions
• MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) basics training
• Introduction to Tibetan Dream Yoga philosophy and practice
• One on one coaching sessions available
Vacation component:
Accommodation, Meals, Excursions & Airport Shuttle Service
- Full day excursion to Florence featuring the splendor of the capital of Tuscany
- Half day outing to the birthplace of Michelangelo in Caprese
- Afternoon outing to the town of Cortona, visiting film locations for “Under the Tuscan Sun” including the real Villa Bramasole
- 7 nights’ accommodation and all meals cooked daily on site
- Pick up and drop off to and from Florence airport or Arezzo train station
- Use of surrounding forest and gardens for solitude walks
- Prosecco and bonfire evenings
- Large swimming pool on the premises
- Beautiful forested trails by the River Arno
- Outdoor night meditations and stargazing
- Meals & beverages:
True Mediterranean recipes, freshly cooked on-site for breakfast, lunch and dinner, also snacks will be provided during morning and afternoon tea and coffee breaks. Selection of tea & coffee. Bottled water. Regional Tuscan wine will be included with dinner at no extra cost. There is a Restaurant on site, guests are welcome to purchase any additional food or drinks from the house.
- Shuttle to Florence Airport or Arezzo Train Station:
Arriving and departing guests will be provided with transportation services between our venue and Florence Airport or Arezzo Train Station if coming from Rome.
- Half and full day outings to Florence, Caprese Michelangelo and Cortona
– Afternoon excursion, visit to the birthplace of Michelangelo visiting the home where he was born and spent his childhood in the town of Caprese Michelangelo.
– Full day excursion to Florence. Enjoy a packed lunch by the River Arno and explore the ancient history and beautiful architectural wonders of the capital of Tuscany.
Afternoon excursion to the town of Cortona, film location of the famous film “Under The Tuscan Sun”, walking tour around the town and visit to the famous Villa Bramasole spotting film locations in this picturesque town. Sunset Dinner at a special restaurant in the area.
- Accommodations at Agriturismo Dimore di Poggianto:
Seven night accommodation at Agriturismo Antiche Dimore di Poggianto.
The Agriturismo is composed of three farm houses, the main house, the Inn house and the cottage. The main house has been divided into self-contained apartments. The rooms offered below are in one of these apartments which also offer the benefits of sharing their own living room area, kitchen and dining areas with a very small group of guests.
Packages (Prices will be finalized in early 2023)
- Shared bedroom with one other guest, shared bathroom: € 999
- Private bedroom with shared bathroom – Double occupancy: € 1,020 *
- Single private room with shared bathroom: € 1,075.00
- Private bedroom with private bathroom – Double occupancy: € 1,155 *
- Single Private Suite, queen size bed and private bathroom: € 1,339.00
- Azzurro Apartment: Entire self-contained apartment, master bedroom, kitchen, dining and living rooms, private patio. Double occupancy: € 2,919 for 2 guests
All prices are per person, except when otherwise specified, for the 8 day, 7 night vacation retreat.
* Double occupancy prices require a minimum of two people signing up for that particular package.
Items NOT included: Airfare to Florence or Rome, train fare from Rome to Arezzo, additional activities at excursion destinations (bicycle rentals, third party guided tours, admission to Museums, food or drinks not part of our package)
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More Info….
Mindfulness Program Details:
The mindfulness seminar piece of this package offers guided meditation sessions and training on mindfulness practice techniques. Our training’s foundation is the Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program developed at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in the 1970s by Professor Jon Kabat-Zinn. Our lead trainer is MBSR certified and will provide daily guided meditation practices focusing on a variety of relaxation and self-compassion techniques.
We will also include daily sessions of Shinrin Yoku and Forest Therapy. Shinrin-yoku is a term that means “forest bathing.” It was introduced in Japan in the early 1980s and it is now officially adopted as a preventive health care and healing practice in Japanese medicine. Several decades of medical research in Japan and South Korea have scientifically proven the effectiveness of this natural healing method and immune system enhancement. Their research is now helping to establish shinrin-yoku and forest therapy throughout the world. Our program, which enjoys amazing reviews and has been featured in German publications is one of the first ones in central Europe.
In all our retreats we are also offering “Introduction to Tibetan Dream Yoga” philosophy and practice.
Mindfulness sessions to be held outdoors whenever possible, on a large terrace overlooking the valley, or the lawn by the swimming pool. The farm-house also has a spacious, indoors, seminar room. All Shinrin-Yoku sessions will, of course, take place in the nearby forest.
The surrounding area also offers a great space for solitude and contemplation. Immerse yourself in the very safe local natural beauty, or the ample grounds that could be enjoyed during a solitary stroll.
Vacation Component Details:
Full-day and half-day outings are planned to various nearby destinations during the seminar week, as well as an optional 3 day extension, offering full day visits to Perugia, Assisi and Rome.
We will visit:
Florence: Walking tour through the old town with such rich medieval history and the birthplace of the renaissance. Dating back to 59 BC when it was established by Julius Caesar as a settlement for his veteran soldiers.
It w
as named originally Fluentia, and later changed to Florentia. The city attracts millions of tourists each year, and the Historic Centre of Florence was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. The city is noted for its culture, Renaissance art and architecture and monuments. The city also contains numerous museums and art galleries, such as the Uffizi Gallery and the Palazzo Pitti, and still exerts an influence in the fields of art, culture and politics. Due to Florence’s artistic and architectural heritage, it has been ranked by Forbes as one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Birthplace of Michelangelo:
Caprese Michelangelo is a village and comune in the province of Arezzo. It is the birthplace of the Renaissance artist Michelangelo. The village is roughly 100 kilometres east of Florence. The house where Michelangelo was born has been turned into a Museum.
Film location of “Under the Tuscan Sun”:
Cortona is a town and comune in the province of Arezzo, in Tuscany. It is the main cultural and artistic center of the Val di Chiana after Arezzo. This town with abundant renaissance architecture and amazing views of the valley was the location chosen for the Film “Under the Tuscan Sun” (2003).
Photo by Patrick Denker
In the evenings enjoy the spacious grounds; joining informal evening story telling sessions explaining the history of the area; sitting around a bonfire; poetic readings or any other bonding activities the group may be interested in. If you play a musical instrument or have any performing talents you’d like to share, this would be a great opportunity to do so.
Authentic Tuscan food
The week-long retreat, packed with amazing activities will be “fueled“ by, freshly made on site, exquisite and authentic Tuscan meals, from locally grown and regional fresh ingredients. Imagine! this is Tuscany in the midst of harvest season!
Wines from local producers will be served at no extra cost during the evening meals.
Pure Vacation Extended Stay Option:
Extended 3 day stay: Visiting Perugia, Assisi and Rome. Ask us for more information.
Look our authentic tuscan ospitality https://www.cappannelle.it . I hope to collaborate in the near future
Thank you for your comment. We’ll keep you in mind!
Best regards
C. Ponte