Explore the Italian countryside on our all-inclusive Taste of Italy retreat. From private tours in Florence to wine tastings in local vineyards, there is something for everyone to enjoy. We will be staying at a beautiful Tuscan Villa in Tuscany. The villa is located only 20 minutes from Florence.

Please note that everything is entirely optional. The itinerary is subject to change due to weather. This retreat is a little more active but we hope to provide you with a nice mixture of relaxation and excursions. You will be staying in the same accommodations throughout the retreat, so you only have to unpack once!

Please also note that the retreat officially starts on the first day of the welcome dinner and ends after breakfast on the last day.

Kristin Goss is an ICF-accredited Wayfinder Life Coach (graduates in August 2023), a 500 hour Registered Yoga Teacher with advanced studies from Thailand & India, 300 hour Registered Meditation Guide, Usui Reiki 2, & Thai Masseuse practitioner, offering 1:1, group sessions & retreats. 

Before traveling the world while getting certified as an instructor in yoga, meditation, Thai massage, and reiki, she had a corporate career that saw her planning and executing corporate hospitality programs at some of the world's largest and most eclectic events. From the Olympic Games in London and Russia to the Bonnaroo music festival in Tennessee and dozens of locations in between, she sought to create a unique experience for each of the thousands of guests that were under her care. From spiritually connecting in Bali and India to working with elephants in Thailand to hiking the Inca Trail in Peru to wine and cheese in Italy, her travel ence makes being a retreat facilitator a natural fit.

To meet more of the Walker Wellness Retreats team, visit the About Us page on our website. 

Restaurants

• Forno da Graziella di Bettoni Stefano - 7 min drive
• LaPia Percussina - A Boutique Biological Farm - 10 min drive
• Osteria del Milione - 9 min drive
• Ristorante Tripperia Bella Ciao - 5 min drive
• Terzotempo - 17 min walk

What's nearby

• Historic Center - Downtown - 14 min drive
• Piazza di Santa Maria Novella - 16 min drive
• Uffizi Gallery - 19 min drive
• Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore - 19 min drive
• Ponte Vecchio - 20 min drive

On the first floor there are five bedrooms: 3 with double beds and 2 with single beds.
Two of the doubles communicate with the twin bedrooms and have ensuite bathrooms.
The third double bedroom, with exposed beams, is served by the bathroom with tub and shower.
On the ground floor there are two bright living rooms with fireplaces, one of which overlooks a large paved area ideal for children to play outdoors and keep an eye on them.
From the same area you have access to the well-equipped kitchen.

Villa Mary is a recently renovated and elegantly furnished medieval farmhouse near Florence (20 minutes). The house can accommodate up to 10 people in the comfortable rooms.

Television

Washing machine

private pool

Kitchen

Coffee maker

WIFI

Hair dryer

Fireplace

Airconditioner

Villa Mary also offers a private swimming pool with an enchanting view of the garden and the Tuscan hills that can give you a fairytale atmosphere over a good glass of wine.

Location type

Rural

Nearby activities

Museums

Horseback riding

Winery tours

Ecotourism

About this area

Impruneta

Located in Impruneta, this villa is in a rural area. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Arno River and Cascine Park, while Uffizi Gallery and Boboli Gardens are cultural highlights. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Nelson Mandela Forum or Coverciano. Relax and indulge in the area's winery tours, or seek out an adventure with horse riding and ecotours nearby.

Money:

• Take out Euros from an ATM. Conversion rates are about equal to the dollar.
• Be mindful that some ATMs charge a crazy conversion rate like 11-15%. Do not use these ATMs. Avoid taking money out of EuroNet ATMs as they charge a lot of conversion fees.
• Use the XE currency conversion app to show you the conversion rate when you buy something. 
• Don't pay in USD. They probably won't take it, and if they do, you won't get a good conversion.
• Always do the local currency, Euro, if a merchant asks if you want to process your card in USD or Euro.
• Cash is widely used, especially for small things like drinks. Keep small bills and coins for the bathroom.
• If you leave a tip anywhere, just round up. No need to tip out standard 20%.
• Make sure you use up all your coins before leaving Europe as you cannot exchange them back.

Financial Safety:

• Be aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying large amounts of cash in public.
• Split up your cash, cards, and important documents into different places (e.g., some in a wallet, some in a money belt, and some in your luggage).
• Keep your wallet or purse close to your body and never leave it unattended.
• Use ATMs located in secure, well-lit areas and avoid those with suspicious-looking devices attached to them.
• Check your credit card and bank statements regularly for any unauthorized charges or transactions.
• Use credit cards for larger purchases as they offer better protection than debit cards.
• Use a travel credit card that offers benefits such as no foreign transaction fees and travel insurance.
• Notify your bank and credit card company of your travel plans to prevent them from flagging your purchases as suspicious and freezing your account.
• Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi to avoid identity theft and fraud. Use a virtual private network (VPN) and avoid accessing sensitive information (e.g., bank accounts) on public Wi-Fi networks.

Personal Safety:

• Be aware of surroundings and stay alert.
• Avoid carrying valuables or expensive jewelry.
• Use a money belt or cross-body purse to keep important items secure.
• Avoid walking alone at night, especially in unlit areas.
• Keep wallet in a front pocket or money belt.
• Use a cross-body purse with a secure zipper or buckle.
• Be wary of strangers who approach.
• Stay alert in crowded places, such as train stations and tourist attractions.
• Register with embassy or consulate in case of emergency.
• Always keep emergency contact information with you.
• Learn basic phrases in local language, including how to ask for help.

Transportation:

• Make sure to validate your ticket before boarding.
• Use trusted ride-sharing apps or licensed taxis when taking a taxi.
• Official transportation services should be used at airports and train stations.

Important Documentation:

• Travel insurance details (including emergency contact information)
• Passport
• Copy of passport (both in physical and digital form)
• COVID-19 vaccination records
• Trip itinerary (including accommodation and transportation details)

Helpful Tip: Make two copies of your passport, travel insurance papers, and other important travel documents. Diversify your copies by storing them electronically on your computer/smartphone and separating them in your money belt, carry-on bag, and checked luggage. Keep your vaccination records with your passport.
Money:

• Debit card (with a four-digit PIN)
• Credit card
• Petty cash (in euros, ~100)
• Cross-body bag or travel purse (to avoid theft when out walking around)

Helpful Tip: You can withdraw euros from ATMs, and it's usually the most convenient way to get local currency. However, it's always a good idea to bring some petty cash just in case of an emergency. Be mindful of the denomination you carry as some shops and vendors may not accept large bills.
Clothing:

• Comfortable walking shoes (closed toe preferred)
• Slip-on shoes (such as sandals or flip-flops)
• Lightweight rain jacket or umbrella
• Scarf (for covering shoulders when entering religious sites or dressing up an outfit)
• Warm sweater or jacket (depending on the season)
• Swimwear (if traveling in the summer or visiting a beach destination)
• Hat and sunglasses
• Undergarments and socks
• Casual clothing (shorts, skirts, dresses, t-shirts, etc.)
• Athletic wear (yoga pants, sports bras, etc.)
• Laundry bag

Helpful Tip: Pack for the season and be mindful of local customs and dress codes. Plan to do laundry or purchase clothes locally if you run out of outfits.
Toiletries:

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
• Shampoo and conditioner (travel-sized)
• Body wash or soap (travel-sized)
• Deodorant
• Razor and shaving cream
• Personal medications (in their original containers)
• Pain reliever (such as aspirin or ibuprofen)
• Anti-diarrhea medicine (such as Imodium or Pepto-Bismol)
• Motion sickness medicine (if prone to motion sickness)
• Sunblock (SPF 30 or higher)
• Insect repellent
• First aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, etc.)
• Towel (microfiber or quick-dry)
• Hand sanitizer
• Earplugs

Electronics:

• Smartphone and/or camera
• Charger and adapter (for European outlets)
• Portable charger (if planning to use devices extensively throughout the day)
• Headphones
• Waterproof phone case
• Power strip (if traveling with multiple devices)
• VPN software (if needed for internet security and accessing geo-restricted content)

Additional Personal Items:

• Refillable water bottle
• Day pack or backpack (for carrying essentials during the day)
• Beach bag or tote (if visiting a beach destination)
• Dry bag (for storing wet clothes or electronics)
• Beach blanket (if visiting a beach destination)
• Book or e-reader
• Journal or notepad

Always keep an eye on your belongings and be mindful of pickpockets and scams. Leave valuable items at home if possible or store them in a secure location such as a hotel safe. And don't forget to leave room in your luggage for souvenirs and gifts! 

Questions about refunds or cancellations? Click here to view our payment and cancellation policy.

The deadline to book an international retreat is 30 days before the retreat begins; however, some exceptions can be made based on availability. Email us at contact@walkerwellnessretreats.com to inquire about booking after the deadline has passed.