Learn to create boundaries that honor both yourself and those you love through guided reflection and mindful practice with Toni Mandelbaum, PhD., LCSW. Understand your attachment style and how it shapes your relationships and boundaries, while building practical tools such as resource tapping, affect regulation, and guided exercises for clear, compassionate connection.

The itinerary is thoughtfully planned, with flexibility built in. Plans and timing may shift slightly based on availability and local conditions, allowing the days to unfold naturally.

Begin each morning with a generous breakfast at Essentia Agriturismo, a calm and beautiful family owned property among olive trees and vineyards, then set out on curated excursions to nearby villages and local sites, moving at the pace of everyday Italian life. In the evening, return to gather around the table for chef-prepared dinners made with locally sourced ingredients, many from the land itself, where conversation lingers and connection deepens. Take time to unwind, whether by the pool or in the peaceful surroundings, and settle into the steady, restorative rhythm of Italy.

Essentia offers eight rooms, each with its own layout and character. Rooms may be booked as single occupancy or shared. We encourage you to take a moment to explore the room descriptions and photos by clicking on each room link before booking, so you can choose the space that feels like the best fit for you.

Shared rooms must be booked with someone you know, and the reservation must be made together. All prices are per person.

We strongly recommend arriving in Rome at least one day before the group departure to Essentia and planning your return flight for the day after the trip ends.

This allows time to settle in on arrival and avoids the stress of tight connections. For your return, please keep in mind the 3.5-hour transfer from Essentia to Rome, along with the recommended 3-hour check-in for international flights. We depart Essentia at 9:00 am and typically arrive in Rome around 1:00 pm, though timing may vary.

While we’ll do our best to keep everything running smoothly, we are not responsible for missed flights or connections. Planning a buffer on either end helps ensure a more relaxed experience.

If you choose to spend additional time in Rome, we’re happy to share recommendations or book accommodations.

Each day includes time for guided sessions, along with space for journaling, reflection, and rest. All offerings are optional, you are welcome to participate as much or as little as feels right for you. You might choose to join a session, spend time by the pool, take a quiet walk, or simply be still.

At the same time, much of the richness of this experience comes from being together. We gently encourage time with the group, as so much of the experience unfolds through connection, shared conversation, and getting to know one another, both at Essentia and on excursions.

Payments are processed through WeTravel. Please note that a 2% platform fee is applied to all transactions, along with standard processing fees:

• ACH (U.S. bank transfer): 0%

• Wire transfer: $25

• Visa/Mastercard: 2.9%

• Apple Pay / Google Pay: 2.9%

• American Express: 3.9%

For lower fees, bank transfer is the best option.

Toni is a clinical social worker in private practice in Philadelphia, PA. With over 25 years of experience in providing psychotherapy to individuals and couples, she practices from an attachment perspective where she believes human connection is everything. She’s written chapters on attachment theory and a book titled Attachment and Adult Clinical Practice (Routledge, 2021) and has taught both continuing education courses and a masters level course on the topic. She approaches her clients with non-judgmental warmth, authenticity, acceptance, and compassion and works collaboratively in order to access each person's unique strengths and resiliencies.

10:00 am 

Pick up at Tiburtina Bus Station-Rome

10:00-1:00 pm

Travel to Sepino

1:00-2:30

Independent Lunch

3:00-4:45 pm 

Archaeological site of Sepino Group Tour with Alessandra 

5:00 – 6:00 pm 

Travel to Agriturismo Essentia

6:00 pm 

Settle into Rooms

7:00 pm

Intention Setting Circle

8:00 pm

Group Dinner at Essentia

8:00-9:00 am

Breakfast

Mindful Moment

9:30-10:30 am

Workshop

& Journal

11:00 am

Depart for Termoli 

11:30 -5:40 pm

Independent Time

Beach Club 

Lunch 

5:45-7:00 pm

Group Termoli Tour

7:30 pm

Independent Dinner In Termoli

11:00 pm

Return to Essentia

8:00-9:00 am

Breakfast 

Mindful Moment

9:30-10:30 am

Workshop

& Journal

11:00 am

Depart for Carpinone Waterfall Hike

Group Picnic Lunch at Waterfall 

3::00 pm

Return to Essentia

Pool/Relax/Reflect

7:00 pm

Reflection

8:00 pm

Group Dinner at Essentia

8:00-9:00 am

Breakfast 

Mindful Moment

9:30-10:30 am

Workshop

& Journal

A Day of Choice and Ease

• Hang by the Pool, Relax, Journal, independent lunch onsite. 

• Take an e-Bike tour and independent lunch in Larino.

• Termoli Beach Day and independent lunch.

• Independently take a local ferry to the Tremiti Islands in Adriatic.

7:00 pm

Reflection

8:00 pm

Group Dinner at Essentia

8:00-9:00 am

Breakfast 

Mindful Moment

9:30-10:00 am

Workshop

& Journal

10:00 am

Depart for Agnone

Guided Tour Marinelli Bell Foundry in Agnone

• Independent Walking Tour & lunch  

OR

Depart for Civitacampomarano

Independent Walking Tour of Civitacampomarano & Murals

3:00 pm

Return to Essentia

7:00 pm

Reflection

8:00 pm

Group Dinner at Essentia

8:00-9:00 am

Breakfast 

Mindful Moment

9:30-10:30 am

Workshop

& Journal

11:30 am

Pasta Making Class and Lunch

7:00 pm

Reflection

Closing Circle

8:00 pm

Group Dinner at Essentia

8:00-9:00 am

Breakfast 

Mindful Moment

9:00 am

Depart for Rome

After breakfast, we’ll begin our 3½-hour journey back to Rome. The bus will drop us off at the same location as our pick-up. From there, we’ll say our goodbyes and head off to our next adventures.