- Email address verified
- Email address verified
About this trip
Imagine starting each day practicing yoga among vineyards and olive groves—or in a 13th
century abbey. Then visiting a beautiful medieval hill town—perhaps with a hike to the top of a
mountain behind the town or around an ancient city wall. Add in a curated food tour, cooking
class, wine tasting, truffle hunt—and of course, loads of historic sites and fabulous
shopportunities—and you have this unique eight-day experience in magical Umbria, Italy.
On this small group, active tour, you’ll travel like a local with Susan Guerra, a wine professional
and the owner of Via Del Vino Food and Wine Tours who lives in Umbria and will show you the
sights that only the locals know. You'll practice yoga each day with Heal BFLO instructors Cheryl
Strauss and Corey Sampson.
You’ll stay in a meticulously restored 13th-century villa surrounded by quiet countryside, just 20
minutes north of the capital city of Perugia (and about two hours from Rome and Florence, yet a
world away). Mingle with locals as you discover this enchanting region that's remained little
changed by the centuries and is far from the tourist crowds.
What Guests Have Said About This Tour
"You think you've seen much of the awe and beauty of Italy...and then you find yourself in Umbria! Singular, local experiences. A small group of very interesting travelers with easy camaraderie nurtured by the exceptionally fun, outgoing, and knowledgeable hosts." –Pattie D.
“Wow. Big wow. You did a wonderful job. I feel like I have pushed the reset button for my life and this trip was a big part of that. Expertise, good humor, and superb organization just skim the surface. Fascinating new friends were certainly integral to the success of the adventure too!” –Cyndy W.
“Buongiorno! We could not have had a more perfect trip! Every single detail was stunning!” –Linda R. and Scott S.
"I can’t imagine having a more wonderful trip than we had in May! Chiesa del Carmine was exquisite, I find it hard to imagine a setting more conducive to a relaxing stay. I learned so much about the wines of Italy. I loved that we visited a different region each night through the wines. I’m hoping to join you on another trip in the future, and have boasted about you all to everyone I know! The trip was so well thought out and organized and I am looking forward to future experiences." –Joanne G.
About Us
Cheryl Strauss, Heal BFLO
Cheryl began her yoga journey 10 years ago when she walked into Power Yoga Buffalo. She immediately felt something new and unique and was intrigued by the physicality and emotional energy that consumed her. With the desire to spread this love of yoga to everyone, she started HEAL BFLO with her best friend to create unique yoga events all over WNY. The people, the community, the love and friendship has created a life that fills her up every day. Cheryl currently teaches at Power Yoga Buffalo, Buffalo State College, M&T Bank, Evergreen Health Services and private/group classes. She teaches a powerful vinyasa flow designed to challenge you both physically and emotionally.
Cory Sampson, Heal BFLO
Cory started taking Yoga classes at Buffalo State College to increase his flexibility. Yoga became an outlet to test his limits and make progress in ways that he never saw as attainable. Yoga has become a cornerstone in his life and enabling others to cultivate their practice is what keeps Cory inspired to push people towards their choice, growth and freedom. His mission is to create a space for people of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds to push themselves and test their limits creating a community of individuals that strive to be better than they were before. Recognizing our strengths and weaknesses and loving ourselves enough to emphasize our strengths and prepare for our weaknesses so that we may take on the world with an open mind, an open heart and the will to be who we truly are.
SUSAN GUERRA, Via del Vino Food & Wine Tours
Born and raised in New Jersey, Susan’s Italian heritage sparked a lifelong interest in the Italian language, travel, food, and wine. After a career in graphic design, Susan earned the Advanced Certificate in Wines & Spirits from the WSET and is currently a candidate in the Italian Wine Scholar program. Prior to founding Via Del Vino, Susan worked in the wine business for 10 years and wrote about wine for New Jersey Monthly Magazine. She moved to Perugia, Italy with her pastry chef husband, Richard in 2014.
What’s included
- 8 Nights AccommodationWe'll stay at a meticulously restored 13th-century villa in the countryside near Perugia plus 1 night at a 4-star hotel near Rome Airport.
- TransportationTransportation for all activities is included via luxury, air-conditioned mini coach.
- Daily BreakfastDaily breakfast with fresh, local products.
- Lunches & Dinners4 lunches, 7 dinners and 1 "apericena" all include wine.
- Food & Wine ExperiencesEnjoy winery visits, a cooking class, a food tour and a real truffle hunt with a local family.
- Yoga SessionsPractice daily yoga sessions at our beautiful villa in the adjacent 13th century church.
What’s not included
- Airfare
- Optional gratuities
- Airport Transfer
Available Packages
Double rooms with shared baths are for 2 people. They can have one "matrimonial" bed or two twin beds. These rooms share the bathroom with the twin room on the same floor. To see the rooms, FOLLOW THIS LINK then scroll down and click on the floor plan images to view the rooms Monte Tezio (located on the ground floor) and Antognolla (located on the second floor).
Double rooms with ensuite baths are for 2 people. They can have one "matrimonial" bed or two twin beds. To see the rooms, FOLLOW THIS LINK then scroll down and click on the floor plan images to view the rooms Monte Acuto (located on the ground floor) and Pierantonio (located on the first floor).
Superior double rooms with ensuite baths are for 2 people. They have one "matrimonial" bed.
To see the rooms, FOLLOW THIS LINK then scroll down and click on the floor plan images to view the rooms Monte Corona (located on the ground floor) and Assisi (located on the first floor).
Single rooms with shared baths are for 1 person. They have one twin bed. These rooms share the bathroom with the double room on the same floor. To see the rooms, FOLLOW THIS LINK then scroll down and click on the floor plan images to view the rooms La Bruna (located on the ground floor) and Monte Subasio (located on the first floor).
Itinerary
Today is your arrival day in Umbria and to our beautiful villa, Chiesa del Carmine. Your home base for the week is surrounded by gardens, stone terraces, and quiet places to reflect. The villa features a swimming pool (heated if needed), located in a quiet and secluded position. We'll be welcomed first at the property's adjacent winery, Vinieria del Carmine for a light lunch accompanied by the wines produced right on the estate. Afterward, you'll have time to relax before an optional evening yoga session. During dinner this evening Sue will guide us through an introduction to Italian wines.
Evening Yoga or Hike (optional)
Accommodation: Chiesa Del Carmine
Meals: Lunch, Dinner