Name: Highlights of Italy
Start: 2024-09-01T00:00:00.000Z
End: 2024-09-09T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy

Walker Wellness Retreats

Email address verified

33 reviews

Sep 1 - 9, 2024

Group size: 10 - 12

Highlights of Italy

Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy

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Walker Wellness Retreats

Email address verified

33 reviews

Sep 1 - 9, 2024

Group size: 10 - 12

All-inclusive retreat to the top sights in Italy. You will stay at 5-star accommodations and have a private driver and guide throughout your duration in Italy. Everything will be taken care of for you from start to finish when we pick you up from the airport.

All meals, transportation, accommodations, entrance fees, guides, and gratuity will be included. Our retreats are all-inclusive, but please be prepared to have Euro currency for small things you wish to purchase and for personal tipping.

This retreat is more active in style due to the amount of time required to move from location to location and the walking required while traveling in Europe. Please note that there are many uneven steps and cobblestone streets, so suitable footwear and a steady gait are necessary.

Please note that everything is entirely optional for all of our retreats. If there is ever something you wish to skip out on or a day where you would like to do your own thing, please feel free to do as you want during your vacation.

Please note that the itinerary is subject to change due to weather and availability.

Airfare into Rome and out of Venice, Italy, will be needed.

Packing List for Travel to Europe

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 essential 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. If you run out of outfits, plan to do laundry or purchase clothes locally.

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 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. If possible, leave valuable items at home 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!

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. Also, avoid taking money out of EuroNet ATMs, as they charge many 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 you won't get a good conversion if they do.
If a merchant asks if you want to process your card in USD or Euro, always use the local currency, 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, round it up—no need to tip out the 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 publicly.
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 in secure, well-lit areas and avoid those with suspicious-looking devices attached to them.
Check your credit card and bank statements regularly for 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 your surroundings and stay alert.
Avoid carrying valuables or expensive jewelry.
Use a money belt or cross-body purse to keep essential items secure.
Avoid walking alone at night, especially in unlit areas.
Keep your 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 the embassy or consulate in case of emergency.
Always keep emergency contact information with you.
Learn basic phrases in the 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.

Amy Walker, MSW, LCSW, CCM, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Owner of Walker Wellness Retreats. Amy started Walker Wellness Retreats in 2016 due to her love for travel and helping others experience the world. Amy works as an online mental health therapist when she is not leading international retreats. Amy is passionate about helping individuals and couples work through barriers and find new ways to communicate, connect, and thrive. In addition, Amy loves international travel, wine tasting, whale watching, and the outdoors. Amy works alongside her husband, Brian Walker, to run Walker Wellness Retreats.

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

If you cancel your trip before the 90-day deadline, 25% of the total trip price is non-refundable, as are any airfare, train tickets, or ferry tickets purchased as part of your trip package due to the strict cancellation policy by foreign carriers (if applicable).

Trip cancellations requested after the final payment deadlines listed above are non-refundable, and guests are encouraged to file a claim with their travel insurance for reimbursement.

In the unlikely event Walker Wellness Retreats cancels the retreat, guests will be provided a full 100% refund of their booking.

Lastly, we partner with several third-party booking platforms that have separate deposit and cancellation policies. If you book through a third-party partner, please refer to their specific cancellation policies.

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. Please email us at contact@walkerwellnessretreats.com to inquire about booking after the deadline has passed.

Accommodations
Highly rated hotel accommodations
Airport Transfers
Airport Transfers in to Rome and out of Venice
Meals
All meals as listed in the itinerary
Train Tickets
Train tickets from Rome-Florence - Venice
Vatican City
VIP private guided tour of the Vatican City
Classic & Imperial Rome
VIP private guided tour of classic and imperial Rome with lunch
Florence & Accademia
VIP private guided tour of Florence, with Accademia
Siena & San Gimignano
VIP private guided tour of Siena & San Gimignano with lunch
Tuscany
VIP private guided tour of Tuscany with Chianti Wine Tasting and lunch
Venice Tour
Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica Small Group Guided Tour
Skip-The-Line Tickets
Entry tickets for all sites and museums listed in itinerary
Gratuity
Gratuity for guides and meals
Private Guide and Driver
Private local guide and driver for our group only

All-Inclusive Double Occupancy

Available until August 2, 2024|4 left

Double occupancy includes a private bedroom and private bathroom for 2 people.

Helpful hints: If you have two people who would like to share a room, select 2 Double Occupancy packages. If you are traveling alone but want to be paired with another solo traveler, select 1 Double Occupancy package. If you are traveling alone and want your own room, select 1 Single Occupancy package below.

$5,495

Deposit: $1,249

Book Now

All-Inclusive Single Occupancy

Available until August 2, 2024|only 2 left

$6,595

Deposit: $1,499

Book Now

Day 1
Day 1
Arrival to Rome
Welcome to Italy! When you exit with your luggage, please look for Amy Walker, Owner of Walker Wellness Retreats, who will be holding a Walker Wellness Retreats sign. At 9 AM, our driver with RAPHAEL TOURS. will then transfer us from the Rome Fiumicino Airport to your hotel. Private transfer to your hotel is included. Free time until the group dinner and orientation. The retreat officially starts at the welcome dinner on this day.

Please pack light, as space is limited. You can only bring one suitcase and a handbag or backpack.

Depending on when you arrive, you may have free time before the retreat starts. Here are some suggestions for optional excursion that you can book on your own:
3 in 1 Cooking Class near Navona: Fettuccine, Ravioli & Tiramisu
Rome Wine & Food Tour in Trastevere Jewish Ghetto Campo de Fiori
Rome Highlights by Golf Cart: Private Tour

Please meet in the lobby at 6:30 PM for a brief meet and greet before walking to dinner as a group.

7:00 PM: Group dinner at a local restaurant.

Hotel/Lodging:
The Tribune
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Day 2
Day 2
Private VIP tour of Rome
Breakfast at your hotel at your leisure.

9:00 AM: Pick up out front of your hotel for your day excursion: Tour of Classic & Imperial Rome, with Colosseum.

Our driver will pick us up at the hotel and take us to the Colosseum area, where we’ll meet our private guide. We'll visit the Colosseum amphitheater, which is the symbolic place of Rome, known around the world for its gladiatorial shows. Our guide will shre the main stories linked to its history, how gladiators were trained, and how the spectacles took place.

Afterward, a private transfer to the Trevi Fountain area and a walking tour through Baroque Rome, passing by Marco Aurelio Column, the Palazzo di Montecitorio, the Palazzo Madama, Piazza Navona, the Campidoglio, with a guided tour inside the Pantheon. Entering the Pantheon, also known as “the church of all religions”, you will be struck by the peculiarity of its Dome, a true hope in the roof towards Heaven, it is still the largest Dome in the world, bigger even than St Peter’s Dome.

Final transfer to San Pietro in Vincoli, famous for the Mausoleum commissioned by Michelangelo as the funeral monument dedicated to Pope Giulio 2nd. Michelangelo’s first plan was to build more than 40 statues inside it; it finally shows a total of 7 statues, among them the Mosè by Michelangelo, one of the best monuments from Renaissance times. Final drop-off back at your hotel. The entire tour will last approximately 5 hours.

7:00 PM: Group dinner at a local restaurant.
Transfer back to the hotel.

Hotel/Lodging:
The Tribune
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Day 3
Day 3
Private Tour of the Vatican City
Breakfast at your hotel at your leisure.

9:00 AM: Today, we will be picked up out front of the hotel for a private day excursion to Vatican City.

Vatican City is the world's smallest sovereign state, with one of the wealthiest art collections! During this in-depth Vatican Private Tour, we will give you a comprehensive understanding of the prestigious collection of the Vatican Museums, allowing you to discover the secrets of this remarkable place.

We'll transfer to the Vatican area to meet our private guide. The Vatican museums are undoubtedly one of the main symbols of Western culture. Here, you will appreciate the genius of artists like Michelangelo, Raffaello, Bernini, Giotto, and many others. The last room will be the nicest one, the Sistine Chapel: admire Michelangelo's frescoes while observing a religious silence, which will help you feel relieved from the sight of The Last Judgment. You will also visit Saint Peter's Basilica.

At the end of the tour, our driver will take us back to your hotel to collect our belongings before we are transferred to the train station for the 2:55 PM ITALO train to Florence. We'll will be picked up at the train station in Florence at 4:31 PM and transferred to the next hotel. From the Florence train station to Villa Petriolo, it's approximately a 45-minute drive.

Upon arrival to the hotel, free time until dinner.

7:00 PM: Group dinner at Osteria di Golpaja at the Villa.

Hotel/Lodging:
Villa Petriolo
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Day 4
Day 4
Artisan Tour in the City & Accademia Gallery
Breakfast at your leisure.

8:30 AM: Group Pick-up for our group city tour of Florence.

10.00 AM - Our guide will show us a mosaic workshop that dates back to 1400, a jewelry maker who can show you the tricks to manipulating silver and gold, and a paper mill that still maintains the practice of marbleizing and xylography of handmade paper. Lastly, we’ll see the leatherworkers transform premium Italian leather into belts, shoes, and purses of unparalleled quality.

As we walk from one artisan workshop to the next, our guide will also show us the city's art and architecture, from Renaissance palaces to Medieval towers built by warring families. While most of the sites can be best viewed from the outside, the splendor of Chiesa Santa Croce deserves a visit inside (tickets and skip-the-line access included).

1:00 PM: Group lunch

2:00 PM: Immerse yourself in the masterpieces of the Western world at the Accademia, home to some of the most notable works of the Renaissance and the symbol of Florence’s cultural zenith.

The main hall of the museum centers around Michelangelo’s David, where he stands under the skylight of the tribune designed just for him. Yet David is just one of many breathtaking works to witness in the museum: there are also excellent examples from Botticelli, Perugino, Giambologna, Filippino Lippi, and many other Renaissance masters. After the Accademia, see the rest of Florence’s beauty on a walking tour.

Afterward, we'll enjoy some free time to shop before heading back to the hotel.

5:00 PM: Return to hotel.

7:00 PM: Group Dinner

Hotel/Lodging:
Villa Petriolo
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Day 5
Day 5
Heart of Chianti
Breakfast at the hotel at your leisure.

9:00 AM - Pick up from Villa Petriolo hotel by our private guide.

10:30 AM - Visit the historic winery in the Chianti Classico region, in the heart of the Gallo Nero wine designation. Relax outside on the terrace, overlooking the countryside surrounded by vineyards, while you savor the perfect pairing!

12:30 PM - We'll enjoy a typical Tuscan Lunch after a spectacular drive through the famous rolling hills of Chianti. Afterward, we'll sightsee local villages, castles, and ancient abbeys until your driver stops at a local restaurant to get a genuine, homemade taste of Tuscany.

2:30 PM -Visit to a second Chianti winery. While our morning was spent enjoying an international brand winery, by contrast, the afternoon will be spent at a family-run cellar, where you will have a chance to meet the producers one-on-one for a personalized experience, giving you a chance to really get a complete picture of the different winemaking methods.

7:00 PM: Group dinner at Osteria di Golpaja at the Villa.

Hotel/Lodging:
Villa Petriolo
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Day 6
Day 6
Visit Siena & San Gimignano
Breakfast at your hotel at your leisure.

09:30 AM: Group pick-up at the hotel.

11:15 AM - Discover Siena on a two-hour tour with a professional guide. We’ll walk through the historic city center and see the city’s most important masterpieces of art and architecture. We'll also discover the rivalrous history of the 17 city districts (“contrade”), which still compete today (granted with much less violence than in the 13th century!)., taste the sweet local delicacies, and indulge in the spectacular Piazza del Campo.

2:00 PM - We'll enjoy a pairing Lunch and wine tasting at a historic Chianti Classico winery, famous for its hospitality and wines. Experts here will explain the local wines while pairing them with delicious food for your lunch.

4:00 PM - Free time to explore San Gimignano. The historic city center has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its unique architecture and exceptional 14th- and 15th-century frescoes. Discover the extraordinary art and history of the area. Take a stroll along the medieval walls encircling the city, or delight in the breathtaking panorama of the Tuscan hillside. Stop by the many artisan and gourmet shops, too - and don’t forget to taste the best gelato in the area!

7:00 PM: Group dinner at Osteria di Golpaja at the Villa.

Hotel/Lodging:
Villa Petriolo
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Day 7
Day 7
Venice
Breakfast at your hotel at your leisure.

8:30 AM: Your driver will pick you up and take you to the Florence train station for your 10:39 AM ITALO train to Venice.

Once you arrive at Santa Lucia train station at around 1 PM, your tour guide with RAPHAEL TOURS will greet you and transfer you to the Hotel Ai Reali.

Free time to explore on your own as you wish before dinner. Meet in the lobby of the hotel at 6:45 PM to walk to dinner or you can meet us there.

7:00 PM: Dinner at Antico Dolo, walking distance from the hotel.

Hotel/Lodging:
Hotel Ai Reali
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Day 8
Day 8
Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica Guided Tour
Breakfast at the hotel at your leisure.

10:00 AM: Venice City Tour: The Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica.
You will have a private tour with RAPHAEL TOURS. Transfer from the Hotel Ai Reali will be provided and the tour will last 2.5 hours.

Guided tour to St Mark's Basilica and the Doge Palace. The sumptuous oriental walls of the Doge Palace have been welcoming great politicians, princes, and ambassadors throughout the years. The identical building houses, often hidden behind wooden panels, narrow offices, sinister prisons, and the notorious torture chamber.

This is an unforgettable tour that will take you from the pomp of staterooms with their golden ceilings to the combi (lead) cells. Relive Casanova's legendary escape and walk across the wood-beamed ceilings of the vast Sala del Maggior Consiglio (Great Council Hall).

Afterward, enter St. Mark's Basilica and explore this magnificent church.

Free time to explore on your own as you wish before dinner. Meet in the lobby of the hotel at 6:45 PM to walk to dinner or you can meet us there.

7:00 PM: Dinner at Antico Calice, walking distance from the hotel.

Overnight stay at your hotel.

Hotel/Lodging:
Hotel Ai Reali
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Day 9
Day 9
Departure Day
Breakfast at your hotel at your leisure. Free time to explore Venice on your own before your flight back home. Departure at any time this day. Airport transfers to the airport in Venice will be provided for you by RAPHAEL TOURS from the Hotel Ai Reali. The retreat officially ends after breakfast on this day.

Depending on your departure time, here are some suggested activities your can do if you find yourself with free time:
Tour of The Real Hidden Venice
Eat, drink and repeat: Wine tasting tour in Venice
Market Tour and Cooking Class with a Venetian Chef
Venice Private Food Walking Tour With Locals: 6 or 10 Tastings
Venice in a Day Private Tour

Thank you so much for booking your Highlight of Italy retreat with Walker Wellness Retreats. We genuinely hope to see you again soon!
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Day 1

Arrival to Rome

Welcome to Italy! When you exit with your luggage, please look for Amy Walker, Owner of Walker Wellness Retreats, who will be holding a Walker Wellness Retreats sign. At 9 AM, our driver with RAPHAEL TOURS. will then transfer us from the Rome Fiumicino Airport to your hotel. Private transfer to your hotel is included. Free time until the group dinner and orientation. The retreat officially starts at the welcome dinner on this day.

Please pack light, as space is limited. You can only bring one suitcase and a handbag or backpack.

Depending on when you arrive, you may have free time before the retreat starts. Here are some suggestions for optional excursion that you can book on your own:

3 in 1 Cooking Class near Navona: Fettuccine, Ravioli & Tiramisu

Rome Wine & Food Tour in Trastevere Jewish Ghetto Campo de Fiori

Rome Highlights by Golf Cart: Private Tour

Please meet in the lobby at 6:30 PM for a brief meet and greet before walking to dinner as a group.

7:00 PM: Group dinner at a local restaurant.

Hotel/Lodging:

The Tribune

Walker Wellness Retreats

33 reviews

Welcome to Walker Wellness Retreats! Thank you for taking the time to learn about us! We created Walker Wellness Retreats to share the positive impact travel can have with as many people as possible. Travel makes the world seem not so large. It opens your mind to new ways of thinking. Together we can use our diverse skills and experience of traveling the world to design and plan incredible adventures to bring like-minded travelers together to unique places around the globe!

I really enjoyed the time in New Zealand. I was the youngest in the group, the only German and didn’t knew anyone from the group before the Trip but I always felt as a family member. Everyone was nice, open minded and heartwarming. Amy is such a nice person and motivated me a lot. We saw beautful places, had always good food and everything was taken care of. The choice of hotels was nice - all of them perfectly chosen. Yesterday I came back home - after a time of adventures with a lot of great memories and with new friends 🫶🏽

By Lucia S for The Best of Both Islands: New Zealand on Feb 20, 2024

As perfect a trip as I could have imagined! Amy and Brian were gracious and kind hosts...and Amy and her mom kept us well-fed! Chantel was an awesome yoga instructor--listened to us and catered classes to the needs of the group often based on our energy levels and physical challenges of the moment. She was also a supremely delightful traveling companion...driving us a total of nine hours in the van--back and forth to from SLC airport. A huge selling point for me was not having to arrange any transportation--bravo to Walker Wellness for creating a package that required extremely minimal extra out-of-pocket expenses. And the hiking, omg! Zion is deliriously beautiful and Bryce is downright Biblical in its majesty. The trip was also impeccably structured--a super challenging hike for the first full day and then a shorter hike that began later in the morning the following day with more time to rest in the afternoon.

By John B for Zion National Park Hiking & Yoga on Nov 01, 2023

Wow! By far the trip to Zion was my best travel experience. The accommodations were very spacious, clean, and homey. Huge picture windows, a deck, hot tub, fire place, …The food was delicious and healthy. Amy is a great cook! The yoga was adjusted to what we needed prehike and post. It went beyond just yoga - there was sound healing, visualization, and more. Transportation to and from the parks made it easy for us. And did I mention the hikes? Stunning! Breath-taking! Fun! Lots of fond memories and I look forward to traveling with Brian and Amy again.

By Kristen H for Zion National Park Hiking & Yoga on Nov 01, 2023

Great trip. Beautiful hiking.

By Lisa S for Zion National Park Hiking & Yoga on Oct 26, 2023

This trip was beyond my expectations! It's rare to go on a trip where you only need to book a flight and after that every detail is handled for you. The accommodations were fantastic but the food was really the best part! I felt completely taken care of by the Walker Wellness Retreats team especially Shantel and Amber, who are delightful and talented people. I was able to relax, disconnect and get to know the wonderful group all while enjoying moving my body on the yoga mat and through breathtaking nature. Thank you to the whole crew at Walker Wellness Retreats for being so good at what you do!