Experience the best of Italian culture with a trusted guide on this sacred journey through Tuscany, Italy. Feel like a local on this unique retreat, which will include daily practice, ritual, and conscious travel—all while surrounding yourself fully in the local culture. Immerse yourself throughout the trip in the best Italy has to offer in the areas of local organic food, exciting excursions, art, and language. You can expect a retreat that has been intentionally curated and purposefully designed to give you the perfect combination of both beautifully rich cultural immersion and space for deep exploration of self. Mara Rosaria, extensively trained Qigong and Sound Therapy Practitioner, will guide you through your inner and outer journey and lead you to deep self-connection through meditation, qigong,  ritual, sound, and inner work. The focus of this retreat will be on slow travel, and you will  have the opportunity to experience this on a sustainable farm in the hills of the Tuscan country side. 

Mara has been traveling to Italy since she was a child. Her mother comes from the bustling city of Naples in Southern Italy. This is where she spent many of her summers learning about her mother's culture and where she came from.  Mara has lived, worked and led qigong workshops all throughout Italy. She speaks Italian and understands many of the local dialects. She has a BA in Italian language and culture and considers Italy her second home. Her dream has always been to share her unique experiences of Italy's rich cultural diversity with others.

Ebbio is a  beautifully restored 13th century farmhouse tucked away in an evergreen forest that sits atop an extinct volcano, sacred to the Ancient Etruscans. It is a self-sustainable farm where everything is grown or foraged from the land. The property is surrounded by olive trees, vineyards, and lush organic gardens. The owners prepare delicious vegetarian meals served on gorgeous hand-painted Ginori ceramics. The property is complete with donkeys, chickens, geese, and horses, giving it a lovely rustic feel.  The estate's thick walls keep the house cool in the summer, and the outdoor patios are perfect for relaxing and lounging around in your free time.

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This beautifully restored farmhouse is just twenty minutes outside of the medieval city of Siena and within walking distance to the small village of Monteriggioni.  Ebbio is situated in the heart of Tuscany, just 1 hour from Florence and many famous UNESCO heritage sites. 

Come join us for six days of movement and sound, a visit and hike along the turquoise river, Sentierelsa, leisurely dips in le Caldane and  the thermal springs, excursions to Siena and other medieval villages and so much more. We will share delicious vegetarian Tuscan meals with produce sourced from Ebbio’s organic farm, but we will also have the opportunity to try some of the local fair from surrounding villages. There will be time for exploring the Tuscan countryside and for taking in the beauty and magic of Ebbio as well. 

Slow travel is all about fostering meaningful connections with the local food, people, and customs of a destination. It encourages a deeper understanding and appreciation of the culture and traditions that make a place unique. By immersing oneself in the local lifestyle, slow travel allows for a more authentic and enriching experience. Slow travel is about deep listening and deep feeling, it is about engaging all of the senses in a mindful way.  

One of the key aspects of slow travel is savoring long, leisurely meals. The slow food movement actually began in Italy, and it's main objective is to connect people with local food, it's source, and sharing meals with others. This provides an opportunity not only to enjoy the local cuisine but also to engage in conversations with locals, learning about their way of life and their culinary traditions. By taking the time to truly experience the local food, one can gain a deeper appreciation for the flavors, ingredients, and cultural significance behind each dish.

Walking in nature is another integral part of slow travel. It allows for a closer connection to the environment, providing an opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty and tranquility of a place. Whether it's a hike along a river, a stroll through lavender fields, or a peaceful walk in an olive grove, nature offers a sense of calm and rejuvenation that can greatly enhance the travel experience. 

Learning about art, music, language and local customs are also a hallmark of slow travel. Engaging in intellectual and cultural exchanges not only broadens one's knowledge and perspective but also fosters a deeper connection to the local community. Learning about the artistic and creative expressions of a place can provide valuable insights into its history, values, and identity. 

Ultimately, slow travel offers a window into the everyday life of the local people and their history. By embracing the local customs, traditions, and ways of life, travelers can gain a more profound understanding of the destination and its people. This type of travel encourages cultural exchange, empathy, and a genuine appreciation for the diversity and richness of the world we live in.

At Ebbio, they believe in responsible travel, and strive to demonstrate the model for sustainable living. Guests can participate in work on the farm, get their hands dirty and bring the lessons home to live a more mindful life. Ebbio is committed to nine criteria for measuring their impact as an organization: energy, water, food, waste, carbon footprint, education, health, employment and happiness. They are constantly working to improve their systems with renewable energies, heating via biomass, waste recycling, gray and black water treatment and reuse, compost and permaculture. They work closely with the local community, farmers and artisans alike to raise awareness and create a positive impact through workshops.

The retreat will be begin on Sept 28th at 4pm. Airfare and transportation to and from Ebbio on arrival and departure days are not included.

If you are arriving on your own, we will help you with public transportation options or arrange for a private transfer to Ebbio. More information will be shared as we get closer to the departure date. It is important for all of our guests to feel comfortable and supported throughout this journey.

Examples of transportation options below:

From Pisa Airport (about 90km) 2 options:

Train from Pisa airport to “Castellina in Chianti - Monteriggioni” about 1 hour 45 mins. Ticket is 12€ per person. Transport from the train station to Ebbio 15€ per person (about a 10 min drive).

From Florence Airport (about 60km)

1. Tram + Train Tram from airport to SMN train station, and train from Florence SMN to “Castellina in Chianti - Monteriggioni” about 1 hour 45mins, one change of train in Empoli. Ticket is 12€ per person. Transport from the train station to Ebbio 15€ per person (about a 10 min drive).

2. Taxis are available to/from Florence +39 055 4390, info@4390.it - 150/160€, you can ask for larger cars (about 1 hour drive)

*There are also transfer options from Rome, which is 3 hours away. Details provided by request.

In order to reserve a room, an initial non-refundable deposit of $300 is required. Payments are set up as three additional non-refundable installments and will be due on May 1, and  July 1,  with the remaining balance due by September 1, 2024. You can choose the amount to pay with each installment, with the exception of the remaining balance. 

It's important to note that once the payments are made, they are non-refundable. Regardless of the circumstances, refunds or credits will not be provided for guests who fail to attend, arrive late, or leave early. Exceptions cannot be made for any reason, including weather, injury/illness, or personal emergencies. Considering the unforeseen events that can disrupt travel plans, it is recommended to purchase travel insurance to protect against any unexpected situations. 

In the event of a governmental travel ban, the deposit will be moved to the following year and the same pricing conditions will be applied.