This yoga retreat is a sun-soaked Sicilian summer getaway designed to restore and enliven your body, nervous system, and spirit through rhythm rather than rush. Set against the warmth of the Mediterranean, each day weaves grounding asana practice, deeply nourishing Ayurvedic meals, bespoke Sicilian experiences, and time for rest, reflection, and simple pleasures. This is an invitation to soften into summer—to move daily, eat beautifully, sleep deeply, and let the island’s light, land, and pace recalibrate you. Come for wellness, stay for the sweetness of Sicily, and leave feeling replenished, steady, and quietly radiant.

This retreat will be led by Nikunja Vilasi Das (@nico.yoga.108) an international yoga teacher (RYT 500) and devoted practitioner of the sacred science of yoga, offering an approach that is both deeply grounded and warmly human. Rooted in classical Hatha–Raja and Bhakti traditions, Nikunja’s teaching is heart-centered—inviting students to cultivate strength, clarity, and joy on and off the mat. Nikunja went from Johns Hopkins University to the Himalayas, where he completed his foundational training in Rishikesh, India. A longtime student of master yogi Shri Dharma Mittra, he graduated from advanced training at the Dharma Yoga Center in NYC and now serves as a Bhakti yoga monk at Sacred Vedic Arts in Miami under the guidance of Srimati Syamarani Dasi.

1. Disclaimer
By participating in this trip, all travelers acknowledge and accept that travel and/or pilgrimage involves inherent risks, including but not limited to:

• Vehicular transportation, hiking, and travel in remote areas

• Variable weather conditions, rough terrain, and wildlife encounters

• Limited access to medical facilities in some locations

• Travel delays, vehicle breakdowns, or changes to the itinerary due to local conditions

Participants agree that the organizers, travel agents, and associated service providers are not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to personal property, health, or life arising from participation in this trip.

2. Liability Waiver
By paying the deposit, the participant voluntarily assumes all risks associated with the trip. Participants certify that they are physically fit for all planned activities and have obtained any necessary medical advice.

Participants release and discharge the organizers, their employees, agents, and partners from any liability for injury, illness, death, loss, or damage to personal property whatsoever incurred during the trip, except in cases of proven gross negligence or willful misconduct by the organizers.

3. Cancellation and Refund Policy

• Deposit: Non-refundable under any circumstances.

• Final Payment: Non-refundable after June 16, 2026.

• Any cancellations made before June 16, 2026 will forfeit the deposit; a refund of remaining payments will be made at the organizers discretion.

• If the trip is canceled by the organizers due to emergency circumstances (e.g., political unrest, natural disasters, pandemics, death, etc.), participants will receive a refund minus the deposit and any non-refundable third-party costs (e.g., bookings, permits).

• If the trip is canceled by the organizers due to insufficient sign-ups (as determined by Expedition Ahimsa LLC) participants will receive a full refund.

4. Travel Insurance
All participants are strongly advised to obtain comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellation, loss, or delay.

5. Acknowledgment
By submitting any payment and/or participating in the trip, the traveler acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agreed to this Disclaimer, Liability Waiver, and Cancellation Policy.

Morning/Afternoon
• Arrival at Catania-Fontanarossa Airport
• Airport pickup
• Rest, nap, light walking nearby

Early Evening
• Yoga with Nico

Evening
• Opening Circle

Morning
• Yoga with Nico

Late Morning–Early Afternoon
• Local sightseeing in Caltagirone
• Scala di Santa Maria del Monte
• Ceramic workshops and studios
• Duomo of San Giuliano
• Historic center stroll
• lunch in town

Early Evening
• Ayurvedic Cooking Class #1

Morning
• Yoga with Nico

Late Morning
• Free time
• Rest, journaling, personal practice
• Optional nature walk in the surrounding countryside

Late Afternoon
• Ayurvedic Cooking Class #2

Evening Circle Sanga

Morning
• Yoga with Nico

Midday–Early Evening
• Day Trip: Agrigento + Scala dei Turchi
• Drive to Agrigento: ~1 hr 45 min
• Valley of the Temples exploration: ~2–2.5 hrs
• Lunch at a local restaurant
• Drive to Scala dei Turchi: ~25 min
• Time at Scala dei Turchi: ~1–1.5 hrs

Evening
• Return to Caltagirone
• Rest

Baroque beauty followed by sea and open space.

Morning
• Yoga with Nico

Midday
• Day Trip: Noto + Calamosche Beach
• Drive to Noto: ~1 hr 40 min
• Noto historic center exploration: ~1.5–2 hrs
• Lunch at a local restaurant
• Drive to Calamosche (Vendicari Reserve): ~40 min
• Beach and nature reserve time: ~2–3 hrs
• Return drive: ~2 hrs

Evening
• Return to Caltagirone
• Rest

Morning
• Yoga with Nico

Midday
• Optional Day Trip: Mount Etna
• Drive to Etna (south access): ~1 hr 45 min
• Etna exploration (craters, lava fields, viewpoints): ~3–4 hrs
• Lunch at a local restaurant or mountain refuge
• Return drive: ~1 hr 45 min

Total estimated outing: 7–8 hours
Total driving time: ~3.5 hours

Evening
• Return to Caltagirone
• Rest

Morning
• Yoga with Nico

Late Morning–Afternoon
• Optional Massage
• Rest, walking, journaling
• Optional personal sightseeing or ceramics shopping

Evening
• Closing Circle

Morning
• Departures after breakfast

Drop off at Catania-Fontanarossa Airport