Join Maria Santoferraro, E-RYT 500 of the Daily Downward Dog for a joyous week in the Italian countryside filled with yoga, meditation, sunshine, scrumptious food, and sightseeing. Your home base for this Italian yoga retreat is Villa Daniela Grossi. With the lovely Lucca countryside as its backdrop, this villa is its own gem among olive groves and vineyards. Villa Daniela Grossi features a private fenced swimming pool, extensive grounds, and wonderful views. Add a little touch of history to the mix, as this self-catering accommodation near Lucca was once part of an old convent, and it is just a short walk into the village of Segromigno in Monte.

The week includes many excursions where you will be immersed in Italian culture, history, food, and adventure. As the schedule permits in the mornings, there will be joy-infused yoga practice overlooking the Italian countryside and in the afternoon’s restorative yoga sessions.

• Four mornings and four evening yoga & meditation sessions with Maria with breathtaking views of the Italian Countryside
• Round-trip transportation from Florence airport to Villa
• 7 nights Villa accommodations in double occupancy ensuite bedrooms – some single and triple occupancy rooms are also available
• Breakfast each morning
• Arrival at Villa. Welcome dinner
• Lucca Guided Tour accompanied with a tasting of typical food and beverage from Lucca. Experience the famous procession of Santa Croce and dinner.
• A day of shopping, sightseeing, and relaxing at the beach in Forte dei Marmi. Light dinner included that evening at the villa.
• Pisa and Certosa di Calci Guided Tour and lunch.
• Cooking class held at the Villa where retreat guests will learn how to prepare typical Tuscany dishes and tricks from the Chef – lunch and dinner included on this day of the retreat
• Pistoia Guided Tour and lunch
• Guided tour to the Chianti region and a visit to San Gimignano to a vineyard for a wine tasting, truffle hunt, and lunch in the vineyard. A pizza party will be held on our return to the villa.
• A private classical music concert will be held in the villa chapel followed by a gala dinner prepared by the Chef.
• Included meals: Six dinners, five lunches, seven breakfasts

Not included:

• Airfare to Italy. Pisa International Airport Galileo Galilei and Florence Airport Amerigo Vespucci are the two international airports in the region.
• Travel insurance (highly recommended)
• Optional activities
• Snacks and additional meals
• Wine and alcohol (except where noted above for the Villa dinners, and wine tasting at the villa.)