Join Us on
an Unforgettable Journey
in Tuscany
ITALY
May 15-21st, 2022
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Take a look at photos from 2018 retreat!
**Once you make a payment, there are no refunds!
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"Under the Tuscan Sun"- a Yoga Retreat with Malaika
Immerse yourself in one of the most beautiful regions in the world on a relaxing yoga retreat in Tuscany, Italy. Just outside the Renaissance jewel of Florence lies a 350-year old family-run estate retreat and former monastery, nestled in gentle rolling hills, surrounded by vineyards, olive orchards and gardens. The property also features a swimming pond and a sunlit room with oak floors perfect for yoga and meditation.
Beyond yoga, days are filled with wonderful activities and discoveries, from a hands-on cooking lesson to unlock the secrets of Tuscan cooking to excursions to nearby towns of great artistic and historical importance like Siena, Rapolano Terme, and Greve in Chianti, where you can sample world-renowned wines, linger over a cappuccino at an outdoor café, visit with local artisans, shop, or just soak in the Tuscan sun.
Evenings begin with a delicious four-course meal served on the terrace and featuring hand made pastas, fish, meat, or vegetarian options, topped off with a homemade dessert (and maybe paired with a glass of the farm’s own organic wine). Many of the ingredients are grown right on the property!
Itinerary
Daily Schedule
DAY 1 – May 15, 2022
Benvenuti in Italia! Welcome to Italy! A group transfer will be provided from Florence to the Locanda Casanuova late morning. Upon your arrival to the estate at approximately 1:00 pm, enjoy a welcome drink, tour of the property, and a light lunch.
This afternoon, you have time to settle in and relax before your first yoga practice. A multi-course dinner will follow at 7:30 pm, and you may want to pair your dishes with the estate’s own wine.
DAY 2 – May 16, 2022
Every morning will begin with a yoga practice or meditation (between 6:30 and 7:30 am – time to be advised daily), and tea, coffee, and fresh fruit will be available about a half hour prior. On this first full day, you emerge energized from your yoga practice, refuel with breakfast of fresh baked rolls, jam, yogurt, granola and eggs. Afterward, you enjoy some time at leisure before heading to Rapolano Terme, a charming spa town about an hour’s drive from Casanuova. Arriving late morning, take time to explore the village located on the ridge between the Ombrone valley and the Val di Chiana. Enjoy lunch on your own, and relax at the thermal pools of Terme San Giovanni spa resort (25 euros entry fee). The natural thermal waters spring from the earth at 102 degrees Fahrenheit and are rich in sulphur and calcium bicarbonate and totally rejuvenating.
You return to Locanda Casanuova at approximately 5:30 pm and prepare for an evening practice before savoring another delicious dinner.
DAY 3 – May 17, 2022
Arise to the sounds of the birds chirping, savor a cup of tea, and head to the sunlit yoga run for morning practice. Enjoy a 90-minute yoga practice this morning before breakfast. Mid morning, you reunite with the Locanda’s chef for an introduction to Tuscan cuisine. Participate as much (or little) as you wish during this hands-on cooking lesson. Using organic products grown in the estate’s gardens, prepare a few typical dishes, perhaps gnocchi (typically potato filled pasta) and panzanella (Tuscan bread salad) or local artichokes prepared alla Romana (Roman-style!). The menu will feature the bounty of the region and the season. After toiling away in the kitchen, you dine on the fruits of your labor (and walk away with some of the secret recipes).
Afterward, take time to bask in the gardens, or enjoy a stroll on the grounds or through the surrounding countryside. Gather this evening for a yoga nidra or meditation practice followed by another delicious meal.
DAY 4 – May 18, 2022
This morning you rise early for pre-breakfast yoga (outside – weather permitting) After a hearty breakfast, you depart by 9:30 am for your full-day excursion with private driver to the quintessential city of Siena. Perennial enemy of Florence and cradle of the Ghibelline party, the two cities have seen 300 years of wars, battles with their share of intrigue and betrayal. Siena's outstanding black and white marble Cathedral and the Baptistery represent the greatness of the city as well as its religious vocation. The town hall, unique as well, is located on the main square, or campo, a 12th-century shell-shaped square. This is where the famous Palio, the medieval horse race, takes place every summer in July and August. “No rule is the only rule” during this wild bare back horse race where 10 out of the 17 districts of Siena are represented. In the middle of the square, crowned by austere palaces and tall prestigious towers, as the crowd cheers, the horse men and the city's nobles parade dressed in medieval costumes. There is plenty of time to explore museums, shops and galleries. Lunch is on your own (restaurant suggestions will be provided locally), and be sure to save space for some of the city’s world famous gelato.
You return to Casanuova late afternoon, with time for an evening practice before dinner al fresco.
DAY 5 – May 19, 2022
After the morning practice, enjoy breakfast and some time on your own. Midday, you transfer with a private driver to nearby Chianti, one of the most beautiful areas in Tuscany. This landscape is characterized by vineyards, olive groves, cypresses, and fortresses dominated by lush surroundings. Enjoy a tour and tasting at a winery and then stop in the village of Greve-in-Chianti for a stroll, and maybe a visit to one of the enoteca’s (wine bars) on the main square to sample more of the famous vintages.
Return to Casanuova late afternoon for an evening practice, followed by another delicious dinner and maybe an evening of stargazing.
DAY 6 – May 20, 2022
Today is a leisurely day spent around the estate. After morning practice, linger over breakfast, and then head to the hammock with a book, or trace the trail to the swimming pond. Massages can also be scheduled throughout the week. (Reservations can be made on arrival to Casanuova, or notify us in advance of your interest). Or, if you prefer to explore more, arrangements can be made for transportation to nearby villages or to shop designer outlet stores. Reunite with fellow yogis and yoginis for a festive evening between 7:30 and 8:00 pm to toast the week’s adventures. Dinner may feature linguine with light citrus sauce, oven-baked salmon with dill, and an insalata mista (mixed salad), topped off with a lemon mousse.
DAY 7 – May 21, 2022
Following a brief practice in the yoga room and breakfast, you check out and transfer to Florence for your journey home or onward travels. (Transfer time will be determined but likely between 8:00 am and 10:00 am.)
RETREAT DATES
May 15-21, 2022
RETREAT PRICE
From $3,195* per person, based upon double occupancy (*pricing is based on a minimum of 7 yogis/yoginis.) A limited number of private rooms are available for solo travelers on request and at a supplemental cost. (A single room is $175 above and beyond the retreat price, and a double-room-for-single-use is a $375 supplement.) Email nomadboutiquetravel@yahoo.com with any additional questions or travel concerns.
PAYMENT
A non-refundable $500 per person deposit (+$20 booking fee) is required to guarantee your reservation. Visit www.malaikayoga.com/italy-retreat and click on Pay Deposit to make your payment. Final payment is due January 1, 2022.
INCLUSIONS
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Six nights accommodations at Locanda Casanuova
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6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 6 dinners
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2x Daily yoga, yoga nidra, meditation
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Half day excursion with private driver to Rapolano Terme
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Full day excursion with private driver to Siena
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Half day excursion with private driver to Chianti with winery visit and tasting
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Hands-on cooking lesson (inclusive of lunch and wine)
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Arrival group transfer from central Florence to Locanda Casanuova
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Departure group transfer from Locanda Casanuova to Florence
MEETING POINT – MAY 15, 2022
Locanda Casanuova
Localita' S. Martino Altoreggi, 52/54
Figline Valdarno, Italy
Tel (39) 055 95 000 27
Email locanda@casanuova-toscana.it
You may check into the Locanda Casanuova anytime on May 15th.
Should you arrive prior to noon, the staff will store your luggage in the event your room is not yet ready.
One group transfer will be provided from Florence’s city center:
Meet next door to the Hotel Silla, in front of the pharmacy, Farmacia di S. Niccolò, via dei Renai, 9, Florence (pick up at 12:00 pm).
DEPARTURE POINT – MAY 21, 2022
Locanda Casanuova, Figline Valdarno, Italy (anytime after breakfast)
There are no scheduled activities on the last day of the trip. You may depart at your convenience for home or your next destination. One group transfer will be provided to Florence Airport – departure time TBD.
Click on the above button to ask about ideas for arriving early and/or staying longer pre-and post retreat!
Register Here!
Please fill out this form, specify your room and pay your deposit to reserve your spot!
Deposit payment link at the top of this page.