Shri Yoga Tuscany Retreat (LIMITED SPOTS LEFT)

ITINERARY SPECIALY PREPARED FOR SHRI YOGA TUSCANY RETREAT

VILLA IL CASELLO – SEPTEMBER 2023

Friday 23 September ‘23

Meet Julie at Hotel Art in Rome tonight if you have arrived…

Saturday 24 SEPTEMBER

Meet this morning at ROME TERMINI RAIL STATION 10.20am

ROME TERMINI TO FIRENZE SANTA MARIA NOVELLA (SMN)

Italian Rail service ES 8510

Departs 10.50am Arrives 12.27pm

First Class seats

On arrival you will be met by your driver for the 30-minute drive to your Tuscan home for the week – time to settle in and unpack

6pm a Welcome wine tasting with the local vintner followed by 7pm dinner with wines prepared by our chef at the VILLA IL CASELLO

This stone villa shines with beauty and is found amongst the rustic nature of Tuscany.

The property is a place for wandering, exploring and relaxing in the hills of a region which is one of Italy’s most stunning areas for nature, food, culture and wine. Be prepared for days spent visiting the local sites, going for day trips around the beautiful region of Tuscany and exploring romantic paths leading to history and enchantment. Revel in the views of the subtle Tuscan countryside in the depths of nature while sipping Chianti Classico at sunset by the pool. The experience of being a guest at this one-of-a-kind luxury estate full of enchantment will decidedly bring magic and calm to your vacation.

The immense villa set in the Chianti countryside gleams with contemporary charm and antique accents, welcoming the guest to revel in its luxury. Il Casello is Surrounded by lush nature with its sprawling lawn, garden and gleaming turquoise pool is a short drive to Panzano, a medieval town with all the convenience of services.

The area of Chianti is rich with historical significance as well as being a region famous for its culinary and wine traditions. However, there are also many archaeolgical sites of note in the area with Etruscan ruin, castles from the Middle Ages, monasteries, villas all in a setting of pristine nature. The rare and wonderful red wine known as Chianti Classico Castello di Cerreto is one of the many DOCG specialities of the local area. Another sought-after red wine, the Brunello di Montalcino, has been produced in the hills since the early 14th century, partly due to the fact that Montalcino

Panzano in Chianti is nestled between Siena and Florence. This location is quite ideal for any kind of exploring in the Tuscan region and is surrounded by pines and olive trees. The stone hills, warm-coloured buildings and earthy, winding streets hold the quintessential elements of what makes Tuscany one of the most beautiful regions to visit in Italy. Check out the delicious restaurants featuring the local cuisines as well as the weekly market every Sunday morning. The beautiful Montefioralle Castle is close to the villa is which is great for wandering in the quiet, medieval streets.

Not to be overlooked in the medieval gem of Siena which is a little under an hour from the villa. It is famous for its art and architecture. Take a look at Donatello’s baptistry in front of the cathedral and the Piazza del Campo central square which hosts the famed Palio horse race held twice every summer. The property is about an hour from the cultural capital of Florence. This incredible city, with its art, architecture and unforgettable piazzas is the capital of the Renaissance and one of the most sought-after destinations in Europe. Brunelleschi’s masterpiece red dome rests on the captivating cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore gleaming with pinks and greens. The Uffizi museum featuring Botticelli, Michelangelo, Titian and da Vinci is situated near the unforgettable Ponte Vecchio. There you can carry on the tradition of centuries and shop over the River Arno in the artisan jewellery and art shops. For a change of scenery, you could take a drive from Il Casello to visit The Natural Reserve of Castelvecchio to take a leisurely hike on the numerous paths, visit the ruins of Castelvecchio or go bird watching for falcons and the rare snake eagle. The reserve is home to many kinds of animals, flowers and plants and will promise a peaceful day trip with breath-taking views.

Villa Il Casello is an oasis for an extended family or a large group of friends and it a perfect place for outside get togethers. The villa is 43 km from the Florence airport, the town of Panzano in Chianti is 3 km away and Montefioralle Castle is 10 km away. Siena is 40 km from the villa and The Natural Reserve of Castelvecchio is 52 km. The well connected Florence train station and bus station are easily accessed in the center of the city which is 36 km from the property.

The Property. Villa Il Casello is a beautifully renovated Tuscan farm house situated in the heart of the Chianti area in the Vignamaggio valley near the town of Panzano in Chianti and between Florence and Siena. With stunning views of the illustrious Chianti countryside of olive trees and grape vines, it is furnished in classic Tuscan style with earthy tones with light wood floors and white, exposed beams.

The villa gives a feeling of romance with its ancient architecture which meets the comfort and luxury of an impeccably restored house. The private and secluded garden is a perfect setting for the pool and solarium where you can spend long afternoons relaxing and sunbathing in the context of immense beauty. The pool area is set in a spacious, relaxing area on the rich green lawn with sunbeds and umbrellas.

FLORENCE

Il Casello can easily house 20 people with nine double bedrooms, one single bedroom and a quadruple bedroom in the main house.. The inside of the house is a canvas of shades of neutral colors with accents of color which invite relaxation upon entering the estate. The villa features a large terrace for relaxing moments to take in the nature and exceptional views of the valley. It has a lavish open space with exposed wood beams as well as numerous, lovely spaces tucked around each corner of this tree-lined, green property.

The refined decor and every comfort make the stay relaxing and carefree in Villa Il Casello. Each of the bedrooms is uniquely decorated and full of light streaming from the characteristic windows. Like the rest of the villa, there are ceramic tile floors in the bedrooms which give a serene tone to all of the sleeping quarters. One of the most stunning features of the property is the pool, outdoor shower and jacuzzi area that not only is perfect for lounging during the day but is a lovely setting for evenings of celebrating and outdoor fun. The intricately landscaped garden is exquisitely maintained, and the property is a vacation spot suited for families and friends as well as weddings and events.

FEATURES * Fireplace Furnished patio area Large secluded garden Outdoor dining table and lounge area Satellite TV, Air Conditioning, Heating ,Hairdryer ,Washing Machine, Dishwasher ,Pool and sun-beds

Sunday 25 SEPT

8am morning Yoga session with Julie

9.30am Breakfast at the Villa

11am – Bus to Meet the wonderful Catherine, English mother tongue Guide that came for studying art in Florence over 30 years ago and decided to stay here forever!!! Her nice plan for you: " I think it would      be great to start the tour in Piazza Ghiberti at the Sant’Ambrogio Market, there's a Sunday antique's market on!

From there, we'll walk to Santa Croce, Piazza della Signoria, past the Uffizi on to the Arno river crossing over the Ponte  Vecchio (famous old Gold bridge), Borgo San Jacopo, Via Maggio, Santo Spirito then back across the Santa Trinita bridge, Via Tornabuoni and then Lunch in the City (own cost)

2.30pm Meet at the GALLERIA DELL ACCADEMIA for a guided visit of thispurpose built Gallery to house the truly magnificent statue of DAVD along with Michaelangelo’s unfinished works and many other Renaissance treasures

4pm depart Florence and we can bring home wine and food for the week ahead to enjoy at the Villa – you will have our local guide to direct us so back to the Villa around 6.30pm and prepare our Tuscan Feast

Monday 26 SEPT

7am morning yoga session with Julie

8.30am Breakfast at the Villa

9.30am leave for Florence by mini bus

10.30am ARTVIVA Market and Cooking Class or Private Art Class

Classes finish around 4pm

5pm opportunity for a test drive with an ex racing driver in a FERRARI

5.30pm leave Florence or the Villa to meet in Fiesole

6pm meet in Fiesole for strolling – suggest a visit to the small

Medici Chapel (painted by Benozzo Gozzoli) on the main street

7pm to see the stunning view of the City of Florence we havea reservation at the restaurant "La Reggia degli Etruschi"

Mon 26 Sept cont…

The restaurant is along the tiny road that leads to the panoramic point for the vista of Florence below!!

Mini bus transfer back to the Villa after dinner.

Tuesday 27 SEPT

8am yoga class with Julie at the Villa followed by breakfast

11am – depart for a full day trip to historical Siena and pectacular 15thc San Gimignano. Enjoy an early dinner in San Gimigiano or stop in CORTONA - a stunning medieval village! Full day transport and private guide included

Wednesday 28 SEPT

8am yoga class with Julie followed by breakfast at the villa A quiet day for meditation and reflection

Maybe take the 3km walk into PANZANO and mix with the locals

6pm back to Villa and group dinner prepared in the kitchen

Thursday 29 SEPT

8am yoga class with Julie followed by breakfast at the villa

10am depart for Florence – tour by Car of the Piazzale Michelangelo, Chiesa di San Miniato a Monte,and  visit the beautiful Boboli Gardens right behind Palazzo Pitti ! The Boboli garden's ticket costs 10,00€ p.p- to pay direct - The ticket is valid also for Bardini's Garden if you wish to visit…

Lunch and afternoon at leisure in Florence – Florentine paper artisan visit available if guests are interested

4pm depart Florence and shop on the way home for Dinner at the Villa

Friday 30 SEPT

8am yoga class with Julie followed by breakfast at the villa

10.30am our driver/guide will meet us at our Villa and take us to 3 enjoy notable Chianti Vineyards, a visit to the medieval castle of Volpaia and a long Tuscan lunch in the Vineyards – all included for you today.

On the way home we can stop in the Village of AREZZO for a light dinner -         back to the Villa around 9pm

Saturday 1 OCTOBER

8am breakfast and goodbyes at the Villa il Casello

10am departure by bus to Florence available

FIRENZE SANTA MARIA NOVELLA (SMN) TO ROMA TERMINI

Italian Rail service ES 9391

Departs 10.59am Arrives 12.35pm

First Class seats

Stay on in Roma for a few nights and days or see some more of Italy

VIVA ITALIA & SHRI YOGA😊