Today we follow the beautiful “Strada del Vino” (the wine road) to a beautiful local winery and enjoy a very interesting tour and tasting. Our wine tasting excursion departs after breakfast – we go by foot (4.5km) or by taxi, enjoying the scenic, winding roads flanked by olive groves and vineyards. 

Visit the breath-taking Cinque Terre region consisting of 5 coastal villages embedded in rocky cliffs along one of Italy’s most scenic stretches of Liguria. For keen hikers, its possible to spend a day walking between the villages, enjoying some spectacular scenery along the way. For others, you can still enjoy walking some of the more gentle trails, spend time swimming, enjoying a boat tour, or exploring the villages or sampling some of the freshest seafood in Italy!

Experience a guided bike and walking tour of Lucca to discover its fascinating medieval walls, ancient architecture and elegant palazzos. The tour lasts around 3 hours starting with a gentle cycle around the ancient walls of Lucca pointing out places of interest followed by a tour on foot through the medieval streets. The tour is just about the right length of time to learn something about the history of Lucca, see some of its works of art, sample some of the best gelato in the world or stop at one of the local cafés to enjoy a macchiato! 

In the evening, enjoy a Puccini opera in town.

Enjoy a cooking lesson with a wonderful local chef! Roll up your sleeves and get ready to learn the secrets of regional Tuscan cuisine passed down from generation to generation. You and your fellow retreat guests will get to taste the results of your morning’s effort and you will be amazed at how something so simple can be so delicious! 

Settle into one of the beach clubs in Forte dei Marmi and enjoy a day at the Ligurian Sea. Enjoy fresh seafood or local Tuscan fare at a restaurant by the sea. After lounging and eating, walk through the pedestrian center where high-end boutiques mingle with smaller shops. Forte dei Marmi is known for its luxury fashion.

As the late afternoon edges toward early evening, your driver will take you to the artsy village of Pietrasanta. Stroll the historic center admiring the sculptures in the plazas and narrow streets lined with art galleries and artisan workshops.

Dine at a local restaurant where good food combines with an elegant yet relaxed ambience.

Enjoy the villa's pool or many spaces for reflection on the wonderful week you had or to finish those lively conversations with your new friends! 

In the evening we celebrate the connections we made and the experiences we had in a farewell Pizza and Prosecco party.

Sadly, all good things must come to an end.  Our wish is that you leave with full hearts, feeling well-cared for and new friendships to cherish. 

A driver will take you to the train station at the scheduled departure time. 

We hope you join us on a future retreat!