THE TRAVEL YOGI
Italy Yoga Adventure
Trip in One Word: Eloquence
What You’ll Experience in Italy
Get ready to slow down and savor every moment of this slow food and wine yoga retreat in Italy. Nestled between the Alps and the coast, the Italian region of Piedmont is often overlooked by travelers, but boasts some of the nation’s richest culinary and winemaking traditions. From cheese and wine to hazelnuts and chocolate, you’ll learn from locals how much care and tradition goes into every Piedmontese delicacy – with plenty of chef and home-cooked meals to deepen your appreciation, of course! When you’re not practicing yoga in Italy, you’ll meander on foot through cobblestone streets, cycle down country lanes and explore rolling vineyards against a backdrop of mountains. Ease yourself into the birthplace of the slow food movement for a week of quintessential Italian adventure.
How You’ll Experience Italy
You’ll immerse yourself in Piedmontese culture in the best way possible: through your tastebuds (with plenty of expert local guidance). On this yoga retreat in Italy, your daily yoga practice will lay a mindful foundation to help you slow down and savor Italian culture. Settle in at a private villa overlooking vineyards and fruit groves, and get to know Piedmont’s fertile countryside. Here, warm sea breezes nurture Nebbiolo grapes, prized white truffles flourish beneath the soil and winemakers, farmers and cooks uphold generations-old traditions. Visit family-owned restaurants for plates of agnolotti di plin or truffle-scented tajarin – but save room for the best panna cotta you’ve ever tasted! You’ll also tour wineries, e-bike to medieval villages and have leisure time to enjoy the villa’s infinity pool! Learn the Piedmontese secrets to selecting the best fresh vegetables as you try your hand at a cooking class and get a mixology lesson from a master bartender at Torino’s own Martini & Rossi. All along the way, you’ll watch past and present fuse before your eyes as you sip dark red glasses of Barolo wine and sample cuisine that’s both rustic and gourmet.
How You’ll Feel When You Return Home
You’ll return from your yoga retreat in Italy calm, satiated, and brimming with a renewed appreciation for the small moments of indulgence in your daily routine. You’ll peruse your local farmers market with zeal (and try your best not to compare it to the open-air markets of Canale). Every time you pull out your bottle of vermouth and mix a perfect aperitivo, you’ll stun dinner guests into silence. Whenever the pace of life quickens, you’ll pause and remember the traditions of Piedmontese cheesemakers, restaurateurs and hazelnut farmers. Like them, you have plenty of time to live intentionally… and plot your return to Piedmont to taste, learn, and practice yoga in Italy again.
Yoga Retreat In Italy Details
Turin
alba
the langhe roero
Yoga Retreat In Italy Upcoming Dates
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Giselle Mari
Giselle Mari
Giselle Mari, (E-RYT500, YACEP & C-IAYT) is a global yoga teacher with spunk, spirit and depth. Her light-hearted but comprehensive teaching style weaves in yogic philosophy, Sanskrit chanting, anatomy, skillful hands-on assists, funky eclectic music and an unabashed authenticity into her classes. She trained under the direct tutelage of Sharon Gannon & David Life of the Jivamukti Yoga method, as well as assisted them for many years. She obtained advanced certification, served as a faculty member for their esteemed international teacher training and as a panel member for the Jivamukti advanced certification board exam. She also represented the method at various conferences and festivals over the years. Her other teachers include, Sarah Powers, Paul Grilley, Jill, Miller, Manorama & Jai Uttal.
She now offers a 300hr Advanced Training through Nandi Yoga in San Mateo, California and is a faculty member in other domestic and international teacher trainings at the 200 & 300-hr level as well as Yoga Therapy training. She’s been on the covers of Yoga Journal & Yoga International Magazine and has appeared in many of their articles. She’s written for Origin, Mantra and Yoga Journal magazine. She’s also featured in Kathryn Budig’s book “Women’s Health: The Big Book of Yoga”, Linda Sparrowe’s “Yoga at Home” & Stephanie Spence’s “Yoga Wisdom” and in the documentaries What is Real? The Story of Jivamukti Yoga and the Director’s Cut of Cowspiracy.
Melissa Barron
Melissa Barron
Melissa Barron is a huge fan of the transformative power of yoga, and she loves nothing more than showing her students how amazing this practice can be! Melissa’s warmth and encouragement (mixed with a healthy dose of southern charm) inspires students of all ages and abilities. Her popular classes are always uplifting, playful, challenging and thoughtfully designed with proper alignment and safety in mind. Melissa also believes that music can deeply affect the class mood and energy level, so she’s quite popular for curating the perfect playlist for each class!
Melissa began her yoga journey in 2005 with Bikram Yoga and used it to offset the physical strain from marathon and half-marathon running. After a knee osteotomy sidelined all running in 2011, Melissa immersed herself in Vinyasa-style yoga and never looked back. “I used to think I was fit when I could run 26 miles, but yoga transformed my body and mind in ways I could never imagine”, she says of her new-found commitment to the practice. “Seeing my body transform and doing things in my 30s and 40s that I could only dream of in my teens as a gymnast was so inspiring, and it continues to inspire me each day!”
Based in sunny Orlando, Florida, Melissa completed her RYT200 in 2017 and currently teaches at Orlando Power Yoga, the largest and most beloved studio in central Florida. Melissa has committed herself to practicing and studying with other wonderful teachers at workshops and retreats all over the world; she brings this knowledge to her studio classes, arm-balancing workshops, corporate yoga instruction and yoga retreats.
Get ready for adventure and prepare to smile, sweat and groove on an upcoming retreat with Melissa!
Lisa Riente
Lisa Riente
Meet Lisa Estelle Riente, the radiant force behind Blue Dog Yoga & Wellness in Camden, SC. With over three decades of yoga and healing experience and more than 20 years of teaching, Lisa has woven a tapestry that touches lives in studios, prisons, hospitals, healing centers, and schools, worldwide.
A graduate of the University of Georgia and former Air Force wife and mother, she has a zest for knowledge and adventure. She became not just a yoga practitioner while living in Germany, but a wellness studio owner in South Carolina for the past 20 years, where she’s nurtured communities and cultivated relationships one breath at a time.
With over 20 local, regional and international transformative retreats under her belt, she has guided seekers of all ages to discover the profound connection between mind, body, and energy in the most breathtaking corners of the world, including Peru, Belize, Jamaica, Mexico and throughout Europe and the US. Among her greatest honors was representing the US as one of 52 yoga ambassadors from 22 countries on the 2018 Yoga Ambassadors Tour in Kerala India, sponsored by AYUSH.
Lisa truly finds her sanctuary and sanity in the embrace of nature and adventure, As a beekeeper, animal rehabber and outdoor enthusiast, she’s discovered that the hum of the bees, the rhythm of the earth and cosmos, and the thrill of exploring new lands and cultures, hold the secrets to happiness, inner peace and harmony for her. Leading retreats worldwide is her deepest passion and there is no greater pleasure than showing new adventurers awe-inspiring locations!
If you’re ready to embark on a journey of fun, self-discovery and inspired movement, step onto the mat and out in the world with Lisa and let the magic unfold. She’s the queen bee of yoga therapy and the guiding star for countless yogis seeking balance, serenity and an eclectic and authentic yoga experience. Her creatively-themed and choreographed hatha and kundalini-inspired classes will charm and delight you!
BAJ University of Georgia; IAYT certified yoga therapist; Yoga Alliance E-RYT 500 and YACEP (Continued Education Provider); Certified Death Doula, SC Certified Beekeeper
Giselle Mari
Giselle Mari
Giselle Mari, (E-RYT500, YACEP & C-IAYT) is a global yoga teacher with spunk, spirit and depth. Her light-hearted but comprehensive teaching style weaves in yogic philosophy, Sanskrit chanting, anatomy, skillful hands-on assists, funky eclectic music and an unabashed authenticity into her classes. She trained under the direct tutelage of Sharon Gannon & David Life of the Jivamukti Yoga method, as well as assisted them for many years. She obtained advanced certification, served as a faculty member for their esteemed international teacher training and as a panel member for the Jivamukti advanced certification board exam. She also represented the method at various conferences and festivals over the years. Her other teachers include, Sarah Powers, Paul Grilley, Jill, Miller, Manorama & Jai Uttal.
She now offers a 300hr Advanced Training through Nandi Yoga in San Mateo, California and is a faculty member in other domestic and international teacher trainings at the 200 & 300-hr level as well as Yoga Therapy training. She’s been on the covers of Yoga Journal & Yoga International Magazine and has appeared in many of their articles. She’s written for Origin, Mantra and Yoga Journal magazine. She’s also featured in Kathryn Budig’s book “Women’s Health: The Big Book of Yoga”, Linda Sparrowe’s “Yoga at Home” & Stephanie Spence’s “Yoga Wisdom” and in the documentaries What is Real? The Story of Jivamukti Yoga and the Director’s Cut of Cowspiracy.
Leslie Sikes
Leslie Sikes
Leslie Sikes is a Cincinnati yoga instructor with over 15 years of teaching in studio, institutional, and private settings. She recently participated in a Travel Yogi trip to the Galapagos Islands. It truly changed her life in many ways.
Leslie teaches yoga studies for The University of Cincinnati. This curriculum allows college students to access yoga and meditation through their college career. She was the driving force behind the creation of a yoga studies certificate that consists of coursework from yoga classes through the College of Education and Human Services, the College of Medicine, and the College of Arts & Sciences – a first of its kind at the University. She also teaches yoga for the UC men’s basketball and UC women’s volleyball teams.
Leslie’s yoga training consists of 200 YTT in Ashtanga Yoga, 300 YTT in Rocket Yoga and certifications in Yin Yoga, Prenatal Yoga and Mindfulness. She recently completed her 500 YTT at Modo Yoga Nicaragua and currently teaches hot yoga and workshops for Embra Yoga Cincinnati.
When it comes to teaching, Leslie’s goal is to help students use yoga to stay connected both spiritually and physically, on and off their mats. She loves music and is constantly creating new music playlists to match her teachings, which she subsequently shares with her students. Leslie currently lives in Clifton with her husband and two girls, Lila and Rose.
Leslie’s Galapagos Story
I found The Travel Yogi through the Yoga Journal as a sweepstakes to win a free yoga retreat to Iceland. While I didn’t win, I reached out to the company to see what they were all about. I’m a 42 year old yoga instructor who lives in Cincinnati with her husband and two kids, ages 14 and 11. The Galapagos Island trip had been on my bucket list since I was a little girl. I knew this was the right time in my life to travel again. I decided I should travel as a student first to see the experience from that side. I was completely blown away by my experience! The food, culture, hospitality, yoga practice, local guides of the island, and time to detach from everything at home was crucial for my mental health. I returned home recharged with a fresh outlook on life, and couldn’t wait for the next trip. I made a new group of friends as the Travel Yogi trips seem to attract open-minded, non-judgemental, diverse and friendly people! This is what inspired me to host my own yoga retreat in Panama, the beach lover’s vacation. If you’re looking for a way to detach and “replenish your soul”, come meet me in February 2024. You’ll feel recharged and full of life inside and out.
Maura Manzo
Maura Manzo
Maura Manzo is a sought after yoga & meditation teacher in the Philadelphia area, specializing in trauma-informed practices, community engagement and mind-body integration. She is a catalyst for change encouraging reflection, responsibility and action in our individual lives and in our deeper connection to each other and the world. She believes in the power of community and collective care. Maura has helped raise over $500,000 for local and international organizations, building 5 schools in developing countries and organizing various fundraising groups for direct service and cultural immersions. She is also a retreat leader known for curating unique experiences for her students that land them back into the center of themselves.
Maura has trained extensively with Off the Mat into the World founders and faculty, specifically Seane Corn, Hala Khouri and Nikki Myers, around trauma informed practices and the intersection of social justice and yoga. She has studied trauma-informed care with Lakeside Global institute.
In 2013, Maura co-founded Yoga Home which she co-owned with Kerri Hanlon through 2020. The studio was awarded many ‘best of’ awards throughout the years and she was also the personal recipient of Philadelphia Magazine’s Best of Awards 2014 – Best Yoga Podcast.
Maura’s deep commitment to building community shows up in all that she offers. Over the last 10 years, she has raised nearly $500k for different organizations she has partnered with including OTM, (HIV/AIDS South Africa), buildOn (building schools in 5 different countries) and most recently, Hope for Haiti (sustainable development).
What's Included
- Morning vinyasa and/or evening chill-out yoga practice in the countryside
- One night in a four-star city center hotel in Turin
- Six nights in a luxury private villa in the Langhe Roero
- Home-cooked dinner with a family in Turin
- Walking tour of Turin and the local markets with lunch in the central food market
- Explore one of Turin’s famous chocolate factories and a delicious tasting
- Private visit to Turin’s own Martini & Rossi factory and special mixology class
- E-bike afternoon ride to the village of Canale, with local stops along the way, and their local market
- Private chef cooking class at the villa with the produce from Canale’s outdoor food market
- Tasting in Italy’s Bank of Wine
- Explore Pollenzo’s University of Taste
- Winery visit and tasting class
- Gourmet lunch at the home of the slow food movement
- Hilltop goat herding and natural cheese making morning
- Special family run winery dinner and wine tasting
- Chef-cooked dinners at ‘home’ at our hilltop villa
- Dinner at the villa with a special Pizzaiolo
- Airport transfers (on arrival and departure days per ‘welcome’ email)
What's Not Included
- Airfare to Turin
- Two lunches
- Additional excursions
- Alcohol or items of a personal nature/souvenirs
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Gratuities
Accommodations
Turin
Our hotel in Turin is in the heart of the city and directly across from the Porta Nuova Station; an easy across-the-street-stroll for those who train into town. A sweet and luxurious entry to Italy, our Turin hotel offers a city-center location, delectable dining and a lovely yoga space for de-planing. Rooms feature either one or two beds, AC, and en suite bathroom facilities. Explore Turin on foot and through your taste-buds as you begin your epicurious journey through Italy.
the Roero
Our lux villa in the Roero allow for stunning hilltop views of the delectable vineyards of this unique region. Each of the rooms within the villa has its own character (as well as its own AC controls) and en suite bathrooms. A gourmet kitchen and wine cellar feature the best of Piedmontese cuisine in a villa, and outdoor yoga shala, surrounded by fruit and olive trees. Each day at the villa is picture postcard worthy. Rooms will have one or two beds, depending on your needs.
Itinerary
Our Italy yoga retreat schedules will vary slightly and final itineraries will go out to the travel crew about a month prior to departure. Our schedule below gives you an overall picture of what a weeklong wellness and yoga retreat in Italy will look like:
1
DAY ONE
- Arrive into Turin by 2pm. Benvenuto in Italia!
- Transfer into town from the airport, or stroll across the street from the main train station, and drop your bags off at your Turin home
- Explore this extremely walkable city or check-in and rest
- Head to the rooftop for a local aperitivo and group meet and greets!
- Enjoy a proper welcome to Italy with a local and home-cooked meal
- Discover a Piedmontese welcome in a local home and a delicious dinner (depending on group size)
- Drive back to the hotel for a good night’s sleep and luxury welcome to your Italy yoga retreat adventure
2
DAY TWO
- Check out and explore Turin on foot before heading into the countryside
- Discover Turin’s 2,000 year old history and beautiful architecture
- End the morning stroll at an artisanal chocolatier’s workshop: learn the family traditions of chocolate making capped off by a scrumptious tasting
- Satisfy your hunger with a local specialty of your choice at the Centrale food market
- Depart Turin for the countryside and a special stop at Turin’s own Martini & Rossi
- See the birthplace of a brand and explore Martini & Rossi’s history
- Enjoy a private mixology class with apertivo experts at Martini’s Bar Academy
- Head to the Roero enjoying the gorgeous countryside along the way
- Settle into your country home and relax among the vines
- Tonight is night one of your private chef and villa deliciousness
3
DAY THREE
- Morning yoga with breakfast to follow
- Get to know the Roero under your own steam (sort of) as you e-bike the hills and vineyards
- E-bike to Monteu Roero’s small village center for a refresher and a look at the stunning medieval church of San Bernardino
- Hop back on your bikes and pedal to a local vineyard for a unique birbet and seasonal fruit tasting
- Enjoy a lunch at leisure, and strolling, through the charming streets of Canale
- Head ‘home’ with time to relax
- Walk down to the outdoor yoga shala for this evening’s class
- Enjoy a local specialty cooking class with our private chef at the villa and a night at home
4
DAY FOUR
- Greet the morning with yoga and a delicious breakfast
- Drive to the charming city of Bra for some free time strolling, shopping or simply people-watching
- Bra has something for everyone, including a spice shop like you’ve never seen, and is the birthplace of the Slow Food movement
- Enjoy lunch in town and a deeper understanding of a food system that is “good, clean and fair”
- Head to Pollenzo for a deeper knowledge, and taste, of this worldwide movement
- Meet up with a representative of the University of Taste (aka the University of Gastronomic Sciences)
- Stroll through time and the vineyards of Italy as you explore the Bank of Wine in the cellars of the University
- Head home to the Roero
- Freshen up and head out for a walk to a local family run restaurant with a history stretching back through the centuries
5
DAY FIVE
- Enjoy a later morning yoga class among the olive trees followed by breakfast in the villa
- This morning will be yours to relax and enjoy at your leisure – swim, book a massage or relax your way
- Lunch today at the villa
- This afternoon you’ll head to a winery with delicious vintages and multiple generations of passion in the vines for a tour of the cellars and a guided tasting
- Head back ‘home’ for a special treat – enjoy a pizza based dinner with a local Pizzaiolo
6
DAY SIX
- Morning yoga and breakfast at the villa
- Head to the ancient town of Alba for some free exploration and strolling
- This beautiful town played home to history for centuries as a stopping point for the crusades
- The ancient and the modern combine as you stroll the town that gave birth to Nutella (and still plays host to a Nutella factory)
- During certain months in the fall you can experience the world-renowned truffle fair that takes place in Alba’s town square
- Enjoy lunch on your own today and wherever you please within the town of Alba
- Drive back to your villa and an afternoon yoga session
- Freshen up and head down the road for a special dinner at a small family-run winery and restaurant with stunning views over the Langhe Roero’s hills and vineyards
7
DAY SEVEN
- Slightly later morning yoga and breakfast this morning
- Lace up a pair of old shoes and head out to the hills as you channel your inner shepherd
- A wonderful goat shepherd will allow us to drive his goats (don’t worry, his trusting herding hounds will help) into their pen for milking
- The goat’s milk will be used to create the delicious cheese that, after a bit of work, you’ll have a chance to taste and enjoy
- Head home to wash up and enjoy a lunch of light sandwiches, snacks, hazelnuts from local trees and fresh honey
- Come together after a rest for a final yoga session in the gorgeous Italian countryside
- Tuck into a delicious final meal in the Roero and a special send off to the week
8
DAY EIGHT
- Wake up to breakfast and pack for the transfer back to Turin for a flight home or train off to further European adventures
- There will be two transfers back to the city and, depending on your flight time, you can take off or head back to explore a second visit to Turin
- Grazie per aver visitato l’Italia!
TESTIMONIALS
ADVENTURE WELL(NESS)
ADVENTURE WELL(NESS)
ADVENTURE WELL(NESS)
ADVENTURE WELL(NESS)
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Of course. Once you’re booked you’ll receive an email with important logistical information and a link to your invoice. You can pay any amount at any time on the invoice; you can use it as a payment plan or leave it alone until the final due date. Remember that deposits are non-refundable so, on all trips, we recommend purchasing travel insurance.
