Ebbio, Tuscany, Italy

The people of Tuscany can rightly claim to have just about the best of everything - architecture, the country's greatest collection of art, beautiful countryside bathed in soft pink hues and some of Italy's finest fresh produce and best-known wines.

Lonely Planet

Ebbio is a working organic farm located in the heart of breath-taking Tuscany. It is surrounded by an evergreen forest and is only 11 km from Siena,
42 km from Florence and a short walk from lovely Monteriggioni, a walled medieval town.




Ebbio's garden reflects harmony with the environment, producing organic olive oil, wine and vegetables which are the basis of the three delicious vegetarian meals served daily.


• Check out our slideshow! Just choose the "slideshow" option.
• Visit the Ebbio website!
• Also, you may wish to visit photographer John Aldrich's website which has fantastic photos of the trip!

Yoga Retreats at This Location

Cost and registration information

download Tuscany registration form

Climate

Typical early June weather is sunny and breezy with an occasional rain shower. Daytime temperatures average in the mid-upper 70's F and nighttime lows are in the mid-50's F. For the past two years our weather has been perfect every day! current weather

The Practice Space

The yoga studio is a beautifully converted barn with old wood floors and a domed brick ceiling. Large french doors on either side bathe the spacious and airy room with light. The original feeding troughs hold the cushions. Attached is a bathroom with shower stalls, all done in Italian tile.


Accommodation

The atmosphere of the villa is charming, warm and welcoming. It accommodates up to 20 people in sunny and cheerful shared rooms with very nice hall baths.

Included

• Airport transfer to/from Florence airport
• 7 nights' shared accommodation
• 3 delicious vegetarian meals/day (except lunch on our full day trip to Siena)
• Transportation for all excursions: Siena, Volterra, San Gimignano, Mediterranean Sea, Petriola Hot Springs and Monteriggioni
• Daily Kripalu yoga classes

Yoga
Included in the weeklong program are daily morning yoga classes lead in the Kripalu style. On afternoons when we are not off exploring Tuscany, we offer a second yoga experience of meditation, postures, yoga nidra or pranayama. Really, it is all yoga!

Excursions
Included in the weeklong program is an excursion to Siena, without a doubt one of Italy's most enchanting cities bristling with majestic Gothic buildings, numerous churches and small museums. Easily experienced on foot, Siena offers an incredible concentration of things to see and do. You may wish to tour around, shop, visit the Cathedral, meander the narrow streets and dine on your own or with new friends.

Read a recent article from the New York Times about Siena. The article includes a lot of great photos which you can view by clicking on "slideshow" on the left side of the page.

We will also take a trip to Volterra a quaint, medievel town which, for centuries, has been a center for alabaster mining and art production — where you can observe artists at work in their studios. This idyllic, walkable town has some of the most spectacular countryside views of anywhere we've been in Tuscany

.

Another day we will tour San Gimignano, a walled medieval jewel perched on the crest of a hill surrounded by lush and productive land.

And we will travel to the Mediterranean Sea for a day of wandering the beach and frolicking in thecrystal clear water. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch specially prepared by the cook at Ebbio.

Ground transportation, by van, is provided for all excursions.

Ground transportation to and from the Florence airport will be provided on arrival and departure days. Please be sure to check the times before purchasing your airline tickets. For more information on planning your trip, visit our Travel Tips page.

Not included

While at Ebbio you may wish to treat yourself to a variety of health and wellness services (all services are not always available) including massage, acupuncture, salt rub and individual yoga sessions. Services vary based on availability. Appointments may be scheduled upon arrival.

Ebbio has a stable and our host, Franz, is an avid rider. The horses are available for guests' use to explore the surrounding countryside.








Some guests enjoyed an exciting shopping spree at the Prada outlet!

Airfare to Florence is not included. You may wish to arrive a few days early or plan to stay a while after the program to explore fabulous Florence, cradle of the renaissance.

Some Comments from 2007 Trip Participants:

Fantastic! Very well run. I really enjoy Ken and Kathleen's yoga classes. The mix of yoga, sight-seeing etc. were perfect. Franz and his family and staff are wonderful! Barry, Black Diamond, WA

Excellent coordination of logistics. Excellent choice of activities. Ken and Kathleen's sincerity and authentic care throughout was wonderful and helped support the theme of focusing on sense awareness. Rudy, Housatonic, MA

Deja vu - all over again. The repeat experience, still similar but also different. Enchantment everywhere. Franz & Isabella & familia are fabulous. Warm, welcoming and helpful. Lots of laughter and good feelings. Peter, Columbia, MO

Very well organized, excellent food, wine, yoga, side-trips. Most wonderful!! Bellissimo!! Grazie, Ken & Kathleen!! Susan, Colorado Springs, CO

It just gets better every year. There is always a new experience and wonderful new people to share this amazing place with! Keep making this happen! Kathy, Boca Raton, FL

This was an absolute, incredible, beautiful, experience. It is hard to put into words. I have always wanted to come to Italy. I do believe I celebrated "the senses" and I fell in love with Ebbio & even a rooster and a peacock! Nancy Rebecca, Columbia, MO

It was a sensory smorgasbord of sight, sound, smell, taste and touch. I enjoyed everything about this experience. The people were warm, caring and lots of fun. I would love to come back. Jane, West Vancouver, BC

This has been a great way to transition the mind, body and senses to be able to embrace the beauty, serenity and sensuality of the Tuscan landscape. Bravo to Kathleen & Ken for their awareness & sensitivity in leading the exploration into this surrender. Roberta, Charlottesville, VA

I am in awe at what ya'll have put together. This is the most amazing trip. You're both such a blessing. I am so grateful for your passion for what you do and the love you share with everyone and for each other. You make the world a better place. Rhonda, Pasadena, TX

What an amazing experience. I'm so grateful for the care invested in the yoga program & the day-trips & that Franz & Isabella invested in feeding us and making sure things ran smoothly at Ebbio. I can't wait to come back! Maureen, Queensbury, NY

As a virgin yogi I was particularly impressed with the welcoming and nurturing environment created by both Ken and Kathleen. They both made every effort to mitigate anything and everything that might have made the experience intimidating. The result was not only a newfound respect and understanding for my wife's favorite activity but a journey I can possibly travel on along with her - or even on my own. Harry, Akron, OH

The program was very well organized and wonderfully executed. Tom, Roxbury, CT

The yoga combined with the trips and the food was priceless. The open hearts of those around you truly made the experience something that you can never forget. Michele, Kitchener, ON

Loved the Yoga. Ebbio couldn't have been better for a setting. Perfect combination of sightseeing, enjoying the countryside, experiencing community and living yoga!! Thank you so much for creating this experience! Hope to do more programs!! Kathy, Bellevue, WA

Some Comments from 2006 Trip Participants:

This was the most amazing trip I've experienced in my life. I kept thinking that I cannot be grateful enough for all the wonderful experiences. I appreciated the thoughtful organization of each detail of the week. Thank you Ken & Kathleen for making this wonderful week happen. Jill, Columbia, MO

I was not aware of the passage of time this week. I can think of no better measure of a good time than that! Dennis, Evanston, IL

I couldn't have hoped for a better vacation. Period. I have learned so much -- this has been an incredible period of personal exploratoin and healing -- the food, people, senses, body/spirit therapies, activities etc were perfect.
Dre, Columbia, MO

I came to Ebbio hoping for good yoga, good food and great sightseeing. I found all these things and much more.
Devri, Kansas City, MO

I really enjoyed the week! I especially appreciated that I was never pressured to do yoga and was allowed to enjoy the week in my own way. The week had a very good flow and excellent variety. Food was great. Franz & famly were excellent hosts. All in all, a great event! Mike, Hillsdale, NJ

Excellent combination of yoga, friendship, culinary delights, historical appreciation and natural beauty.
Mimi, Earlysville, VA

This place is a garden of Eden -- how much better can it get than to reach over head and grab cherries from the tree for dessert? Our hosts were so wonderful and kind -- I couldn't imagine a better place to do this. And our intructors were awesome. Much love and thanks! Philip, Arlington, VA

What an alive life-changing experience! The practice of celebrating the senses in a compassionate and intentional way was shining though every aspect of this week -- the yoga practices, the food and the spirit of Ebbio. Ken & Kathleen are remarkable teachers and role models. I don't have words to express how grateful I am for this experience. Amy, Arlington, VA

It was heaven on earth! A true sensual delight. I'll be back. Debra, Columbia, MO

Couldn't be better! Ebbio people, accommodations, food -- all perfect. Felt like paradise. You two were marvelous. Made us feel completely comfortable. Lots of fun and relaxation and stretching of body, mind and heart. Do it again! Peter, Columbia, MO

I can't imagine a more wonderful way to discover the beauty and majesty of Tuscany! Carrie, Hillsdale, NJ

More Comments from Trip Participants:

Molto Bene! A wonderful location. A perfect blend of yoga and sight-seeing. Great food. I had a most wonderful experience and thank you for creating such a beautiful vacation...yoga and travel are such a great combo!!! Susan, Colorado Springs, CO

Excellent combination/balance of yoga and other activities as well as the wonderful home base of Ebbio - fun, hospitable people, great food. Shamira, Toronto, Canada

Bellisismo! The energy at Ebbio, the quality of the yoga classes, the safe and well-planned experiences...I never could have imagined that all could have been enveloped in one beautiful week. Mary, Cambridge, MA

I woke up in the morning and felt I was in heaven. Ebbio is a delicious paradise. Incredibly perfect...Ken & Kathleen were very lovely, positive leaders who set a safe, healthy tone for the group. Cris, San Diego, CA

It was a "Body Holiday", a learning experience combined with fun, excitement and laughter. Tom, Boonsboro, MD

Tuscany is a complete feast for the senses! Life vibrates in the air, food, people and the light...Ebbio is a rare spot of healing, of laughter, of delight in the fine art of living. Thank you Ken & Kathlee for your vision i calling us here and your superb organizational skills. Thank you for your open hearts, easy smiles and sense of fun. Carla, Boonsboro, MD

A wonderful and varied experience which provided a maximum sensual exposure to the region and culture. Mary, Houston, TX

Food and wine was fabulous. The yoga was great. Ken & Kathleen were wonderful as always...The best yoga vacation I have been on. Duane, Houston, TX

Definitely an awakening of the senses. The yoga instruction/group experience was suberb...accepting the body movements while also improving. All the side trips, the food, ambiance were great! Ingrid, Madison, WI

The second time was even better! Kathy Boca Raton, FL

What a week! I was satisifed on many levels... the excursions, the food, the company, the accommodation were all wonderful. I felt totally immersed in Tuscan culture. June, NYC, NY

As much as I was looking forward to a week in Tuscany I never expected it to be as wonderful as it was.
Karen, Highland Park, IL

The perfect combination of yoga, culture and great food.
Kathy, Boca Raton, FL

Sensational! I loved it all. I appreciate the time and care devoted to planning and preparation. The order of the sightseeing was very well planned. I loved Ebbio, Franz, the animals, the staff, the gardens and the easy way all of Ebbio was shared with us. A perfect vacation for me.
Nini, Norfolk, CT

Ebbio is pure magic. The location couldn't possibly have been better. A spiritual heart with a wizard host in a place that feels more likehome than home itself. Great balance between being and doing. Loriliee, Burlington, VT

This was truly a wonderful experience of the senses. The two of you are remarkable in organization and presentation skills. What a place to share with friends/husband and new acquaintances. Ebbio was a wonderful place to have as a home base. Franz and his staff really gave us an Italian experience that I will never forget. Virginia, SLC, UT

A total magical experience... it doesn't get any better than this! Excellent. Perfecto! Molto bella! Donna, Texarkana, TX

To experience the richness of the Italian countryside, culture, architecture, art and history after morning yoga and wake up with kind, gentle, loving, like-minded spirits has been a dream of mine forever. Thank you Ken & Kathleen for animating mydream into action. PINCH ME!!! Charlene, Scottsdale, AZ

It was more than I ever expected. It is nice to be surprised. I learned a great deal about having a daily yoga practice. Thank you for your openess and guidance. It was a wonderful experience. Lili, Highlands Ranch, CO

I loved having the freedom to enjoy this as a vacation as well as a spiritual/sensual journey. Melissa, CA

I am not a "yoga person" but all made me welcome and accepted my limited participation. A week of veggie food was more than tolerable. The coming together of the group was magnificent. Bob, SLC, UT

I love the combination of yoga, traveling (sightseeing), food and a homebase. I feel so completely cared for when I take an adventure with you. Wonderful as always.
Kelly, Charlottesville, VA

Such a beautiful place. Ebbio is amazing. Ken & Kathleen are wonderful leaders and amazing yoga teachers. The experience was overall perfect.

Ebbio was wonderful. I will always remember its endless details and warmth. The exact/precise planning was great. Paula, Boca Raton, FL

Ken & Kathleen are awesome. This trip met all expectations. The memories will last a lifetime. Susan, Cols, OH

It is an understatement to call this "Celebration of the Senses". It could be called "A Celebration of Bliss." Joyce, Plymouth, MA

Staying in a villa, especially this villa, is the only way to truly experience Tuscany. The ebullient owner and his friendly and very competent staff become part of your group, helping to give you the true "flavor" of Tuscan life. Gary, Charlottesville, VA

It was a beautiful week. I feel relaxed and inspired. Charlotte, Ruckersville, VA

The magic that comes out of the land of Tuscany definitely empowers a yoga experience. Catherine, Cortlandt Manor, NY

Exquisite hilltop location — the ancient villa yielded the perfect peace-filled environment. Joyce, Charlottesville, VA

I loved the farm, it's peaceful setting, the pets, horses, birds. The entire week has indeed been a wonderful Celebration of the Senses. And, of course the yoga — it was outstanding. Faye, Madison, VA

I appreciated the balance of sight-seeing, rich textures of the meals, the lovely visual experiences which greet the eye the more one becomes present. Also, I was impressed by the degree of care and desire to please and make us 'happy' by the staff. Lovely! Mur, Evanston, IL