The practice of Kripalu Yoga has little to do with touching your toes or standing on your head. Rather, it is about developing new ways of knowing and being, experiencing your life fully on a moment-to-moment basis, being in the NOW.

Our yoga practice in Tuscany will include "on the mat" time each day with Kripalu yoga classes and pranayama (breathing techniques) designed to stretch and energize our bodies. These classes will be accessible to everyone - novice or seasoned practitioner. Some of the rewards of yoga "on the mat" are a renewed zest for life, heightened awareness and a feeling of wholeness. And, of course, greater flexibility of body and mind.

Much of our yoga practice will be "off the mat" as we dive into an exploration of the rich Italian culture. What better place to experience a heightened awareness of the senses than in exquisite Tuscany where sense pleasures abound in the sweet joys of everyday life.

The working organic farm at Ebbio will offer us an opportunity to re-connect with the earth - to dig our hands into the soil that grows our food, to taste the freshly picked, deliciously prepared gourmet vegetarian meals.

The 800 year-old villa, oozing with character that only centuries can create, will transport us back to a time when life was simpler.

Our day-trips will offer opportunities to experience not only the treasures of each location, but the spectacular scenery along the way.

Each day we will travel through undulating hills bright green with spring crops, lush terraces of olive trees and serene country villages. We'll pass hilltop castles, stone farmhouses with tileroofs and men working thefields as their families have done for centuries before them.

Along the way we will breathe the soft spring air rich with layers of fragrances and perhaps sample some gelato or sip a cappuchino at a local café.

Upon our return to the villa, before our evening meal, we'll gather together once again as a group to stretch out, sit in meditation, enjoy our friendships and share the discoveries of another day in paradiso.

Sample Daily Schedule

Visit the Ebbio location page which has lots more photos and describes in detail the accommodations, activities and included tours.

Check out our slideshow! Just follow the link, click on the Tuscany album and choose the "slideshow" option.

download Tuscany registration form

Also, visit photographer John Aldrich's website with fantastic photos of the trip!

Recommended Reading
Perhaps a reading of Under the Tuscan Sun: At Home in Italy or In Tuscany both by Frances Mayes or The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown will help whet your appetite for travel to this extraordinary country.

Some Comments from 2008 Trip Participants:

Excellent organization by Ken & Kathleen. Loving environment in and out that made me feel comfortable immediately. You provided many different tours and I never felt rushed - very relaxing week with a full schedule. Amazing people-bonding and celebrating all the senses in this beautiful place. Sigrid, Clifton, NJ

An amazing adventure and great way to experience Italy for the first time. I haven't met so many fun and interesting people in one place before. Every day was filled with smiles and laughter along with great food and yoga. What more could you want. Shara, Chicago, IL

The 2nd time round was even better than the first. Like coming home - and what a heavenly home. The perfect vacation. Perfect balance of yoga, beauty, pleasure, connection, laughter, magnificent food, Paradise! Grazie! Cris, San Diego, CA

This vacation was relaxing, adventurous and an experience to reconnect with th ejoy that is always with us. It truly was a celebration of the senses. Ken and Kathleen are organized and very supportive. They guided us at the same time they set us free to explore. Terry, Columbia, MO

Ken and Kathleen were great hosts. Terrific planning and pre-trip tips and communications. They are great to get along with and skillful in leadinga group of 16 very diverse people, resulting in outstanding sense of community and sharing. Deborah, San Antonio, TX

Well organized by Ken and Kathleen with a well balanced program and trip. In comparison to other retreats - far and beyond my expectations. I appreciated your flexibility in schedule changes. Elly, Bradenton, FL

An incredible journey into the past: the charm of Italy explored through sights, smells, tastes and the beautiful sounds of the language. Jan , Columbia, MO

I think you did an excellent job of offering such different sensual experiences without ever feeling rushed. I also think Ken did an excellent job of navigating through the countryside with the many changes in direction. Take this trip to experience Italy and learn more about yourself. Your heart will expand and you will love more. Mac, Columbia, MO