Ebbio Villa
Siena market day.
Tuscany June 11-18, 2010
Celebrate the Senses: A Kripalu Yoga Retreat in Tuscany
Prices from $1698 Download registration form here.
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, Italy 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
| 6:30-8:00am | Kripalu Yoga |
| 8:00-9:00am | Breakfast |
| 9:00am-1:00pm | Half Day trip: Volterra or San Gimignano etc |
| 1:00-2:30pm | Lunch |
| 2:00-5:00pm | Walk, Massage, Rest, Horseback riding... |
| 5:00-6:30pm | Kripalu Yoga/Workshop |
| 7:00-8:00pm | Dinner |
Massages will be offered by Kim Hough who will be on-site and part of our group. Visit Kim's website here.
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
