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La Dolce Vita
June 16th-22nd, 2024
Picture it
La Dolce Vita
Have you ever wanted to visit the hill towns in Italy? Well now is your chance! We take care of all of the planning, make sure you are well-fed and cared for, and offer daily yoga + meditation to round it all out.
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Every year, La Dogana hosts Yoga retreats on its beautiful organic farm Montemelino with accommodation that overlooks the vineyards. Mixing yoga and Italian activities gives guests a unique experience they will not forget. Just picture yourself starting your morning in downward dog in the rolling hills of Italy!
A few kilometers from Cortona, in the province of Perugia, Montemelino is an ideal place to rest while providing opportunities to visit picturesque towns and villages. Montemelino has transformed the farmhouses into apartments for those who want to spend their holidays in the green heart of Italy. The recovery of the ancient farmhouses combines tradition with comfort. Even the swimming pool fits discreetly among the olive trees. There are six apartments in the main building and a seventh in a nearby building, with all apartments having private bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms.
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The stay allows for rest, reading, long walks on the panoramic hills and adjacent woods, and excursions on the lake and the islands. There are also beautiful routes for mountain bikes (and e-bikes) both in the nearby hills and around the lake: bicycles can be rented in the area and an equipped Bike Room is available for guests. Montemelino is surrounded by important art locations in Umbria and Tuscany, all reachable by car or train. The price includes three trips to nearby hill towns and two of these also include food tastings. Breakfast and dinner are included in the retreat price. Here is a sample of meal offerings.
There is also a tasting of the wine made at Montemelino and transfer to and from the Rome Fiumicino airport is included.
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The Location
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WINE AND OIL SINCE 1961
Montemelino is an organic farm of about 60 hectares, located on the northern hills of Lake Trasimeno, between Umbria and Tuscany, around 300 meters above sea level, on a beautiful hill overlooking the lake.
The farm has been run since 1961 by Margret with Guido and now by Sabina, her daughter, who carries on with Pier a job that has always fascinated the whole family. Guido’s creativity and style are everywhere in Montemelino, and many of his mural paintings make each house unique. In addition to the production of quality wines and oil, we have renovated the farmhouses to host tourists and friends.
The Yoga
Daily Yoga, Pranayama, and Meditation Classes are offered both morning and afternoon. Sessions will accommodate all levels. No yoga experience is necessary and all are welcome.
*Please note that the price for the retreat does not include the airfare to Italy.
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*Please consider purchasing travel insurance as payments are non-refundable.
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A Note From Your Hosts+Teachers
Like many Americans, I have Italian roots on my father's side of the family. My great-grandparents came to America early in the last century to create a new life. My grandfather was the first generation born in the United States and the last of 7 children. My father regaled us with stories of growing up with Italian grandparents and I had my own experience with my beloved grandfather. Italy has a place in my heart, that's for sure. -Rebecca
I passed up the opportunity to study art in Italy during summer break in college. It was something I have regretted my entire life. I dreamed of going to Italy and experiencing its amazing culture, food, and of course, art. It was the trip of a lifetime planned for May of 2020, but Covid had other plans. I finally had the opportunity to take that trip in May of 2023. It was everything I hoped for and more. Italy imprinted on me. -Kathy
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We both have had the opportunity to travel a bit throughout this beautiful country and now we'd like to share it with you. Montemelino offers us the perfect place to discover the Tuscan region while being in a tranquil setting and having daily yoga, pranayama, and meditation classes. We are so excited to have you join us on this amazing and transformational retreat. We want you to have actionable takeaways to help you navigate life and find the sweetness in every day.
-Rebecca & Kathy
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All classes will be taught by Kathy and Rebecca
June 16th
Pick-Up: The Fiumicino Airport in Rome and stop at the supermarket before arriving at the venue. A shuttle is scheduled to take us to the retreat center leaving from the Fiumicino Rome airport at 3 pm. After you arrive at terminal number 3 (international flights), meet inside the terminal, in front of door number 1. Once you exit baggage claim, look for 2 green columns with the sign "Limo Service." After a yellow floor line, you will see the driver with the sign "Yoga Retreat - Rebecca."
Arrival and apartment check-in: 5pm
Welcome Dinner: 8 pm
Free time/bedtime: 10 pm
*If you would like a transfer that does not match the one included in the package, please let us know ASAP so the venue can put you into contact with their transfer company
June 17th
Mysore / Open studio: 6:30-8:15 am (2nd floor of restaurant)
Pranayama & Meditation: 8:20-9 am
Breakfast: 9 - 9:45 am
Town Tour + Food Experience: 10:30 am - 4:30 pm
Free time: evening
Evening Yoga: 6:15-7:30 pm
Dinner: 8 pm
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June 18th
Mysore / Open studio: 6:30-8:15 am
Pranayama & Meditation: 8:20-9 am
Breakfast: 9 - 9:45 am
Free time - extra activities (hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, massage, etc.)
Evening Yoga: 3:45-5 pm
Pizza Making Class: 5:30 pm
Dinner: 8 pm
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June 19th
Mysore / Open studio: 6:30-8:15 am
Pranayama & Meditation: 8:20-9am
Breakfast: 9 - 9:45 am
Town Tour + Food Experience: 10:30 am - 4 pm
Evening Yoga: 6:15-7:30 pm
Dinner: 8 pm
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June 20th
Mysore / Open studio: 6:30-8:15 am
Pranayama & Meditation: 8:20-9am
Breakfast: 9 - 9:45 am
Free time - extra activities
Vineyard tour and wine tasting: 3 pm
Evening Yoga: 6:15-7:30 pm
Dinner: 8 pm
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June 21st
Mysore / Open studio: 6:30-8:15 am
Pranayama & Meditation: 8:20-9am
Breakfast: 9 - 9:45 am
Pic Nic and Town Tour: 10:30 - 5 pm
Evening Yoga: 6:15-7:30 pm
Dinner: 8 pm
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June 22nd
Breakfast: 8 - 9:15am*
Shuttle Bus departure to airport: 9:30 am for arrival at the Rome Fiumicino airport at noon.**
*If you would like a breakfast take-out box because your departure time is earlier, please let us know in advance so we can notify the Chef
**If you would like a transfer that does not match the one included in the package, please let us know ASAP so the venue can put you into contact with their transfer company
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** You may reserve your spot with a deposit to the yoga hive and the balance will be paid directly to the retreat center.
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** For those leaving from Atlanta please inquire for flight details.
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**Mysore classes are open to all levels. If you are unfamiliar with this style of yoga just come with an open mind and some curiosity. You will receive individualized instruction to help you develop your practice. You are also able to use the morning studio time for whatever practice you like.
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**Evening yoga classes will be organic and designed to meet the daily mood of the group.
The base price for the retreat is $2,850 per person. The apartments are designed to share, which is common practice in Europe as buildings are old and space is at a premium. The majority of bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms. If you would like to have your own apartment there is an additional charge of $1,000.
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Each apartment has reserved outdoor spaces such as a loggia or terrace, and a Wi-Fi connection is available if needed.
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This is the perfect opportunity to gather a group of friends or family and come together to make some incredible memories.
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We are here to help you find the best accommodation for you. Please let us know how we can assist you.
Check out the layouts here
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Apartment no. 1 - one double bed bedroom for 1-2 guests and one bathroom. RESERVED
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Apartment no. 2 - two bedrooms (one with double bed, one with two single beds) and two bathrooms for 2-4 guests. RESERVED
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Apartment no. 3 - two bedrooms (one with double bed, one with two single beds) and two bathrooms for 2-4 guests.
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Apartment no. 4 - two bedrooms (one with double bed, one with two single beds) and one bathroom for 2-4 guests.
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Apartment no. 5 - two bedrooms (one with double bed, one with two single beds; good for close friends or family or people that are less concerned about privacy) and two bathrooms for 2-4 guests RESERVED​
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Apartment no. 6 - one bedroom and double sleeper sofa and two bathrooms for 2-4 guests. (This is a 2 bedroom apartment with the bedroom upstairs and the double sleeper sofa downstairs.) RESERVED
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House no. 7 - large and separate house a few meters from the main building; two bedrooms (one with a double bed, one with two single beds) for 2-4 guests RESERVED
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The layouts and photos of apartments can be found here.
Check-in time: 5 pm
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Check-out time: 9:30 am
The price for the retreat is $2850 per person and includes meals, transfer to and from the retreat, excursions, and Yoga. Airfare is not included.
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Please send any questions regarding lodging and / or pricing by clicking here.
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