September 14 - 23, 2012
4 days in Florence, Art Captial of Italy
5 days in Tuscan Countryside
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Greetings!
This is going to be a fabulous slow paced 10-day trip to Italy filled with great food and wines from Tuscany, guided art tour and class by my dear Italian artist friend Margherita Abozzo who lives and teaches art in Florence, Vipassana meditation, gentle yoga, and my Porchia's W.I.S.H. Wisdom Circles filled with heart and soul centered inspiration to support your holistic wellness goals and Life In Balance.
We shall be taking much of our inspiration from the artistic masters of Florence and the beauty of the Tuscan countryside, then through the helpful guidance of Margherita in painting and drawing and myself during our morning yoga and meditation and evening Wisdom Circles, we shall explore how you can transform old limited beliefs and patterns into new self-loving, self-nurturing and creative practices that can support health, wellness, success and fulfillment.
Photographers welcome. If you don't want to draw or paint you can always take pictures instead. And if you have a way to share your photos on your computer during our Wisdom Circles, even better.
Please join me for this very special and unique travel and wellness opportunity. You'll need to book your air flights by end of March for the best possible prices. Don't delay!
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Itinerary
With plenty of time off for relaxation and personal exploration
 Friday, September 14, 2012
Arrive Firenze
3-nights at 3-star hotel in city TBD Informal group meeting in hotel bar to get acquainted, then dinner on your own and time to rest up after your long flight. (not included in price)
 Saturday, September 15
Art Tour With Florentine Artist / Teacher Margherita Abozzo
Group lunch (not included in price)
Wisdom Circle setting personal intentions for retreat,
Dinner on your own for further exploration
 Sunday, September 16
Purchase Art Supplies,
Art Tour with Margherita
Group lunch (not included in price)
Wisdom Circle, facilitated meditation
Dinner on your own to explore Florence
 Monday, September 17
Group Transportation to Tuscan Countryside
5 nights at Villa Campestri & Oleoteca
Day of arrival explore grounds and area on your own
Group dinner at Villa Campestri (included in price) Tuesday, September 18Morning Gentle Yoga
Vipassana MeditationArt class with MargheritaLunch on your ownAfternoon free for painting, drawing
exploration of Villa grounds
Wisdom Circle
Group sharing of artworksDinner on your owm, opportunity to explore Mugello township trattorias
Wednesday, September 19Morning Yoga, Vipassana MeditationOptional Day Trip To Sienna
Dinner on your own in Sienna
Thursday, September 20 Morning Gentle Yoga
Vipassana Meditation
Painting & drawing around
Villa Campestri
Picnic lunch around Villa Campestri (included in price)
Wisdom Circle and group sharing of artwork
 Optional dinner at Villa Campestri (billed separately) with free olive oil tasting and complementary bottle of wine for those who choose to have a second dinner at Villa
 Friday, September 21Optional Horseback Ride & Vineyard Tour in Chianti Region
Wine Estate Tour of 17th Century Villa
Tuscan Lunch on Premises
Wisdom Circle back at Villa Campestri
Dinner on your own
 Saturday, September 22Group Transportation to Firenze
1 night at 3-start hotel in city TBDWisdom Circle & Closing CeremonyEvening Cooking Class & celebratory group dinner (included in price)
Sunday, September 23Departures on your own
For pricing and Registration contact
Book your flights in March for best prices!
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Villa Campestri & Oleoteca
This intimate luxury 25-room 13th century villa and surrounding lands was owned the noble Florentine Roti Michelozzi family for nearly 700 years until 1989, when they sold the entire Campestri property to the present owner, Paolo Pasquali who has added Italy's first Oleoteca.
With one section dating back to the medieval period and another dating to the Renaissance, Villa Campestri has commanding views 3 kilometers above the valley of Tuscany. Because of its altitude, the owner has not
found it necessary to have
air-conditioning. Many antique
furnishings have been used in the rooms and each has a bathroom with sparkling cobalt blue and white tiles that are made in a local ceramics factory.
Ancient cypress stand on the lawn in front of the Villa welcoming you to this corner of the Mugello Valley where nature has been left intact. Villa Campestri is surrounded by ancient olive groves and a a large private park of extraordinary beauty offering innumerable paths for relaxing solitary walks to discover the beauty of local wild flora, nearby streams and pathway through the woods leading to the panoramic view of the Mugello Valley. In the park you will discover two works of art by the contemporary Florentine artist Fabio Bini: "Beyond The Sky" and "The Human Balance."
Art of Villa Campestri and the neighboring historic villages of the Mugello Valley abounds. In the Villa's spacious salons, frescoes, valuable stain glass windows and decorative ceramics made by 20th century artist Galileo Chini in Borgo San Lorenzo, are to be found in the Villa's restaurant, chapel and some guest rooms. Historically, these lands belonged to the Medici family so as you explore neighboring villages you will discover many commissioned artworks by native born artists of the day such as Giotto and Beato Angelico.
The grounds also provide a beautiful swimming pool with magnificent view of the Mugello Valley and complimentary mountain bikes for exploring the park.
The extensive olive grove and Oleoteca produces olive oil of exceptional quality. Villa owner, Paolo Pasquali is proud to have won first prize for his OliveToLive Design and Technological Innovation at annual International Congress of Gastronomy's Madrid Fusion 2012, one of the most prestigious events in the world of food and drink.
With its deep color, lingering taste and notes of artichoke and almond, this oil inspires Campestri chef in a symphony of flavors skilfully combining innovation and tradition, simplicity and refinement.
 Chef Roberto Zanieri creates dishes of absolute excellence at the Villa's Restaurant L'Olivaia serving some of the best homemade ravioli in Italy and featuring olive oil produced on the property. The leading protagonist here is the extra-virgin olive oil produced by the Villa's ancient olive groves. Many of the ingredients employed come from the Villa's gardens and organic orchards. The wine list offers an ample selection with classic vintages alongside some innovative suggestions selected by wine talent scout, maestro Dario Bogani.
The suggestive atmosphere of the Restaurant with its polychromatic wooden ceiling, carved shelving, stone window frames and terracotta floors is the ideal setting for group dinners together or intimate  dining.
Buffet breakfast is included in the room rate. Rich selection of cakes, homemade bread, cereals, yogurt, jam, honey, chocolate, cold cuts, cheese, scrambled eggs, hot roasted bacon, fresh fruits, toast, juice and specialty pastries prepared with our extra-virgin olive oil and delicious braided oil with rosemary and orange marmalade. Espresso, cappuccino, chocolate, gluten-free breakfast upon request.
 Campestri's organic, extra virgin, cold-pressed olive oil is not only tasty but also healthy and good for you, known as the food of the Gods from the time of early Egyptians to present day.
Enjoy a luxurious professional massage at an intimate corner of the grounds under the shade of ancient olive trees or in the privacy of your room. Olive oil precious fatty acids, polyphenols and anti-aging vitamins A,E,K and D help keep skin healthy, while therapeutic touch detoxifies, reduces swelling, stimulates circulation of blood, lymph and digestive systems. Treatment menu includes Ayurvedic massage, relaxing or energizing massage, decongestant massage, reflexology and shiatsu massage. Time: 60 minutes - €70,00.
Airport: Florence, 45 Minutes Villa Campestri has transportation and drivers available for any individual excursions you may want to take to neighboring villages in the Mugello Valley.
For prices and Registration contact
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Firenze
Florence, aka Firenze, is the capital city of Tuscany, famous for its beautiful historic city center which is like an open-air museum and is classified as a World Heritage Site.
Firenze was one of the most important cities in Europe from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. However, Florence has been inhabited since the 10th century and historians date its foundation to 59 B.C. as a Roman settlement for retired soldiers.
| | Basilica di Santa Maria Novella |
It was from the 14th to 16th centuries, during the rule of the Medici Family that Florence became one of the most important cities in Europe.
Lorenzo de' Medici was the greatest patron of the city, transforming Florence into the cradle of the Renaissance by attracting the best artists,
 | Neptune sculpture at
Piazza della Signoria
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architects and writers of the time such as Leonardo daVinci, Michelangelo and Botticelli to whom he commissioned various works.
Margherita Abozzo, Florentine artist / teacher and contemporary art writer will be our guide as we visit many of the city's historic sites from her unique insider's perspective and if time permits we might get to visit her own art studio and get a glimpse of what some contemporary Florentine artists are doing.  | | Bottecelli's Birth of Venus |
Margherita will take us to her favorite art supply shop before we depart the city of Florence so you may purchase any drawing or painting materials you want for our stay in the Tuscan countryside.
 | Ponte Vechio at sunset
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Our initial 3-night stay in city center allows for full enjoyment and exploration of this magnificent city both in daylight and in the summer evenings with plenty of evening time off to explore the magic of Florentine summer nights and restaurants.
We return to Florence for our last night in Italy and a very special afternoon cooking class with Tuscan chef Giovanni and our final celebratory dinner together and closing ceremony before everyone departs the following morning. For pricing and Registration contactBook your flights in March for best prices.
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Optional Day Trips
Sienna Sienna is the medieval fist of the Tuscan region, ironically Europe's best preserved towns due to its lack of funds - the city couldn't afford to replace its archaic Gothic structures with more modern buildings. Now it's mandatory for any new buildings in the city to stick with the medieval architectural theme.
Cars are prohibited within the walls of this three-hillside town. Make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes to explore Sienna's many narrow roads, alleys and steps that snake through the city like discarded olive branches.
 Piazza del Campo is the heart of the city and where the Palio horse races are held every July 2nd and August 16th. It is a traditional citywide festival takes weeks to set up full of banquets, parades and blessings for the horses in the name of Saint Catherine of Sienna and after a two minute race it's all over. No tour of Sienna Italy would be complete without at least one meal taken in the city's famous Piazza del Campo, where Sienna restaurants spill haphazardly in every direction from its center.
Saint Catherine of Sienna was an avid lobbyist for peace and was canonized in the 15th century and became the first Catholic woman to be given the title of Doctor of the Church.
Vineyards encapsulate most of the land between Florence and Sienna, where the famed Chianti wine was first born. To the south of Sienna is the Brunello region, home to another of the country's most acclaimed wines. Sienna restaurants are fiercely proud of their wine selections, where ristorante Boccon del Prete has a house wine at $40 a bottle.
For pricing and Registration contact Book your flights in March for best prices!
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Horses, Vineyards & Lunch
Ride amongst vineyards, olive trees and medieval villages to a 17th century Villa's estate where you will be given a guided tour of their ancient cellar, learn about the process involved in producing their olive oil and world famous Chianti wine.
After a tasting of both your appetite will be whetted for a traditional Tuscan lunch of bruschetta and pasta.
Horse ride is one hour with helmets provided. A professional horse guide gives a brief lesson to get acquainted with your horse and tour leader provides transportation from and return to Villa Campestri. No previous riding experience is required. Wear long pants and closed toe sports shoes. Duration approximately 6 hours.
Excludes: personal expense and tips.
For pricing and Registration contact Book your flights in March for best prices!
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 Margherita Abozzo
Margherita Abozzo and Dianne Porchia met in London in 1990, at the Byam Shaw School of Art where they both attended and earned their bachelor's degree in Fine Art. Five years later Dianne returned to the United States and eventually transitioned into the healing arts, while Margherita continued with her art vocation obtaining her master's degree in Art History at the University of Florence.
 Margherita now lives and works in Florence, Italy, with her husband and their three children. She writes on contemporary art, photography and science since 1984 for numerous Italian and international art and photography publications. Margherita also teaches, keeps a Visual blog for a radio station and runs art classes and workshops on a regular basis.
Margherita's works are in public and private collections in Italy, England and America. Her books are in the permanent collections of TATE Modern and the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Art Supplies
Airlines have many restrictions on what you can carry or check in your luggage and you may not be able to transport some art supplies. Before you try packing any art supplies in your luggage, please check with your airline carrier to see what is permissible.  Margherita will be taking us to her favorite art supply shop in Florence for anyone who wants to buy art supplies in Italy rather than transport them from home.
For travel Dianne uses a simple set of watercolor paints in a tin or small tubes, watercolor pad, one Japanese bamboo brush and Shaprie permanent markers. She has also used Prisma Color pencils and Aquarelle water color pencils which are easily transportable and have no mess. Pitt Water Color Brush Pens are also a good choice for easy transportation and no mess. 
 Please do not bring oil paints, solvents and other toxic supplies to Villa Campestri. They have no facilities for cleaning such supplies. Our drawing and painting will take place outdoors, no easels or chairs will be provided other than what may be found around the Villa grounds, so you may want to bring a cushion or blanket to sit on. |
Wisdom Circles,
Gentle Yoga & Vipassana Meditation
Dianne Porchia masterfully creates a safe and sacred space to assist you in gracefully transforming old limited beliefs and patterns into new self-loving, self-nurturing and creative practices that can support holistic health, wellness, success and fulfillment in your life. Read more about Dianne.
 With Dianne's expertise in facilitating somatic awareness, moving meditations and body dialogue you will learn how to identify and move blocked energy in your body. Dianne will guide you through gentle yoga, body movement, breath and vocalization so you may gently move and free this stuck energy "chi" to allow more freedom of movement with your body, more willingness in your mind, more love in your heart and more joy in your soul.
Our first Wisdom Circle will take place on our second night in Florence where each person shares their intention for the retreat. Wisdom Circles will take place at the end of the day either before or after dinner, depending on the day's schedule and will be an opportunity to share personal insights and learning from the day's meditation, creative artworks, activities and observations.
Most mornings will start with gentle yoga and movement outside, followed by a short instructed Vipassana meditation in the beautiful grounds of Villa Campestri. After breakfast the rest of the day begins according to our itinerary.
At the end of our magical and transforming time together in Tuscany, you will have the opportunity to create a take-home action plan for creating integrated body-mind-heart-soul wellness for your new life in balance back home.
For pricing and Registration contact |
Air Travel & Ground Transportation
All participants should arrange their flights so that they arrive in Florence on Friday, September 14th. For people traveling from the Unites States this means departing on Thursday, September 13th and getting a connecting flight from Rome. Our retreat ends on our last night in Florence, Sunday September 23, with everyone departing for their respective flights on Monday, September 24.
Recommended Travel Agent
Terry Bahri
En Route Travel
Luxury Travel AdvisorCorporate & Leisure
A Virtuoso Member
Specialists In The Art Of Travel
15221 Sunset Blvd. Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Tel: 310-459-9955 - Cell: 310-890-7707
terry@enroutetravel.com
www.enroutewithterry.com
Book your flights in March for best summer prices! Ground transportation from and to Florence International Airport to Florence city hotel is on your own.
Group transportation from Florence city hotel to Villa Campestri isprovided in this package. No other ground transportation is included other than optional day trips which are included in each excursion package. However Villa Campestri has transportation and mountain bike rentals available for guests.
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EAT, PAINT, PRAY, LOVE: Life In Balance Tuscan Style is an amazing travel wellness retreat, unlike anything you've ever experienced before.
Please join me for this incredible experience filled with great foods and wines of Tuscany, masterful art, architecture, inspiration and your creative expression, spiritual connection, holistic health, wellness and personal growth. I would love to have you come!!!
Sincerely,
Dianne Porchia
Porchia'sW.I.S.H. - Whole Integrated Self Health
For pricing and Registration
Book your flights in March for best summer prices!
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Dianne Porchia |
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