Join experienced Radiance yoga teacher Jessie Chapman for an inspirational 8 day yoga retreat staying in a gorgeous Tuscan Villa just outside Sienna in Tuscany. Offering a perfect mix of dedicated yoga, relaxation, inspiring cultural tours and wonderful healthy eating, the yoga is suitable for complete beginners to experienced practitioners. The retreat includes twice daily yoga, meditation, core strength classes, a 1 hour healing massage, scenic walks, tours of the gorgeous towns of San Gimignano and Volterra, a day trip to explore Sienna on its virbant market day, a soothing dip in the nearby Roman Hot Springs, relaxing beach walk and swim and time to simply soak in Tuscany....

Yoga is taught by Australian yoga teacher and author, Jessie Chapman who's inspirational classes are designed for all levels from the beginner to the experienced practitioner. Jessie has been practicing yoga since 1991 and teaching since 1996. An assistant will be helping to give individual attention and adjustments in the classes with special attention given to yoga beginners. There will also be guided seated meditations, pre lunch core strength classes and evening yoga nidra (a lying down guided relaxation). Click here to read more about Jessie Chapman, the yoga and the facilitators.

For this retreat we're staying at ‘Ebbio’, a 14th century villa just outside Sienna run by our Italian hosts Franz and Isabella. This classic Tuscan farmhouse has a large polished floor yoga space, hot tub, walking trails, undulating hills covered in vineyards, olive trees, organic gardens and an enchanting evergreen forest to explore.

a sample day:
6.30 am - morning yoga with Jessie
9.00 am - healthy buffet breakfast on the terrace
10.30 am: leave for an inspiring walk or day trip (read 'retreat inclusions' for a list of all our excursions)
1 - 1.30 pm: pre lunch core strength class targeting weak abdominal muscles
1.30 pm: delicious vegetarian lunch on the terrace
5 pm: afternoon yoga with Jessie
7.30 pm: home cooked Italian style vegetarian dinner
9 pm - evening yoga nidra (guided lying down relaxation for a good night's sleep)
*Every day is different. For example on some days we leave the retreat after breakfast for one of our exciting day trips and return in the late afternoon for yoga. Other days we're out on an excursion for the morning or afternoon only. On these days there is time to simply relax and explore the beautiful retreat and surrounds..

Click here to view the full retreat itinerary.

retreat Inclusions:
7 nights classic Tuscan villa accommodation
Transfers to and from Sienna station or Airport
Morning and afternoon yoga with Jessie Chapman
1 hour healing massage
Core strength classes to target weak abdominal and lower back muscles
Evening yoga nidra: a lying down guided relaxation for a good nights sleep
Guided seated meditations
Vegetarian Italian style meals with organic pickings from the garden
Explore Sienna on Market Day and enjoy lunch out and about
Relaxing dip at the nearby Roman Hot Springs
Day trips to San Gimignano & Volterra exploring the streets, the architecture,
museums, cathedrals and galleries...
Beach walk, yoga & picnic at the beautiful National Park of Alberese
Chianti Hills vineyard tour & wine tasting
Guided walks on property trails into enchanted forests and other nearby walks
*There are 2 days where lunches are not included when we're visiting towns and
explore the wonderful local cuisine.
Extra massage and body treatments are available in-house.
Airfares are not included.

cost:
Twin Share: Aus $2295
Single: Aus $2735
Click here for currency converter

optional activities at Ebbio:
horse riding, mountain bike riding, use of the hot tub, massage and body treatments, beach trips, day trip to Florence (only 42kms drive from Ebbio).

arriving & departing: aim to arrive around mid morning although if arriving earlier that's okay. Lunch is provided from 1 pm onwards and the first yoga class is at 5 pm. Retreat ends midday on the last day.

more about where we stay: Nestled in the heart of an old volcano that was sacred to the Etruscans, Ebbio is located 42 kms from Florence, 11 kms from Siena, 9 km from Castellina in Chianti and 1km from Monteriggioni and a one and half hour drive to the beach. An 800 year old classic Tuscany farmhouse converted into a stylish yoga retreat, the ambience of Ebbio is a one-of-a-kind experience with rustic yet refined accommodations. Looking out one of the many windows you see thriving vineyards, olive trees and enchanting evergreen forests.

getting there: Ebbio (www.ebbio.com) is in the province of Sienna and transfers to and from Sienna are included in the retreat price. Airport pick-up to and from Florence can also be booked for an extra fee. If flying into Italy choose between Pisa, Florence or Rome as your Airport destination. All surrounding airports are connected via the Italian railway system. Sienna and Castellina in Chianti are the closest train stations. Full details are sent upon registration. See where Ebbio is located on the map below:


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RADIANCE RETREAT TESTIMONIALS

"I found this a life-changing experience. The best yoga teachers I have ever met,
who corrected mistakes / misunderstandings of decades. A truly supportive environment was created for us." Sharon, Museum Educator

“Absolutely a wonderful gift to yourself for body, mind, health. Keeps me motivated to continue my yoga practice and keep attending classes because I felt amazing during the retreat.” Helen, 30, Café Operator

“I came to the retreat not knowing what to expect, but looking for inspiration. Well, I definitely found that inspiration! The teachers were wonderful and created a harmonious, non-judgmental, serene environment. I feel recharged and invigorated and look forward to developing my own yoga practice. I would definitely recommend the retreat and would love to return.” Georgia, 35, Finance Manager

"Jessie & facilitators are beautiful caring women who take you on both physical and spiritual journey. Absolutely essential for us all." Marie, 40, Clinical Psychologist

As a first time retreater I had no idea what to expect. I was overwhelmed with how comfortable and happy I was automatically upon arrival."
Martha, 31, Musician

“This retreat was a fulfilling and extremely enjoyable experience, and the timing cannot be underestimated. I feel stronger, optimistic and re-charged, and look forward to another mid-year retreat to do it all again.”
Christina, 49, Film Technician

Click here to read more Radiance Retreats Testimonials