Inside the Retreat
A 6-Day Sanctuary of Mindful Movement, Ancient Stone, and Umbrian Soul
Vallo di Nera: Your Living Sanctuary
When you step through the medieval gates of Vallo di Nera, you are entering a living sanctuary. Built in 1100, this remarkably preserved stone village offers a profound sense of peace and perspective at every turn. Our practice takes center stage in the sun-drenched upper Piazza, where you will move through your morning yoga flow surrounded by panoramic views of the Umbrian valley and the ancient stone walls of the town.
Beyond the mat, this 6-day journey is about forming genuine connections with the land and its people. You will experience the authentic rhythm of Umbrian life, from visiting our neighbor Franca for coffee on her terrace to exploring the 14th-century frescoes in the Church of Santa Maria. As we stroll through the weathered stone streets, you’ll discover that the village isn’t just a backdrop for your retreat; it is a place of deep restoration where you can find your center and truly master "the art of the stay".
The Garden Pizza Tradition: A Visual and Culinary Feast
Experience the magic of an authentic Italian tradition as Vallo natives Giacomo and Anastasia bring our 200-year-old garden oven to life specifically for our retreat group. This isn't just a lunch; it's a front-row seat to the ancient artistry of wood-fired baking, where you’ll watch hand-stretched dough and seasonal ingredients transformed into steaming, fragrant pizzas over an open fire. Surrounded by the tranquility of the villa garden, this sensory experience perfectly blends the simple joy of a shared meal with the rich culinary heritage of our mountain village.
It provides the ideal restorative pause between your morning yoga flow in the sun-drenched upper piazza and our afternoon journey to explore the Roman and medieval landmarks of Spoleto. You’ll leave the table not just nourished by world-class food, but feeling a genuine, lasting connection to the local people and the authentic, welcoming soul of Umbria.
Assisi: The Spiritual Heart of Italy
Journey just 35 minutes from our medieval base in Vallo di Nera to the spiritual and historic heart of Umbria: Assisi. You won’t just wander through its ancient streets; you’ll be led on a private guided tour by Maura, our knowledgeable and charismatic local expert. Together, we will explore the majestic Basilica of St. Francis, the Rocca Maggiore, and the Duomo di San Rufino, discovering the stories and sacred history that have drawn pilgrims here for centuries.
This afternoon journey is designed to be a meditative extension of our "Sky & Stone" theme. By observing the quiet tranquility of the hidden alleys and the expansive valley views from the hilltop, you’ll find fresh perspective to bring back to your morning yoga practice at Casa della Zia. After our tour, you will have the evening free to enjoy the sunset and find a quiet table for dinner on your own in one of Assisi’s celebrated dining rooms.
The Shepherd’s Path: A Journey to Castel San Felice
Walking the Ancient Trails of the Valnerina
Step onto the same winding trails that have been used for centuries by local villagers and shepherds to navigate the rugged beauty of the Valnerina valley. This medium-to-easy hike offers a profound sense of connection to the land as you traverse the hillside from our medieval base in Vallo di Nera. The 4-kilometer journey follows historic paths through olive groves and forests, providing an active, meditative experience that perfectly complements our week of mindful movement.
The payoff at the end of the trail is a true Umbrian treasure: the Abbey of San Felice and Mauro. This 12th-century Romanesque masterpiece, built from the warm stone of the mountains, stands as a silent witness to the valley's spiritual history. After exploring the abbey’s intricate stone carvings and peaceful atmosphere, we’ll enjoy a convenient car service for the return trip back up the incline to Vallo, ensuring you can enjoy the descent and the destination without the steep climb back home. It is a day of physical movement and architectural awe that captures the timeless soul of Italy.
Sky and Stone at La Lecceta: A Feast for the Senses
Experience a day of deep reconnection at La Lecceta, a picturesque horse farm nestled in the rolling Umbrian hills. This isn't just an excursion; it’s a purposeful immersion where we move our practice from the village to the open countryside. We begin our morning with a purposeful yoga session conducted outdoors on the farm's tranquil grounds, using the expansive horizon as our backdrop to deepen our practice and find our center.
Following our session, we gather for a celebratory "Home Restaurant" experience hosted by Daniela and Roberto. You will savor a multi-course lunch featuring traditional Umbrian specialties and estate wines, celebrating the simple joy of a shared meal in an idyllic pastoral setting. On our journey back to Vallo di Nera, we make a meditative stop at the ancient Ponte Fonnaia, a 2nd-century Roman bridge. Its timeless arches provide the perfect moment to reflect on the beauty and history of the region, grounding us back into the "Stone" of our journey before returning to our medieval base.
The Heart of the Valnerina: Birthplace of St. Benedict
Discover the profound spiritual and culinary history of Norcia, a town nestled in the verdant Valnerina that has been a center of Italian life since the Neolithic Age. Just a 35-minute scenic drive from Vallo di Nera, Norcia is world-renowned as the birthplace of St. Benedict and St. Scholastica, having welcomed pilgrims to its sacred gates for centuries. As we stroll through the beautiful main square and the Piazza di San Giovanni, you will experience a town that has been thoughtfully and beautifully rebuilt after the 2016 earthquake, standing as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Umbrian people.
Beyond its spiritual roots, Norcia is the birthplace of Italy’s famous charcuterie tradition. You will have the opportunity to explore the famous "Norcineria" shops that line the streets, sampling the dried meats and local delicacies that have made this town a destination for food lovers worldwide. The highlight of our visit is a wonderful lunch at the Ristorante del Teatro dell’Opera, where we will gather to enjoy the refined flavors of the region in a celebrated setting. This excursion offers a perfect balance of cultural immersion and culinary delight, grounding our 6-day journey in the deep traditions of the valley.
