Thursday: Sept 20, 2012: Depart US (Boston, New York, etc.) for Florence, Italy on your own.


Friday, September 21: Arrival: Florence/Firenze:
We begin in the lobby of our Hotel to meet everyone for an orientation session at 2:00p.m. The hotel is about 20 minutes from the airport by taxi. After our orientation and first scheduled group relaxation session. We will introduce you to Mario, the best hotel manager on the planet: Mario will arrange museum tickets, taxis, bottles of wine, haircuts, you-name-it, he aims to please! He is a treasure! The evening ends with a "Welcome dinner" included at: L’Osteria di Giovanni, a short 15-minute walk from the hotel.

4:00-5:00 p.m. CE: Hour # 1: Afternoon Art of Relaxation Session (Breathing relaxation exercises, body flame exercise)


Saturday, September 22: We begin with a morning meditation session followed by breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast we will have a 1-hour session on Care for the Caregiver. Then, we have scheduled a free day in Florence, with a short, afternoon walking tour with Ann Reavis, our Friend in Florence. Reservations can be made to see David at the Accademia Museum (not to be missed), and/or the Uffizi Gallery (second largest collection to the Louvre). Florence is a very walk-able city and is a great introduction to Italy. Some guests may want to simply walk and sightsee. Our tour planner, Gail will be happy to accompany you. There are many points of interest here, including wonderful food and leather markets, the Pitti Palace (many different collections – precious metals, costumes, art), beautiful Boboli Gardens, Brunelleschi’s famous Dome, the Baptistery with Ghiberti’s bronze doors, Giotto’s bell tower…..and great shopping! Lunch and dinner on your own, and we will provide recommendations.)

7:00-8:00 a.m. Morning Meditation (optional)
9:30-10:30 a.m. CE: Hour # 2: Care for the Caregiver: Healthy Boundaries


Sunday, September 23: We begin with a morning guided imagery meditation session followed by breakfast at the hotel. We then leave Florence early in the morning for Pienza in Southern Tuscany via the city of Assisi where we will have lunch and see the area that made St. Francis famous. Leaving Assisi for the 1.5 hour drive to Pienza, we will have an informal lecture on the benefits of a cardiovascular exercise program. Upon arrival, we check into a charming hotel, for 4 nights: located in the heart of this perfect Renaissance town with an optional afternoon walking tour with Luke and Gail. Dinner on your own, with recommendations. Pienza has several great restaurants, including one in the hotel.

7:00-8:00 a.m. CE: Hour # 3: Morning Mental Imagery Exercise
10:30-11:30 a.m. CE: Hour # 4: Benefits of a cardiovascular walking program


Monday, September 24: We begin with a morning meditation session, then meet for Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast we will meet for a 1 hour morning workshop with Luke on music therapy relaxation, followed by free time. We have an afternoon tour with Antonella Piredda to visit a beautiful monastary with incredible frescos, and a visit to an olive oil farm. Lunch and dinner on your own.

7:00-8:00 a.m. Morning meditation (optional)
9:30-10:30 a.m. CE: Hour #5: Art of Calm Relaxation Skills 101: Music Therapy


Tuesday, September 25: We begin with a session of Hatha Yoga followed by Breakfast at the hotel. Then SIENA! Bus service along one of the most beautiful roads in all of Tuscany to incredible Siena, and our tour with Antonella. So much to see here including the famous Duomo and Il Campo, the most beautiful piazza in all of Italy. We will try an afternoon session of group "mindfulness" walking exercise followed by FREE time for shopping in Siena! Lunch and dinner on your own....many choices here. Bus return to Pienza.

7:00-8:00 a.m. CE: Hour #6: Restorative Hatha Yoga session


Wednesday, September 26: We begin with another session of Hatha Yoga followed by breakfast at the hotel. Free time in the morning. We take a van ride to the beautiful city of Montepulciano for lunch (on your own) followed by an afternoon tour with Pino Teresi for wine tasting of the famous Vino Nobile wine of this region at the Contucci Winery, a visit to Cesare’s famous copper workshop, and a tour of this historical Tuscan town, one of Gail’s favorites. Dinner included this night at Da Roberto's in Gail's village of Montisi, with music and singing by Pino and Liz Cochrane, a local artist.

7:00-8:00 a.m. CE: Hour #7: Walking Meditation Exercise
7:00 –8:00 p.m. CE: Hour #8: Mediterranean Diet, Slow food eating discussion and mindfulness eating meditation


Thursday, September 27: We begin with an early morning zen meditation session followed by breakfast at the hotel. We then leave early morning by bus for the renowned city of Venice, about a 4-hour drive. Luke will offer his renowned 1-hour lecture discussion on healthy eating practices. Check into our hotel.

7:00-8:00 a.m. Morning Meditation (optional)
10:00-11:00 a.m. CE: Hour #9: Healthy Eating Practices


Friday, September 28: We begin the day with an early morning meditation session followed by breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast we will have a short 1-hour workshop (journal writing as a stress management coping technique) with Luke before we begin our final free day to explore Venice. This is a beautiful city and one to create lasting memories. Lunch and dinner on your own (with our recommendations).

7:00-8:00 a.m. CE: Hour # 10: Journal Writing Session


Saturday, September 29: Another free day in this amazing historic and celebrated city (explore the canals, museums, and stores). We’ll have many suggestions for you! Lunch on your own. Arrivederci Dinner and group celebration included.


Sunday, September 30: Breakfast and Goodbye “Chow and Ciao” at the hotel. Please note that most flights back to the US leave in the early morning, so participants will need to schedule accordingly (you must be at the airport at least two hours before departure. Arrivederci Italia!

*Our local tour guides will remind us that to be flexible as a tourist is your best asset. Changes (e.g., weather, traffic, etc.) may suggest fine tuning to the scheduled itinerary. Trust that our team of guides will make this journey the best experience possible.