Qigong + Sound Healing Italy Retreat
Ebbio Farmhouse, Monteriggioni, Tuscany
September 28-October 4, 2024
Ebbio Farm House
Ebbio is a beautifully restored 13th century farmhouse tucked away in an evergreen forest that sits atop an extinct volcano, sacred to the Ancient Etruscans. It is a self-sustainable farm where everything is grown or foraged from the land. The property is surrounded by olive trees, vineyards, and lush organic gardens. The owners prepare delicious vegetarian meals served on gorgeous hand-painted Ginori ceramics. The property is complete with donkeys, chickens, geese, and horses, giving it a lovely rustic feel. The estate's thick walls keep the house cool in the summer, and the outdoor patios are perfect for relaxing and lounging around in your free time.About this trip
Experience the best of Italian culture with a trusted guide on this sacred journey through Tuscany, Italy. Feel like a local on this unique retreat, which will include daily practice, ritual, and conscious travel—all while surrounding yourself fully in the local culture. Immerse yourself throughout the trip in the best Italy has to offer in the areas of local organic food, exciting excursions, art, and language. You can expect a retreat that has been intentionally curated and purposefully designed to give you the perfect combination of both beautifully rich cultural immersion and space for deep exploration of self. Mara Rosaria, extensively trained Qigong and Sound Therapy Practitioner, will guide you through your inner and outer journey and lead you to deep self-connection through meditation, qigong, ritual, sound, and inner work. The focus of this retreat will be on slow travel, and you will have the opportunity to experience this on a sustainable farm in the hills of the Tuscan country side. Your guide ~ Mara Rosaria
I've been traveling to Italy since I was a child. My mother comes from the bustling city of Naples in Southern Italy. This is where I spent many of my summers learning about my mother's culture and where she came from. I've lived, worked and led qigong workshops all throughout Italy. I speak Italian and understand many of the local dialects. I have a BA in Italian language and culture and I consider Italy to be my second home. My dream has always been to share my unique experiences of Italy's rich cultural diversity with others.Where you’ll stay
This beautiful farmhouse is just twenty minutes outside of the medieval city of Siena and within walking distance to the small village of Monteriggioni. Ebbio is situated in the heart of Tuscany, just 1 hour from Florence and many famous UNESCO heritage sites. Come join us for six days of movement and sound, a visit and hike along the turquoise river, Sentierelsa, leisurely dips in le Caldane and the thermal springs, excursions to Siena and other medieval villages and so much more. We will share delicious vegetarian Tuscan meals with produce sourced from Ebbio’s organic farm, but we will also have the opportunity to try some of the local fair from surrounding villages. There will be time for exploring the Tuscan countryside and for taking in the beauty and magic of Ebbio as well. Sustainability at Ebbio
At Ebbio, they believe in responsible travel, and strive to demonstrate the model for sustainable living. Guests can participate in work on the farm, get their hands dirty and bring the lessons home to live a more mindful life. Ebbio is committed to nine criteria for measuring their impact as an organization: energy, water, food, waste, carbon footprint, education, health, employment and happiness. They are constantly working to improve their systems with renewable energies, heating via biomass, waste recycling, gray and black water treatment and reuse, compost and permaculture. They work closely with the local community, farmers and artisans alike to raise awareness and create a positive impact through workshops.Daily Practice
Qigong
Qigong promotes relaxation and reduces stress through the use of the breath, movement and intention. Through deep, slow, and mindful breathing techniques you activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's relaxation response. This helps to calm the mind, slow down the heart rate, and reduce stress levels. And as the qi travels along the breath, the gentle, flowing movements performed with focused attention and intention help to shift the focus away from stressors and into the present moment, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. Qigong cultivates and balances the body's Qi, or vital energy. When the Qi is balanced and flowing smoothly, it supports the overall health and well-being of the body and mind. By practicing Qigong, you enhance the circulation and flow of Qi, which can help to alleviate stress, promote relaxation, and restore harmony within. Each morning we will start our day with a gentle qigong flow and meditation. Sound Healing
Sound therapy makes space for the body, mind and spirit to connect. It promotes rest and relaxation allowing the nervous system to experience a deep reset. Sound therapy has been known to help with anxiety,depression, addictions, sleep disorders, physical pain, improving focus, trauma healing and overall spiritual well being.
Each evening session, you will be guided by the sounds of crystal bowls and chimes for deep relaxation and rest. You will also be led to explore the deeper parts of yourself through the healing tones of the gong which helps to move energetic blockages and heavy emotions that we tend to hold on to in our physical and energetic bodies.One of the key aspects of slow travel is savoring long, leisurely meals. The slow food movement actually began in Italy, and it's main objective is to connect people with local food, it's source, and sharing meals with others. This provides an opportunity not only to enjoy the local cuisine but also to engage in conversations with locals, learning about their way of life and their culinary traditions. By taking the time to truly experience the local food, one can gain a deeper appreciation for the flavors, ingredients, and cultural significance behind each dish.Slow Travel + Slow Food
Slow travel is all about fostering meaningful connections with the local food, people, and customs of a destination. It encourages a deeper understanding and appreciation of the culture and traditions that make a place unique. By immersing oneself in the local lifestyle, slow travel allows for a more authentic and enriching experience. Slow travel is about deep listening and deep feeling, it is about engaging all of the senses in a mindful way. Who is this retreat for?
This retreat is for you if you want to experience an unforgettable week of deep rest, connection to nature; incredible farm to table food; Italian art, language and culture. Enhance your well-being while exploring one of the most treasured places on earth. Through our daily practice of Qigong, and sound healing, you can explore your inner landscape while connecting to one of the most sacred places in Italy. The retreat is open to people of all ages, fitness levels, and backgrounds. Whether you are a beginner or have previous experience with Qigong, you will undoubtedly benefit from participating in this week-long immersion. We hope you'll join us in this incredible opportunity to connect with others, share experiences, build a supportive community, and create lasting memories with like minded individuals.Retreat Includes
Six-night stay at Ebbio Farmhouse
All meals - at Ebbio or a local restaurant
Daily Practice - Qigong + Sound Healing + Ritual
Sightseeing - Excursions to Siena and other medieval towns such as San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, and Colle di Val D’elsa.
*All entrance fees and guides included.
A nature walk along the turquoise Sentierelsa River
A visit to Le Caldane and the Thermal Springs
An Italian cooking class with Ebbio’s owner and founder
Language and Culture - Mara will share her knowledge of Italian language, local culture and history.
Visit to a local vineyard for wine and cheese tasting.
*Optional excursion available for sober participants.
Guided bike tour through the Tuscan countryside
What’s Not Included
Flights to and from Italy
Transfers to and from Ebbio
Travel Insurance
Massages/Individual Energetic Healing Sessions/Spa Treatments
Additional Excursions
Pricing + Cancellation Policy
In order to reserve a room, an initial non-refundable deposit of $300 is required. There are three additional non-refundable payments due on May 1, and July 1, with the remaining balance due by Sep 1, 2024. It's important to note that once the deposits are made, they are non-refundable. Regardless of the circumstances, refunds or credits will not be provided for guests who fail to attend, arrive late, or leave early. Exceptions cannot be made for any reason, including weather, injury/illness, or personal emergencies. Considering the unforeseen events that can disrupt travel plans, it is recommended to purchase travel insurance to protect against any unexpected situations. In the event of a governmental travel ban, the deposit will be moved to the following year and the same pricing conditions will be applied.Arriving at Ebbio
The retreat will be begin on Sept 28th at 4pm. If you are arriving on your own, we will help you with public transportation options or arrange for a private or shared transfer to Ebbio. More information will be given as we get closer to the departure date. It is important for all of our guests to feel comfortable and supported throughout this journey.Examples of transportation options below:From Pisa Airport (about 90km) 2 options:Train from Pisa airport to “Castellina in Chianti - Monteriggioni” about 1 hour 45 mins. Ticket is 12€ per person. Transport from the train station to Ebbio 15€ per person (about a 10 min drive).From Florence Airport (about 60km)1. Tram + Train Tram from airport to SMN train station, and train from Florence SMN to “Castellina in Chianti - Monteriggioni” about 1 hour 45mins, one change of train in Empoli. Ticket is 12€ per person. Transport from the train station to Ebbio 15€ per person (about a 10 min drive).2. Taxis are available to/from Florence +39 055 4390, info@4390.it - 150/160€, you can ask for larger cars (about 1 hour drive)*There are also transfer options from Rome, which is 3 hours away. Details provided by request.
