Umbria Passion

“Umbria is the land where time has another rhythm because every clock here also chimes the eternal. ”

–Vittorino Andreoli

A sumptuous week-long feast for body, mind and spirit in the gorgeous heart of Umbria.

Benvenuti in Italia. Slow down and savor like a local.

Spirit of Place: Umbria has it in droves!

Italy-lovers, join us for a unique and rich experience in magical Umbria, in the most beautiful and serene Country House you could imagine. A sublime sanctuary awaits you in the Italian countryside.

Yoga and meditation are offered to unfold each morning to unfold the day in a harmonious rhythm. We’ll explore Umbria by bike, foot and other guided excursions to discover the jewel-like towns and landscapes, art, and history of this rich and genuine region. Superb farm-to-table cooking at every meal, excellent regional wines, and connecting local culture through the people and places we visit.

This is a place of deep peace and serenity. Being here has a special way of renewing the simple beauty of life.

Warm Italian goodness, inspiration, and adventures await!

Drop into la bella vita, a life of Beauty.

Enjoy a whole week in the Italian countryside at Locanda del Gallo, one of the special places on earth.

Our days begin in beauty with meditation and yoga practice in deeply serene space, laying a solid foundation for continuing a sustainable personal practice. Feel-free to opt out of the yoga sessions if you wish.
A delicious organic Italian breakfast of homemade everything is served afterwards, overlooking the view. Buon apetito!

Locanda del Gallo is a 17th C. country estate set off the beaten track on a hilltop with stunning views in every direction. Warm hospitality, excellent food, tranquility and charm – this is rustic Italy at its best. It’s one of those truly special places that remain in the heart.

The atmosphere is joyful and relaxed. There is a gorgeous, salt-water infinity pool in the olive grove. The little Moorish-style spa offers a Hamman, hot outdoor jacuzzi, sauna, and excellent massages can be scheduled.

We’ll bike, hike and explore the gorgeous heart of Umbria.

We’ll enjoy bike tours along quiet country roads with our local guides on some days, excursions and other adventures on others to experience the unique magic of Umbria, including a day in beautiful Assisi. The birthplace of Saint Francis, Assisi is captivating and unique, and a mystical aura permeates the town. Discover regional wines in an Umbrian castle, and the famous wineries of Montefalco. On our free day, you can opt for an excursion to shop the elegant streets of Perugia.

To Know: Our rides are led by local guides plus Julia. Two of our routes include a strategic round-trip van shuttle so we can include many of the most beautiful towns in Umbria

Our rides and other outings incorporate local culture, history and lore of this marvelous land where people have worked in harmony with nature for millennia.
Connecting with the continuity and creative impulse embodied in these ancient places offers an avenue of deepening our own presence and expanding our perspective.

Our routes cover scenic little roads leading us around the Valle Umbra. Spello, Assisi, Bevagna, and Gubbio are among the local towns we visit.

Two of the scenic routes we will ride are hilly (similar to Tuscany but more rugged), offering a rewarding challenge. Two of our routes are mild-to-moderate, mostly flat, following the Via degli Ulivi (Way of Olives) through the valley of the Umbra River.
For those not wishing to bike, there are signposted nature trails around our Country House awaiting your discovery, including one leading to a waterfall for a refreshing dip. Alternatively, you can catch a ride in our support van.

On select afternoons a restorative yoga session or workshop will be offered to relax deeply and integrate the day's activities. 

Every evening we gather for sunset aperitivo followed by a sumptuous, multi-course dinner at our beautiful Locanda. After dinner you may be star-gazing, relaxing in the jacuzzi, or enjoying conversation with new and old friends.

This is your retreat.

All activities are optional.

If you long for the luxury of spacious, unstructured time to relax or create,
our location allows you to make this choice. Spend your day as nourishes you.
For a deeply relaxing experience you could opt to simply stay and soak-in the vast, gorgeous grounds of Locanda del Gallo. Take long siestas in beautiful rooms that look out into the magnificent surroundings, read, journal, sketch, get a massage, or walk the extensive nature trails to dip in a waterfall pool. Dolce far niente, sweet doing-nothing, is an esteemed practice in Italy.

The retreat is structured so you will have a wonderful experience with great ease.

8 Days / 7 nights
The retreat fee includes:

• Accommodation for 7 nights in a boutique country estate with spa. The hospitality is wonderful.

• All bountiful meals for the week (except some lunches when out on tours).
  Note: If you are remaining on property for the day, lunch at our Locanda is always included.

• Yoga and Meditation daily with Julia.

• Fully-equipped, spacious yoga studio immersed in nature with all yoga props provided.

• Guided bike tours, hikes and other excursions daily through the landscape to villages, abbeys, wineries, and the region's most beautiful towns.

• Full access to the spa including jaccuzzi, sauna, hammam, pools, tea room, and all the property’s facilites, including honesty bar with local wines.

• Expertise and services of our experienced leaders, plus additional local guides for certain visits.

• Transportation to all excursions and bike tour locations.

• Regional vineyard visit to a local wine-maker in an Umbrian castle.

• Guided visit to Assisi, including the magnificent Basilica of Saint Francis with its frescoes.

• Wine pairings with dinners

The retreat fee does not include:

• Airfare to Italy

• Land transfer to the retreat (we can assist/organize for you)

• Bike rental

• Three lunches out

• Travel Insurance

Your Retreat Gives Back

It's not just a vacation!

Your participation includes a generous donation to our thriving foundation, the groundbreaking program, Young Cultural-Leaders With Spiritual Insight.

Since 2013 we’ve been supporting youth cultural preservation and education in Bali so they can thrive and carry on their magnificent artistic and spiritual heritage.

Learn more about our foundation.

Pricing

The 8 day / 7 night retreat fee starts at $3900 per person for three friends sharing a triple. Doubles start at $4200.

The cycling in Umbria is a dreamscape.

Rides are mainly on quiet country roads surrounded by beautiful landscapes, and include visits to the most beautiful medieval towns, abbeys and churches, vineyards, local family producers, cafes and eateries. The cycling is accessible to everyone with a moderate level of fitness. Two rides will hilly and exciting, while two rides cover mostly easy terrain in a scenic valley.
We have electric-assisted bikes available to rent and recommended for making the hills a breeze.
Note: Two bike tours will begin and end with a van shuttle to optimize the routes, allowing us to visit Umbria’s most beautiful towns.
All our rides are fully supported by a professional local guide team.

Bike Selection

We have high-quality bikes available for you to rent, from electric-assisted bikes to high-end carbon road bikes, to suit your riding style and experience level.

E-bikes are easy to ride. They flatten the hills and are a lot of fun. You still have to pedal, and you can work as much as you choose – but a battery offers a boost of power when you need it.

Getting active for your trip

If you want it really casual, or don’t have time to train much, simply choose an electric-assisted-bike which makes the riding a breeze.

Distances will vary from 12 to about 35 miles. You will ride at your enjoyable pace. Before your trip, we recommend cycling outdoors regularly and hitting the hills whenever you can. You don’t have to be super fit if you are riding an E-bike, but please practice your biking skills to be comfortable riding outdoors in real-life conditions before coming to Italy.
Most importantly, just show up and have fun!

Read more here about electric-assisted bikes and selection of bike choices.

All are invited and welcome. Participation is optional.

All levels of yoga experience, as well as bodies and abilities, will be honored and provided for.

We will practice in a spacious and beautiful yoga shala at our Locanda. Fully-equipped and set in peace along a secluded path with views over the valley, it is a special place explore the benefits of daily practice.

If you want to participate in yoga, mornings will be an all-levels, alignment-based class. Accessible and playfully challenging for all levels. We will build-up the practice over the course of the retreat. Beginners are welcome.
*Three-months of recent, regular yoga practice at your level is warmly suggested prior to the trip, to get the most from your retreat.

Late-afternoon restorative sessions are offered to help you deepen your practice, balance the nervous system and integrate the day’s experiences. You’ll learn simple take-home practices, including meditation, effective for breaking habitual patterns of stress.

Expect to have fun, build strength, stability, focus and clarity, and enjoy the present moment in this fun-loving environment.

Learn more about Julia’s yoga study, training and certifications.

With mesmerizing views over the mystic Umbrian hills in every direction, the Locanda is a rare gem off the tourist path.

Welcome to Locanda del Gallo

Our boutique country estate is magnificently situated in exquisite seclusion and peace, surrounded by picturesque landscapes. It is an ancient place with all the charm and authentic soul of history, that has been lovingly restored over 30 years by its resident owners, Paola and Irish. Luxurious, tasteful, and with a special level of hospitality that comes from the heart. Everything here conspires to relax and delight you .

The Locanda’s luxurious facilities offer a genuine retreat. There’s a spectacular salt-water infinity pool, hot outdoor jaccuzzi; a beautiful Moorish-style spa with Hammam, and massages are available. A spacious, secluded yoga shala with views over the valley. Quiet paths and trails for walking surround the Locanda awaiting your exploration . The estate expands over 28 hectares of gardens, meadows, pools, olive groves and woods. There’s even a waterfall for a refreshing dip.

The serene rooms are all different. Stylishly simple and comfortable, the Locanda is beautifully furnished with pieces from the owners’ many travels.

Airport

Fly to Rome, Florence, or Perugia

Locanda del Gallo is located in the country hills about 30 minutes from Perugia, about 2 hours from Florence by train, 2:30 from Rome.

Dates to know

• The retreat begins Saturday, September 9 with lunch together at 1:30 pm at our Locanda.

• We highly recommend arriving in Italy at least a day before the retreat (or as long as you can!) to enjoy one of the glorious art cities, adjust to the time zone, meet the shuttle, and have more fun!

• Retreat ends Saturday, September 16 after breakfast. Check out is 11 am.

• Departure flights can be scheduled for Saturday, September 16 in the late afternoon – or the following day. Consider the travel times to your departure city.

Ways to Get to the Retreat

• By Shuttle from Rome or Florence: If desired we can organize a shared group shuttle by professional driver to the retreat, on arrival day, at a shared cost among participants.

• By Train: It’s easy to take the train to Perugia from Florence, Rome, or wherever you may be before the retreat. We will organize a driver to pick you up at the station. Plan to arrive in Perugia not later than 12:00 pm on arrival day.

• We will do our best to coordinate shared shuttles – let us know your plans!

Travel planning assistance

• We will be in touch with you about your travel plans and are happy to help you coordinate your travel and shuttles to meet your flights.

• We encourage you to stay longer in Italy – we are happy to suggest post-retreat travels. 

Travel Insurance

• Please purchase traveler’s insurance (click to read further) to protect your health and wellbeing before and during your trip.
  It not only insures you against trip cancellation but also against theft and loss. It may also cover you if you contract Covid before or during your travels.

• Strongly recommended: Purchase your travel insurance at the time you book your retreat. Some insurance requires you to purchase within 14 days of booking. Sooner you have it, sooner you are covered.

• Travel insurance companies include: World Nomads and Generali, among many others to choose from. Please read and understand the coverage that you choose.

Further travel details will be sent after registration.

• We are happy to help you find the best route.

• We will prepare, prime and inspire you on all levels for a wonderful adventure in Italy!

Dates

September 9 - 16, 2023 (2024 dates TBA)
Number of retreat participants: 7 - 15
The whole Locanda del Gallo property is booked exclusively for us.

Pricing

All prices are per person.

Beautiful Room in a two-bedroom Suite Private room with King or Twin beds, in a two-bedroom suite. Shared bath between the two rooms. Double occupancy – $4200
Single occupancy – $4400

Beautiful Room with Loft Spacious room with King or Twin beds, includes a loft with Queen bed. Private bath. For three people traveling together – $3900.
Or, for double occupancy – $4450.

Beautiful Private double. Beautiful room with King or Twin beds, with private bath. For two people. – $4450

Beautiful Private single Beautiful room with King bed with a private bath. For one person – $4750

A $900 deposit is required to confirm your spot on the retreat, or you may pay in full.

The remaining balance is due by July 6 , 2023. (Special payment plans can be arranged on request.)

Ready to book your fabulous retreat to Umbria?

What travelers are saying

“What could be better than a holiday in Italy? A foodie-bike-yoga trip with fabulous Julia and her team in Italy! My husband and I have done this trip four times and are coming back again.

Julia was a world class professional mountain biker, and is currently one of the best yoga teachers, and also a professional artist. She is super organized, speaks Italian, French and Greek fluently, very caring, and has the most energy & passion of anyone I know.  She has wonderful, talented friends who will become your friends, too, as she takes you to medieval villages and around. You’ll walk with her friends who are a family of wine makers and artists with one of the first private wineries in Tuscany - which you get to visit! The food!  The wine! Stay at a stunning old stone farmhouse (run by more of her friends) with inside & outside yoga studios & the best cappuccinos. And the secret charming places Julia knows; I could go on. . . And I am - going on her trips again & again!” 

– Patricia Armstrong, CAN and Tuscon, AZ

“I can’t tell you how often my daughter and I still recount this trip! From beginning to end we agreed that was the best trip we have ever taken.

Julia is the full package! Not only does she have a great personality - she has great knowledge of Italy and the language, art, yoga... and the list goes on. The amazing towns, museums, restaurants, and special moments we experienced, we never would have found on our own. Wherever we went on Julia’s retreat, people responded with pleasure and immediately treated us as special guests.

When the timing is right I plan to do this retreat again and maybe even again! Thank you for putting together such a wonderfully full experience!”

—Lauren Chancer, Kona, HI

“Thank you so much for sharing your passion for Italy and for yoga and for life with us. We created memories that will last a lifetime and return to the States refreshed and renewed. We deeply appreciated all the details you prepared to make every meal, every destination and every day so perfect. I hope our paths will cross again in a meaningful way. Thank you for sharing your abundant wisdom with us.”

–Judith Schindler and Chip Wallace, Charlotte, NC

“Julia, thank you for opening my eyes to yoga and the art of mindfulness Thank you for bringing art history to life while biking and touring the towns. You are an incredible woman and I feel so blessed to be a part of this Tuscany experience! We’ll be back – hopefully with our husbands!”

—Amy Amundsen, DC

“Such a fantastic experience! The food, the wine, the places, the people, the yoga and the endless adventures. I will never forget and I only yearn to be immersed in such a life as soon as I can. You are a strong light Julia that I just adore. Thank you so much for Tuscany!”

– Jane England Abbott, Calgary, CAN

“I cannot express to you how empowered you made me feel. I felt my light grow and accept life as it encountered your bright soul. Your knowledge and depth know no bounds and I was so enlightened in your presence. That week has marked itself upon my being and the happiness and thirst I feel for life is even more profound.”

—Emily Abbott, Edmonton, CAN

“Thank you for a spectacular trip: Tuscany was more beautiful than I had imagined. I already miss our morning yoga classes looking out over the Tuscan hills and the beautiful sunsets. The country house was a perfect setting with such charm, history, and simplicity. I felt so cared for with all wonderful meals and attention. It was so nice to spend time with old friends and make new ones. I so appreciate your positive outlook on life and spiritual-life messages for us all!  You are a very talented yoga teacher and I took away so much from your classes. I'm half way through the book you gave us and I'm really enjoying it....thank you so much!”

– Lisa Cummings, USA

“I absolutely love your painting I brought home from our incredible Italy trip—it reminds me each day to “let my head bow to my heart.” Since our retreat I have been inspired to pursue my passion for food and will begin culinary arts school in January! I cannot thank you enough for the encouragement to step into a journey of actually living life – this trip was truly incredible. ”

—Deb Brunson, Boulder, CO