Tag Archives: 2013 luxury italy

Solar and Lunar Energies in Tuscany

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One of the most impressive cultural experiences that have changed my life from living in Italy is the appreciation of Sun and Moon energies. The history of honoring the Sun in the land of Tuscany is epic. There are all sorts of rituals and celebrations surrounding solar energy. And just as important Italy is a place where in the evening people stand up and cheer at the moon! Appreciation of getting Moon baths is equal in importance to enjoying the sun. Here are three poems to inspire the solar, lunar and balance of energies within us and outside us. Remember your right side represents the Solar/Masculine energy and your left side represents the Lunar/Feminine energy. Both are constantly at play.

With That Moon Language by Hafiz

“Admit something:
Everyone you see, you say to them, “Love me.”
Of course you do not do this out loud,
otherwise someone would call the cops.
Still, though, think about this,
this great pull in us to connect.
Why not become the one who lives
with a full moon in each eye
that is always saying, with that sweet moon vision,
what every other eye in this world is dying to see?”

The Sun Rays By Peter S Quinn

The sun rays in your eye,
The love you’re giving that I have found;
Like sun that shines though the sky,
Each love must be worth and sound.
The sun that shines each day,
The love you gave from your heart;
What matter what we do or say,
Never let it depart.

Each heart is broken only once
And never grows from sorrow,
Let there never be no bygones
Not today nor tomorrow.

Sun rays oh sun rays
Never hide behind a cloud,
Sun rays all my days
That’s what love’s all about;
Give me no raining shower thought,
Nor glimpse of shadows I’ve caught.

THE SUN AND THE MOON BY The Poet Keri, Age 11

The Sun and the Moon shine again.
The Sun and the Moon the lights of our days.
The Sun and the Moon, making their amends.
The Sun and the Moon, shining their rays in different ways.
The Sun and the Moon, what light up day and night.
The Sun and the Moon, ones that never fight.
The Sun and the Moon, different but the same.
The Sun and the Moon, on two sides of a frame.
The Sun and the Moon, shining their rays in different ways.
The Sun and the Moon, making their amends.
The Sun and the Moon, the lights of our days.
The Sun and the Moon shine again!
Yoga in Tuscany, at Soul Space Gabriella-2

Florence, Italy Yoga Retreat

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One of our favorite cities in the world is Florence! We have lived there and can attest to the fact that it is incredible day and night. See for yourself when you join us June 22-29, 2013 for our luxury Tuscany Yoga Retreat!

Until then, keep dreaming of living Under the Tuscan Sun.

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Italy Yoga Retreat Summer 2013

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Florencepromo2013I would love for you to join our 8 Day Italian Adventure to Tuscany, Italy led by me and International Travel Guide Jacob Young. We are both passionate about Tuscany, have lived in Italy, and are experienced in the culture! We will be guests at Antico Borgo di Tignano recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site focusing on Tuscan traditions. Stay in your own 10th century restored villa with 1, 2, or 3 bedroom options all with private baths. Peacefully nestled into the hills with epic views of Casole d’Elsa and Volterra in the distance, this is the perfect entryway into the Tuscan countryside. We will travel to many famous Art Cities, including: Florence, Monteriggioni, Siena, Radda in Chianti, San Gimignano, Castellina in Chianti, Tignano, Petriolo Natural Hot Springs & Spa, The Mediterranean, Casole d’Elsa, and Colle Val d’Elsa. Many people decide to spend some time after our trip, to build on the foundation, and we highly recommend it!

Come experience personal growth and a retreat like no other where you can investigate the deepest dimensions of your yoga practice with guided journaling and supportive life coaching all while exploring the rich Italian culture by biking, hiking and walking tours. Truly enjoying being under the Tuscan sun as you lie by the pool or stroll the vineyards. Here is an opportunity to celebrate life and experience the infectious enthusiasm Italians have for their country. Frances Mayes, author of Under The Tuscan Sun puts it best: “Life offers you a thousand chances…all you have to do is take one.”

SPECIAL TUSCAN CULTURAL ADVENTURES ON RETREAT:
Day 1: Arrivals Florence, Deplane Yoga, Walking Tour Tignano, Welcome dinner
Day 2: Monteriggioni & Siena afternoon; aperitivo on il Campo
Day 3: Cycling to Colle Val d’Elsa morning, afternoon Radda in Chianti Private Wine Tasting & walking tour, Gelato in Castellina in Chianti
Day 4: Cycling morning Loop Ride back to Tignano, Volterra afternoon walking tour and shopping
Day 5: Cycling morning, San Gimignano, wine and cheese tasting & lunch
Day 6: Morning drive to the Mediterranean relax on the beach, afternoon lunch and visit to Petriolo Natural Hot Springs & Spa
Day 7: Visit Casole d’Elsa, Tuscan Cooking Class, evening dinner party!
Day 8: Final Yoga, Breakfast and Departures

RESERVATIONS:
$500 deposit to hold your spot.
Book now at http://www.alchemytours.com Please email hello@alchemytours.com or call 872-228-9642 (2AT-YOGA)

INVESTMENT: REFER A FRIEND EARN $75
$1999 Triple
$2400 Double
$2700 Single

INCLUDED IN THE TRIP PRICE:
• 7 nights/8 days of accommodation in 1, 2 bedroom apartments with private baths
• Delicious daily breakfast, lunch, dinner and all snacks and drinks for each day’s activities
• Airport transfers
• All day trips and walking tours
• Private wine tours and tastings
• Social hours on select evenings
• Traditional Tuscan cooking class
• Italian language class
• All private transportation during the trip
• Visits with ALL transportation included to Art Cities: Florence, Monteriggioni, Siena, Radda in Chianti, Castellina in Chianti, Tignano, Petriolo Natural Hot Springs & Spa, The Mediterranean, Casole d’Elsa, Colle Val d’Elsa
• Soaking in the healing waters of the Petriolo hot springs
• 12 Yoga classes with Silvia Mordini
• Restorative Yoga
• Guided Meditation Practice and Pranayama
• Partner Yoga
• Goal writing and wellness coaching
• Private evening Dharma talks facilitated by your Guides Jacob and Silvia
• Entrance fees to all group events
• Informational cycling and safety clinic with Jacob Young
• A quality bicycle and an experienced cycling guide with knowledge of the greatest rides in the region
• All gratuities for special events, transfers, lodging and meals.
• A special goodie bag with trip-specific comfort items
• Comprehensive trip literature

NOT INCLUDED IN TRIP PRICE:
Airfare to and from the trip and gratuities for your guides.

WHERE WE WILL STAY
We will be guests at Antico Borgo di Tignano–a classic Tuscan farmhouse which our friend, Gabriella amalficollagebeautyhas converted into a stylish yoga retreat center. Gabriella guided a team of architects and licensed contractors to renovate this medieval village and now you get to see the completion of her vision. With epic views of Casole d’Elsa and Volterra in the distance, this is the perfect entryway into the Tuscan countryside.

The actual Borgo was a 16th century rural residence. Its original name, Borgo di Tignano, has Roman origins. It is the probable birth-place, in the 4th century, of Saint Attinia, a venerated saint from the Volterra area. Amongst its illustrious guests in the 1800’s, during the time the Borgo was a summer retreat from the ‘Scolopi‘ fathers, was Pope Pius the ninth. This Borgo is overall a place to enjoy with your heart, surrounded by a soft landscape and a peculiar light which often brings back forgotten emotions.

In the local tradition, one says that the Berignone Forest, which faces the Borgo, is what inspired Dante Alighieri to write about the “Selva Oscura”–the location in which his Divine Comedy story starts.

The gardens of the Borgo, with lavendar-lined paths combine with aromatic herbs, juniper hedges, myrtle and evergreens to reproduce a Mediterranean environment. The characteristic ‘Osteria’, which used to be the old olive press, is the ideal place for a romantic candlelight dinner overlooking the amazing countryside, or a light lunch on the panoramic terrace.

A beautiful, large swimming pool and lounge area welcome you to get the most out of the sun. There is a reading room that also has a wireless internet point. There is a golf course within 30 minutes drive from the Borgo.

THE YOGA SPACE
The yoga room is a large room (about 90 square meters) with tile floor and natural light.

MEALS
Gabriella is not only a great architect, but she is also an amazing chef. She takes joy in delighting your palate with her favorite, local dishes–which is the best way to discover the authentic, Tuscan cuisine.

ACCOMMODATIONS
Accommodation is in apartments with one, two or three bedrooms; all bedrooms have private bath.

All the apartments are independent, personalized and fully furnished, with ample garden and terrace areas for leisure. The perfume of flowers and plants surround the swimming pool.

*Visit http://www.alchemytours.com/2011/01/tuscany-2013/ for more details

How to Make Limoncello

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What is the famous drink of Amalfi area?

The region is famous for Limoncello! Traditionally made from the zest of Sorrento lemons, zest/peel & steeped in grain alcohol until the oil is released. The resulting yellow liquid is then mixed with a simple syrup – yummy & delicious!

Come taste for yourself July 1-7, 2013 when we lead a retreat there!