8 Nights in the Tuscan Countryside of Florence - September 2, 2020 to September 10, 2020
If you are a healer, holistic coach or woman longing to re-connect to your passion and purpose, relish in the simple pleasures of life, and reignite your Inner Goddess, then join Michele Guarino - spiritual teacher, holistic coach and vibrational healer - for a heart-led retreat to Tuscany and Florence, Italy!
Why Italy? Why Tuscany?Come and discover the best part of yourself! Discover the Divine Goddess energy that dwells deep inside of you.
Close your eyes and envision living a Passionate, Purpose-Filled Life ... what comes to mind? Italy, of course. Italians have long been known for appreciating and celebrating all aspects of Life. They know how to bring Passion and the Simple Pleasures into their daily lives - from eating amazing food, spending time with friends and family, creating beautiful art, and living La Dolce Vita (the Beautiful Life)! Firenze (known to us as Florence) - is the birthplace of the Renaissance and renowned for its culture, art, mosaics, leather school, paper-making, and beautiful vistas. Wouldn’t it be thrilling to find happiness and passion in your life again, giving you a direction and purpose, experiencing the pleasures that life has to offer you? Getting in touch, once again, to your Inner Goddess? By the end of this retreat, you will have experienced the joys of slowing down, relaxing, creating rituals, discovering your Inner Goddess through creativity and just Being. And, of course having lots of fun. You will have created lifelong connections with women of like-mind, giving you a lifeline to support and purpose. You will also have the tools and resources to take home with you to implement the simple pleasures and desires for the rest of our life. |
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Italian Hospitality. The Venue
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After exploring and strolling through the streets of Florence and Tuscany each day, we'll head back to our apartments (yes, two apartments) at a charming Bed and Breakfast in the heart of the Etruscan village of Fiesole. The apartments have modern conveniences, but no modern annoyances - enjoying the peace and tranquility of the Tuscan hillside.
Ahh ... here you will actually live the Italian Lifestyle and experience the moments to listen to your Muse and Inner Goddess - slowing down and taking part in the rich life of the Italian Way. You will remember what it's like to actually slow down and enjoy life. The simple pleasure of having a glass of wine or flute of Prosecco, relaxing on the back patio or reading a book poolside, gathering with like-minded women in Divine Ritual, and engaging in fun conversation, or just sitting in the piazza and watching life go by ... are you beginning to picture it now ... how different your Life can be? You will have the down time to allow yourself to say YES to the things that you love to do; and finding out what those things are - giving yourself space to let inspiration come in. A time to explore and contemplate the question ... what are you missing in your current life ... and what do YOU want to do, regardless of what others say? |
Mouthwatering Meals
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Be prepared for your mouth to water in anticipation of each and every meal, whether dining at our favorite Tuscan restaurant or having a meal prepared by our host-family ... each bite will be divine!
In Italy, food is Passion, a Pleasurable moment to be enjoyed with friends and family. It is a social event. Yes, it is true ... in Italy businesses will close down in the middle of the afternoon to share a meal with their loved ones and take a siesta. The whole event could take two or more hours. For one of our dinners, our host-family has invited us to their villa for an unforgettable evening of food, wine, fun, laughter and Magic. Think of the movie Under the Tuscan Sun, but you'll experience Under the Tuscan Stars. I have experienced several of their dinner parties firsthand, and I can tell you ... those memories are still heart-felt and vibrant to this day. You will get to experience that for yourself. The Slow Food movement was founded in Italy in 1986 to resist the opening of McDonald's near the Spanish Steps in Rome. In 1989, the founding manifesto of the International Slow Food movement was signed in Paris, France by delegates from 15 countries. Italians are SERIOUS about the quality of their food and where it comes from ... stressing the traditional and regional cuisines. Throughout the retreat, we'll dine on local cuisine, visit the local market and sample the regional delicacies. Can't eat this or that? Vegan, vegetarian, gluten or dairy free? No problem - we're happy to accommodate any of your food preferences. (NOTE: Gluten in Italy is not like here in the United States. I, personally, have not had any reactions when eating pasta or pizza in Italy; not like I do in the US. You decide for yourself.) |
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Some of the BenefitsAs you read through this page, you'll gain insight into the benefits of joining us on this Journey. Here are a few ...
Michele will also be available for private one-on-one sessions to enhance your transformation. Michele offers: Vibrational Healing, Chakra Energy Clearing, Coaching, Sound Healing and AromaTouch Massage during the retreat. Sessions are an additional $95 USD |
Your Journey ... Just Imagine the Possibilities ...
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During this retreat, you will learn to slow down ... relax ... open yourself up to experience the simple pleasures in all that Italy has to offer.
Daily Flow of the Retreat: As you begin to get into the new rhythm of your life in Italy, we will begin each day gathering at 8:30 am for a heart-opening session, which could include a meditations, blessing ceremonies, chakra activations, gentle movement exercises, Mudra Yoga practices, or energy healing practices. Afterwards, we will gather for a typical Italian breakfast, and then explore the surroundings of Tuscany through day trips ... or you may just wish to relax and enjoy your day exploring by yourself. Whatever you wish ... it is your vacation. In the evening we will gather in our Sacred Circle of Goddesses(™) and perhaps share a meal, or take in the vistas of a rooftop terrace - enjoying a glass of wine and appetizers. Join the other Goddesses in sharing your heart-space and exploring what could be... SAMPLE DAY TO DAY ITINERARY BELOW. |
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ARRIVAL DAY (Day 1)
Transportation will be arranged to meet you in Florence (at the airport or train station) and whisk you away to our charming Bed and Breakfast in the heart of the Etruscan village of Fiesole. You will probably be jet lagged, so we will take the opportunity to slowly get you settled in by having a light meal prepared for you (aperitivo style), using the fresh and regional produce. Perhaps a glass of wine as you begin to sink into the relaxed Italian lifestyle and melt away your worries. You will enjoy great conversation and begin to make new friends. You’ll then retire to your room where you can dream of La Bella Vita (the Beautiful Life). (A Light Dinner and Glass of Wine Included) 
EXPLORING FLORENCE AND THE MARKETS (Day 3)
After our 8:30 am heart-space session and breakfast, we will head off to explore the birthplace of the Renaissance (Florence) and its surrounding areas. Walking through Florence, open up to the heart-centered mindfulness and use your sense of Sight - take in the beauty of the city, the architecture and the artwork. It is everywhere you look ... on the corners of every building ... in the cobble-stoned walkways ... the street lamps ... the placement of statuary everywhere. We will explore the local markets and get a light lunch at the Mercato Centrale Market where all of your senses will come into play: the Sounds of the market and the romantic language of the Italian people; the Aroma of the food and Seeing the dishes being prepared before you; Tasting the quality and authenticity of the regional cuisine; and Touch - shopping the markets, touching the leather wares or the carved metal of the wooden doors. You will soon learn that you cannot go a day in Italy without gelato - a simple way of exploring the Pleasure of Taste. We will visit one of my favorite gelato shops in Florence. Well, a few of my favorite gelato shops. **SIGH** These places were a secret shared to us by one of our local friends. Try the pistachio, black sesame, or lavender flavors! |
WELCOMING CEREMONY AND INTEGRATION (Day 2)
After a peaceful sleep in this picturesque village, we'll meet at the B&B for a typical Italian breakfast. At 8:30 am, we will gather for a Welcoming Ceremony, where we will set the tone and intentions for the retreat. We will also be setting up an altar. OPENING UP TO HEART-CENTERED MINDFULNESS As you begin to integrate into your new surroundings, you may wish to join us for a guided meditation to remove blocks to prepare yourself to opening up to new experiences, and to release what no longer serves you in your present timeline. You may wish to take it easy today and explore Fiesole, or even go into Florence to explore. It is all up to you ... this is your vacation. Or, you may just wish to take a nap and catch up on the jet lag hangover. Dinner will be prepared, using the fresh and regional produce. (Breakfast & Dinner Included) 
Meet up for dinner at a restaurant on the Oltrarno side of Florence. This is another secret gem shared with us by a local friend. The locals eat here. Share your stories of the adventures of the day.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included) |
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FIRE RELEASING CEREMONY AND PIZZA PARTY (Day 4)
After morning meditation and breakfast ... this day is for you. You get to choose ... lounge by the poolside with a book. Write in your journal … envisioning your new life as an Italian. Create something, being inspired by the art all around you. Walk the streets of Fiesole and contemplate why centuries ago the Etruscans and noble persons chose this town as their retreat. (Lunch is on you today) Before dinner we will gather for a Sacred Fire Ceremony. There’s no better time for a Healing ritual to Release the habits, beliefs and remove obstacles and blocks that are keeping you from experiencing the life that you want. Through guided meditation we will call in your Inner Goddess to assist you in connecting to the Universal Source of Love (Reiki, Chi, the Divine, etc.) … and release what no longer serves you into the fires. Welcoming in New Beginnings. Be prepared for an unforgettable evening of food, wine, fun, laughter and Magic. Think of the movie Under the Tuscan Sun, but you'll experience Under the Tuscan Stars. Dinner will be prepared by the De Marco family on their villa. (Breakfast & Dinner Included) |
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EXPERIENCING THE OLTRARNO SIDE OF FLORENCE (Day 5)
After a morning meditation and breakfast, we will explore the Oltrarno side of Florence. "The other side of the Arno River." Wear your comfy walking shoes as we explore the local's side of Florence. We will have lunch at a cozy and casual bistrot set against an ancient city wall and in the flowery Santa Rosa gardens. You'll also have additional opportunities to shop our favorite markets in Florence for clothing, leather and gifts. Absorb the magnificent Italian Life. Save room, as we will visit another favorite gelato shop. Black sesame or fig, anyone? Returning to the Bed & Breakfast, we will participate in making and enjoy a homemade meal prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Relax on the back patio, gaze up at the stars while we sipping a local wine or an aperitif. Let the sense of Italy continue to lull over you, enticing you to sink into the slow-paced lifestyle and culture that it has to offer. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included) |
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Spa Day & Hot SpringsSpa Day ... just those two words send my mind and body into relaxation mode. Who doesn't love being pampered?
Today, we will skip the morning practice and make our way via private transportation to the Terme San Giovanni in the Province of Siena, known for its natural thermal mineral waters. There's no better opportunity than to create our own ritual and Water Blessings Ceremony than at the spa's gardens. You will immerse yourself in the Healing Waters of a natural hot springs. Connecting with the powerful releasing powers of water. Simply Divine ... Where do I sign up? Let all of your stress and worries melt away in the natural thermal mineral waters. Relax by the pools, read, journal, or continue to pamper yourself by scheduling an optional massage, mud therapy session, or other treatment. Why not try the honey or olive oil massage? A healthy and balanced lunch will be prepared for us, taking advantage of the local Mediterranean and Tuscan dishes. All aimed at quality. Access to the pool, terraces, bar, gardens, gym and sauna and thermal pool park are at your disposal. Pool kit is also included (bag, robe, beach towel and flip-flops). (Breakfast & Lunch Included) |
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IT IS ALL ABOUT YOU ... EXPLORE AND GET LOST (Day 7)
This is an opportunity to dive DEEPER ... what do you want to do? Explore an art gallery or visit the duomo. Or simply wander the streets of Florence, find a place to sit and have a cappuccino, and write in your journal. Maybe you wish to explore the surrounding area of Tuscany? Gather a few of your Goddess Sisters to join you. Arrange a day trip to Bologna (only a 30 minute train ride from Florence), renowned for its culinary excellence. Visit the Mercato Della Erbe and sample the pasta Bolognese, Parmigiano-Reggiano, tortellini pasta, and wines. Or, maybe Pisa is on your list (an hour train ride). Or, to Lucca (an hour and a half train ride). We can help you with your travel arrangements. (No Meals Included) |
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CLOSING CEREMONY (Day 8)
This is our last day in Italy together, so let’s make it a memorable time! We will gather once again in Sacred Circle and Closing Ceremony after a lovingly prepared dinner. There will be surprises and fun time scheduled! (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included) DEPARTURE DAY (Day 9)
So sad ... it will be so hard to say good bye to my Goddess Sisters! This is departure and check out day. After breakfast, we will arrange to bring you to the Florence airport for your flight home. You may want to consider continuing your travels through Italy or some other European destination. Flights within Europe are cheap. Whatever you need, we are here to help. |
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This Journey is TOTALLY for you if...
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More Reasons to Join Us!
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This Journey is NOT for you if...
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As if you haven't already heard enough of the beautiful and wonderful reasons to join us on this retreat, here are a few highlights:
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What is Included
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What is Not Included
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Michele
Cherry Blossom Reiki |
Dear Sister Goddess,
I am thrilled to be your guide on this magical Italy adventure. I help heart-centered women and healers like you who long for a deeper connection to their Spiritual Path and Purpose; to come into Balance and release barriers; to enjoy the simple Pleasures in life; so that she can focus on being a fun, loving, and passionate woman that she longs to be. My husband Peter (who is an Italian citizen) and I love to travel. We have spent quite a lot of time in Italy living with the locals. In Italy, our friends know us as Michaela and Peo - our Italian names. Italy and the Italians have a very special place in our hearts. That's why I am offering the Goddess tours in Italy. I would love to share my experiences with you. Italy is a land of spectacular beauty, art, history, fashion, food, wine, espresso, gelato, and, of course, the Italian people. As a child, I've always felt called to a spiritual life. Of course, being brought up Catholic played a part. The rituals of singing, lighting of incense and candles. My parents explored their spirituality and brought us along with them. In doing so, I have gained a sense of oneness of all of the religions, regardless of who was worshiped. As an adult, I experienced a tragedy when my best friend was suddenly killed in a car accident. Although I had experienced the passing of loved ones before, this was a new kind of grief and questioning. I began to question my own existence and my own spirituality. Thus, began a deeper level of my own personal Spiritual Quest. The Quest has brought me through many experiences, deep work, education, and a new purpose in life as a Healer. I am drawn to the power of the God(s), Goddess(es), Spirit (whatever you want to call it), and through experiencing personal healing, am led to bring this incredible power into the lives of others. As a teacher and guide, I bring the depth of my personal experiences and utilize my Spiritual gifts and training to facilitate helping others to truly find the Goddess. In leading Spiritual workshops, I have found my soul calling. |