Classes

Tuscan Retreat 2024

OVERVIEW

June 23rd-28th, 2024

Only 8 spots left!

Join CBRC instructors Heather Karamanos and Melissa Fields for a Tuscan Fitness Retreat in Italy June 23-28, 2024.  This retreat is 6 days, 5 nights in the Chianti Classico Region of Tuscany, Italy.  Perhaps Tuscany’s most prestigious region, Chianti, lies at the beating heart of Tuscany. Imagine yourself standing on a hilltop, gazing out at panoramic views of olive groves, Cypress trees, vineyards, and vibrant colors.  We will take 5 guided bike rides where you will visit towns like Castellina in Chianti, San Donato in Poggio, and Radda in Chianti.

The price of this retreat includes participants’ room and board, transportation to and from Florence International Airport, a 27-speed hybrid bike and helmet, two winery tours and tastings, an Italian cooking class, a guided hike, daily fitness classes, one 15-minute percussive therapy session, daily breakfast, daily dinner, and some lunches. Supplemental meals, snacks, alcohol (excluding the wine tasting), souvenirs, airfare, taxes, and gratuity are not included in the price of the retreat.

LOCATION/LODGING

Our private villa, Borgo Sicelle, was formerly a small farm of Chianti located between Florence and Siena.  The Villa includes a swimming pool overlooking a beautiful valley, a garden, a terrace with tables and lounge chairs, and a common room for our daily fitness classes.  Most of the apartments at Borgo Sicelle are single-bedroom apartments, allowing for privacy for couples traveling together.

 

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation will be provided from the Florence airport to your accommodation and back to the airport at the end of the retreat. Airfare is not included in the price of the retreat.

MEALS

Daily breakfasts and dinners are included in the participants’ room and board.  You will prepare one of your dinners together through the expert advice of a local chef in your cooking class.  You will also enjoy an authentic Tuscan BBQ prepared by your host of Borgo Sicelle for your closing dinner of the retreat.  Most lunches will also be included.  Supplemental meals, snacks, alcohol, taxes, and gratuity are not included in the price of the retreat.

ACTIVITIES

5 guided bike tours (All levels welcome!  Rides will be 15-30 miles per day, including the use of a 27-speed hybrid bike and helmet (E-bikes are available for an additional $200).  Our local guide is also available with a support van if requested.

-Daily fitness classes led by Heather Karamanos and Melissa Fields.  With over 20 certifications between them, classes could include Core, Yoga, Pilates, and Stretch.

-Two winery tours and tastings

-Italian Cooking Class

-Guided hike

-Swimming in our private Villa pool

PRICING INFORMATION

CBRC Members

-$3,500*

CBRC Guests

-$3,900*

*Secure your spot with a $500 nonrefundable deposit by December 15th.  All listed prices are based on double occupancy and do not include WA State sales tax, airfare, gratuity, and alcohol.  Payment plans are available if needed.

FAQ

Q: What does this Retreat involve?
A: We love fitness at CBRC Health & Wellness and while the main focus of this retreat is cycling, we do have more activities planned!  We have five bike tours planned on this 6-day, 5-night tour.  We will have one rest day from the bikes where we will take a guided hike in the Tuscan hills. Other activities include: two winery tastings and tours, an Italian cooking class, an authentic Tuscan BBQ, and daily fitness classes, and each person will receive one complimentary 15-minute percussive therapy session.  Also included in the price of this Retreat is lodging, daily breakfast and dinners (some lunches are included), transfer to/from the Villa from the Florence International Airport, and bike/helmet rentals.  The Italians love their afternoon “siesta”, so plan on downtime during the afternoons.  As the old adage goes “When in Rome”…
Q: What can I expect from the Bike tours?
A: Of the five scheduled bike rides, most will occur in the morning and range between 15 and 30 miles.  The only exception that we are aware of will be the first ride on the afternoon of the 23rd.  After settling into our Villa, we will take an introductory ride through the countryside.  Tuscany has many rolling hills, so please expect uphill ascents.  E-bikes are available for an additional $200.
Q: What is the lodging situation?
A: Our private Villa, Borgo Sicelle, is located between Florence and Siens.  A former small farm, the Villa offers nine apartments with private bathrooms.  Couples traveling on this trip will receive first priority to the single-bedroom apartments.  If you are traveling by yourself, you will share a two-bedroom apartment with another single traveler based on availability.  The grounds of the Villa are beautiful!  There is a swimming pool that overlooks the valley, a garden, a terrace with tables and lounge chairs to relax on, and a common room for our daily fitness classes.
Q:  Speaking of fitness classes, what should I expect?
A:  With 15+ certifications between them, Melissa and Heather will be able to customize the daily fitness classes based on the needs of the group.  Some examples of fitness classes include yoga, Core training, BodyBalance, Pilates, and stretching.
Q: What are your recommendations for airfare and/or extending my trip?
A:  If you are looking for help with airfare or extending your trip to Italy or Europe, we recommend contacting Sonia Sanan at Travel Leaders!
Q: How do I sign up?
A:  If you are ready to secure your spot for this trip, please let me or Melissa know.  You can pay for the trip in full or we can offer a payment plan.  There is a $500 non-refundable deposit to secure your spot; lock in your early bird pricing of $3,100 by making the deposit or payment by September 15th.  Space is limited to 18 travelers.  If you would like more information on the payment plan, or any other questions about this retreat, please let us know.
Tuscany is a beautiful region of Italy and we are excited to share this adventure with you!