September 6 -13, 2025
Awaken & Restore: Finding Balance Through Movement with Donna Zinna
Join Donna in the heart of Tuscany for a 7-day retreat, where each day is crafted with purpose and care. Begin your mornings with dynamic vinyasa flows designed to awaken your vital energy. As the day winds down, unwind with restorative evening sessions that invite deep release. This balanced program creates a holistic approach to well-being that honors both movement and rest. Our final practice will honor the Full Harvest Moon and the bounty of gifts we received during our journey together.
Location
Our unique retreat home for the week will be Villa Tramonte – which boasts comfortable lodging in fully restored 18th century estate, an outdoor pool, and delicious meals of farm-to-table vegetarian Tuscan cuisine — complete with local olive oil and wine.
Typical Daily Program
Each day of the retreat begins with a morning practice designed to energize and awaken your body and mind. Afterward, you’ll enjoy a leisurely breakfast featuring delicious local delicacies, setting the tone for a relaxing day. The morning offers free time for you to explore the surroundings, unwind, or take part in optional activities tailored to your interests. A nourishing lunch follows, providing you with fresh, local flavors to fuel your afternoon. The rest of the day is yours for personal time or to embark on local excursions, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Tuscany. In the evening, a restorative practice will help you unwind and reconnect before a delightful dinner under the Tuscan stars.
What to expect?
While yoga practice forms the heart of our retreat, the surrounding area invites you to explore its own treasures. Just minutes away lies the charming city of Lucca, known for its perfectly preserved Renaissance walls and winding cobblestone streets. This location provides the ideal blend of peaceful seclusion and easy access to Tuscany’s rich cultural heritage.
Join us for this unique opportunity to deepen your practice in an inspiring setting, find balance through mindful movement, and nourish both body and soul with fresh, local cuisine. You’ll connect with like-minded practitioners, experience the magic of the Tuscan countryside, and return home feeling renewed and inspired.
Who is the retreat for?
This retreat is suitable for all levels of practitioners, from beginners to advanced students, and is a non smoking event. Our approach emphasizes individual attention and modifications to ensure everyone can find their optimal balance between effort and ease.
About Donna Zinna
Donna is an experienced yoga instructor and the owner of a thriving yoga studio. A former Broadway dancer, Donna has been teaching professionally since 2000 and specializes in a variety of classes, including Gentle Flow, Vinyasa Flow, Core & Restore, and Yoga 101. With a strong foundation in alignment-based techniques from mentors Maty Ezraty and Lisa Walford, she offers a balanced and mindful approach to yoga. Donna is also a certified Yoga Nidra instructor, Reiki master, and has led retreats in Tuscany and Italy. She previously served as the Lead Yoga Instructor at The Ranch Malibu and is a respected teacher, writer, and content contributor in the wellness community.!
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
- 7 nights accommodation (including linen and towels)
- 3 vegetarian meals each day + wine at dinner (except for two lunches out)
- Access to the pool and yoga facilities
- Daily yoga and movement sessions with Donna
- A day trip to Cinque Terre
- A Wine Tasting Excursion
- An Italian Cooking Class
- Transfers to and from Lucca train or bus station to the retreat centre at the start and finish of the retreat. There will be one scheduled pick up and drop off only. Any transfers outside of this are not included.
- Use of the WIFI
- Laundry facilities for use by guests
What’s Not Included?
- Airfares (Suggested Airport Pisa)
- Travel insurance (which is strongly recommended)
- Two meals out (one lunch and one dinner)
- Other travel related expenses outside of the retreat
- Additional in-house treatments eg facials and massage
- Other optional excursions or activities not included in the retreat
* Transfers outside the scheduled pick-up or drop-off can be arranged for an additional fee
RETREAT PRICING
Your retreat investment includes almost everything and is 6 – 13th September from $3220 (USD) and 13 – 20th September from $3995 (USD) depending on the accommodation type you choose (single, twin or double) – all inclusive. Upon registration, you will be given all travel information, packing list and a full itinerary.
Cancellation Policy
Initial deposit is non-refundable.
INCLUDED EXCURSIONS + ACTIVITIES
YOGA + Workshop
Daily yoga led by Donna begins with an energizing morning practice designed to awaken your senses and set a positive tone for the day. You’ll find balance through mindful movement, with modifications and individual attention to suit all levels of practice. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and free time for relaxation or exploration. In the afternoon, take part in local excursions or enjoy personal time, followed by a restorative evening session to help you unwind. This retreat offers the perfect balance of yoga, relaxation, and adventure, all set amidst the beauty of Tuscany.
CINQUE TERRE Mediterranean seaside charm
An excursion to one of Italia’s Mediterranean treasures, Cinque Terre, where we will take a day trip to explore the picturesque cliff-side villages or simply chill in a
seaside cove for the day. (Includes ground transportation with a driver + entry into the national park. Lunch not included).
WINE TASTING
The wines are not just beverages, they are liquid poetry and while you will learn from a sommelier and winemaker the history and anecdotes behind each variety, you will taste different wines in a convivial atmosphere accompanied by cheeses or cold cuts or vegetables.
COOKING CLASS
Enjoying an Italian cooking class is a culinary journey through the tradition, is not just about recipes but it’s a cultural expedition. You will learn some Tuscany specialities, the importance of seasonal organic ingredients and some secrets of the Chef. Handmade pasta, sauces, desserts, surrounded by the warmth of rustic cuisine and lively conversations with and without hands.
TRANSPORT OPTIONS
GETTING TO AND FROM THE RETREAT CENTRE
The nearest airport to Lucca is Pisa international Airport “Galileo Galileo” – 18 Miles from Lucca
Florence International Airport “Amerigo Vespucci” is 50 Miles from Lucca
If you are flying into Rome, Fiumicino Airport is 162 miles from Lucca.
Regular trains and buses run from both Pisa and Florence airports to Lucca and are very reasonably priced. Trains also run regularly from Rome airport but the trip is much longer and takes around 4.5 hours.
Check-in and Check-out
Check-in at the retreat center is strictly 4:30pm on the day of arrival.
When booking your flights, we recommend you plan your arrival time in Lucca for around 16:15, to coincide with the group transfer to the retreat centre at 16:15 There will be one scheduled pick-up only. Please email your arrival details to laura@yogainitaly.com as soon as they are available. If you are unable to make the pick-up, we can arrange for a taxi to bring you to the retreat center.
Check-out from the retreat center is strictly 09:00am on the last day. Please plan your departure flights accordingly.
