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Montagna e Mare
Italian Riviera
June 26 - July 1, 2023

Join Laurel Attanasio for another unforgettable retreat in Italy.

This adventure will take place in the Italian Riviera where the Mountains/Montagna meet the Sea/Mare in the picturesque town of Sestri Levante.


Take a dip in the sea, hike through the mountains or simply sit and sip wine.

Why is this adventure like no other?


This 5 night/ 6 day adventure will take place in the stunning Italian Riviera. But, we will only explore the places where few tourists venture and where crowds are few unlike the neighboring Cinque Terre villages. Our mornings will be filled with views of the sea while we do yoga and enjoy cappuccinos. Our afternoons, will be spent exploring quiet, yet lively, coastal villages that provide beautiful views from the sea and the mountains. Evenings will be spent enjoying amazing food, wine and vistas. This adventure will pleasure all senses.

The Destination

The Italian Riviera, Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is the perfect location for an Italian holiday. Located on a peninsula, with the beautiful Baia del Silenzio, The Bay of Silence, on one side and Baia delle Favole, Bay of the Fables, on the other. Views of the sea will surround you. Similar to other Italian Riviera villages, the mountains merge into the sea allowing our mornings to be filled with hiking and our afternoons to be spent relaxing seaside. Sestri is also very accessible to neighboring villages, such as Portofino, Santa Margherita and Camogli, via short train rides and ferry service. All these beautiful villages are on our agenda.
Sestri Levante

Where You'll Stay

The Grand Hotel dei Castelli

Yes, you guessed right. We are staying in an enchanting castle surrounded by both the Bay of Silence and the Bay of Fables. Grand Hotel dei Castelli is located on the peninsula of Sestri Levante and maintains the property grounds as a 4.5 acre natural park. The green of the Mediterranean vegetation melts with the colors of the sea. There are plenty of stunning locations to do yoga. With the impressive portal created from the ancient town walls, you get the impression of entering another time. The senses carry in a dimension where the charm of history and art melt with the masterpieces of nature. Although the castle is beautifully restored with modern amenities, you will step back in time to an era of knights and ladies of honor. From the promontory you can comfortably reach the center of the town, the sea promenade and the marina simply using the private lift.

Testimonials

The Sestri Levante trip was our second yoga trip with Laurel and she’s two-for two! The trip is a perfect combination of enjoying the beauty of the Italian Rivera, physical activity of hiking and kayaking, delicious food and wine, and yoga ! While my wife regularly does yoga, I do it rarely. Despite my novice level, Laurel and the group made me so very comfortable while they effortlessly showed me how it’s done. I would highly recommend the trip for friendly people looking for a great trip and yoga.

-B. Fulton

Wonderful trip – I appreciate all the effort you put into scouting things out ahead of time and not relying on outside vendors. You do a great job!

This retreat rocked my world. I felt like a kid again, not having to worry about the details of an amazing vacation, and just being able to relax and enjoy the experience. I loved how athletic the activities were, and that the group reconvened frequently so that those who wanted to relax more met up with us for socializing. It was a blessing to meet and travel with every single person in our group and I can’t wait to see them again in the future!

-Meredith D.

This retreat beyond exceeded my expectations. I came in not knowing many people, but knowing the activities that Laurel had planned were things that I liked to do. By the end of the trip I had made great friends and the activities were an amazing way to experience a foreign country without having to do major research. I had been to Italy before, but not to this specific area. Laurel did a fantastic job. I will definitely be going on another retreat. It was exactly what my mental health needed.

The whole experience was magical. The location, the people, the food and most of Laurel’s approach to blending wellness and celebration together is the most exquisite way to experience Italy.

Positives: I love everyone, our new friendships, and personalities. We really have a fun group! The location was amazing and personally the retreat helped to get me to Italy which was a catalyst to seeing the rest of the country. I loved the pasta and pizza lessons and of course the amazing wine. The yoga was both fun and challenging in such a good way and really helped to push my boundaries.
Negatives: I can’t really think of any.

What's Included:

  • Accommodations at the beautiful Grand Hotel dei Castelli located on the peninsula of Sestri Levante surrounded by two bays and a private natural park/garden.
  • Daily Yoga and Meditation in the Grand Hotel dei Castelli’s enchanting gardens overlooking the sea.
  • Welcome Dinner, including Aperitivo and Wine in the town of Sestri Levante at one of the locals’ favorites.
  • Sunset Aperitivo and Farewell Dinner with Wine at Ristorante ai Castelli with beautiful views of both the Bay of Fairy Tales and the Bay of Silence.
  • Daily Breakfast provided at Ristorante ai Castelli. Enjoy breakfast while being mesmerized by the sea views.
  • Beach Side Sunset Aperitivo and Wine Tasting with Light Fare at one of the locals’ favorite.
  • Pesto Cooking Class with Ligurian Wine Tasting, including a Pasta Trofie with Pesto lunch.
  • Traditional Ligurian lunch with breathtaking views of the sea and the town of Camogli.
  • Ligurian culinary tasting at artisanal store.
  • Guided Hike from Sestri Levante to Punta Manara.
  • Guided Hike or Seaside stroll from Portofino to Santa Margherita. (Option to skip the hike/walk and return via Ferry to Sestri Levante.)
  • Guided Hike in Camogli to San Rocco and Batterie with stunning views of the Ligurian Coast.
  • Train Ride from Santa Margherita to Sestri Levante.
  • Ferry Ride from Sestri Levante to San Fruttuoso and Portofino.
  • Roundtrip Train Ride to Camogli.

What's Not Included:

  • Not much!!

  • Flight to Italy.

  • Transportation to Sestri Levante; however, Laurel will help you plan and organize. See below for more details.

  • Some meals not mentioned

  • Souvenirs

  • Trip insurance and Travel Health Insurance is NOT included, but they are HIGHLY recommended. Take a look at Travel Insurance 101, a resourceful page that will help you get the coverage you need. Please also review the Booking Terms!

  • Any additional evenings in Italy before or after. However, great recommendations can be provided!

The Finer Details

Register Now

To register for this trip, you must submit a non-refundable and non-transferrable deposit of $800. Once registered via the form below, you will receive a Square invoice to pay your deposit by credit card. Please read through the Booking Terms before making your investment. 

  • Cancellation/Refund Policy $800 non-refundable/ non-transferable deposit required at registration. Remaining balance will be due March 15, 2023. All payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. Travel Insurance is highly recommended.