A sumptuous feast for body, mind and spirit in Italy’s great secret enclave just north of Rome: the fascinating and undiscovered territory called Tuscia.
Land of the ancient Etruscan civilization, this rugged and magical realm is full of Renaissance palaces, majestic gardens, mysterious ruins, volcanic lakes, natural hot springs known for their healing virtues, untouched towns and lush countryside inhabited by generational farmers, reclusive artists, and other eclectic lovers of beautiful slow-living, Italian style.
Benvenuti, Tuscia Posse!
Italy-lovers, welcome to this luxe, Special-Edition retreat!
I’m excited to offer this unique and rich experience in magical Tuscia, “Italy’s best-kept secret,” located just 90 minutes north of Rome. I’ve fallen madly in love with this land and people.
We’ll explore her rich treasures, and we’ll relish the harmony of her sybaritic pleasures in great company, while staying in style in the most beautiful and serene Italian country-house you could imagine. A sublime sanctuary awaits you in the undiscovered Italian countryside.
Yoga and meditation are offered each morning to unfold the day in a harmonious way. There’ll be great biking, hot springs, medieval towns, ancient history and frescoed palaces for culture-exploring. There will also be time to relax and enjoy the unique ambiance of our country estate. Expect superb farm-to-table cooking at every meal, excellent regional wines, and connecting to local culture through the people and places we visit.
All is aimed to bring delight and balance, cultivate strength and ease for longevity, and a sense of harmony in our overall being as we head into the autumn equinox.
We have fantastic bike rides planned on several days, with Daniele our local, Viterbo-born friend and bike guide par excellence. Discover authentic medieval villages with impressive castles still lived-in by hereditary princesses, Roman-era basilicas and of course – handmade gelato, and the quintessentially beautiful Italian landscape along the way.
Our luxury Italian farm estate seems made for gathering, and has many enchanting nooks for basking or conversation and relaxing in a beautiful environment indoors or out.
We’ll enjoy sunset aperitivo each evening.
After the ride one afternoon, we’ll experience deep relaxation with a special Sound Journey by a local practitioner. Some of his instruments are handmade of local woods to further harmonize with the vibrations of this ancient land.
Excellent massages are available, held under the centenary oak tree, or in your suite.
The word on this hidden gem of a region is only just seeping out.
The fascinating land of Tuscia … READ MORE about where we’re going…
Tuscia is certainly a secret worth preserving, but isn’t likely to remain undiscovered for long. Stylish travel magazines are calling it “The Italy travelers expect but rarely find”, and they recommend our country house demeure.
My hope is that Tuscia’s sauvage character and vintage looks mixed with a rare level of authenticity will allow her to keep hiding in plain sight.
Warm Italian goodness, inspiration, and adventures await!
itinerary
This is your retreat.
All activities are optional.
If you long for the luxury of spacious, unstructured time to relax or create,
our location allows you to make this choice. Spend your day as nourishes you.
For a deeply relaxing experience you could opt to simply stay and soak-in the gorgeous grounds. Take long siestas in beautiful rooms that look out into the magnificent surroundings, read, journal, sketch, lounge, get a massage, or walk the nature trail that surrounds the property. “Ozium”, contemplative leisure, is an esteemed practice in Italy.
On the Tuscia Itinerary
Yoga, daily
restorative practices
Sound healing
Feasting (it’s Italy)
Fully-supported bike rides:
One: Bike tour through the beautiful Etrurian countryside, stopping in authentic ancient villages with Etruscan ruins and handmade gelato.
Two: Bike tour into the hills to Lago di Vico, a beautiful volcanic lake surrounded by hazelnut forests and delightful fish restaurants for a glorious Italian lakeside lunch and swim in the clear waters.
Three: Bike tour including a visit to Norchia, a amazing Etruscan Necropolis in the wild , plus the beautiful ancient town of Tuscania with its huge Early-Christian Basilicas from the Roman era. Transfer back by van.
Four: Bike tour to Viterbo, a spectacular medieval/Renaissance city, Daniele’s hometown, and the capital of Tuscia. We will visit the sights, have lunch, then go to soak in Tuscia Terme - a newly-remodeled ancient healing hot springs set in nature with sweeping views. Van home.
Other outings include:
An afternoon trip to Caprarola for a guided visit of the imposing Palazzo Farnese, considered the greatest work of the late Italian Renaissance ever built. Followed by dinner out at a very special trattoria.
A visit to magical Castello Ruspoli, inhabited by Claudia and Giada, two Ruspoli princesses, which has one of the most important, original Italian Renaissance gardens in the world.
Free Time: for a long ride designed for the cyclist(s) in the group; or simply massages under the ancient oak tree, and general”ozium”- the Latin word for contemplative leisure.
Additional yoga and other guided relaxation modalities including a Sound Journey are planned on certain afternoons.
A unique option:
A beautiful, equine-guided healing experience with the estate’s herd of free-roaming thoroughbred horses, can be organized as an additional activity (based on group’s interest) with an expert Italian facilitator (No riding is involved.) The signature specialty of our estate.
What’s Included
The trip is structured so you will have a wonderful experience with great ease.
8 Days / 7 nights
The retreat fee includes:
Accommodation for 7 nights in a luxury Italian country estate reserved exclusively for the retreat.
All sumptuous meals for the week. Farm-to-table feasting while at our home in Tuscia, and in hand-picked local restaurants. (Note: one lunch out is not included.)
Sunset aperitivo “sundowners” on first night
Daily morning yoga with Julia. All yoga equipment provided.
Restorative yoga sessions on select afternoons.
Fully-supported bike rides, and other excursions, transportation included.
Services of our professional leaders and cycling guide and a support van will accompany our bike tours.
Daily bike maintenance to keep your bike ride-ready. Choice of Gravel or electric bike (rental not included)
Healing Sound Bath by local practitioner Giuseppe using instruments handcrafted from locally-sourced woods.
Bathing at Tuscia Terme, Italian-style natural hot springs with open-air pools in nature.
Professionally guided visits to several of the historical gems of this unspoiled region.
The retreat fee does not include:
Airfare to Rome
Transfer to/from airport
Bike rental
Alcohol (selected wines are included with dinners.)
Travel Insurance
What will the Biking Be Like? and Getting active for your trip
Expect to ride on small, paved backroads, and also some gravel farm roads on most rides. Because of these gravel sections which allow us to explore beautiful countryside away from traffic, the bike choices on this trip are comfortable E-bikes with MTB tires, or Gravel Bikes for the experienced, trained riders.
The terrain is moderate, with rolling hills. On one day however, there is a nice, long climb up to the Lago di Vico – no problem on an e-bike. The view is always worth the climb.
Distances will vary from 12 to about 35 miles, with options to add extra kilometers, or hop in the follow-van for a lift if you desire.
You will ride at your enjoyable pace. Before your trip, we suggest cycling regularly, hitting the hills whenever you can. Please do practice getting familiar with riding on gravel paths or roads, even if you will be riding an electric-assisted bike.
The rides in Tuscia are a lot of fun. For those who are familiar with biking in Italy, the rides rank a little bit more hilly than Puglia; a lot less hilly than Tuscany or Umbria.
Most importantly, just show up and have fun!
Accommodations
a country haven of serenity with a uniquely Italian focus on the importance of beauty and the joy of exquisite food.
Welcome to a hidden gem: The tenuta is authentic, unique and sublime, as Tuscia is to the core. The hospitality is wonderful
Our Stylish Digs
Olivia Mariotti’s unique estate in the beautiful countryside just an hour north of Rome is our home for the week.
The property spans over thirty hectares and offers just five suites in its main house, the Casale, which has undergone meticulous restoration with a strong focus on architecture and design. The suites and living spaces are adorned by art and artifacts, carpets and antiques from around the world, reflecting the owner’s eclectic style and background in luxury and fashion.
Former global brand-director of Fendi, Bulgari, and Valentino and brand consultant to Gucci, among others, Olivia traded the glitter for her soul-call: Creating a healing environment full of beauty, immersed in nature, overflowing with sumptuous Italian art and style, where yoga, healing arts, contemplative leisure and creativity can flourish, and homegrown feasts nourish the senses at meals.
A lively harmony lives with every expressive detail of Olivia’ artistically re-structured farmhouse, a haven of beauty, care and love. This place is a mutual love-affair!
The property originally stood as an Equestrian Estate dedicated to breeding thoroughbred racehorses. Repurposing the family’s legacy, the estate is now a holistic hospitality venue where horses roam freely as a wild herd, playing a central role in the healing experience of the guests. (Get ready to have some beautiful new, four-legged friends!)
You will be warmly welcomed and spoiled by nature’s sumptuous abundance, the relaxed, joyful atmosphere, and be graciously looked-after with smiles and laughter by Romy our house butler and staff.
This is a place of deep peace and serenity. Being here has a special way of renewing gratitude for the simple beauty of life.
A Thriving Farm
The estate produces its own premium Olive Oil and boasts a flourishing vegetable and flower garden. Here meals are an epicurean journey based on the daily offerings of nature, beautiful art-de-la-table and a shared dining experience evoking the warm and inviting atmosphere of an opulent private home. All at the tenuta is a tribute to nature, an immersive experience of life enjoyment with breathtaking skies and out-of-Africa sunsets.
Travel Planning
Airport City:
Fly to: ROME
•RETREAT LOCATION: Tenuta di Paternostro. Located 90 minutes North of Rome, in Vetralla, Italy.
•TRANSFER We can plan a shared transfer from Rome departing Rome at 10:30 AM from a central location, and/or the airport depending on participants’ travel needs.
•We can organize arrival and departure transfers as needed to accommodate your travel.
• A shared transfer from the Tenuta back to Rome will be scheduled late-morning on Sept 24 at a time to suit.
Dates to know
RETREAT STARTS Wednesday, September 17 with lunch together at 1:00 pm at the Tenuta di Paternostro.
RETREAT ENDS Wednesday, September 24 after breakfast.
We highly encourage arriving in Italy at least a day or two before the trip to enjoy Rome or another fabulous Italian town. (this is also your best shopping opportunity), and adjust to the time zone. Travels in Italy after the retreat are always a good idea, too!
Travel Insurance
• We strongly recommend you purchase traveler’s insurance to protect your health and wellbeing before and during your trip.
It not only insures you if you must cancel your trip or leave early but also against theft and loss. It may also cover you if you contract Covid before or during your travels. Travel insurance is particularly important in the event you:
Need to cancel due to illness or injury (including testing positive for COVID-19).
Require medical care during the retreat.
Experience trip interruptions, delays, or unexpected costs due to quarantine requirements.
Highly recommended: Purchase your travel insurance at the time you book your retreat. Some insurance requires you to purchase within 14 days of booking. Sooner you get it, the sooner you are covered.
To compare plans and purchase travel insurance, we recommend using Squaremouth, a trusted platform on which to research the best policy for your needs. Before purchasing any policy, consult with their travel insurance agent to ensure it meets your coverage expectations.
Pre-trip priming
• We will provide you with additional pre-departure information, including both inspirational and practical things you’ll want to know to help prepare your wonderful journey – to the most fascinating place in Italy your friends haven’t yet heard of.
Room Options and Pricing
Dates
September 17 - 24, 2025
Number of retreat participants: Max 10
The entire estate property is booked exclusively for the retreat.
All prices are per person.
Guest Quarters on the Lower Level:
The Fountain Suite: • King size bed • ensuite bathroom with stand-alone shower • spacious lounge room • direct access to the garden
Double occupancy – $5495
Single occupancy – $6395
SOLD OUT
The Garden Suite: : King size bed • ensuite bathroom with shower/bathtub combo • private living area• direct access to the garden• views of the countryside
Double occupancy – $5495
Single occupancy – $6395
SOLD OUT
Guest Quarters on the Upper Level:
The Corner Pine View Room: King size or two single beds • ensuite bathroom with shower/bathtub combo • spacious • stunning views of the surrounding countryside
Double occupancy - $5395
Single occupancy – $6295
ONE place left
The Country Loft Suite: Suite on two levels • lounge area with sofa bed and walk-in closet on the lower level • Queen bed and ensuite bathroom with Italian shower on the upper level • beautiful views over the countryside
Double occupancy – $5595
Single occupancy – $6495
The Deluxe Master Fireplace Room: : King size or two single beds • ensuite bathroom with shower/bathtub combo • spacious living area • lovely views of the countryside • Fireplace
Double occupancy – $5595
Single occupancy – $6495
SOLD OUT
Deposit payment for your retreat is due upon registration. (Zelle or check is most welcome. Special payment plans can be arranged on request.)
Ready to book your fabulous retreat to Tuscia?
Praise
What travelers are saying about our incredible Italian adventures…
I loved, loved, loved Tuscia! I absolutely loved the whole adventure, the group, the villa, the biking, the yoga, and all the wonderful people we met. A “WOW Experience” for sure. I feel blessed and grateful, and can’t wait for another trip!
– Helen Simon, California
The Etruscan Italy Retreat in Tuscia was just pure magic. I am totally addicted to Julia’s retreats and have already been on three in two years. This one is pure Italy at its finest!
– Jane Kranich, Colorado
read more reviews
and click here to read a recent participant’s poetic reflection on Tuscia
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