Tuscan Fitness Retreat: Yoga, Strength Training & Farm-to-Table Living in the Hills of Tuscany

A typical day at Tuscan Fitness starts early. Sunrise yoga is at 7:30, usually on a hilltop pavilion or a terrace overlooking the valley. After that comes a long breakfast — fruit, eggs, bread, coffee — eaten slowly, not grabbed. The middle of the day splits: there's a guided hike through the olive groves and surrounding hills, or a strength training session focused on functional movement and joint longevity. You pick one, or do both if you have the energy.

Lunch is cooked on site, then there's genuine downtime. Some guests walk into the nearest village, some nap, some sit by the pool. Late afternoon brings a second yoga class, a wine tasting, or a workshop on alignment. Dinner is the centrepiece — a slow, farm-to-table meal served at a long table, usually with wine from the estate's own vineyard. The kitchen uses organic extra virgin olive oil produced on the property, a red wine called Rosso Galeffi (a blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo), and meat from Maremmano cattle that graze on the estate's 50 hectares.

What separates this from a standard yoga retreat is the strength work. The programme is designed for people who want to move better and lift stronger, not just stretch. Sessions target functional strength, core stability and recovery, and instructors adjust for all fitness levels — beginners are welcome and so are people who train regularly.

The estate itself is the other difference. It's not a hotel with a yoga room bolted on; it's a working farm in the Tuscan hills near Florence, with olive groves, vineyards and hilltop pavilions where classes are held. Excursions include historic abbeys, local markets and wine tastings, and there's an optional day at local hot springs.

The team is small and led by founder Alix, who started Tuscan Fitness after years of hosting retreats in the region. Yoga teachers and fitness instructors are hired for their experience and their ability to work with mixed-level groups. The retreat holds a 5.0 rating across more than 200 reviews, and most guests travel solo — many leave with friends they keep in touch with.

Stays run 4, 5 or 7 nights, with a maximum of 18 guests. Flights aren't included, but the team arranges transfers from Florence or Pisa airports and from Montevarchi-Terranuova train station. You share your arrival time in advance and someone handles the rest.

What's included

- Daily morning and evening yoga with expert teachers - Guided countryside hikes and fitness sessions - All meals — fresh, seasonal, locally sourced - Comfortable estate accommodation - Wine tasting, alignment workshop and cultural outings - Full support from arrival to farewell - Transfers arranged from nearest airports and station (for an additional cost)

What's not included

- Flights and travel to the retreat - Airport and station transfers (arranged for you, but not included in the price) - Travel insurance - Personal expenses - Optional spa treatments and massages - Optional horse riding and hot springs day