Tuscan Yoga & Wine Retreat: 7-Night Villa Escape in Cortona

The retreat is built around daily yoga. Classes run most mornings in a studio on the estate, and move outdoors when the weather allows. Jess teaches, and the schedule leaves room for the rest of the day rather than stacking multiple sessions back to back. There's a wine tasting at the villa featuring local Tuscan producers, and a cooking class where you make traditional dishes with ingredients from the area. These are included, not add-ons.

Two excursions are part of the program. The full-day trip goes to Montepulciano, a hill town known for Renaissance architecture and its wine cellars, then on to Pienza, a UNESCO World Heritage site with views over the Val d'Orcia. The half-day trip is to Cortona itself, one of Tuscany's oldest towns, with cobblestone streets, artisan shops, and lookout points over the valley. Cortona is close enough to the villa that you can also wander in on a free afternoon.

Food is handled by a private chef at the estate. Each day starts with a late brunch, there's lighter fare during the afternoon, and dinner is a set menu in the evening using local ingredients and traditional Italian cooking. Dietary needs are worth flagging at booking so the kitchen can plan around them.

Terzo di Danciano is a restored private estate in the hills near Cortona, with a pool, spa facilities, a yoga studio, and large outdoor grounds. Rooms are split across private and shared options, and room assignments are made by the organizers based on which tier you book. The estate is quiet, the views are open, and evenings are usually spent on the terrace.

The week suits people who want daily yoga without it being the only thing on the schedule. It works for solo travelers, couples, and friends sharing a room, and there's enough free time that you can do as much or as little as you like outside the included activities.

What's included

- 7 nights at the Terzo di Danciano private Tuscan estate - Daily yoga classes (studio and outdoor sessions) - Late brunch, light afternoon fare, and dinner prepared by a private chef - Guided wine tasting featuring local Tuscan wines - Hands-on Italian cooking class - Full-day excursion to Montepulciano and Pienza - Half-day excursion to Cortona - Group airport transfers to and from Florence or Rome

What's not included

- Airfare to and from Italy - Travel insurance - Spa services - Additional excursions and activities outside the program - Alcohol beyond the planned wine tasting - Gratuities