Yoga Holiday in Italy: 13 - 20 June 2026
To Matera (details of costs at end)
This exciting trip commences with 3 days in Matera - Matera can be reached from Bari via the FAL train - details will be provided. UNESCO listed Matera and it's unique sassi are a phenemona of historical poverty, restored into great beauty.
This beautiful heritage town has a fascinating history. A prosperous town at the end of the middle ages, it began to struggle when there was a change in the trade routes. In the 19th century it's peasant community plunged into a deep poverty; for a long time ignored by the fascist government. Carol Levi, in his book Christ stopped at Eboli (also a movie), brought attention to the state of this community and the government eventually rehoused the population in more sanitary conditions. The beauty of the 'sassi' (cave housing) was rediscovered in the following decades and it became a popular movie set (Mel Gibson's 'The Passion of Christ' and the latest James Bond movie begin there). Hollywood and affluent investors have brought money to the old town resulting in it's restoration and it's small popularity as a tourist destination.
La Rosa dei Quattro Venti
From there we will travel by private shuttle bus to another fascinating location - to stay in the trulli of Puglia at our exclusive retreat venue La Rosa dei Quattro Venti. For 7 nights (17 -24 June) we will enjoy a daily routine of yoga and meditation supported by an organic pH alkaline diet to nourish all aspects of our being. The venue cuisine follows an alkaline diet philosophy whose goal is to bring our bodies back to balance through a healthy vegetarian diet of mainly raw, organic, low gluten, no dairy and wheat free. They serve fresh, organic and seasonal produce from their garden; they produce goat cheese and milk and make the bread, pastries and pastas with spelt flour or alternatives such as buckwheat. Their dishes are from the italian tradition but revised by their dietary philosophy... raw dishes at lunch and 'superfoods'. You won't miss the italian cuisine, you simply taste it in a healthier way.
Following the retreat, I recommend further exploration of the south - Lecce (south Italy's Florence), Ostuni (the white town), Monopoli and stunning Polignana a Mare.
Cost summary
La Rosa dei Quattro Venti - from 1150Euro (~$1850) Euro twin share, Yoga teaching and some travel expenses $850AUD. 
I will advise of bank details when your retreat place is confirmed.
Includes:
Accomodation and meals at La Rosa dei 4 Venti
Min 4 hours of Yoga classes daily with one day off to visit local markets and relax
Transport – Matera to La Rosa by private shuttle bus
Costs of international transfer of money to organise trip, fluctuations in exchange rate and associated taxes
Excludes:
International flights
Accomodation and expenses either side of La Rosa – ie. Rome, Matera, Bari, Lecce etc.. hotel recommendations will be provided.
Travel insurance (compusory) – also that covers in the event of travel delays and cancellations
Email or PM me for further details infoplease@yogaphysio.com.
NB: Flights, accommodation and meals outside of La Rosa retreat at your own expense
Bari – If you are staying in Bari for a few days before I recommend B&B Zuppetto 16 (Bari is walkable).
11 June: Meet at Le Dodici Lune in Matera.
We will travel from Bari to Matera by private shuttle. We will stay for 2 nights at Le Dodici Lune or Agora for in Sassi Caveoso. Standard rooms allocated.
13 June: Matera to Martina Franca (La Rosa dei 4 Venti) - 4.30 check in
After a final day exploring Matera we will meet at 3pm to travel to our retreat centre, La Rosa dei 4 Venti, near Martina Franca. On arriving we will have some time to settle in before the first of our super healthy meals. The retreat cuisine follows a ph alkaline philosophy. Food is a very important part of the retreat – a change that might be a challenge – but I encourage to embrace as part of the yoga practice.
13 - 20th June : Yoga Program (see below)
20 June (9am): Depart to next destination
After breakfast we will depart to our onward destination. Taxi's to the south of Puglia to another historic gem Lecce will be available if you wish to travel for a few more days. There is a local train up to Bari, where there will be swift connections back to Rome or to other cities in the north – Florence, Venice, Milan or a shuttle/taxi direct to airport can be arranged (additional cost).
NB: Flights, accommodation and meal outside of La Rosa retreat at your own expense
La Rosa dei Quattro Venti Program
Our daily retreat program will be as follows:
I recommend an early rise and walk.. Fruit and teas will be available.
Free Time
3.30 – 4.30 Self Practice
4.30 - 5.30 Spiritual talk with afternoon tea
5.30 - 6.30 Lead Meditation and instruction
7.30 Dinner
Free time can be spent reading, wandering around the beautiful countryside, meditating, working on your Eurotan poolside.... or you can hire a car and drive to nearby villages **additional expense
International Arrival in Rome or Milan
Rome or Milan are good arrival and departure airports if coming from Australia, depending on your plans either side of retreat. I recommend you spend a few days in the 'eternal' city before we meet – maybe arrive 10 or 11 June.
Phone Anna at Target Tours and Travel who will co-ordinate our flights. If you have another travel agent I will advise of our flight details.
In Rome there is a direct train from the airport to Stazione Termini – the express train is more expensive; but I think there is a regular train for 12 Euro. There are budget hotels/ youth hostels around termini station or more expensive hotels in the historic centre. These are all fairly accessible by metro.
Cancellation Policy:
Initial to deposit to confirm spot on retreat $500 non-refundable, unless in the event of cancellation by the organizer
Further payments (excluded initial $500) refundable by negotiation up until 6months pre-retreat if replacement participant is found. Up to 25% retreat fee non-refundable.
Between 6 - 3months pre-retreat refundable by negotiation if replacement participant is found. Up to 50% of fee non-refundable.
Less than 3 months pre-retreat - payments non-refundable.
We settle our bills with retreat venue in 3 months in advance. Given the international nature of retreat and unlikelihood of filling spot at last minute, payments are non-refundable after this time. Thank you for your understanding.