4th Annual WOTS Italy Retreat - from June 11 to June 18, 2024!
Registration is now open! Complete the form below to register. Spaces are limited and will be assigned first come, first served!
Join us on our annual Wisdom of the Sages Italy Retreat in magical Tuscany! We are thrilled to be going back to the beautiful Villa Vrindavan, located just south of Florence, in the heart of the Tuscan foothills. This is a 1 week retreat, but we can assure that you will leave with a lifetime of heartwarming memories. This is why so many of our participants come back each and every year!
*Read testimonials from our guests at the bottom of this page!
What a typical day looks like:
6:00am, Japa Meditation
6:30am, Morning Bhajans
7:00am, Sadhu Sangha
8:00am, Asana
9:00am, Breakfast
10:00am, Bhakti Recovery Group (BRG) Meeting
12:00pm, Wisdom of the Sages Live Live Podcast
1:00pm, Lunch
[afternoon programs vary]
8:00pm, Dinner
Excursions & Activities may include:
Activities may include bicycle tours, Vespa tours, healing-sounds bath, swimming, massage, waterfalls, pond party, hiking, workshops, museum trips, day trips to Florence, Siena, Cinque Terre, and these are just to name a few. All these extra activities are optional and some are offered at an additional cost. Also, if you’re so inclined, opportunities for Seva may also be arranged.
Location:
Villa Vrindavan is a spiritual community located near San Casciano in Val di Pesa. You can easily get there by flying in to Florence Airport (FLR) or Florence Main Train Station (Santa Maria Novella), and then you can easily catch a taxi (approximate cost will be between 50-70 EUR).
Personal Investment
(prices are in EUR, per adult / for children over 3yo please let us know their age for pricing / children under 3yo free)
Choose from:
1. Villa Vrindavan Ashram Experience: EUR 1,450 p/p
Located on site, rooms & bathrooms are shared like in a hostel, ashram is split by men’s and women’s floors, given the layout we are not able to accommodate here couples or families wishing to stay together in the same room.
2. Villa Hotel Offsite Stay: EUR 1,850 p/p
Located 7 minutes away by car, rooms are semi-private with either 2-4 in 1 room, bathrooms ensuite, A/C, swimming pool on the property, ideal for couples/families or those who want a more private, luxury accommodation. We will arrange for a shuttle transportation to/from the hotel to Villa Vrindavan several times throughout the day—however, for more flexibility, we suggest renting a car or e-bike.
*Important to note: we are not able to offer single, individual accommodation.
EUR 500 non-refundable deposit to save your spot now. Remaining balance due 8 weeks before retreat start date.
Wire Transfer or WISE App:
We recommend WISE for their low, transparent fees and for the excellent customer service. WISE lets you instantly pay via Apple Card, Credit Card or Wire Transfer. WISE is a low cost, very convenient and popular service used worldwide. It can also be used during the rest of your travels in Europe. Sign up using this link.
Sign up for WISE here
If using your own bank, here are the EUR account details for Wisdom Of The Sages EU.
Bank: Wise
Bank address: Avenue Louise 54, Room S52, Brussels 1050 Belgium
SWIFT/BIC: TRWIBEB1XXX
IBAN: BE64967234632252
Name of Accountholder: Wisdom Of The Sages EU
**please send us an email in case your bank requires the Accountholder’s address.
FAQs:
1. We love pets, but unfortunately they are not allowed in the retreat.
2. Yes, the retreat is kid-friendly, but this is a retreat for adults and if you do bring your children, we ask that you make arrangements for their care.
3. We suggest flying in 1 or 2 days before to head off the jet lag and explore Florence or another Italian city on your own before joining the retreat. The closest airport or train station is Florence.
4. No, we don’t accept PayPal or Venmo.
5. Included in the price is the following: room and board (2-3 meals a day, yoga classes, retreat excursions. The price of optional activities will be communicated before.)
6. Not included are transportation costs to/from Florence, Villa Vrindavan, optional excursions, or meals outside of the retreat.
7. You will receive a retreat manual with all the specifics a few months before the retreat. Mostly all your questions will be answered in the manual.
8. Deposits are non-refundable and due in order to book your spot.
9. Refunds of the retreat investment may be requested 4 weeks prior to retreat start date. We will arrange for a refund minus any costs we might have incurred. Please reach out to us at the email below as soon as you know you need to cancel.
10. Spaces are limited and once we are fully booked, we will start the waitlist.
Any further questions, please write to wotsitaly@gmail.com and either Vivi or Tarak will get back to you as soon as possible.
Ciao!
Testimonials
I am on a Bhakti Yoga cloud after this trip. It was the experience of a lifetime. Truly. Italy is amazing. Tuscany is breathtaking. The Prasadam. The association of the WOTS community will fast track your Bhakti Yoga practice. Every moment is filled with love and kindness. The teachings of Raghunath & Kaustubha are enlightening. If WOTS daily podcast is a meaningful part of you life this trip will take you to another level. Haribol. My humble obediences. —Amy S.
The Wisdom of the Sages 2023 retreat was phenomenal, majestic, and inspiring. I highly recommend this retreat to any one who is considering. It was a total delight in so many ways including the association of Raghunath, Kaustubha, and Sacinandana Swami; amazing kirtan music, amazingly delicious vegetarian Italian food, the gorgeous and serene setting of Villa Vrndavana, the beauty of the Tuscan foothills, great day trips, and superb hospitality from the residents of Villa Vrndavana. Thank you for an amazing experience! —Ari R.