FAQ | Italy 2023

How much does it cost?

We offer two room types, both based upon double occupancy:

  • Two twin beds with en-suite bathroom | $2100
  • Two twin beds with shared hallway bathroom | $1950

After I've paid my deposit, how long do I have to pay the remaining balance?

After you've paid your initial $500, the remainder of your trip must be paid in full by July 31, 2023.

Where is Lucca? How do I get there?

Lucca is located in the Tuscan region of Italy, about 50 miles outside of Florence.

Arrival Day | Pick-up. Check-in time at the retreat centre is strictly 16:00. On the day of arrival, there will be one scheduled pick-up from Lucca to the retreat centre at 3.45p from Lucca Train Station – the meeting point is outside Gelateria Veneta Piu, which is on the right-hand side when you come out of the station (about 50 meters away). Please do not use the tables or facilities of the gelateria unless you are purchasing something from them. There are also good public toilets at the train station.

Departure Day | Drop-off. Check-out time from the retreat centre is strictly by 09:30a. On the day of departure, there will be one scheduled drop off to Lucca Train station at 9:30a or earlier, depending on the requirements of the group. Airport Transfers or other transfers outside of the scheduled drop-off will be at your own expense.

Flying into Italy:

  • Pisa International | Galileo Galileo : 18miles from Lucca
  • Florence International Airport | America Vespucci : 50miles from Lucca
  • Rome International Airport | Fiumicino Airport : 162miles from Lucca

Regular trains and buses run from both Pisa and Florence airports to Lucca and are very reasonably priced. Trains also run regularly from Rome, however the trip is much longer (about 4.5hr).

Train prices and time table here.

When booking your flight, please plan your arrival time in Lucca around 3.45p, in order to coincide with the group transfer to the retreat centre.

Do I need trip insurance?

Travel insurance is strongly recommended for anyone attending a retreat organized by Yoga in Italy. All participants are responsible for arranging their own travel insurance, which we recommend also include COVID related events, medical costs and repatriation, as well as cancellation costs if you cannot travel due to contracting the virus or if you have to self-isolate in another location. All expenses for testing, treatment or self-isolation are the responsibility of the participant.

For the widest insurance flexibility, we recommend a travel insurance policy with CANCEL FOR ANY REASON (CFAR)coverage. Please consult an insurance carrier provider BEFORE booking and paying for a retreat, airfares, hotels, and other travel related expenses, etc.

What's included? What's not included?

Included. Ground transportation to and from the retreat centre on the arrival and departure day; ground transportation to and from Lucca for bike tour on Monday excursion; one-way ground transportation back from wine tasting excursion on Tuesday; ground transportation to and from Cinque Terre on Wednesday excursion; ground transportation to and from Pietrasanta on Thursday evening. Also included are all VAT and taxes.

Not included. Planes, trains, automobiles or any other type of transportation costs incurred to travel to the retreat centre meeting point (Lucca Train Station). Should you choose to venture off on your own, any taxis will be at your own expense. Train travel between the villages at Cinque Terre will also be at your own cost.

Do I need to exchange money?

Plan to bring cash in Euro to the retreat centre; there are no credit card facilities. While we have included a few select activities, you’ll need adequate cash to pay for taxis, meals out and any optional excursions, massage and spa treatments and gratuities.

There are no Exchange Points in Lucca and the banks will not change USD or other currencies. The easiest method is to use your debit or credit card to withdraw cash in euros from an ATM machine at any of the banks in Lucca. The retreat centre is 10km outside of the city centre, so if you do not have extra cash, it will require a taxi ride into town. Make sure that you inform your bank of your travel plans and check your daily limit. Although most restaurants will accept credit cards, AMERICAN EXPRESS is not widely accepted; make sure you have VISA or MASTERCARD.

What is the cancellation policy?

Your $500 deposit is fully refundable until August 1, 2023. After August 1, it is non-refundable for any reason. Trip insurance is highly recommended.

Is there Wi-Fi?

Free Wifi is available.

What should I pack?

Bring comfortable, breathable clothing for the yoga classes and some outdoor clothes for hikes and walks. Bring casual lightweight items for the days and evenings and your swimsuit if you plan on swimming. Please also bring something warm for the evenings + a lightweight rain jacket, just in case!

You may also want to consider a small hand towel to wipe your yoga mat down during classes, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, alarm clock, good walking shoes, insect repellent, ear plugs (in case you or your roommate snores!), a good book, a notebook or journal and a pen to capture any thoughts or inspirations that may arise.

What kind of food will be served? What if I have allergies?

The retreat menu is vegetarian, and prepared by a wonderful local cook, who makes deliciously fresh dishes based on what is in season and the region’s specialties. All meals are sourced from local producers and wherever possible, using organic grains, fruit and vegetables. The retreat centre makes its own fresh fruit and vegetable juices and cleansing herbal teas using fresh herbs from the garden. Organic wine, olive oil and honey are produced in the surrounding agricultural area near the retreat centre and is served during the retreat. Upon request, gluten free and other special dietary requirements can be accommodated.

A bowl of fresh fruit will be available during the day, should you get hungry. The tap water is perfectly fine to use - fill up your water bottles as much as you'd like. Please observe and respect the following guidelines:

  • All meals will be served either on the terrace or in the dining room, in the communal area.
  • Breakfast will be served immediately following yoga and will be available for 1 hour.
  • Lunch will generally be served between 1.30 - 2.30p.
  • Dinner will generally be served after the evening yoga class at 7.30p and finish around 9.00p.

Do I need to bring my own mat?

The indoor yoga room is fully equipped with MANDUKA yoga mats, blocks, bolsters, blankets, and belts. You may bring your own yoga mat if you prefer. There are also several grassed terraces with views overlooking the forest and olive groves which can be used in the warmer months for sunrise & sunset sessions. There are mats for use outdoors.

What if there is something I don’t want to do?

This is YOUR retreat! We have included a few select activities to enhance your experience, but you are not required to participate in any activity that you are not comfortable doing. Skipping yoga class, sleeping in, taking downtime, booking alternative activities on your own is completely acceptable! Refunds/credits will not be given for missed activities/meals/etc. and any costs incurred during free time will be your own responsibility.

Are there laundry facilities?

Laundry facilities are available for use by guests, free of charge. Detergent is provided.

The villa will be cleaned mid-week (on Wednesday) and all bath towels will be refreshed. There is no linen change during the retreat. Hair dryers are provided.

How can I stay connected with family and friends (assuming that I want to!!)?

There is no landline available and mobile phone reception can be intermittent since we are in the countryside. Use this as a week to deepen your yoga practice and reconnect with yourself. Perhaps you can consider leaving your virtual world behind for a week. :)

If that's just not an option, WhatsApp is a free, International messaging app for both iPhone and Android devices.

What if I have other questions that aren't answered here?

You can always reach out to our owner, Sarah, at sarah@redsunyoga.com and she will be happy to answer any other questions you might have.