Here's the best part: from the moment you land in Italy, your only job is to soak it all in. We've handled EVERYTHING:

• Where to stay (family-run gems we've personally vetted)

• What to eat or splitting checks (trust us, you'll never want to leave)

• How to get around (no stress about trains or taxis)

• Which local experiences you can't miss

• Even which wines pair perfectly with dinner!

All you have to do? Get your booty to Italy! We've:

• Researched the best local spots

• Made friends with the locals

• Found the hidden swimming coves

• Secured the best family recipes

• Planned every transport detail

• Arranged all the magical moments

When you join us, you're not paying for luxury markup or corporate overhead. You're getting an expertly curated experience where every detail has been lovingly planned, so you can focus on what matters: living like a local, making new friends, and creating memories that'll last a lifetime.

No Googling "best restaurants." No translating menus. No figuring out train schedules. No wondering what to do next.

Just show up ready to embrace the Italian way of life - we've got the rest covered! 🇮🇹

A: You have three options:

• Naples International (NAP) - Most convenient, direct transfer to our meeting point

• Rome Fiumicino (FCO) - Take a train to Naples (~1.5 hours)

• Lamezia Terme (SUF) - Take a train to Naples (~4 hours)

A: The retreat Check-In Officially begins at 3PM on Sunday, September 14th, 2024 in Naples. We recommend:

• Arriving the day before (Sept 13th) to avoid travel stress

• Using the extra time to explore Naples or rest up

• If you're flying into Rome or Lamezia, definitely arrive a day early to ensure smooth train connections

A: No worries at all! You can join us wherever we are in the itinerary - but you'll be responsible for your own transportation to meet the group. We'll provide detailed instructions and support.

A: Oh honey, YES! And here's why with my whole heart:

This retreat isn't your typical "run around Rome with a selfie stick" experience (though we fully support getting those tourist moments in first! 🤳). Our 7 days together are about letting Italy sink deep into your bones - we're talking cozy lunches that turn into sunset aperitivos, cooking with nonnas who don't speak English but teach you everything with their hands and hearts, and moments that make you forget what time (or even what day) it is.

So YES, come early! Get those iconic shots at the Colosseum. Toss your coin in the Trevi. Eat gelato for breakfast in Rome. Stand in awe at the Vatican. Do ALL of it! Get your tourist excitement out of your system (it's part of the journey and we love it!)

Then... come join us with empty cups ready to be filled with something deeper. Because once you're with us, we're not rushing from landmark to landmark - we're living in the gentle pulse of Southern Italian life. We're learning to breathe differently. To taste differently. To see differently.

Suggestions we love:

• 2-3 days in Rome for the bucket list dreams

• A day in Naples to understand why pizza will never be the same again

• Extra time to let the jet lag melt away and arrive to our retreat with your soul ready to soak in the magic

Pro tip: Many past guests have said those extra days helped them shift from "vacation mode" to "transformation mode" - and that's exactly what we're after. ✨

A: Take the high-speed train (Frecciarossa or Italo):

• Trains run frequently

• Journey takes about 1.5 hours

• Book tickets at trenitalia.com or italotreno.it

• Cost: €30-50 depending on time/class

A: We've got super flexible options! Secure your spot with a $500 deposit, then spread the rest over 6 monthly payments. For example, Super Early Bird rate can be as low as $350/month.

OR use our shopify function and you can work out a 12 month payment plan :)

A: Everything you need for an authentic Italian experience:

• 7 nights accommodations (1 night Naples, 5 nights Santa Maria del Cedro, 1 night Tropea) check out what they say about tropea here: https://funesahora.com.ar/discover-italys-hidden-gem-the-enchanting-allure-of-tropea/

• Most meals and wine (breakfast basics, seaside lunches, and 3-5 course dinners) (See meal break down below)

• All transportation between destinations

• Cooking experiences with local families

• Private wine tasting day with farm-to-table lunch

• Mediterranean boat excursions

• Welcome gift

• Daily activities and excursions

• Group transportation from Naples at start of retreat

Q: What's not included?

• Flights to/from Italy

• Travel insurance (required)

• Some meals during free time (2 lunches)

• Optional additional excursions

• Shopping (trust us, you'll want to!)

• Speciality Cocktails

A: Our retreat officially concludes around 130PM on Saturday, September 21st, with group transportation to Naples Centrale. Here's what you need to know:

• Group Departure (Included):

  • 130PM departure

  • Assistance with train connections to Rome, Naples, or other destinations

• Early Departures:

  • Need to leave earlier? We get it!

  • You'll be responsible for your own transportation

  • We'll provide trusted taxi recommendations

  • Expect €20 for taxi to Scalea station

  • We'll help you plan but cannot provide transportation before group departure

A: Welcome, solo traveler! About 80% of our guests come solo. We'll pair you with an awesome roommate, or you can grab a private room.

A: For 8 days (7 nights):

🍝 INCLUDED MEALS:

✨ 18 INCREDIBLE ITALIAN MEALS:

• 8 Traditional Italian Breakfasts

  • Start each day like a local with a fresh cornetto and perfectly crafted cappuccino

• 4 Long, Lazy Lunches

  • From seaside feasts to farm-to-table experiences

  • (2 free lunches for your own exploring!)

• 7 Memorable Dinners

  • Multi-course evening meals where time stands still and conversations flow like wine

What to Expect:

• Breakfast: Traditional Italian style - light and sweet with coffee

• Lunch: When included, these are proper Italian lunches (no quick bites!)

• Dinner: 3-5 course experiences with wine

• Wine included with lunch and dinner

• Any meals or snacks during free exploration time are on your own

• Specialty drinks beyond included wine are extra

A: From Scalea station, here are your best train + flight planning options:

NAPLES (NAP):

• Fast train: 1.5 hours to Naples Centrale

• Airport transfer: 20 mins to Naples Airport

• Security/Check-in: 2 hours recommended → Don't book flights before 6PM from Naples

ROME (FCO):

• Fast train: 3 hours to Roma Termini

• Airport transfer: 30 mins to Fiumicino Airport

• Security/Check-in: 2 hours recommended → Don't book flights before 7:30PM from Rome

LAMEZIA (SUF):

• Local train: 2 hours to Lamezia

• Airport transfer: 15 mins

• Security/Check-in: 2 hours recommended → Don't book flights before 5:30PM from Lamezia

Pro Tips:

• Book fast trains (Frecciarossa/Italo) in advance for best rates

• Consider spending an extra night or two in your departure city to avoid travel stress

• Many guests extend their trip into Northern Italy via Rome or Milan

• We're happy to help you plan your post-retreat Italian adventures! 🇮🇹✨

Remember: Group transfer leaves for Naples at 130PM. Early departures will need to arrange their own transportation to the station.

A: After deposit confirmation, payments are non-refundable. This retreat requires extensive advance planning and reservations. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and travel delays. We're happy to recommend trusted insurance providers!

A: We’re asking everyone to book an Italy Discovery Call before or after signing up—it’s a heart-to-heart chat about experiencing Italy the way it’s meant to be lived! We’ll talk about what draws you to Italy, answer your questions, and make sure you’re excited about our style of travel—think long dinners where conversation flows like wine, mornings at the local café where the barista knows your order, and afternoons diving into the crystal-clear Tyrrhenian Sea.

Even if you’ve been on a previous Italy trip, we’d love to hear from you and see your beautiful faces! This call helps us connect, share all the exciting details, and ensure this experience is the perfect fit for you. And if we decide it’s not, your deposit will be 100% refundable. We want everyone on this journey to be ready to embrace the authentic Italian way of life!

A: We'll send you our detailed "Dress Like a Local" guide, but here's the essence:

• Comfortable walking shoes (those cobblestones are no joke!)

• Swimwear (multiple sets recommended)

• Mix of casual and smart-casual outfits

• Light layers (Calabrese evenings can be breezy) We'll send you our curated outfit suggestions for each day, including our favorite "blend in like a local" tips. No tourist vibes here!

A: Get ready for a true Calabrese food journey! All your meals are included, featuring:

• Farm-to-table feasts

• Cooking experiences with local families

• Wine tastings at family vineyards

• Traditional multi-course dinners

• Local market visits You'll enjoy set menus showcasing Calabrese specialties, with plenty of options at each meal. Have dietary restrictions? Let us know when booking so we can ensure you're well taken care of!

• A: Absolutely! Whether you're vegetarian, gluten-free, or have other restrictions, we'll make sure you're well-fed and happy. Just communicate your needs when booking - we'll work with our local partners to ensure delicious alternatives are always available.

A: US citizens don't need a visa for stays under 90 days, but your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your return date. For our international friends: Visa requirements vary by nationality. Check your country's specific requirements for entering Italy/Schengen Area well in advance. We recommend starting this process at least 3 months before travel. Need help? We can point you toward reliable resources for your specific situation!

A: Absolutely! Private rooms are available for an extra charge. They're limited though, so book early if you'd like your own peaceful retreat space!

A: From the official start of our trip until our 1 PM Sunday departure, ALL group ground transportation is fully covered. We'll drop you off at Naples central station or you're welcome to stay in the Santa Maria del Cedro area.

A: No worries if you don't speak Italian! While we'll teach you some fun local phrases (perfect for ordering your morning caffè!), our English-speaking hosts and local guides will ensure you're well taken care of. Plus, there's nothing better than bonding with locals through hand gestures and smiles - it's part of the magic!

A: Nothing brings us greater joy than introducing the magic of Italy's countryside to kindred spirits who become family. Every detail of this retreat is priced at cost because our mission is simple: to share the real Italy we've fallen in love with.