Yoga & Hiking Retreat – Calabria, Italy

Alessandra Colace
Alessandra is a certified Mindfulness teacher since 2020 and certified Yoga teacher since 2023; she is also a reiki master since 2019. She combines ancient yogic wisdom with modern scientific developments to help individuals learn more about their minds and bodies, and live in a healthier and more fulfilling way both on and off the mat.

Alessandra combines her love for nature with deep inner exploration to facilitate transformative experiences.
Alessandra’s holistic approach reconnects participants to their inner selves and the natural world; what drives her it is an authentic sense of compassion and will to accompany others in their own journey of self-awareness and growth.
She is Italian and a Naturalised British Citizien. She was born and grew up mainly in Calabria, however she spent 17 years in London, where she discovered Yoga in 2019 and throughout her practice and teaching she believes that a great yoga teacher should have both technical skill and a depth of personal experience.

She strives to match the needs, abilities and interests of her students while also introducing new and experienced yogis to Hatha and Vinyasa Flow of the Raja Dhiraja Yoga tradition. She seeks to create a space in class that is welcoming, nurturing, exhilarating and transformative. Alessandra’s classes are designed to address the needs of each person as a whole: mind, body and spirit.
Since 2023 she lives in Zambrone, in Calabria where she is re-connecting to her Calabrian’s Roots, deepening her connection to nature and helping others to reconnect to their inner selves and therefore to Mother Nature.

Spoken Lunguages: Italian, English
Alessandra will be translating from Italian to English all the information that instructors Natalino Aloi and Rosa Marino will be sharing.

Natalino Aloi
Natalino worked as a social educator for 25 years and over the last 10 years he has been working as certified environmental hiking guide.
Natalino loves walking up the mountains particularly in Calabria, his passion is to guide people to experience unique and indissoluble emotions in the Aspromonte’s National Park, Sila Mountains, Pollino and the Regional Park of Serre (Calabria). One of many things that he loves about those areas is that each hike can create a unique experience and a profound insight into Calabria’s authenticity. It is Natalino’ s mission to help and guide people to experience authenticity of Calabria, through the wild and largely uncontaminated nature, but also discover its history, traditions and culture.
In fact, often while hiking, it might be possible to encounter local men and women along the way, he believes that each wrinkle on their faces has an interesting story.

Natalino truly believes that “time” has an important value if seen it as “quality of life” and “well-being”.
“I have had my best thoughts while walking and I do not know of a thought so burdensome that it cannot be left behind with a walk.” S. Kierkegaard.

Spoken Lunguage: Italian.

Meet the Collaborator

Rosa Marino

Rosa is an agronomist, graduated in agricultural and forestry sciences. Rosa is also a passionate hiker that loves nature and photography. She will be happy to share insights of some plants that we will encounter while hiking.

Spoken Lunguage: Italian.

Calabria is a region rich in natural beauty, history, culture, and culinary delights, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking a more authentic and less touristy experience. Unlike other parts of Italy, Calabria hasn’t been overrun by mass tourism.

This provides a unique opportunity to introduce travelers to charming, off-the-beaten-path villages, quiet beaches, and intimate, family-run establishments. Visitors could enjoy the slower pace and true local culture. Calabria is the perfect place that helps individuals to find peace, clarity, and a sense of balance in their lives. We are passionate guides to bridge that gap between your inner peace and the healing power that this region has to offer.

Benefits

• The ideal place to unplug, slow down that fast pace, and get back in touch to yourself and with nature.
• Be more relaxed and refreshed than you’ve ever been.
• Become stronger mentally and find inner peace.
• A chance to get away and step aside from all the daily busy schedule of city life.

Please note that time and logistics might change depending on weather conditions.

Wednesday 26 March
11:15pm meeting point at the Reggio Calabria’s Airport. Pickup and transfer by mini shuttle and car from the Airport to the hotel.

Thursday 27 March

08:00 Breakfast
09:30 departure by shuttle and car from the hotel to Amendolea, particularly to the Ruffo Castle.
11:30 Hiking up the “Fiumara Amendolea” and Yoga lesson.

13:30 Luch.
16:00/16:30 back to the shuttle and car, making our way to the Agriturismo and check-in.
17:30 30 minutes Yoga class at sunset. Free time and relaxation.
19:30 Sharing Circle
20:30 Dinner.
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Information about the hike:
Distance: approximately 7 km.
Difference in altitude: +/- 150 meters.
Nature of the route: in line. on river gravel, stones and small fords of watercourse.
Maximum altitude: 250 m.a.s.l.
Minimum altitude: 150 m.a.s.l.
Difficulty: medium.
Drinking Water: available at the agriturismo.
Lunch: packed lunch.

Friday 28 March

08:30 Breakfast
09:30 Departure from the agriturismo, hiking to the small village of Gallicianò (natural and cultural insights)
13:00 Packed lunch.
14:00/14:30 Sightseeing of the “Borgo di Galliciano’ “ led by local guides. (Alessandra will be translating in English).
15:30: Yoga class in the amphitheater of Galliciano’.
16:40 Driving back to the Agriturismo and free time.
19:00 Circle time.
20:00 Dinner.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Information related to the hike (from Amendolea to Gallicianò):
Distance: approximately 7 km.
Difference in altitude: + 450 meters.
Nature of the route: circular, partly on gravel and partly on small rocks. Short ford on a small watercourse.
Maximum altitude: 600 m.a.s.l.
Minimum altitude: 150 m.a.s.l.
Difficulty: medium, E.
Drinking Water: at the beginning and end of hike.
Lunch: packed lunch.

Saturday 29 March

08:00Breakfast.
09:00 Departure by shuttle to Bova Marina.
9:30 Start hiking towards Trizzi Mount.
12:30 Yoga lesson.
13:30 Packed lunch.
14:30: hiking.
17:00 End of the hike and return to the agriturismo by shuttle and car.
17:30 Yoga activity at sunset.
18:30 Free time.
19:30 Circle time.
20:30 Dinner.
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Information related to Trizzi Mount’s trail:
Distance: about 9 km round trip.
Difference in altitude: +/- 500 m.
Nature of the Route: circular, partly on clayey and gullies terrain.
Maximum altitude: 150 m.a.s.l.
Minimum altitude: 400 m.a.s.l..
Difficulty: medium, E.
Drinking Water: only at the beginning of the trail.
Lunch: packed lunch.

Sunday 30 March

08:00 Breakfast
09:00 Departure by shuttle and car to Staiti village.
10:00 Excursion to Monte Cerasia, with Yoga and Forest Bathing activities.
13:00 Packed lunch.
14:30 Hiking and insights about some Mediterranean plants and scrub present along the trail.
16:30 departure by shuttle to the Byzantine Church of “Santa Maria Dei Tridetti”, for a outdoor Yoga lesson.
17:30/18:00 back to the agriturismo and free time.
20:30 Dinner.
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Information about the trail to Mount Cerasia:
Distance: about 8 km.
Difference in altitude: +/- 300 m approximately.
Nature of the route: line, partly on rocky ground.
Maximum altitude: 1013 m.a.s.l.
Minimum altitude: 700 m.a.s.l.
Difficulty: medium, E.
Drinking Water: at the Falcò’s Castle.
Lunch: packed lunch.

Monday 31st of March

08:15 Breakfast & Check-out
09:45 Departure by shuttle and car to Pentidattilo.
10:45 Sightseeing mini tour of Pentidattilo: the “Gost Town”.
13:00 Packed lunch.
14:30 Final circle: thanks! & Departure to Reggio Calabria.
16:00 Arrival at Reggio Calabria and Good bye.

 

One night in a Hotel close to the City of Reggio Calabria (RC) (26th of March). A few single rooms available, shared room up to 3 people sharing.

Four nights Agriturismo in Amendolea (RC) (from the 27th to the 31st of March). A few single rooms available, shared room (up to 3 people sharing a room).

Facilities at the Hotel

TV
Wi-Fi
Parching
Facilities of the agriturismo
Dining area
Lounge
Smoke-free property
Outdoor area
Wi-Fi available only at the dining area

The Agriturismo Experience

Overlooked by the ruins of the Norman castle and the old village of Amendolea, about 8 km from the coast, the Agriturismo is surrounded by typical Calabrian citrus fruits called “Bergamotto”.

The agriturismo, immersed in a context of centuries-old olive trees and expanses of bergamot that inebriate the air, contains all the characteristics of a true farmhouse-refreshment station for lovers of nature, trekking, pastoral culture and local traditions. Its economy is based on the sale of bergamot essential oil and above all on catering and trekking routes within the Aspromonte National Park.

The owner of the agriturismo believes in protecting biodiversity and respect nature, maintaining old cultivars of fruit and vegetables; it also tries to expand its donkey breeding, now on the verge of extinction, and has long been using renewable energy sources to manage the farm, also carrying out composting and separate waste collection in an environmentally friendly way.

The premises have been renovated with great attention to the surrounding area and building materials, using old construction systems with stone, mortar, river reeds, wood and old tiles, according to careful research into local traditions. Simple food with seasonal ingredients. There is rarely an à la carte menu since they only cook what is available, breakfast is basically based on home-made jams and bread, the bergamot and orange jams are an absolute must.

Calabria is a vast and diverse region, and we have taken care of all transportation logistics for you during this retreat. Below are the approximate travel times and distances between key locations, so you can get a sense of the time needed to travel between the hotel, attractions, and other destinations.

Rest assured, all transport will be provided to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey throughout your stay.

• 16 km from Reggio Calabria’s Airport to the Hotel, 15 minutes by car. (26th of March).
• 29 km from the hotel to the Fiumara Amendolea, about 34 minutes by car. (27th of March)
• 12 km from the Agriturismo to Bova Marina, about 25/30 minutes by car. (29th of March)
• 50 km from the Agriturismo to Staiti, about 1 hour and 10 minutes by car. (30th of March)
• 25 km from the Agriturismo to Pentidattilo, about 40 minutes by car. (31st of March).
• 33 km from Pentidattilo to Reggio Calabria, 50 minutes by car. (31st of March).

To ensure you have the best experience, it’s important to pack with the weather in mind, here’s a helpful checklist to guide you:

-Reusable water bottle, to help you stay hydrated.
-Sun protection: A hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
-Any medication you may need.
-Tissues and hand sanitizer for your comfort.
-Insect repellent, if you have it.

What to wear

We suggest to dress comfortably for all activities and for any random changing weather, warmer clothing for morning and late afternoon outdoor activities are advised!

Here’s what we recommend:

-Comfortable, waterproof and sturdy shoes with good grip for hiking on uneven terrain (Please, no Converse or similar!)
-A beanie or hat to protect you from both wind and or cooler mornings.
-A warm jumper (thermal tops) to keep cozy when it cools down.
–Waterproof pack-away: A lightweight rain jacket, rain trousers, and waterproof shoes, just in case of rain.
–Breathable, flexible clothing that allows for easy movements during hiking and yoga activities.

What if it rains

From experience, rain just adds a touch of adventure to the day. In case of heavy rain we might simply move/swapping some activities in order to avoid walking under heavy rain.

What fitness level it is?

We suggest to be fit enough to walk up moderate slopes. Yoga lessons will be beginner-friendly and suitable for all levels.

WHAT IS INCLUDED:

Travel from Reggio Calabria’s Airport to the hotel, Wednesday March 26th and return trip to the city of Reggio Calabria on the 31st of March.
– 5 days of guided hiking.
– 4 days of yoga lessons.
– 5 overnight stays.
– 4 dinners with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
-5 breakfast.
-5 packed lunches (which consists of a sandwich, a fruit and water).
-shuttle and/or car service as per program.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:

-Flights, trains tickets.
-Travel insurance.
-Additional treatments.
-Laudry service.
-Further drinks other than those described in the food section above.
-Visa fee.
-Additional activities not included in the program.

Delicious “continental” break-fast and a 2-course evening meal. Each meal will be balanced to keep you energized all day.
Packed lunches will be also included to be enjoyed in nature and keep you refueled.

We are working to offer organic, local food where possible, composting all leftovers and reducing single-use plastic.

The following meals are included:
Break-fast
Packed lunch
Dinner
Drinks (water and a glass of wine included with meals)

The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten Free

If you have special dietary requirements it’s a good idea to communicate it to the organizer when making a reservation.

Recommended Airport is “Aeroporto dello stretto”: located in the city of Reggio Calabria.
If you prefer getting to the venue with your own car and don’t need the pick-up and drop-off from the airport, please let us know and we will remove the fee from the price.

-A reservation requires a non-refundable deposit of 100 euros. Deposit will not be refunded if the participant will not be able to attend the retreat. However, your payments are transferable to another person for the same date and room requirements (upgrades from a shared to a single room might be available — please email for details).
-The rest of the payment to be made 30 days before arrival. No refund if canceled less than 30 days before arrival.
-Minimum Traveller Requirement: If we need to cancel the event due to not meeting the minimum number of travelers, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.