The Essence…

Imagine waking up in a centuries-old Tuscan farmhouse surrounded by rolling vineyards and golden morning light. You breathe in the scent of lavender and cypress carried on the breeze. The stillness feels luxurious. Your body softens.

Over espresso and figs, you connect with kindred spirits — travelers who, like you, are ready to slow down, receive, and rediscover what pure love feels like: for life, for adventure, for themselves.

For twelve unforgettable days, we’ll journey through the heart of Italy — beginning in Tuscany’s gentle countryside and then exploring the turquoise waters & history of Sicily. This is not a tour. It’s a journey of the senses — a return to beauty, balance, and the heart.

Tuscany

Tuscany represents softness, nourishment, and pleasure — a place to remember that you deserve to feel good.
Here, we begin by learning the art of slowing down — moving through vineyards, tasting the land, and letting beauty seep into every breath.

Under the Tuscan sun, we’ll share a few heart-opening rituals that invite self-love and presence. You’ll learn to savor each sip, each step, each moment — to experience life as art.

From our peaceful home base in Gambassi Terme, we’ll glide through rolling hills on electric bikes — the most effortless way to take in the sweeping vineyards and cypress-lined roads. The e-bikes let you relax into the ride, feeling held and supported as you take in the views. No rush. No strain. Just pleasure, breath, and beauty.

Along the way, we’ll stop for winery experiences that feels like stepping into a postcard.

Palermo & Mondello

A flight from Rome brings us to Palermo, the capital of Sicily. We will transfer to Mondello, a quieter beach town for a two nights.

One of the most powerful moments of our time here is a pilgrimage hike from Mondello to Palermo over Monte Pellegrino. This ancient mountain has drawn pilgrims for centuries, ever since the relics of Saint Rosalia — Palermo’s patron saint — were discovered in a cave on its slopes. The hike becomes more than movement; it’s a symbolic crossing — devotion, healing, and intention carried step by step.

After descending into the city, we explore Palermo’s layered streets and share a celebratory meal before returning to Mondello to rest.

Favignana

From Palermo, we transfer to Trapani & ferry across to Favignana, one of the Egadi Islands — a place that instantly softens the nervous system. Life here is slow, simple & salt-kissed.

Favignana invites you to slow down and live close to the elements. Days include biking around the flat island, stopping to swim in luminous electric-blue coves like Cala Rossa and Cala Azzurra, linger over long lunches, nap, and simply be. Snorkeling reveals crystal-clear seas & a vibrant sea life.

One super cool experience is a visit to the Ex Stabilimento Florio, the historic Florio tuna factory. Once the global center of tuna processing, this beautifully preserved space tells the story of the ancient mattanza — a ritual rooted in respect for the sea, livelihood, and seasonal cycles.

And, of course we will indulge in as much or as little tuna as you like ;-)

taormina

Taormina brings ELEVATION and awe. We wander Corso Umberto, visit the iconic Greek Theatre with its sweeping sea views, and descend by cable car to swim near Isola Bella. This is Sicily at its most cinematic.

For those who wish, we also explore the slopes of Mount Etna — Europe’s most powerful volcano. A self-paced hike across volcanic landscapes reconnects us with the raw intelligence of the earth, followed by a relaxed visit to a nearby winery where mineral-rich soils produce remarkable wines shaped by fire and time.

Our closing dinner here is a celebration — of the journey, the land, and the quiet transformations that have unfolded along the way.

Accommodations

Your retreat includes a series of thoughtfully chosen stays — each one reflecting the energy of the place.

We begin in the Tuscan countryside, settling into a classic villa surrounded by vineyards, olive trees, and rolling golden hills. Life here is quiet and unhurried. Mornings are slow, evenings glow with warm light, and the land itself invites you to exhale. It’s a true Tuscan home — grounded, welcoming, and deeply restorative.

From Tuscany, we travel south to Sicily and arrive by the sea in Mondello, staying at Unico Boutique Hotel d’Arte. This intimate, art-filled boutique hotel sits just steps from the water, blending creative design with coastal calm. Sea air, soft light, and a relaxed rhythm make it an easy, beautiful place to land as we explore Palermo and Monte Pellegrino.

Next, we cross to the Egadi Islands and settle into island life at I Pretti Resort. Clean lines, natural light, and modern simplicity create a sense of ease. Days flow between swims, bike rides, and long pauses in between — the kind of place where your nervous system truly unwinds.

Our journey concludes in Taormina at Villa Le Terrazze Charming Rooms, perched above the sea with open terraces and sweeping views that can be enjoyed poolside. It’s intimate, airy, and full of charm — the perfect setting to integrate the journey and celebrate everything you’ve experienced.

Each stay has been chosen for how it feels to inhabit — comfortable, character-rich, and deeply connected to place — creating a seamless flow from countryside to coast, island to hilltop.

The Cuisine

From handmade pasta and local wine to seaside dinners under the stars, each meal on this journey is meant to be savored.

In Tuscany, we’ll enjoy rustic dishes rooted in the land — fresh herbs, local olive oil, grilled vegetables, and simple foods prepared with care. Dinners are long and unhurried, shared in true Italian style.

Each day begins with breakfast at our accommodations, offering a classic Italian start — espresso, fresh bread, pastries, fruit, and local specialties. Lunches are light and flexible, often enjoyed as simple picnics that allow us to stay present with the day and the landscape.

Evenings are spent dining out at locally loved restaurants in each place we stay — neighborhood favorites known for honest cooking and seasonal ingredients, not tourist spots.

We’ll eat slowly, savor deeply, and let nourishment be part of the experience — easy on the body and rich in connection.

💫 What’s Included

✅ 3 Nights in a Classic Tuscan Villa
✅ 2 Nights @ Unico Boutique Hotel d’Arte
✅ 3 Nights @ I Pretti Resort in Favignana
✅ 3 Nights @ Taormina at Villa Le Terrazze Charming Rooms
✅ Daily yoga or movement sessions with Heather
✅ Private Pre-Retreat Coaching Sessions with Heather
Prepare for the journey and get the absolute most out of your retreat. You and Heather will schedule a 1:1 call to clarify your goals—whether you're reducing pain, improving mobility, calling in a partner or new career opportunity, working on fertility, or wanting a deeper spiritual breakthrough. Heather will support you before and throughout the retreat to help you meet your intention with clarity, confidence, and ease.
✅ All breakfasts
✅ Some Picnic Lunches
✅ One Domestic Flights
  ✈️ Rome → Palermo
✅ Transfer from Tuscan Villa → Rome Airport & Transfers between locations in Sicily
✅ Bike rental for adventures

❌ What’s Not Included

• Airport transfers - Fly into Florence & transfer to Villa in Tuscany + Transfer from Villa in Taormina to Catania to Fly home
• All dinners + some lunches
• Alcoholic beverages
• Optional activities, excursions, or shopping
• Travel insurance

🌸 About Your Guide

Hi, I’m Heather — founder of Elevate Excursions and creator of transformational journeys that blend movement, mindfulness, and adventure.

Italy was a request from a few very special clients who have been on many of my retreats over the years — I have not been to Italy, so let’s explore it together & watch the magic unfold…

I chose places in Italy that lit me up inside when I read about them & watched videos… the places I chose awakened something deep in my heart… a hearts deep calling is the way to go…

Come & learn to let your heart be your guide…

Come sail, sip, and savor your way into PURE LOVE. 💫