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Forest and Mountain Serenity: A 6-Day Natural Rebalance

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Forest and Mountain Serenity: A 6-Day Natural Rebalance

June 12 - 17, 2026

Toscana, Italy

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Hosted By

Emma Wisser

51 followers

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5 nights, 6 days

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12 person retreat

Highlights

  • A transformative retreat on the Garfagnana region in Tuscany

  • Reduce stress and anxiety for the long term

  • Connect deeply with nature for lasting well-being

Details

Join us in the wild beauty of Northern Tuscany—forests, mountains, medieval villages, and big quiet skies. Over six days, you’ll unwind with Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing), gentle Tai Chi-inspired movement, mindfulness practices, and simple nature-based rituals rooted in Eckhart Tolle’s teachings on presence. This is a natural, gentle detox: unhurried time outdoors, nourishing seasonal food, deep rest—and, if you choose, limited WiFi and device use to give your nervous system a real break. You’ll head home with: Practical tools to reduce stress and anxiety long-term A deeper connection with nature as a daily resource Simple practices to keep calm, clarity, and resilience alive in real life This isn’t just a beautiful week away. It’s a reset—a chance to remember who you are when you slow down, breathe, and let nature do what it does best.

Location

Toscana, Italy

Il Ciocco is a picturesque estate located near the charming town of Barga in the Province of Lucca, Italy. Nestled in the heart of the Garfagnana region, this expansive area is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, offering breathtaking views of the Apuan Alps and lush, rolling hills. Il Ciocco serves as both a luxurious resort and a vibrant cultural hub, featuring a range of accommodations from elegant hotels to rustic lodges, all designed to harmonize with the surrounding environment. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The estate also hosts numerous cultural events, workshops, and culinary experiences that celebrate the rich heritage and flavors of Tuscany. With its blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and modern amenities, Il Ciocco provides a serene and inspiring retreat for travellers seeking both relaxation and exploration in one of Italy's most enchanting regions.

Venue

Ze Del Pino

4.9 15 Reviews

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Welcome to Ze' del Pino, a place where dreams are intertwined with the roots of a beloved land. LAMA, the place of the soul, has been the refuge of the heart for generations of our family. Here, our beloved grandfather Enrico, an esteemed doctor in the Barghigiana community, found peace and beauty. It is precisely to honor his memory and his deep connection to this land that we decided to create something unique: an inclusive and special farmhouse. Located 41 km from Marlia Villa Reale, Agriturismo Zè del Pino offers accommodation in addition to a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, a garden and a shared lounge. Free WiFi is available, and private parking is available on site. There is a private bathroom with a shower in all units, along with free toiletries and a hairdryer. Buffet, continental or Italian breakfast options are available at the property. A terrace is available on site, and cycling can be enjoyed nearby. Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport is 82 km from the property, and the property can arrange a paid airport shuttle service.

Free Wifi

Free Wifi

Pool

Pool

Garden

Garden

Bicycles For Rent

Bicycles For Rent

Towels

Towels

Restaurant

Restaurant

Free Parking

Free Parking

Shower

Shower

TV

TV

Hairdryer

Hairdryer

Accommodation

Comfort Room

2 Rooms Left

Private room for 2

$1,366.29 USD / person

Comfort Room

2 Rooms Left

Private room for 1

$1,682.60 USD total

Superior Room

2 Rooms Left

Private room for 2

$1,392.61 USD / person

Superior Room

2 Rooms Left

Private room for 1

$1,735.24 USD total

Superior Panoramic Room

2 Rooms Left

Private room for 2

$1,432.09 USD / person

Superior Panoramic Room

2 Rooms Left

Private room for 1

$1,814.20 USD total

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Agriturismo Zè del Pino, a local family-owned and operated agriturismo, where ancient tradition meets modern comfort: an oasis of tranquillity nestled in 140 acres of forest, in the most intimate part of the Ciocco complex, in Barga, province of Lucca, Tuscany. At an altitude of 1070 meters in the heart of the Serchio Valley, between the Apuan Alps and the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. Let yourself be amazed! At Ze' del Pino, a choice of three types of rooms combines ancient times with modern comforts: a manor house of the 1900s, completely and tastefully renovated. Twelve rooms with private bathrooms, warm, cozy, but also fresh and light, all surrounded by stunning views of the Serchio river valley below and the Apuan Alps across it.

Meals

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Meals provided

Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

Diets catered

Vegetarian

The Kitchen Regional and Mediterranean Delicacies for Foodies At Restaurant "Zè", start your day with a rich and varied buffet breakfast. During the cool mornings, breakfast is served in the ancient and charming “Hall Enrico”. If the weather permits, we move it outside to the beautiful terracotta stone patio, offering a panoramic view of the mountains and the valley 1000 metres below. For the retreat, we offer a set menu, but there may be à la carte options, always based on the freshest ingredients available daily. We take pride in our use of seasonal and local products, staying true to the Tuscan Garfagnana food and wine traditions. These high-quality ingredients are transformed daily into delicious dishes. Our brand-new professional kitchen, equipped with top-of-the-line appliances, ensures that every meal is prepared to perfection. A Taste of Tuscany We must add that in addition to its natural beauty, the Serchio Valley and Garfagnana region are renowned for their small farm food production. Indulge in the exquisite flavours of locally produced olive oil, seasonal vegetables and fruits, and traditional Italian delicacies. Italian Cooking Lesson We just call it “Cooking lesson” here. During the retreat, participate in a cooking lesson where you’ll hand-pick seasonal fresh ingredients from our own garden and orchards. Savour meals prepared with these and other regional delights, offering an authentic taste of Tuscany and enhancing your retreat experience.

Schedule

Summary of Our Daily Schedule (Detailed schedule in the section below) Arrival Day – Friday, June 12, 2026 There will be a free group shuttle from Pisa Airport (PSA) at 2:00 pm on arrival day. For guests arriving via Florence Airport (FLR), we recommend taking the train to Lucca. The shuttle will make a second pickup at Lucca train station around 3:00 pm. Check-in at the agriturismo begins at 4:00 pm. Departure Day – Wednesday, June 17, 2026 On departure day, a free shuttle will take guests to Lucca train station and then Pisa Airport. Drop-off is scheduled for approximately 2:00 pm in Lucca and 2:40 pm at Pisa Airport. Please plan your onward travel to align with these times. Day-by-Day Schedule Overview Day 1 – Friday, June 12 Arrival, welcome, grounding practice, opening circle, dinner. Day 2 – Saturday, June 13 Full Retreat Day – Shinrin-yoku, mindfulness, gentle movement, integration. Day 3 – Sunday, June 14 Half Day Retreat + Half Day Outing – Morning practices, afternoon cultural visit. Day 4 – Monday, June 15 Half Day Retreat + Evening Cooking Experience – Practices plus Tuscan food immersion. Day 5 – Tuesday, June 16 Full Retreat Day & Farewell BBQ Dinner – Deepening practices, closing celebration. Day 6 – Wednesday, June 17 Retreat wrap-up, closing circle, departures via group shuttle.

Testimonials

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A lasting appreciation for the nurturing power of nature. Participating in a forest therapy retreat gave me not just new friends and memories, but a lasting appreciation for the nurturing power of nature. The retreat was well organized, the program balanced and Emma and Carlos great guides into a deeper understanding of the self and the forest. Strong recommendation!

Laura, Germany

The experience for me has been fascinating. I had always been drawn to the trees and never knew why until I lived it. Feeling so close to such a beautiful nature, contemplating and approaching trees in another way, it has been a very special experience. It was like doing a kind of retreat and consciously retreating in nature under the shade of many young and centuries-old trees in the company of everything around them, the sound of the water, the birds, the butterflies, countless shrubs and leaves of various textures.... I can recommend this experience and not only for it in itself, but also by Carlos, who does his work with such passion and knowledge, that he transmits it. Thank you for all the details Carlos!

Jannet, USA

Reconnecting with Life… I liked everything about this course – the instructors, the participants, the location, the activities. There was learning and contemplation, but also much fun and laughter. I have made friends for life. This course is an experience not to be missed.” 10 out of 10

Sandra A., Scotland

Carlos breathes wisdom and together with his wife Emma they seem to know exactly how to make people feel welcome and seen. This is an experience to connect with both nature and the people guiding you through the oasis they’ve created.

Laura, Belgium

“Emma was such a calming presence for meditations. I really enjoyed the sharing and laughter within the group, the beautiful surroundings, both within the accommodation and the surrounding landscape. The walks and mindfulness activities in nature combined with the morning mindfulness meditations really was profound and relaxing”

Monique M., Canada

“The week’s forest bathing retreat in Italy was a unique and a memorable experience, one not to be missed. The programme was very well thought out with a variety of forests bathing trips to different forests, visits to local places of interest and mindfulness meditation. I feel refreshed, renewed, relaxed and empowered to return to life after only one week away! I wish you the best for the future and many more successful retreats”

Linda, UK

“The most amazing experience of my entire trip. I cannot recommend Carlos and Emma’s experience enough. I was by myself and immediately felt so safe and comfortable – the lunch was delicious, the walk was incredible, and the experience and feeling was unforgettable. Every person in the world should experience this! I will definitely be back. Private Feedback: Thank you so, so much for such an incredible time. I don’t have words for my gratitude and the feeling I am left with. I will never forget this and am humbled by the experience!”

Jessica, Hawaii, US

Excellent experience! Would give more stars if possible. I tend to be over-active and unfocused when I do outdoor activities even though I love the outdoors, so this experience was an amazing way to slow down and really take it all in slowly. We had three Americans and several Germans in our group, so it was fun interacting with everyone. The countryside and forest were beautiful and the bathing experience was exactly what I needed at that point in my travels. Everything was very clear, calm and well-organized. The local beer garden was great, too. Carlos picking us up from a central location was extremely helpful. Very highly recommended!

Cheryl, Seattle, USA

Emma & Carlos were wonderful guides… knowledgeable, gentle, and warm. They provided a well-planned but not over planned experience in a beautiful forest environment next to a river. The “exercises” were simple but affecting, something I will long remember and will repeat, I think, throughout my life. Carlos and Emma also provided wonderful food in their unique home, and later they gave us an idyllic tour. So generous!

Rebecca, Oregon, USA

Carlos and Emma and my retreat experience went Way beyond anything I could have imagined! I can't even begin to describe the amazing experience I had with Carlos and Emma of Mindful Universe. The retreat was so well thought out, and they paid attention to every single detail to make the experience even better for every single participant. Even though each participant was from a different part of the world, Carlos and Emma created an atmosphere where we all became a family. Our accommodation was absolutely spectacular, high on a mountaintop with an incredible view and soon a brand new pool. The owners of the hotel took great care of us and prepared exquisite local cuisine using fresh local ingredients and perfectly prepared homemade pastries, homemade jams, etc. Everything was so fresh and delicious! Honestly, this is one of The Best retreats I have been on and I can't recommend Carlos and Emma enough. Sign up for one of their programs, you will be will be happy you did! Grazie mille, Carlos and Emma!

Catherine M, Hawaii - US

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Host

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Emma Wisser

Barga, Province of Lucca, Italy

Emma is a certified MBSR trainer (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) and a trained teacher for Mindful Self compassion (MSC). For the past 20 years she has taught mindfulness and self-compassion cour...

2 languages

English and Deutsch

Teaching for 9 months

Joined Insight Timer in Apr 2025

What's Included

5 nights accommodation

3 delicious and nutritious meals per day + snacks

Welcome drink and appetizers

Water, tea, coffee served throughout the day

Over twenty hours of guided sessions. Shinrin-yoku training and practice

Mindfulness in nature workshops and outdoor yoga

Daily themed meditation sessions

Specialized mindfulness workshops

Group excursions/activities

Nature hikes with a trusted guide

Cooking class

Course Manual

Pre and post retreat support from our team

Transportation during the retreat in private vehicles

Airport and main train station pick-up and drop-off

Luggage storage

Free Parking

Wifi connection

Not Included

Flights costs

Travel insurance

Visa fee

Additional activities not included in the itinerary

Alcoholic beverages, fruit juices and special bottled water which can be purchased during meals

FAQs

Guest requirements

  • Prerequisites include physically able to walk on forest trails, (mostly at slow pace) with minor to moderate climbs and some minor obstacles.

Cancellation policy

The remaining balance for the retreat is due 60 days prior to the start date. If this balance is paid earlier than these 60 days, you are eligible to cancel and receive a full refund of this remaining balance, provided you do so at least 60 days before the retreat begins.