Italian Immersion Summer Retreat

This is Italy Retreat 2024

July 7-14th with Jennifer Hansen and Sal Macro

Day 1- Arrival & Welcome dinner

Once everyone is settled into their homes for the week, we will meet in the central piazza for a welcome toast. Dinner will be enjoyed  “al fresco” at Di Vino Hotel located at the peak of Lenola.

Day 2- Montagna Spaccata & Food crawl

AM Yoga-Gentle yoga class held in the outdoor amphitheater.

Walking tour- After yoga, we will have a walking tour of the village, including the beautiful historic district. During our walk, you will get acquainted with the layout of the village and its small stores. Our walk ends with a private tour of the castle located in the historic district.

Sanctuary of Montagna Spaccata (Sanctuary of Split Mountain)

Not far from Lenola is the historic site of Montagna Spaccata in Gaeta, Italy. As you approach this iconic site, you'll be immediately struck by the dramatic geological formation—the split mountain that gives Montagna Spaccata its name. The sanctuary has a coastal path, which provides stunning vistas of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Once inside the split mountain, you'll discover the Grotto of Montagna Spaccata. Hidden within the rock, houses an ancient image of the Madonna delle Grazie. According to local folklore, the mountain split open during an earthquake, revealing the image of the Madonna, which has drawn pilgrims and believers for generations. We will also view this site by sea, on our Gaeta boat tour later in the week.

Waterside Lunch- Lunch will be organized to take place in Gaeta, in a local trattoria located near the water's edge. The town of Gaeta is also a big port, so there are small shops and boutiques to explore.

PM Yoga- Gentle style class held in the outdoor amphitheater

Lenola Food Crawl-Our food adventure begins with a walking “food crawl” to sample some of the restaurants we will be attending throughout the week. At each restaurant, we will enjoy one meal course of their specialty. Starting at the top of Lenola, we will venture into the piazza, and end in the historic “lago” district. On the way, stopping at 4 different restaurants before ending with a prosecco toast and dessert.

Day 3- Sperlonga beach day

Am Yoga-Gentle yoga class held in the outdoor amphitheater.

Village Open Market

The local market takes place in Lenolas central piazza and quickly becomes a hub of excitement, locals, and delicious food. “Mercato” for Italians is as much about shopping, as it is socializing. Everyone takes the time to catch up with friends and maybe grab a snack. Vendors line the piazza walls selling fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese, olives, Seafood, dried meats, and local honey. We will explore the market together and pick up snacks for the beach!

Sperlonga Beach Village

Sperlonga beach is a local favorite, and hidden gem. Besides the beautiful blue waters, the village section offers gorgeous white buildings, mosaics, and hidden alleys.  At the very top of Sperlonga, you will find small shops, gelaterias, cafes, bars, and art studios. The village is located within walking distance of the beach club and castle.

Sperlonga Beach–We will spend our day at Baia Azzurra Beach club located directly on Sperlonga beach.The beach club has an attached restaurant that has a full menu and bar to make your beach day as comfortable as possible. It is also close to the castle, and access to the main village of Sperlonga. It offers 3 person sun covers for shade and lounging

Beach Lunch

The beach club offers an attached restaurant with a full menu for lunch and is open all day.  The village section of Sperlonga section also offers many restaurants, bars, and gelaterias to explore for lunch. Most places will have staff that speak English, making it easy to navigate.

Seafood Dinner -After returning to Lenola, we will enjoy a delicious dinner held in the central piazza, alongside a beautiful fountain and bustling village square. Daniella, the owner of Osteria Le Sevici, is a classically trained chef  that is best known for her homemade pastas and desserts.  Our meal will showcase the fresh fish that was sourced that day in the village market.  If you are not a seafood fan, you can choose the turf or vegetarian option.

Day 4- Cooking & Crystal Hunt

Poolside Yoga-The day begins with a gentle yoga class held at the mountain top hotel, Collecammino. After our yoga class, you'll have the option to stay and enjoy the pool, or head back to Lenola central.

Crystal Hunt- Quercia Del Monaco is a nearby trail named after the oak trees that line its path to monastery ruins. We will spend our time at the beginning of the trail where we find wild mint, flowers, sage, and crystals. By splitting rocks, we are able to find clear quartz, green agate, and citrines that you can take home as a remembrance of Lenola.

Cooking lesson & Lunch- Enjoy a private cooking lesson with personal chef and cooking teacher, Giorgio Tambourini. Giorgio will teach you how to prepare a multi course meal including antipasti, fresh pastas, and a dessert. This 3 hr lesson concludes with getting to indulge in a huge Italian meal that you created!

Lunch- If you are not attending the cooking lesson, lunch can be enjoyed poolside at Collecammino, or organized for you within Lenola.

Candlelight Dinner - Our  candlelit dinner  will be at “Antico Palco”, located in the historic district of Lenola. This local favorite offers traditional style Italian food, with an upscale twist. The owners take Italian favorites and merge it with unique cooking methods. They are so focused on quality, their menu changes daily, depending on what is freshest that day.

Day 5- Gaeta Boat Tour

AM Yoga- Yoga class will be held in the outdoor amphitheater

Gaeta Boat Tour-Starting from Sperlonga beach, we will head out on the sea to explore Gaeta and its hidden grottos. Our private captain will guide us along the stunning coastline, taking you to hidden coves and secluded grottos. Along with exploring the coast, we will also anchor to enjoy some boat diving, snorkeling, and sip prosecco!  Lunch can be enjoyed on the boat, or eaten when we dock in Gaeta. Our boat day ends back in Sperlonga, where we will head back to Lenola for the evening.

Dinner in the valley- Ristorante “Ai Pozzi” , translated to “at the wells'’, is nestled in the valley of Lenola. It's named after the nearby water wells that were onced used by Lenola residents. Tucked behind a large mountain, we will dine al fresco amongst the Italian cypress trees that line the property.

Day 6- Pool & Relax

AM Yoga- The day begins with a gentle yoga class held in the outdoor amphitheater

Private Jewelry shopping- Lenola has one small jewelry store that is built into the side of the mountain. Because of its limited space, we have arranged for us to shop his collection privately. The “Orefici” carries a wide range of pieces but are best  known for their highest quality 24k gold.

Daytime-The day will be free to stay in the village or at the Hotel Collecammino for a pool day.

Arrivederci  Dinner- Our farewell  dinner will be held at Osteria Le Sevici, located in  Lenolas piazza. With a fountain as our backdrop, our farewell dinner will consist of all of your favorite dishes from our trip.

Day 7- Departure

Arrival/Departure:

Airport pick up and drop off:

There will be one private transport by car available for both arrival and departure. If guests choose to have direct transport by car, it is the guests responsibility to book flights according to designated transport times.

Arrival and Departure by train:

If you choose to arrive at a different time, the train is the next best option. From Rome airport, you will board a train and head to the town of Monte San Biaggio, whose train station is closest to Lenola. The train station is located inside the airport, and tickets can be bought online. Once you arrive in Monte San Biaggio, you will be picked up by Sal and driven into Lenola.

Accommodations

DiVino Bistrot & Relais

This Newly renovated Hotel sits at one of the highest points within Lenola, known as “Su Colle”. It is where locals go to walk, eat, drink, socialize, and is the main meeting point for summer nights. The location of the hotel is extremely quiet during the day, and comes alive at night with open bars, gelaterias, pizzerias, and live entertainment.

The hotel also has a full restaurant and bar that offers Italian specialties, pizzas, wine, and cocktails. Di Vino is also within yards of the Basilica Madonna del Colle and stairs that lead to village central.

Hotel Details

*Air conditioning in every room

*Mini Fridge

*Breakfast included

*Maid cleaning services

*WiFi in every room

*6 rooms available

Village Apartments

These traditional apartments are all unique in style and vary in location throughout the historic district of Lenola. Living in the hub of the village offers you the freedom to create your own day and submerge yourself in the authentic village culture. All apartments are located in the historic district . There are also a few small cafes,bars, and shops all located within yards of the piazza and sell items such as  fresh fruit, veggies, pastries, breads, and cheeses. Your breakfast is included with your stay, and can be enjoyed at Osteria Le Sevici, located in the piazza.

*There is no air conditioning offered in any apartments

Apartment Details

*Breakfast included

*Close to shops, cafes, and bars

*4 apts Avail  with washing machines

Pricing by accommodation

DiVino Bistrot & Relais

Private Single Room (Queen bed) - $4,000 (early bird until March 1st $3700)

Shared room (2 people)- $3800 (early bird until March 1st $3500)

Village Apartments

Single Occupancy Apartment (private apt) - $3,800 (early bird until March 1st $3500)

Double Occupancy Apartment (shared apt) - $3700 (early bird until March 1st $3400)

Additional Pricing Notes:

All pricing is based per person

Deposit - $800 required upon booking (nonrefundable)

Monthly Installment payments available upon request

Trip must be paid in full by 5/7/24

Included in Retreat cost

*Airport pick up

*Accomodations (7 days)

*Daily transportation

* 7 Breakfasts

* 6 Dinners

*Airport drop off

Additional Costs - not covered in retreat

*Lunches

*Beach Cover/Cabana - $35

* Gaeta Boat tour- $150

*Cooking lessons-$55 each

* Wine Pairings (Priced at meal)

* Alcoholic beverages

*Airfare