Sept 23-29, 2025
Florence, Italy
8 of 10 SPACES AVAILABLE
what you can expect
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Authentic Tuscan Cuisine and Wines
Tuscan cuisine is celebrated for its simplicity and use of fresh, high-quality ingredients. It is also home to some of the most famous and celebrated wines in the world (Chianti, Sangiovessi). We will visit a family-owned natural winery, learn to cook pasta from scratch from a “Nona” and eat at incredible restaurants.
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Stunning Scenery and Cultural Heritage
Exploring Tuscany isn't just about food and wine; it's also about immersing yourself in its breathtaking landscapes and rich history. We will explore small Tuscan villages as well as the vibrant character of Florence.
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That Heartventure Connection
Heartventure retreats are designed to foster deep and meaningful connections on multiple levels. 1) Connection with self- these retreats take you out of your day-to-day grind to create a space for introspection and self-discovery. 2) Connection with Others- these retreats are designed to build strong, supportive relationships among participants. 3) Connection with the Environment- we believe in leaving a little piece of our hearts every place we visit. This connection to place is why we travel.
"I thought I was going to Italy for views and good food and it turns out I was mostly there for connection. My bucket has never been so full and I, quite honestly, had the best week of my life... don't tell my husband... haha."
— Amalfi Heartventure Participant, 2023
schedule
(subject to change)
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Sept 23
Arrival at villa in the heart of Florence
Opening Circle
Sunset Walking Tour in Florence
Opening dinner at a traditional Florentine restaurant
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Sept 24
Relaxing morning at villa
Train to Sienna late morning for an afternoon of exploring the history and culture of this quaint village
Dinner in Siena
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Sept 25
Cappuccinos and pastries at villa
Lunch and tour Boboli’s garden
Visit the Duomo & Main Square
Dinner at a special restaurant in Florence
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Sept 26
Free morning exploring Florence (get your shopping done!)
Afternoon/evening immersive experience: Natural wine tasting and Italian cooking class.
Train back to Florence.
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Sept 27
Train to Bologna
Explore the culinary traditions of this region (Bolgona is known for tortellini, parmesan cheese and balsamic vinegar)
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Sept 28
Visit the world-renowned Uffizi art gallery
Eat a typical Florentine lunch
Closing Circle
Celebration Dinner
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Sept 29
Say so long to Florence…
Check out at 11am
what’s included
6 nights accommodation in a beautiful villa in the heart of Florence
delicious meals and snacks in a mix of restaurants and as well as prepared meals by your hosts. We generally provide breakfast at the villa and will be venturing out for lunch and dinners (alcoholic drinks not included)
all transportation in country once the retreat begins. (transportation from airport to flat in Florence not included)
entrance fees to museums and planned tours as a group
an online gallery of images from Deedee (Deedee Morris Photography) of your trip
access to a Heartventures WhatsApp group 6 months prior to the retreat for communication and logistical support, and for as long afterward as you would like to keep in touch with the other participants.
What’s Not Included
flights to and from Florence
alcoholic drinks
transportation to the villa from the airport on arrival day
incidentals
investment
Prices are in CAD and a $600 non refundable deposit is due upon booking. Taxes are additional where applicable.
Room 1:
Queen bed: $4600- taken
Single bed: $4400
Room 2:
Queen bed: $4600- taken
Single Bed: $4400
Room 3:
Queen bed: $4600
Single bed: $4400
Room 4:
Single bed: $4400
Sofa Bed: $4400
Room 5:
Single bed: $4400
Sofa bed: $4400
“When I arrived at the retreat, I was wary of being surrounded by strangers, sharing close quarters with them but quickly they weren’t strangers anymore. By the end of the trip I felt connected and comfortable, which as someone with social anxiety that gave me more confidence to participate in things. I feel like some part of me expanded once I got home. I was able to leave anxiety behind that doesn’t serve me.
— Madeira Heartventure Participant, 2024
your hosts
To learn more about Deedee and Krista, check out the Heartventures podcast, wherever you get your podcasts.
faq’s
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The Tuscany Heartventure Retreat is a getaway designed to provide a rejuvenating experience through various activities including excursions in the beautiful corner of the world of Tuscany, Italy. Based in Florence, we will be exploring food, wine and culture.
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The retreat is open to women of all fitness levels and backgrounds. Participants should have an interest in food, wine, personal growth, and experiencing the beauty of Tuscany.
Although we are a retreat exclusively for women, we try our hardest to make everyone feel welcome and safe on our retreats regardless of how they identify. Please reach out if you have any specific questions.
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We opted for a centrally located, grand looking flat in the Heart of Florence. You can check it out here.
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Although many retreats offer this as an option, our goal with Heartventures is to bring together women to foster deep connections with each other. Often this happens when nothing is scheduled, and we are sitting around the villa spontaneously hanging out. Our accommodations are not necessarily luxurious but are beautiful, comfortable, clean and offer a gathering space that we don’t get when we stay at hotels or separate the group.
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Incidentals can mean anything from a mid afternoon coffee at a cafe, to tampons.
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Florence (FLR) Airport. However, many participants chose to explore before or after so you could always fly into another location and take the train to Florence. The world is your oyster!
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We do the best we can to accommodate peoples dietary restrictions and preferences within our villa, however, we will be doing a lot of food tours/dining at restaurants who may not be able to accommodate restrictions. Let us know your situation and we'll see what can be worked out!
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Absolutely! Many participants attend solo and find it a great way to meet like-minded individuals. The retreat is designed to foster a supportive and inclusive community.
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Activities may include cultural excursions, cooking classes, wine tastings, and other workshops focused on learning and growth. We also have women's circles in the privacy of our villa to strengthen the connection with our Self (capital S intended) and each other.
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Click on any of the JOIN NOW buttons on this page and fill out the form. Someone from the Heartventures team will get back to you within 24-48 hours!
Don’t take our word for it, hear from past participants on why you should take the leap on these 2 episodes of the Heartventures Podcast:
