Bella Italia Retreats

Andrew Weil, M.D.

Another reason to love and be inspired by Italy & Italians....

Interesting health news story. Preparing meals from scratch, enjoying their food, mindful eating and the basic Mediterranean diet: Could these all play a part?

The first 'wine fountain' just opened in Italy - and it's free

Of course....only in Italy!

thelocal.it Red wine flowing from a fountain, offering a refreshment at the end of a long walk... it sounds too good to be true, but in fact a 'wine fountain' was inaugurated on Sunday.

Whether you've already been to Italy or it's your first time, our retreats will offer you an enjoyable travel experience and an immersion into the "bella Italia" culture...

Italians are very passionate about food, and eating is considered a sacred pleasure that represents a ‘love of life’. And most importantly, it is meant to be enjoyed amongst the company of others. On our retreats you will experience the culinary traditions and savor delicious cuisine prepared by local chefs using seasonal, organic and locally sourced ingredients and shared amongst friends.

Whether you choose one of our food and wine specific retreats, or a yoga or art retreat, you will always experience the culinary delights of the region. Both in Italy and on all of our retreats, meals are a special time to slow down, savor the flavors and enjoy.

“Mangia bene, vivi bene”….”Eat well, live well"

A Complete Introduction To The Wines Of Italy: MAP & INFOGRAPHIC

Includes many of the areas where we have retreats...

vinepair.com Our complete intro to Italy features a helpful map and infographic to guide you through the countries diverse wines. Learn about Italian wine now!

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Florence - a short time lapse

One of the most beautiful and historically & culturally significant cities in Italy...

vimeo.com The city of Florence in Italy. Birthplace of the Renaissance. And to many people one of the most beautiful cities in the country. Captured during June 2015; August…

Amatrice where Amatriciana pasta was born was hardest hit in last week's earthquake. The Italian Red Cross is raising money through pasta for earthquake relief...for every plate of pasta Amatriciana ordered at participating restaurants a percentage of proceeds will be donated.

Amatrice where Amatriciana pasta was born was hardest hit in last night's earthquake. The Italian Red Cross is raising money through pasta for earthquake relief.

Drinking wine & eating delicious food along with cooking classes & hiking/biking in Italy...of course!!!!

Etna Fumes and Spews, but the Winemaking Goes On

Italy takes their winemaking very seriously...

www.nytimes.com The existential threat is ever-present, yet the promise proves too tough to resist.

This Video Proves Rome is One of the World's Most Beautiful Places

travelandleisure.com If you've been to Rome, you can vouch for the city's stunning architecture, storied streets, and breathtaking views.

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Join us for delicious food, fabulous wine, and an abundance of sun and fun in ITALY...
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Still making summer plans? Look no further...everyone needs some fun in their life!

Happy "International Women's Day" (March 8)

We have many new wonderful retreats scheduled for this upcoming summer and fall, including: "Best of the Veneto: Food, Wine & Art" Retreat (our incredibly unique artistic adventure) and "Florence & Tuscany Epicurean" Retreat. For info check out our website: www.bellaitaliaretreats.com

What are you doing this summer or fall? How about Italy ~ great food, wine, fun...(www.bellaitaliaretreats.com)

Our favorite quote for today (and everyday)...

Buon Natale a tutti!

Timeline Photos

Backseat Italians

Who doesn't want an Italian family?! Maybe it's time to buy a FIAT...

Apparently, every new FIAT comes with a complimentary Italian family in the backseat. See the original advertisment at: http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/bbcb...

Happy Thanksgiving!

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Timeline Photos

Christmas in Italia? Bellissimo!

Timeline Photos

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Come and join us on one of our wonderful retreats!

Italians are very passionate about food, and eating is considered a sacred pleasure that represents a ‘love of life’. And most importantly, it is meant to be enjoyed amongst the company of others. Meals are traditionally a daily ceremony in which to share simple, yet deliciously prepared food and wine along with good conversation and company over a long extended meal.

And of course, Italy is well known for it’s delicious food. On our retreats you will experience the culinary traditions and savor delicious cuisine prepared by local chefs using seasonal, organic and locally sourced ingredients and enjoyed at our communal table. (And we will certainly cater to your individual dietary restrictions).

Visiting local farmer’s markets, farms, wineries, cheese makers or truffle hunting you will have the opportunity to learn about and see where the food and wine originates.

Whether you choose one of our food and wine specific retreats, or a yoga or art retreat, you will always experience the culinary delights of the region. Both in Italy and on all of our retreats, meals are a special time to slow down, savor the flavors and enjoy.

“Mangia bene, vive bene”….”Eat well, live well"

www.bellaitaliaretreats.com

Join us for one of our very special 'Holiday' Retreats in Tuscany & Umbria. As with our other retreats, you will enjoy the wonderful local food and wine, yet with some special holiday events and delights.

The winter holiday season is very special in Italy, with Christmas markets, lights, special events and holiday culinary traditions. This retreat will be a perfect balance of celebration, exploration and relaxation....

We will explore the enchanting hilltowns & countryside of Tuscany & Umbria, visit the holiday markets (& musical events), enjoy wine tasting & tours at the nearby wineries, participate in hands-on cooking classes and have time to relax and perhaps enjoy some spa treatments at an award winning spa & historical retreat (as well as optional morning yoga). And let's not forget about the delicious meals shared amongst new friends in a beautiful setting.

Come on our celebratory holiday retreat for an amazing experience!

www.bellaitaliaretreats.com

7 Ways to Cook Under the Tuscan Sun

Who doesn't love Italian food?!

food52.com Get whisked away to Tuscany.

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The next best thing to being in Italy is visiting Castello di Amorosa in Napa Valley, CA...

Italy’s Newest Foodie Hotspot Is…

pinterest.com Italy’s Newest Foodie Hotspot Is… : Condé Nast Traveler

Our favorite Italian quote of the day:
"La semplicità è l'ultima sofisticazione"....
("Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication")

Our favorite Italian quote of the day....
"La vita è un sogno" – "Life is a dream"

Aperitivo time by the pool...ahh!
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's cover photo

's cover photo

Fun fact: For a wine to be labeled Chianti Classico and get the rooster stamp of approval, the grapes must be sourced from the delineated growing zone and the wine must contain a minimum 80% Sangiovese (the other zones are 75%). The other allowable grapes are Cabernet, Merlot, Canailo and Colorino. Trebbiano and Malvasia are no longer allowable as part of the Chianti Classico blend.

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Bella Italia Retreats (retreatitaly)

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https://www.pinterest.com/retreatitaly/
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pinterest.com See what Bella Italia Retreats (retreatitaly) has discovered on Pinterest, the world's biggest collection of everybody's favorite things.

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Magical italian evenings 'al fresco' in beautiful settings...(not to mention the delicious food!) - www.bellitaliaretreats.com

BELLA ITALIA FLYER

Come and join us on one of our upcoming customized retreats in Tuscany or Umbria for an unforgettable experience! A presto! www.bellaitaliaretreats.com

evernote.com BELLA ITALIA FLYER