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Yoga & Horse Riding Holiday in Casperia

Highlights

  • Enjoy 90 minutes of yoga on three days and 2 afternoon horse treks
  • Stay in restored traditional accommodation in a picturesque medieval walled city
  • Prices include the use of bicycles and a pool, guided walk, visit to thermal spring, wine and olive oil tasting experience.
from £727 pp
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What you'll do

Overview

Combine relaxing yoga with horse riding on this unique 4 night yoga and horse riding holiday; stay in a traditional medieval village house in the pretty walled village of Casperia, just 1 hour north of Rome, and trek on horseback in and around the picturesque surrounding Sabina hills.

Combine a passion for horses with relaxing yoga on this fun and unique yoga and horse riding holiday. Stay for 4 nights/5 days in a pretty house set in the peaceful medieval walled village of Casperia, just 1 hour north of Rome surrounded by picturesque fields of sunflowers, mountains and tiny farm houses which is the perfect setting for trekking on horse-back and easing those riding muscles with relaxing and rejuvenating yoga.

Start your day with a morning yoga session in a fun and friendly environment and unwind, relax, and physically, mentally and spiritually recharge during your stay in this magical place.

Once during your 4 night stay, head off into the Sabina hills and Casperia’s surrounding areas on horseback for a 2 hour trek giving you a chance to immerse yourself in the beautiful Italian flora and fauna. Pass by Casperia’s streets, piazzas and beautiful scenic surroundings in and around the town walls on horseback, with your horse-riding instructor for a unique riding experience.

If you are a beginner rider, you will start to develop your skills by starting with saddling up and getting on, steering, stopping and getting off during your treks. For those who are more experienced riders, you will have the chance to gain more confidence whilst trekking in the rolling hills.

Stay in a traditional medieval village house inside the walls of Casperia just a few minutes walk from the yoga retreat. You will have your own private room and each house has a full-equipped kitchen and terrace offering spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.

Relax and recharge mind, body and soul on this yoga holiday in Italy with a difference.

Arrival

Arrive in Casperia, settle in to your accommodation and meet your fellow yogis during a welcome aperitivo.

Where will I be staying?

The Forani Palace is a beautiful historic property, the original home of the Count and Countess of Casperia. It is a restored Italian palazzo set in its own grounds and gardens. It is furnished in the classic ‘Italianate’ style with the antiques and decor of a noble family home. There are 6 twin bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms (which can be booked for sole occupancy) and the accommodation has a kitchen for self-catering.

It’s just a two minute walk from the Yoga studio and deck, breakfast area, Spa facilities,  cafes and local shops of the village of Casperia:

The palace has breath-taking panoramic views and are in supreme locations in the village of Casperia
There is an off-site outdoor private swimming pool available exclusively for guests just a 10 minute walk from the yoga retreat or a short cycle ride away, set in the Casperia countryside surrounded by olive groves and rolling hills (the pool is open from May-October, weather permitting)

Are meals included?

Breakfast
– Breakfast is included each morning and is taken at the lounge-café which is run by local Italians at the yoga retreat
– Breakfast is a buffet style which consists of fresh fruit and vegetable juices and organic produce
– Special diets will be considered with advance notice, but please bear in mind that in a small Italian village, specialist ingredients (dairy/wheat/vegetarian cheese replacements for example) are not readily available

Lunch(extra cost)

Guests usually prepare their own meals at home, or can take lunch in one of Casperia’s restaurants.
Each of our accommodation options has a kitchen and a terrace or balcony and the village shops have a range of local food and drinks so you can enjoy a delicious lunch of Italian food in the sunshine and fresh air.

Dinner

Delicious dinners are served on three evenings of the retreat stay , with locally sourced & organic ingredients including gluten-free and vegetarian options, mineral water and wine is offered with all evening meals.

The area of Sabina and Casperia have a wide range of delicious cuisine and local organic products such as :

Wild porcini Mushrooms, tartufo and fresh organic fruit and vegetables.

A variety of breads, bruschetta, panzanella, real Italian pizza & freshly handmade pasta dishes & risotto.

Local cow, sheep & goat cheeses.

Delicious organic ice creams.

Wines, including Monte Fiascone’s famous ‘Est! Est! Est!’

Sabina olive oil (among Italy’s finest).

Eating in Casperia and the Sabina area will leave you with many amazing Gastronomical experiences and memories.

 

 

Forani Palace Accommodation Pictured

Typical Itinerary

The itinerary is for guidance only and is subject to change depending on the group’s needs and wishes but is typically as follows:
– You will have 1.5 hours of yoga practice each morning
– Yoga starts around 8.30am or 9am each morning depending on the time of year
– After your yoga practice, you’ll be served a healthy and delicious breakfast of fresh fruits, cheeses, hams, cereals, breads, yoghurt, fresh coffee, tea and juices and more
– Over breakfast you’ll be given information on what treatments, therapies and activities are planned for the day and have the chance to book these
– All activities and treatments are an extra cost and are paid for locally at the end of your stay
– During the week you will have an additional 60 minute yoga session
– You will also have a 2 hour yoga workshop
– You’ll head off for 2 hours into the surrounding area of the glorious Sabina Hills on horse-back to discover and immerse yourself into the idyllic countryside whilst learning new horse-riding skills or, if you are an experienced rider, you’ll simply enjoy trekking in this stunning location
– Please note that the exact timings of your horseriding treks will be confirmed on arrival
– Please note that in the unlikely event that the weather is not suitable for horse riding, your treks will be rearranged for a more suitable day

Forani Palace Accommodation 

Departure

Prepare to head home, relaxed and rejuvenated.

 

 

 

 

 

Forani Palace Accommodation Pictured

What's included

Included

  • 4 nights accommodation at Forani Palace
  • Three 90-minute morning yoga classes
  • 60-minute afternoon Yin restorative and meditation session
  • 2 x 60 minute horse riding treks during the week (the exact days and times will be arranged on arrival)
  • A healthy and delicious breakfast each morning after your yoga classes
  • Three evening meals
  • Yoga mat
  • Use of our private swimming pool
  • Wine & Olive oil tasting experience
  • A guided walk in the Sabina mountains
  • All-week use of bicycles to explore the local area
  • Fresh linen & towels with a midweek change of towels and room clean
  • Excursion to the Sulphur water Thermal bath & hot springs
  • Check in anytime after 11am on day 1 and check out by 10am on day 5
  • A shuttle service to Poggio Mirteto station at 09.00 on departure day
Your local host

Lucy and Alan

Eco-tourism is at the forefront of Lucy and Alan’s vision for their retreats in Italy and Costa Rica and they work in harmony with locals supporting organic methods of farming, protecting local fauna and flora.

Lucy, your host and yoga teacher, is not only highly qualified and experienced, but approaches yoga with an infectious passion for inner peace and spiritual development. Her global travels have lent great insight to her lifestyle and teaching methods. She will guide through every step of the rejuvenating and uplifting experience.

Eco-tourism is at the forefront of Lucy and Alan’s vision for their retreats in Italy and Costa Rica and they work in harmony with locals supporting organic methods of farming, protecting local fauna and flora.

Lucy, your host and yoga teacher, is not only highly qualified and experienced, but approaches yoga with an infectious passion for inner peace and spiritual development. Her global travels have lent great insight to her lifestyle and teaching methods. She will guide through every step of the rejuvenating and uplifting experience.

Lucy and Alan image
Sustainability Efforts

What Sustainability Efforts are we Taking?

At Not in the Guidebooks we’re committed to empowering the local communities in Costa Rica. We work closely with the local people and their businesses to make sure that they receive a fair percentage of the money you spend on your holiday there. By partnering with local guides and suppliers, we’re able to create meaningful, authentic experiences that directly benefit the people who call this incredible country home.

Learn More

Location

With nearly 20 years’ experience offering yoga holidays, this yoga retreat bases its holidays around health and relaxation, good food, Italian culture, eco-tourism and nature. Located just an hour north of Rome in the beautiful pedestrian village of Casperia in the Sabina Hills, there’s no better place in which to enjoy a yoga holiday with a difference.

Getting there

Please note that prices for the holidays do not include flights. We recommend using www.skyscanner.net to check flights.

Nearest airport:
Rome (90 minutes away)

Note: Rome has 2 airports – Ciampino and Leonardo Da Vinci Fiumicino

Approximate distance:
Casperia is located about 2 hours from the centre of Rome and 90 minutes on the train from both of Rome’s international airports.

A comprehensive travel guide will be sent to you post-booking which covers all instructions and times.

Car hire:
We don’t recommend car hire as Casperia is a car free village.

What our travellers are saying...

We visited sunflower retreat in Casperia in September 2020, and it was an amazing experience. Allan and Lucy are the nicest people and we felt extremely welcome and taken care of. The surroundings of Casperia were so beautiful and Casperia is a very charming and old village with an amazing view and sunset! The restaurants in town serve delicious food. We had a holistic treatment including massage and it was wonderful and relaxing. The yoga teache

Ida and Hannah

FAQs

Who is it suitable for?

- Yoga holidays are suitable for all levels from complete beginners to advanced yogis
- Horse riding treks are suitable for all levels from complete beginners to enthusiastic horse-riders as treks are in small groups and you’ll be allocated a horse suitable for your riding experience
- Minimum age 16 (if you are under 18 you must be accompanied by an adult)
- Both yoga lessons and horse-riding treks will be taken in English and Italian

When can I start?

- All arrivals are on Mondays from May to October, and Departures are on Fridays

About the yoga retreat in Casperia

- Weather permitting, the majority of yoga lessons will take place in a stunning hilltop location surrounded by nature on an outdoor platform surrounded by an oasis of green inside the village walls
- The yoga retreat also has a purpose built indoor yoga studio with fresh spring water and a bathroom made from an underground cave
- All staff are highly qualified with a wealth of experience, teaching beginners to advanced yogis

About your horse riding guide

- Stefano Angellelli will be your horse riding guide for your 2 x 1 hours treks during your stay
- Stefano is a local horse-riding instructor whose natural ability to understand and work with horses shines through immediately; Stefano speaks basic English and Italian
- Stefano has loved horses since a very young age, having saved for his first horse at the age of 5 years old
- He now breeds and trains horses personally and  started his own horse-trekking school in 2001
- Stefano teaches you in his own unique style and helps you to develop your horse ridings skills during the your treks
- All of his horses are well looked after and are used to the local terrain as they go for regular outdoor treks
- Stefano Angellelli is a registered with the federazione Italiana Turismo Equestre e TREC A.N.T.E, part of the Coni Italia.
- Treks are suitable for all levels and Stefano will adapt your treks to match your level of experience so that you make the most progress with your horse-riding

Getting to the stables

- You’ll be met in a central meeting point in Casperia by Stefano, your guide and will be transferred to the stables (or your horse may be brought to you – this will be arranged on arrival)
- The stables are around 5 minutes’ drive away from the square in Casperia and all transport to the stables is included in the price

What should I bring?

- Please bring comfortable clothing you can move easily in, for your yoga practice
- It can be hot in the summer months so please bring clothing that will be suitable for practicing in hot weather, if you are travelling in the height of summer
- Also don't forget your mosquito spray for the hotter months
- Yoga mats are provided
- Please bring pool towels, otherwise there is a rental fee

Horse riding
- Sensible clothing and footwear to ride in (boots or shoes with a sturdy heel – no trainers and jeans are not recommended as trousers without a seam are best)
- Hats will be provided
- Sun tan lotion for hot weather, and (this should not be necessary but just in case) appropriate clothing for wet weather

Treatments and holistic therapies

- Each morning after breakfast you can book a treatment or holistic therapy from the wide range on offer
- Choose from massages, facials, acupressure hopi candles, reiki, hot stone therapy, reflexology and more
- All treatments are paid for locally and prices range from 30 Euros to 100 Euros per session, depending on your choice of treatment and duration
- There is also a Finnish ‘sweat room’ sauna at the Casa Latini accommodation which guests can use where you can relax and revitalise; the cost of the sauna session is 10 Euros

Optional activities & excursions

- During your free time enjoy the hospitality of the picturesque town of Casperia, wander through its myriad of cobbled streets to discover local shops, cafes and stop for a cappuccino and drink in the view
- The retreat also offer a huge range of optional activities and excursions you can choose to join during your stay
- Please note you can only book these activities during your stay, activities are subject to availability and subject to minimum numbers, and prices are for guideline only:
- Horse riding – from 40 Euros
- Cycling – from 40 Euros
- Salsa dancing – from 15 Euros
- Watercolour painting – from 70 Euros
- Cooking class and dinner - from 90 Euros
- Italian language classes – from 35 Euros per hour
- Creative writing courses (not July & Aug) – from 50 Euros
- Access to the swimming pool
- Excursions to Orvieto, Assisi, thermal baths, Saint Francis’ hermitage and nature sites can be organised upon arrival – prices range from 6 Euros - 60 Euros per person
- Full information and pricing for these activities will be provided to you upon arrival at the retreat

Off-site swimming pool

- An open-air private swimming pool is also available exclusively for guests just a 10 minute walk from the yoga retreat or a short cycle ride away
- The swimming pool is set in the Casperia countryside surrounded by olive groves and rolling hills
- The pool is open from May-October
- Please note the opening of pool depends on the weather before June, therefore it is not always open

Thermal baths and springs excursion

- Guests can enjoy swimming all year round in the thermal baths at Viterbo and also in the hot springs
- You can also visit the wild hot sulphur springs situated in their natural environment in open fields; here you can bathe in the sulphur-rich organic mud used in rehabilitative treatments, beauty masks and wraps
- The thermal baths and the hot springs are quiet, perfect places to relax, unwind and feel the tension, toxins, aches and pains being released from your body, please remember to pack flip-flops and a towel, or towelling dressing gown, for this excursion
- The excursion runs from 12pm to around 5pm
- The cost of the excursion is of 40 Euros per person
- Included in the 40 Euro price is return transport from the retreat, entrance fee to sulphur water pool and visit to the wild hot springs in the same area
- The journey takes about 50 minutes each way
- If you wish to book this excursion, you can book locally upon arrival to the retreat

Are transfers available?

There is a charge for collection at the local station Poggio mirteto which is currently 10 euro per person or there is the local bus that is free with the train ticket from Rome .
Please see our attached travel page for full details https://www.sunflowerretreats.com/casperia-travel-information.

For airport transfers services the costs are as follows:

Ciampino - 65 euro per person minimum of 2 people - 130 euro for one person
Departure transfer the same cost, however early departures before 7am costs an additional 20 euro.

Rome FCO75 euro per person - minimum of 2 people - 150 euro for one person
Departure transfer cost the same, however early departures before 7am costs an additional 20 euro.

All charges to be paid locally.

Is there WiFi?

WiFi is available in the breakfast area, cafes and treatment area, but not in bedrooms.

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