Schedule for our 2025 Retreat
- dianedoban
- Apr 26
- 4 min read
Schedule is subject to change.
We've finally come up with our proposed schedule for classes and events for this summer's retreat! Yipee! The schedule is absolutely subject to change, because hey, sheesa Italy! We might need to tweek it here and there. For instance, in 2023, one afternoon, we had scheduled a Yamuna Face Ball class, and we were gifted with an afternoon thunderstorm, and couldn't do it outside. We ended up doing the class in the wine cantina surrounded by huge barrels of wine. Hiccup.....
There are still some spots left, so if you are thinking about joining us, you can choose your room (based on availability) and make your reservation below. If you have any questions, you can always give us a call at 818-913-2991, or email at diane.doban@gmail.com
We've inserted the proposed schedule below, if you scroll all the way down.
The first two days at the resort, we'll be devoting to intensive Yamuna Body Rolling classes, lunch at the resort, free time, and dinner. The grounds at La Ghirlanda are truly stunning and elegant, but also very relaxing and casual. There is a pool and plenty of places to relax with a good book; and, they do have some bicycles if you feel like going for a spin or even a lovely nature walk. Or, my favorite pastime - a good long nap! It is possible to book additional adventures, if you feel inclined, like horseback riding, or a massage, or a wine tasting. Just let us know, and it can be arranged.
Each day you'll be served a buffet breakfast, which begins at 8:00. They offer a wide variety of breakfast choices including local pastries, eggs etc.
The third day we'll be visiting the famous medieval hill town of Assisi. After breakfast, we'll head over there for a guided tour, a lovely lunch and shopping. Assisi has some really fun shopping with merchandise hand-crafted by local artists. There's a store in the main piazza that's over 100 years old. After lunch, we'll return to the resort for some free time, and a light dinner at the resort.
The fourth day we'll be visiting a truffle farm in Trevi. Umbria is famous for its black truffles. They use really, really really smart dogs to find them, and here's the key - they have to relinquish the truffles to their human. My dogs would never have done that; they would've kept them for themselves. The truffle farm has a lovely restaurant with incredible views of the valleys below, where we will enjoy a truffle-themed luncheon.
The fifth day will be our last day of intensive Yamuna Body Rolling classes at the resort, so we'll be at La Ghirlanda for both lunch and dinner. You'll also have a good amount of free time to relax!
The sixth day, we'll be taking a short drive to the local town of San Terenziano to visit the outdoor mercato. This is where merchants from Umbria set up stands with various merchandise, including fruit and vegetables, as well as clothing, kitchenware and other things. These outdoor mercatos occur weekly at different towns throughout Umbria.
We'll then take another short trip to enjoy a delicious lunch at Le Noci in Grutti (about 5 minutes away). From there, back to the resort for a bit of rest. In the afternoon, we'll be enjoying our cooking class with the Contessa. Later, we'll enjoy the food we prepared for our final dinner!
Below, please see our detailed "tentative" schedule for our 2025 Umbrian retreat.
SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Wednesday 6/25/25 Arrival Day at La Ghirlanda Wine Resort, Saragano
Wednesday Evening - Welcome gathering and Dinner
Thursday 6/26/25
8:00 Buffet Breakfast
9:30-10:30 YBR Class
11:00-12:30 YBR Class
1:00-5:00 Lunch and free time, Pool
5:00-6:30 YBR Class
7:30 Dinner at La Ghirlanda Resort
Friday 6/27/25
8:00 Buffet Breakfast
9:30-10:30 YBR Class
11:00-12:30 YBR Class
1:00-5:00 Lunch and free time, Pool
5:00-6:30 YBR Class
7:30 Dinner at La Ghirlanda Resort
Saturday 6/28/25
8:00 Buffet Breakfast
9:30 Depart resort for excursion to Assisi, Shopping, Guided Tour, and Lunch
3:30ish Return to La Ghirlanda Resort
7:30 Light dinner at La Ghirlanda Resort
Sunday 6/29/25
8:00 Buffet Breakfast
10:30 Depart resort for Truffle Farm, Trevi. Truffle hunt demonstration followed by lunch
3:30 Return to La Ghirlanda Resort
7:30 Light dinner at La Ghirlanda Resort
Monday 6/30/25
8:00 Buffet breakfast
9:30-10:30 YBR Class
11:00-12:30 YBR Class
1:00-5:00 Lunch and free time, Pool
5:00-6:30 YBR Class
7:30 Dinner at La Ghirlanda
Tuesday 7/1/25
8:00 Buffet Breakfast
11:00 Depart resort for Mercato San Terenziano (outdoor market)
12:30 Depart Mercato for Le Noci, Grutti for lunch
2:30 Depart Le Noci, Grutti for La Ghirlanda Resort
4:00-6:30 Italian Cooking Class at La Ghirlanda Resort
7:30 Dinner - we’ll be having the dishes prepared in the class
Wednesday 7/2/25
8:00 Buffet Breakfast
Departure from resort, depending on the time of your return flight.
And, finally, a bunion competition from last year's retreat. Who wins?
Comments