Alchemy Adventures presents T USCANY D REAMS A women s adventure for the mind body and soul magine waking up to the Tuscan sun and a cappuccino. The smell of I vineyards and cypress trees floats across your senses. You begin your walk from village to village with a circle of women. As the trails turn to cobblestones, you make your way to the inn. After relaxing and exploring each town, you dine on local seafood and pasta, drink the wine and unwind at ages-old hot-springs before you fall asleep to your Tuscan dreams. Italy, a country known for its food, wine, architecture, passion, romance, and Renaissance art, will change the way you see your life! Let Italy awaken your passion, your creativity, your zest for life. As the culture, countryside, and camaraderie connect you to deeper parts of yourself, new dreams will arise of what's possible for your future. Join us as we walk in the footsteps of empresses and live those possibilities. Give yourself the gift of a lifetime. Join Kim Mlinarik LCPC, Colleen Russell MATP, and Eric Fulgenzi WFR as they guide you to expand your vision and invite inspiration and passion to blossom in your life!
If you are brave enough to leave behind everything familiar and comforting and set out on a truth-seeking journey externally and internally and you are willing to regard everything that happens on that journey as a clue, and everyone you meet as a teacher then the truth shall not be withheld from you. -Elizabeth Gilbert Eat Pray Love May 26: Arrive Montepulciano We will meet as a group in Florence, then travel by train to the beautiful hill town of Montepulciano, the largest in Southern Tuscany, in the afternoon. Once you arrive at our hotel in the heart of the city, we will meet and greet with our fellow adventurers orienting everyone for the week. Look forward to heading out on the town with new friends for a traditional Italian feast! May 27: Montepulciano With its beautiful Renaissance buildings, duomo (cathedral) housing 15th century art, and breathtaking views, Montepulciano is just the place to recharge your batteries after a long day of travel. We'll gather as a group in the morning for sharing and reflection. Then it s a day to explore or shop. The impressive Piazza Grande and its whimsical bell tower crown the town with cafes and a wine tasting shop. There you can taste wines from the world famous Vino Nobile region or explore boutiques among the cobblestone streets. May 28: Pienza Today is our first day of hiking! Our destination, Pienza, is often referred to as "The Pearl of the Renaissance" with its almost perfectly intact town center, the palace of Pope Pio II, Bishop's Palace, and Town Hall. Once we arrive at our beautiful hotel we'll kick off our shoes and enjoy everything our hosts Nikola and his family have to offer!
May 29: Bagno Vignoni Bagno Vignoni has been famous since Roman times for the sulfurous waters that come bubbling up into the large rectangular pool that forms the town's main square, Piazza delle Sorgenti (Square of the Springs). Medieval pilgrims and modern hikers alike have soothed their tired feet in the pleasantly warm water that flows through open channels on its way to the River Orcia. Of particular interest are the ruins of a medieval bathhouse on the edge of town and the Chapel of Saint Catherine. After our hike to Bagno Vignoni we'll be staying in what was once Pope Pio II Piccolomini's summer residence, which overlooks the town's main square. May 30: Bagno Vignoni On our day of relaxation and pampering indulge in a massage, rejuvenate in the magical waters, and explore your creativity through a guided art experience. On this evening we are treated as guests in the home of a local family who will teach us the art of Tuscan cooking and spoil us with a feast. May 31: Montalcino In the morning we will walk from Bagno Vignoni to San Quirico D Orcia, and then travel to Montalcino. Perhaps known best for its Brunello di Montalcino wine, Montalcino has a rich history of art and architecture. There you will be able to soak up the glorious art at the Musei Riuniti, see the medieval fortress in town, or indulge in a wine tasting. In the late afternoon, under pastel skies, we ll gather on the patio of our boutique hotel for sharing and celebration. June 1: Siena After breakfast we will walk out of Montalcino toward Siena on our final day of hiking. Siena, with its shell-shaped center, Piazza del Campo, has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The square is home to a number of architectural treasures and a semi-annual horserace. The Duomo di Siena is one of the greatest examples of Italian Romanesque-Gothic Architecture. Hundreds of thousands of people flock to the city each year to see the art and architecture of this jewel of the renaissance. "Travel is more than the seeing of sights: it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living." -Miriam Beard
June 2: Siena Spend the day exploring this medieval city, shopping in its local boutiques and chic fashion shops or just enjoying a caffe on the Piazza del Campo. When evening comes we'll change into our happiest outfits and celebrate our week's accomplishments! June 3: Siena Our final breakfast together will leave us with full bellies and full hearts. Take the morning and a f t e r n o o n f o r l a s t - m i n u t e s h o p p i n g, cappuccinos, sight-seeing, and good-byes before your departure to the airport or your next destination.
Your Guides Kim Mlinarik LCPC has a Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. She has been working with women, teenage girls and families for over 22 years as a therapist, life coach, international guide, and through empowerment workshops. She has studied different forms of indigenous healing and energy work for the past ten years. Kim s greatest passion is exploring cultures around the world. She has led treks in Europe, Asia, the United Kingdom, and Costa Rica and has traveled to five continents to experience the diversity of each culture and discover the common threads that connect us all. Kim uses fun, adventure, and cultural immersion to guide women in the work of nurturing the feminine spirit and empowering them to step into their authentic selves to create their dreams. She enjoys yoga, trapeze, and sharing her experiences through writing. Colleen Russell MATP is an expert in guiding individuals through life transitions. She has a Masters degree in Transpersonal Psychology and is trained and certified as a facilitator in Self-Esteem, Neuro Linguistics, Grief Counseling, Dream Coaching, BodySoul Rhythms, Storytelling, and the Creative and Expressive Arts. She is a published author in the Spring 2010 Issue of Sage Woman Magazine and a book entitled Overcomers, Inc, Stories of Strength, Hope, and Courage. Her main passion is helping women discover their authentic selves and to live their creative dreams. Eric Fulgenzi WFR has a BA in English Education. He has worked in alternative, experiential, and therapeutic education for over ten years as a teacher, counselor, and field guide. His current passions are alpine climbing, trail running, mountain biking, photography, music, and travel. With passport stamps from thirteen countries he has found that the beauty of travel is experiencing new tastes and smells, discovering what connects each of us to one another, and being open to what may come along the journey. For three and a half years Eric guided treks in the Oregon wilderness and he has guided treks in Europe and Costa Rica. He and a friend once rode bicycles from Sandpoint, Idaho to Phoenix, Arizona to celebrate Thanksgiving. Quick to smile and count his blessings, he approaches life with inquisitiveness and spontaneity.
Your Tuscan Adventure Includes: Nine days and eights nights in five Renaissance cities and villages Three and Four Star luxurious boutique Hotels* The stunning cities of Siena and Pienza, and the golden valleys of theval d Orcia region The famous hot springs of Bagno Vignoni Renaissance art and architecture in the most well preserved cities in Tuscany All transportation and luggage transfers Eighteen of 24 meals Four professionally guided town-to-town hikes through rolling hills and vineyards Creative play and discussions to support you in clarifying which dreams carry the most meaning to you Pre- and post-trip group conference calls with Kim and Colleen to support one another in integrating the experience Register by November 18, 2017 for your early bird price of: $3495 plus airfare * a c c o m m o d a t i o n s b a s e d o n d o u b l e occupancy $500 non-refundable deposit required upon registration
Contact Alchemy Adventures at kim.alchemyadventures@gmail.com or go to www.alchemyadventures.com/tuscanydreams to register Kim Mlinarik - (208) 352-2242 - kim.alchemyadventures@gmail.com Visa MasterCard American Express* and Check Accepted *credit card processing fee: 3% Full Price $3695 plus airfare after 11/18/17