Client Testimonials
In August 2023, the inaugural Feeding Your Soul retreat took place at Il Canto del Sole in Monteroni d'Arbia, a town about 20 minutes away from Siena, right in the heart of Tuscany.
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Siobhan used her deep knowledge of Italy, Italian culture and food, and Tuscany in particular to design an itinerary designed to delight and inspire her clients. She recruited beloved New Haven yoga instructor Tobie Schuerfeld to join her on this trip and to lead the guests in invigorating and restorative yoga practice each day.
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The group took day trips to Siena, Tuscan powerhouse and crayon inspiration, and Montalcino, home of the prized wine Brunello di Montalcino. Some guests elected to take an additional day trip to Pienza, a gem of Renaissance architecture and the home of delicious pecorino cheese.
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We wrapped up our time in Italy with a walking tour of Rome--taking in the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Piazza Navona--and a sumptuous dinner of classic Roman dishes like carbonara, bucatini, abbacchio, and some delicious, unidentified offal.
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The trip was a great success! Below are some specific comments shared by participants.
Overall Retreat
"As a single person who wanted to travel by group, not worry about planning a full itinerary, and have an authentic experience, I was delighted that Feeding the Soul met all my expectations and then some."
"My Feeding the Soul trip led by Siobhan and Tobie was assolutamente magnifico! Our time in Tuscany was the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, and every detail of our trip was planned with great attention to detail.
If you are looking to be exposed to Tuscan cuisine; view exquisite landscapes; see historic, artistic, and architectural highlights; and learn more about Italy's culture and customs, this trip checks all the boxes.
Plus, morning yoga to start the day off in a relaxed state left me and my fellow travelers energized for each day--whether we relaxed poolside or toured a medieval town on foot.
Siobhan is a seasoned traveler who speaks fluent Italian, so her tips (ranging from what to pack to where to find the best ricciarelli in Sienna) were spot on.
As a single person who wanted to travel by group, not worry about planning a full itinerary, and have an authentic experience, I was delighted that Feeding the Soul met all my expectations and then some. I plan to book another trip"
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--Liz Q.
Yoga
"Tobie has a great energy about her and her yoga was truly enjoyable.[...] Her classes were appropriate for all levels and I liked that she offered variations to accommodate everyone."
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In a post-program survey, 100% of respondents rated the overall experience of Yoga on the trip "Excellent"
What people had to say about our lodgings:
Il Canto del Sole
"IL Canto del Sole perfectly captures the experience of countryside living. It was a beautiful place to wake up in and return to each evening. The food was amazing, the lodgings were immaculate, and the amenities were everything I could have hoped for on the trip"
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"Il Canto del Sole was AMAZING! Cannot say enough great things about the hosts, the food, the pool, the ground in general...it was fantastic."
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"Could not say enough good things about Il Canto del Sole. So charming, relaxing, warm, and inviting. I would go back again and again."
Food!
"All of the meals offered at the villa exceeded my expectations. The winery tour and the tasting were incredible...The several course lunch that followed was very good, too--the restaurant location, wine, service, perfect."
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"All of the choices were superb and gave us a taste of regional cuisine."
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"DELICIOUS!!! Amazing job all around on selecting restaurants and on meals at the villa."
