The soul sits in the basement - HathaYoga course
Make your soul fly
Arrive & Let Go in Le Marche
Do you still know the wonder bags of the past? You had no idea what you would find inside and were very excited to see what awaited you.
That's about how it can be described when guests go to a completely unknown area. And the Marche is really still in the dark of the tourist map. Fortunately!
Therefore the participants in the YOGA course under the well-known and proven guidance of Corinna Kern will walk through an ambience, which most of them have not even met by name.
What awaits them, however, is likely to be beyond their wildest dreams:
A magical landscape opens up that has been able to preserve its boundless beauty throughout the centuries.
A return to a time that has become almost unknown to us, that of wonder and perfect harmony of man with nature.
Welcome to the land of harmony, Le Marche!
Day 1: Benvenuti nelle Marche
Depending on how you arrive, we will pick you up either at the airport in Ancona or at the train station in Ancona if you travel by train. If you are traveling by car, we will meet at Agriturismo Vecchio Gelso in the afternoon. After check-in we will discuss the itinerary and then you will get acquainted with the delicious Marchigian cuisine for dinner.
Day 2: The jewel of Marche
The morning is dedicated to YOGA after a leisurely breakfast. There are various possibilities for this: In fine weather in the spacious garden, in less good weather in a hall.
"Arrive & let go in Marche" is our motto. We will start the workout by stimulating our metabolism with an intense "hedgehog ball foot massage" and a short but very effective "fascia workout" for the whole body. This will be followed by a powerful, dynamic sun salutation... our movements will follow our conscious and deep breath. Concluding our morning of YOGA is a gentle, body-moving meditation.
For a light lunch we will travel to the most beautiful city in the Marche region, Ascoli Piceno, the "city of 100 towers". It has also given the name to the Ascolan olives and creminis, now often copied but never reached. Therefore, to taste it at the best and most prestigious producer.
After a visit to the impressive monuments and buildings, some of which date back to Roman times, you will have the opportunity to have an aperitif at the famous Art Nouveau Café Meletti, which has been the location of many films. Again a superlative, the Meletti is among the 10 most beautiful Art Nouveau cafes in Italy and is located in Piazza del Popolo. It is one of the 10 most beautiful squares in Italy, because its harmonious design resembles a theater set. It is not for nothing that Ascolans call the square their "living room". In the late afternoon return to the agriturismo.
For dinner you will again be spoiled with Marchigian delicacies.
At the end of an eventful day, a gentle "YIN YOGA sequence" is offered to relax body and mind and let the soul dangle.
This will be a deeply relaxed, peaceful transition into a restful and dreamlike night.
The duration of the evening YOGA sessions, throughout the trip, always depends on the condition of the participants.
Day 3: Almost like being on vacation...
You will start today with a visit to the biggest market of the Marche in San Benedetto del Tronto. You'll find everything from model clothes to cooking utensils - and shoes, of course, since 85% of all Italian shoes come from the Marche. Also worthwhile is the fish market. Since the market only takes place in the morning, the YOGA class is moved to the afternoon. If you feel like swimming in the sea, you can of course spend the time on the beach or stroll along the longest palm tree parade in Europe.
Lunch of your choice, but it can also be taken together - preferably of course a delicious fish menu. Free time in San Benedetto. Around 14.30 o'clock the return journey takes place.
A "VINYASA YOGA & Fascia Training" is waiting in the garden to do something good for our backs and feet after all the walking & wondering in San Benedetto and to center our minds for the beauty that awaits us in the evening.
At about 5:00 pm we will leave for Ripatransone, the "balcony of the Marche". At this time, when the sun is not so strong, a wonderful calm settles over the landscape. From up here you can look over the whole Piceno, from the sea to the Sibillini mountains. But this is not all. Here Rinaldo, still a real shepherd, has a large farm and his "workshop" where he still makes the pecorino cheese by hand. There may be little lambs that he still keeps on the farm with their mothers until they are added to the flock on the pastures. In any case, this visit is an experience! Afterwards we go back for dinner.
After dinner and another eventful day, you are welcome to relax with a gentle "YIN YOGA sequence" in the ambience of the idyllic garden. Our focus is on our holistic well-being of body, mind and soul.
Day 4: Of ancient Romans and the Middle Ages.
Fermo, the great historical counterpart of Ascoli, is our destination today. After the "YOGA sun salutation" in the morning, we set out to visit the gigantic Roman cistern dating back to the 1st century. The water system from Roman times, still completely preserved today, 1900 years after its construction, was the second largest cistern in the Roman Empire. One of the most beautiful theaters of the Marche, as well as one of the oldest and most famous libraries in Italy, combined with the Pinacoteca, where even a Rubens is not missing, are also on the program... interrupted by a wonderful light lunch! Finally, the cathedral on Girfalco is an experience by its very position, and the park in front of it can be well used for some contemplative, quiet "YOGA asanas".
On the way back we allow ourselves a small tour in a tiny village above the sea, in Torre di Palme. It takes just 10 minutes to cross it and then at its end to have the view over the sea. Not to forget the visit to the small bar, where there are excellent cocktails that fit perfectly with the program. With and without alcohol and with fresh fruit from the surrounding area. Simply wonderful, surrounded by colorful pictures painted by the owner himself. A gem within a gem! Return then to the Vecchio Gelso and dinner.
For those who wish, after a delicious dinner, a gentle transition to a deeply relaxed night's rest, with the help of guided breathing techniques & a short YIN YOGA sequence.
Day 5: Into the realm of the enchantress Sibilla
After the morning "YOGA fascia unit" and a hearty breakfast at the Vecchio Gelso, we will continue our journey to the Sibillini Mountains. The Monti Azzurri, as they are affectionately called by the Marchigians, the realm of the Sibilla. You will stay at the country hotel La Cittadella near Montemonaco for the next few days. The location alone is overwhelming. The highest mountains, all over 2000 m high, surround this position. The English Guardian wrote about it in an article that probably the most panoramic pool would be located here.
In fact, the garden and, if the weather is not so good, the indoor area is also ideal for the YOGA program.
The trip takes about 45 minutes, just right to have a small lunch snack on site. For this we will first go to the oldest Marian pilgrimage church in Italy, the Madonna dell'Ambro. In a small restaurant, in the middle of the green under the trees, we will first have delicious food. Most of it from the own cultivation.
Then, after visiting the church, which tells its own story and will surely surprise you, you will move into your rooms at La Cittadella.
After that it's time for the YOGA class with a YIN YOGA sequence including stimulation of acupressure points.
Dinner is served with the specialties of the mountain and is simply delicious!
Day 6: All the beauty in one place
Start the day with YOGA in the morning in dreamlike surroundings.
After breakfast we go to the regional border with Umbria, to Piano Grande. From a hill overlooking the vastness of this plateau, located at 1500 meters above sea level. In springtime it appears like a painting by Monet. It is not possible to describe this beauty, because words fail to capture the fragrance and emotions. Even with pictures alone it is not enough. The carpet of flowers that opens before the eyes is so grandiose that from all over Italy and even from abroad thousands of visitors come here every year to admire the "Fioritura". Millions of poppies, cornflowers, daisies, wild mustard, and many more shine amidst the lentil fields. It would be hard to find a place comparable to this one.
First, however, we want to take a short hike to the Pantani d'Accumoli, the colorful little lakes. This is equally enchanting, because here too we encounter all kinds of flowers, whether in spring or in autumn. Only the colors change. Here at the end of the hike, it seems that you are in a movie. The free-ranging horses and cattle, very happy animals, gather at the small lakes around noon to drink. Some days there are hundreds of animals! To see them moving completely free, caring for the little ones, rolling and playing makes you forget all the stress and tragedies of this world for a moment. Total walking time approx. 2,5 hours, height difference max. 80 m.
A small lunch with the world famous lentils of Castelluccio is not to be missed. Afterwards we will start the return journey, but we will take a different route and walk a little on the old
Roman consular road Via Salaria.
After returning to the Cittadella you will experience a final "YOGA class" with all the elements of "YIN & YANG".
You will end the evening again with culinary highlights at the Cittadella.
Day 7: Into hell
After the morning YOGA class and breakfast, we will head to the Gorge of Hell, the Gola dell'Infernaccio. This is the most suggestive gorge in the Marches. Shaded by beech trees alternating with maple and various oak species, the path first runs along the Ambro River before climbing up to San Leonardo. There a hermit has built a small church on the ruins of an ancient abbey. Surrounded by the magnificent mountain scenery, we will have a picnic here. Afterwards we will go back to make a detour to Montefortino for a delicious ice cream as a small reward for the effort. Total walking time 4 hours, difference in altitude about 300 m.
After returning to the Cittadella, you will experience a final, concluding "YOGA class" with all the elements of "YIN & YANG".
It is the last evening and of course this must be celebrated accordingly. So indulge yourself once again in the pleasures of the Sibillines.
Day 8: Arrivederci & Namasté
The day of departure has come. Depending on how you arrive, you will be taken to the train station or airport. In your luggage hopefully many beautiful memories of the land of harmony.
©ulla Kastner
Min. 6 participants, max. 15
Travel dates:
June 5-12, 2023
25 Sept. to 2 Oct. 2023
We ask for early booking, because the places are very limited and also flights can be cheaper some months before. Cancellation free of charge up to 30 days before departure.
Services included:
4 x half board at Agriturismo Vecchio Gelso in Ortezzano. Each room with private bathroom, wifi, swimming pool heated, garden area.
3 x HP country hotel La Cittadella near Montemonaco. Each room with private bathroom, wifi, swimming pool, garden area.
4 x small lunches (vegetarian possible)
1 x picnic
12 x YOGA with Corinna Kern, professional licensed YOGA teacher & YOGA therapist.
All excursions as described.
Permanent German tour guide Ulla Kastner
Licensed hiking guide Pietro Ripani
All transfers in minibus(sen), air-conditioned.
Violin concert with Valentino Alessandrini
Insurances except RRV
Services not included:
Arrival/Departure
Drinks
Possible entrance fees
All meals and services not listed
Price scale:
From 6 pers. / double room 1.970,00 €
From 8 pers. / double room 1.920,00 €
From 10 pers. / double room 1.795,00 €
From 12 pers. / double room 1.745,00 €
Double room as single + 175,00 €
