HOLIDAY COURSE 2008 – QIGONG in the Forani Palazzo Thursday September 11th to 18th 2008
Course leader: Tony Horrocks FCIPD, MCMA, Dip Tuina, Cert Studies Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, FEA, Member of the World Academic Society of Medical Qigong, Director of the Three Treasures Clinic & School, Somerset UK. Tony Horrocks trained in the UK, USA, and China.
Once again there are a limited number of places on this popular Holiday Course. Places will be allocated on a strictly first come first served basis – based on receipt of Booking with deposit
Venue: Sunflower Retreats based in Casperia, situated in the heart of the Sabina mountains, is totally pedestrianised, with fewer than 350 inhabitants, and is one of the last villages of Italy untouched by mass tourism.
The medieval structure and atmosphere of the village give you a unique feeling of being in a historic place in time-gone-by. A place of natural beauty surrounded by olive groves, vineyards and forest-covered mountains, Casperia is a hilltop village where you can watch the changing scenery from every angle. The night sky is a star covered phenomenon not to be missed
Please note: Mobility
Due to the amount of steps in the village of Casperia, this holiday course is not suitable for those with disabilities affecting their mobility.
This year’s activities:
Qigong practice, Taoist Meditation and learning Simple Acupressure techniques takes place in the mornings on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday: 10am to 2pm, leaving the afternoons free Wednesday is free time with an optional day out.
Each session will be full of interesting activities with breaks and ample time for your questions. Plenty of handouts will be provided although you may want to make your own extra notes and drawings.
About the Venue (Extracted from their own Website)
Sunflower Retreats Holidays, established in 1998, is a small independent company and was the first yoga holiday retreat in Sabina, and the first of its kind in Italy.
Forani Palazzo 15th century Historical venue in Casperia Sabina central Italy
Forani Palace, once the counts of Casperia’s private residence is a wonderful historic venue.
The palazzo also has its own gardens and grounds next to the property and is situated inside the medieval walls of Casperia village and has its own private Drive and entrance into the village of Casperia.
A 48 square metre studio ideal for daily classes and workshops is situated on the property.
Forani Palazzo is a 3-minute walk from all of Sunflower’s other properties inside the village of Casperia, free use of bikes and a guided walk are included in the price.
Location
The map of central Italy shows Casperia, where our retreats and yoga holidays are held. Casperia is in the Italian region of Lazio, close to Umbria and Tuscany and includes all the best features of these regions.
Our location is very convenient with easy access to Rome, the capital of Italy (1 hour) and Rome airport (90 minutes) Casperia is in the province of Rieti where the valley of Saint Francis of Assisi lies, with his 4 main hermitages set in the mountains. This is where the saint gave his teachings to the world. We are 2 hours from Assisi and 1 hour from Orvieto, famous for its wine, ceramics, architecture and art.
Local specialities and food
Casperia and its surroundings are famous for:
- Wild Mushrooms
- Fresh organic seasonal fruit and vegetables
- Local bread, (Bruschetta and Panzanella), and real Italian pizza
- All varieties of fresh pasta
- Local cow, sheep and goats cheeses, and delicious organic ice creams
- The Sabina olive oil is amongst Italy's finest
- The most famous wine of this area is EST! EST! EST! of Monte Fiascone
- Drinking water in Casperia comes from pure mountain springs
Things To Do Thermal baths The thermal baths at nearby Viterbo are open-air and include a large pool of sulphur-rich thermal water, ideal for swimming and bathing. These baths have been used for healing purposes throughout the centuries and are great for skin care too. Suntraps and a bar are also available at the baths.
Wild hot sulphur springs We also visit the local wild hot 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. Both 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.
Note: Please remember to pack flip-flops and a towel, or towelling dressing gown, for this excursion. The all-day excursions to the thermal baths and wild hot sulphur springs cost from €40 per person including the entrance fee to spa, visit to the springs, and transport.
Horse Riding Available at several stables near Casperia with a selection of horses, rides and treks in the surrounding Sabina hills and countryside. The riding is suitable for beginners and advanced riders. From €30.
Swimming pools and fresh water wild streams with waterfalls Guests can go swimming all year round in the thermal baths at Viterbo or in the wild hot springs.
An open-air pool in a private tennis club in Casperia is available from June to September. This pool is set in a beautiful location and can be reached on foot or by bicycle. Transport can be arranged for a small fee. Other open-air pools (varying in size and location) surrounded by countryside and mountains can be easily reached by car from Casperia.
It is also possible to bathe in wild streams, which run between mountains and valleys, where you can immerse yourself within the nature of the Sabina area.
The local pool is a mile and a half from Casperia village; the streams and other pools are around 8 miles away. To reach them you can cycle; otherwise transport can be provided for a small fee. There is a nominal entrance fee for the local swimming pools.
Mountain walking and trekking As part of your holiday a free guided walk is offered every Sunday. The Sabina mountains (1200 meters) surrounding Casperia, rich in flora and fauna, are rarely visited by walkers and offer astonishing trekking and scenery. Walks can be recommended and maps provided.
Cycling
Cycling in Sabina is highly recommended. We provide detailed maps of the area, as well as advice on interesting natural and historic sites to visit. There is a choice of alternative routes, across quiet and low traffic, hilly or mountain roads with spectacular scenery.
Bikes are provided and these include a mixture of racers, explorers and mountain bikes, plus a tandem. Day excursions We can arrange day excursions to Orvieto, Assisi, etc. These will visit the main historic and artistic attractions of each town or city with a private driver.
Local excursions to historic sites, ancient villages, rivers and nature sites, abbeys, St. Francis' hermitages and thermal baths can be organised.
Cookery lessons
Classes in Casperia's countryside cooking school 'Gusto al Borgo' are 3 to 4 hours in duration and cost from €55 per person.
Italian lessons We offer language classes with a fully bilingual mother-tongue Italian teacher from €15 per student.
GETTING THERE
Flights to Rome from the UK and Ireland
Easyjet – for flights from various UK airports to Rome Ciampino airport.
Ryanair – for flights from Glasgow, London and various European airports.
British Airways – for flights from various UK airports to Rome Fiumicino airport.
BmiBaby – for flights from Birmingham to Rome Fiumicino airport.
Thomsonfly – for flights from Coventry to Pisa.
Aer Lingus – for flights from Dublin to Rome.
Transfers to and from Rome Ciampino are available at a cost of 50euros per person
Car Hire in Italy
Economy Car Hire – an independent family-run business providing car hire in Italy and throughout Europe.
Italy Car Hire – car hire in Italy including Sicily and Sardinia, with car hire services at all airports.
For more details on the Venue click on: www.sunflowerretreats.com
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