Question 1

What is included in the retreat price?

Accepted Answer

4 nights’ accommodation at La Torre di Celle

Daily yoga sessions

Vineyard excursion with travel and lunch

Pasta-making masterclass

All meals, snacks, and drinks including wine (one bottle per four people at dinner)

Mid-afternoon aperitifs

Question 2

What is not included?

Accepted Answer

Flights to and from Italy

Optional extras such as massage or art workshops

Additional wine or personal purchases

Travel insurance

Group airport transfer from Florence - this can be paid for at a later date.

Question 3

Can I pay in instalments?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You will have the option to pay a deposit to secure your place and pay the remaining balance in one further payment later. See Terms and Conditions (https://www.gioyous.com/terms-conditions)for full details.

Question 4

What is your cancellation or refund policy?

Accepted Answer

Please refer to our Terms and Conditions (https://www.gioyous.com/terms-conditions)for full details on cancellations and refunds.

Question 5

What should I pack?

Accepted Answer

Pack as you would for a relaxed countryside holiday. Here are a few suggestions:

Tennis racket if you'd like to use the court

Comfortable clothes for yoga

Warm layers for cooler mornings and evenings, a rain mac in case of wet weather.

Swimwear for lounging by the pool

Something a bit dressy for the final dinner (if you’d like)

The accommodation is traditional with stone walls. Although there is heating, warm clothing is recommended for outdoor moments like sunrise or sunset.

Question 6

Do I need any special equipment?

Accepted Answer

The only item you’ll need to bring is a tennis racket if you plan to play. Yoga mats will be provided.

Question 7

What’s the weather typically like in Tuscany in April?

Accepted Answer

The weather can be mixed, with average daytime temperatures in the mid to high teens (°C). It might not be very hot, but the scenery, experiences, and company more than make up for it. Bring layers just in case.

Question 8

What kind of experiences are planned?

Accepted Answer

Included in your retreat:

A vineyard excursion with lunch

A hands-on pasta-making masterclass

Daily gentle yoga sessions

Optional extras such as a coffee painting workshop and massage treatments are also available. These require payment before the retreat. We will contact you in advance to confirm your selections and collect payment for any extras.

Question 9

What does a typical day look like?

Accepted Answer

Each day begins with a gentle morning yoga session, followed by one group activity. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy however you like. You can relax by the pool, play tennis, read, or rest. The full daily schedule will be shared closer to the retreat date.

Question 10

Do I have to participate in every activity?

Accepted Answer

No, participation is entirely up to you. Please note that activities included in the retreat cost are non-refundable if not attended. Optional extras are also non-refundable once booked. We recommend reviewing the terms and conditions (https://www.gioyous.com/terms-conditions)before confirming your place.

Question 11

Will there be any free time to explore or relax?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The retreat is designed to allow plenty of time for you to relax, reflect, or explore the peaceful surroundings at your own pace.

Question 12

Will we be visiting any towns or nearby attractions?

Accepted Answer

This retreat includes a vineyard excursion, but no additional visits to nearby towns. We intentionally keep things rooted in the retreat space to allow for full rest. Future retreats may offer more excursions, so keep an eye out.

Question 13

Do I need to speak Italian, will there be a translator?

Accepted Answer

No Italian is necessary. All retreat hosts and guides speak English. That said, we encourage guests to learn a few local phrases to connect with the culture. Ale will also be available to assist with translation if needed.

Question 14

What kind of meals will be served?

Accepted Answer

All meals are prepared by a private chef using fresh, local ingredients, with a focus on simple, regional Italian cuisine.
 • Breakfast is served buffet-style, featuring a selection of local products.
 • Lunch is a light, self-serve buffet, with dishes presented in the centre of the table for guests to help themselves.
 • Dinner is a sit-down, served meal that includes a shared antipasto, a main course, and dessert.
Included with all meals:
 • Drinks:      still and fruit-infused water, and wine (limited to one bottle per four      guests)
 • Full table service: setup, serving, and clean-up are taken care of after      each meal

Mid-afternoon aperitif: a daily fruit basket and homemade crostata will be available in the main house for light snacking between meals.

You'll also enjoy a hands-on pasta masterclass, where you'll make fresh pasta from scratch using provided materials. Drinks such as water, tea, coffee, and prosecco are included, and you'll taste your creation during that evening’s dinner.

Question 15

Are snacks or drinks available between meals?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In addition to the mid-afternoon aperitif, there will be light snacks available throughout the day such as fresh fruit, biscuits, crackers, and potato chips. Hydration and little treats are always within reach.

Question 16

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Meals can be adapted to suit dietary preferences and allergies. You'll be asked to provide this information when completing your booking form. It’s important that we receive these details in advance so we can accommodate you comfortably. An alternative menu will be provided where needed.

Question 17

What type of accommodation is provided?

Accepted Answer

Accommodation at the retreat is offered in a collection of charming houses, each with a unique character and layout. You'll stay in a private bedroom (either in a shared or private house), with access to a dedicated bathroom, some located just outside the room.

Each house also includes a communal living space, either shared with a few other guests or reserved exclusively for your group if you've booked the entire house.

All rooms are thoughtfully designed for comfort, rest, and connection to the natural surroundings, blending rustic charm with simple modern touches. Whether you're staying solo, with a friend, or as part of a group, your space will be calm, welcoming, and well cared for.

Question 18

Will I have access to WIFI and phone service?

Accepted Answer

Yes, La Torre di Celle offers both Wi-Fi and mobile phone service, so you’ll be able to stay connected if needed. That said, we hope the peaceful setting and immersive experience will inspire you to take a true break from the digital world!

Question 19

Are towels and toiletries provided?

Accepted Answer

Towels? Absolutely, we’ve got you covered.
Toiletries? We recommend bringing your personal favourites so you feel right at home. While the basics might be available, nothing beats your go-to shampoo or that face cream you love.

Question 20

Is the location accessible for people with mobility needs?

Accepted Answer

At this time, the villa is not accessible for individuals with mobility impairments. The property may include uneven terrain, stairs, and limited accessibility features. The Tuscan Pause is unable to provide specialised assistance or accommodations for physical limitations, so we kindly ask that each guest ensure their comfort and capability before booking.
That said, we’re mindful of accessibility needs, and for future retreats, we hope to offer a selection of locations that are more inclusive and fully accessible. While we can’t guarantee this yet, it’s something we’re actively exploring as we grow.

Question 21

What is the difference between booking a whole house and booking a room within a shared house?

Accepted Answer

When you book a whole house (such as Casa Acqua or Casa Torre), you and your group will have exclusive use of the bedrooms, bathrooms, and the communal living space within that house. It’s ideal for friends, couples, or families who want to stay together and enjoy a more private retreat experience.

When you book a room within a shared house, you’ll have your own private bedroom and allocated bathroom, but you’ll be sharing the communal living area with other guests staying in the same house. It’s a wonderful way to connect with fellow retreat-goers while still having your own quiet space.

In both cases, you'll have full access to the retreat’s shared facilities, meals, and program of activities.

Question 22

Will I have my own bathroom, or will I be sharing with other guests?

Accepted Answer

That depends on your booking type.
Every room at the retreat has its own allocated bathroom, which means you’ll never share a bathroom with guests staying in other rooms.

If you're sharing a room with a friend or partner, you will also share the bathroom allocated to that room. But no bathrooms are shared between separate bookings, your bathroom is yours alone or with the person you’re staying with.

Some bathrooms are located just outside the bedroom, and while not en-suite, they are private and for your room’s use only.

Question 23

Is it safe to walk around the grounds at night?

Accepted Answer

The houses are just steps away from each other. The retreat grounds are safe, well-maintained, and softly lit at night, making it easy to move between spaces after dark. We encourage guests to bring a small torch or use their phone light for extra comfort. Whether you're returning to your house after dinner or stepping out for a quiet moment, you'll feel secure and supported within the retreat environment.

Question 24

Are rooms located in separate houses

Accepted Answer

All rooms are located within five distinct houses on the retreat grounds:
Casa Acqua, Casa Torre, Casa Fuoco, Casa Aria, and Casa Terra.

Each house has its unique character and layout, with a mix of private bedrooms, allocated bathrooms, and shared communal spaces. Some houses may be shared with other guests, while others can be booked in full for private groups.

All houses are just steps away from each other, allowing you to enjoy a sense of space, privacy while still being part of the wider retreat community.

Question 25

Which airport should I fly into?

Accepted Answer

We recommend flying into Florence Airport (FLR), as it offers the most convenient flight schedules that align with the retreat’s start and end times. Florence is approximately 1.5 hours away from La Torre di Celle by car.
If you're flying from the UK, particularly from London, many guests have found that London City Airport offers the most convenient and well-timed flights to Florence.

Question 26

When should I arrive and depart?

Accepted Answer

If you are joining the group transfer from Florence, it will depart at 2:00 PM local time. When booking your flight to Florence, please ensure your arrival time leaves enough time for you to complete airport procedures, accounting for any delays.

On the final day, the return transfer to Florence Airport will leave the retreat at 10:00 AM. The journey takes a minimum of 1.5 hours, so please allow extra time for traffic, queues, and airport procedures when booking your return flight.

If you’re arriving via a different airport or arranging your own transfer, please plan to:

Arrive at the retreat at 4:00 PM

Depart the retreat by 10:00 AM on the final day

These timings help us ensure a smooth arrival and departure experience for everyone. If you have questions about travel planning, feel free to reach out; we’re happy to help.

Question 27

Where is the retreat taking place?

Accepted Answer

The Tuscan Pause will take place at La Torre di Celle, a beautifully rustic villa nestled on the border between Tuscany and Umbria. This charming property is lovingly owned and managed by our gracious hosts, Federico and Paula.

Question 28

Is the airport transfer included?

Accepted Answer

Round-trip airport transfers from Florence Airport (FLR) are not included in the retreat cost. However, you can choose to add a group transfer during checkout for around £210 (total for both pick-up and drop-off).

Please note that there will be one scheduled group transfer on both the arrival and departure days:

The group transfer will run at the following times:

Pick-up from Florence Airport: 2:00 PM on 9 April 2026

Drop-off at Florence Airport: 10:00 AM on 13 April 2026

To use this service, we recommend booking flights that match these times.
If your flight arrives or departs outside of these windows, you'll need to arrange your own transport to/from the villa at your own cost. If you book the transfer service but fail to use it, this cost is non-refundable.

Question 29

Will someone be there to greet me on arrival?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Upon your arrival at La Torre di Celle, you’ll be warmly welcomed by Ale and Tope with a refreshing drink and light snacks before we all gather for our first group dinner.

Question 30

Is travel insurance required or recommended?

Accepted Answer

Travel insurance is mandatory for your safety and peace of mind. Please arrange your own coverage before attending the retreat. More information can be found in the Terms and Conditions.(https://www.gioyous.com/terms-conditions)

Question 31

Do I need a passport or visa to travel to Italy?

Accepted Answer

A valid passport is required for all international travellers entering Italy. Visa requirements vary depending on your country of residence, so we recommend checking with your local government or consulate for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Question 32

If I hire a car, will there be somewhere to park at the retreat?

Accepted Answer

Yes, free parking is available on-site for guests who choose to hire a car. The retreat is set in the hills and reached via winding roads, so we recommend driving only if you feel confident navigating hilly terrain.

The grounds are secure and spacious, with parking close to your accommodation. If you do plan to drive, please let us know so that we can book you in - spaces are limited.