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Retreat Handbook

The Ascension Retreat - 9 to 16 May 2025

  • Welcome and thank you for signing up for the Ascension Yoga Retreat

  • Here is the information you need before & during the retreat

  • Please keep this handy by saving this link on your phone

  • For any questions, please email: info@retreatsquare.com

Quick Links

Getting There

Check-in at Villa Casa Vecchia is on 9 May 2025, starting at 4pm. You can arrive earlier at the Villa but will not be able to check-in to your room until 4pm. In case you do arrive early, feel free to explore the surrounding area, hang around in the gardens and/or enjoy the swimming pool facilities. We will be there to welcome you. At 4pm light snacks will be available in the dining room. Dinner will be served later in the evening. In case you arrive on an early flight, feel free to drop off your luggage at the Villa (once arrived) and head out into the nearest town called San Casciano in Val di Pesa (5 minute taxi ride) or into Florence (30 min taxi ride). San Casciano is accessible by foot (30 minute walk). However we recommend booking a taxi to drive you into town. 


Taxi pick-ups & drop-offs - Airport pick-ups and drop-offs will happen from and to Florence airport only. All you need to do is fill out the Taxi Sheet with your name, surname and flight arrival details. The taxi service at arrival and departure is included in your retreat package. You may choose to tip the driver if you so desire but you are not expected to.
Airport pick-ups and drop-offs will happen from and to Florence airport only! 


In case you do want to fly into another airport, below is a chronological list of the most recommended airports to fly to;
* (FLR) Florence - 30 mins from our Villa
* (PSA) Pisa Airport - 1 hour drive
* (BLQ) Bologna - 1.5 hour drive
* (FCO) Rome - 3.5 hours drive or 1.5 hour train to Florence city
* (MXP) Milan - 3.5 hours drive or 2 hour train to Florence city



If within your means, we suggest you arrive a day or several day(s) earlier in Italy so you can relax and enjoy a smoother transition into the experience.
In this case we will be happy to pick you up from Santa Maria Novella Train station in Florence.


Airport pick-ups will happen between 11 a.m and 3 p.m. on 9 May 2025. Our retreat ends on 16 May 2025(check-out is at 11 a.m.). We can arrange a car to drop you off at Florence airport 2.5 hours before your flight or Santa Maria Novella Train Station in Florence.

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Villa Address: Via Scopeti, 41, 50026 San Casciano in Val di Pesa FI, Italy

Currency

The local currency in Italy is Euro €. Please make sure to have cash Euros on you at all times. Most shops and restaurants accept debit/credit card payments yet we highly recommend having a minimal amount of cash on you, just in case. You may need it for miscellaneous items or in case of emergency. You exchange Euros either in advance, or you can do so directly in the airport upon arrival. 


Electricity

Electricity in Italy is 220 Volts. Consider bringing a universal adapter so that you are able to charge your electronic devices. Computer and phone chargers usually have a wide-range of wattage so there is no need to worry about your devices getting damaged. A simple universal electricity adapter will usually do the job as the Italian plug is standard in Europe.


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WiFI & Mobile Data

We highly recommend you to have mobile data at all times during the entire trip. This way you can always be up-to-date with last minute schedule changes in our group chat and/or be able to reach out to us in case of need at all times. There are different options for having mobile data on your phone in Italy:



1. Check if your current mobile provider has Italian data covered and/or upgrade your plan. Many times mobile providers have a week or ten-day plan you can purchase. 
2. Buy a SIM card upon arrival in Italy and install it on your phone. Many phones nowadays are dual-SIM. 
3. Get an e-sim. Our preferred company for e-sims is the ‘Airolo’ app. Simply install the app and choose an e-sim for Italy.

 

The entire process will take just a few minutes and prices range from 15 to 25 dollars depending on the amount of data you choose to purchase.



Wi-fi will be available at Villa Casa Vecchia all over the property but the connection is not always equally as strong in all areas. Another reason why mobile data on your phone is a great investment.

Packing List

  • Note: bedsheets & bath and towels are provided. Yoga mats will be available in the Villa

  • Note: There are a few washing machines on site so you will be able to wash your clothes. You will be able to dry your clothes by hanging them on the racks which are also available on site

  • Casual comfortable clothes

  • Yoga practice clothes


  • Clothes you can wear for optional hiking 


  • Comfortable shoes as you may walk more then usual while city tripping


  • Sneakers or hiking shoes for optional hiking activities


  • A light sweater; maybe a heavier sweater for very early mornings & late evenings


  • Light rain jacket or windbreaker

  • Flip flops or sandals, easy to take on/off

  • Bathing suit or bikini 


  • Beach towel as the Villa does not want us to bring towels on outside excursions


  • Sun glasses, hat for sun protection, sunscreen lotion, balms, soap and body products


  • Sanitary napkins/tampons


  • Laundry detergent for your delicates


  • Insect repellent (natural) and/or mosquito machine.


  • Travel mug/tumbler for hot drinks & a reusable water bottle


  • Past medical history records (if applicable) and prescriptions


  • Medications, supplements or vitamins

  • Small backpack or tote bags are always useful


  • International/Universal Plug adapters 


  • SIM card with mobile data that works in Italy


  • Personal travel insurance, international health insurance, documents to prove you have health care coverage

  • Euros (€) in cash and ensure your debit/credit cards work outside of your home country. Check your limits for cash withdrawals. 

Important Contacts

While you are at the retreat, here are some numbers to keep handy in case you need assistance.

Tom Scharre/ Tarak - +39 342 778 6672 (Onsite retreat organizer, taxi service and support)

Mihir Bhatia - +420 778 046 731 (Online support via whatsapp) 

Angelica: +1 (267) 216-7751(Retreat Host) 

Zeb: +1 (917) 579-6607(Retreat Host)​

Andrea: +1 (412) 901-6478(Retreat Host)

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Please note we will be creating a whatsapp group 1 week before the start of the retreat.

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