A week of yoga, relaxation & Italian culture
May 18 — 25, 2019
- Start each day with an Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga practice
- Get personalized instruction from yoga teacher Cory Bryant
- Relax at a historic, beautifully restored Italian villa
- Enjoy delicious, vegetarian Italian food
- Explore the nearby famous sights with daily excursions
- Enjoy a complimentary happy hour every night
- Get an insider’s tour wherever you go
- Don’t worry about driving, transportation is provided
“I knew within hours of arriving at Villa Cappelli that it would be hard to leave. The mix of daily yoga, mind-blowing food, local excursions, and lively camaraderie was the perfect reset to my frenzied DC existence. I’d say it was a once in a lifetime experience, but let’s be honest, I’m already thinking about next year!”
— Jessica Morrison
ABOUT YOGA PRACTICE
Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is a “breath and movement system” that focuses on three key elements (tristhana): posture, breath, and drishti (looking place) to facilitate an inward exploration of the self.
It is appropriate for all levels and all abilities – because it is taught directly to you. Cory Bryant, your teacher (bio below) will provide instruction that is grounded in this traditional method and building in flexibility so that we can tailor it to your current level of understanding, limitations, strengths, and so on.
Each morning’s practice time is intended to provide you with a safe and supportive environment in which to carry out your practice and deepen your understanding of not only the asanas, but their integration with the other seven limbs of yoga (especially pranayama/breath control, pratyahara/sensory control, dharana/concentration and dhyana/meditation — and who knows, maybe even samadhi/enlightenment!).
Check out the itinerary below & if you have any questions, just let us know.
Saturday: Bon Giorno! Welcome to Puglia!
Arrive at Villa Cappelli and prepare for a week of yoga, relaxation, food, and fun.
We recommend you schedule your flight through to the Bari airport or if you are arriving by train, you take the train to Barletta or Molfetta and then take the commuter train to Terlizzi. You will be picked up at either the airport or train station and whisked away to Villa Cappelli.
After settling into your room, a light lunch will be available for those arriving early enough. The afternoon will be free to explore the grounds and relax.
That night, you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner at the villa.
Sunday: Stretch….to a Castle on a hill
Every day will begin with coffee and tea service followed by yoga practice with Cory. Following practice, we’ll have time for chanting, pranayama, and dharma talk to explore the 8 limbs of Ashtanga Yoga. After that, a light breakfast will be available at your leisure.
Then we’ll all enjoy a vegetarian lunch together at the villa.
In the afternoon, you’ll head off to Castel del Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featured on the back of the Euro penny. Built in the 13th century by the Swabian Emperor, Frederick II, Castel del Monte is perched atop a hill, overlooking all of Puglia and the Adriatic. The castle is featured in many myths and legends, including the Holy Grail.
That night, we’ll head to nearby Ruvo for dinner.
Monday: Ancient Gravina
As always, you’ll begin your day with Yoga followed by a vegetarian lunch at the villa.
That afternoon, you’ll head to Gravina, a gem of an ancient town near the villa. Explore churches carved out from caves and saunter over an ancient Roman bridge spanning a beautiful ravine. Afterwards, you’ll return to the villa for dinner.
Tuesday: Travel to Trani
Wake up to with the beautiful Italian sun and continue your yoga and meditation studies followed by lunch at the villa.
That afternoon, you’ll travel back in time to 216 B.C. and the site of the Battle of Cannae, a major battle of the Second Punic War, near the town of Cannae. Here Hannibal decisively defeated a numerically superior army of the Roman Republic, and it is regarded as one of the greatest tactical feats in military history.
Then, you’ll head to the town of Trani for dinner. This charming town features a beautiful port and a giant cathedral that sits right on the sea. It’s truly one of the most beautiful cities in Puglia.
Wednesday: A Sea of Meditation
This morning you’ll practice more yoga, including breathing and meditation with Cory, then have another lovely lunch at Vill Cappelli.
In the afternoon, you’ll head off to Polignano a Mare, a true gem of a town. You’ll walk the winding ancient streets and enjoy the views from this amazing city that literally juts out into the sea.
There is a small rocky beach for those who want to dip their toes in the water. Enjoy an amazing dinner in this beautiful seaside town before heading back to the villa.
Thursday: More Meditation & Matera
By now you’re really getting into the rhythm of things. Be sure to use your one-on-one time with Cory and really absorb his knowledge these last couple of days.
After lunch, you’ll head to Matera, another amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area dates back centuries but is still occupied today by residents, shops, restaurants and even hotels that are built into the soft “tufa” rock.
You’ll walk the ancient winding streets that are so well preserved that they have been used in many movies, including Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ and the recent Ben Hur. Enjoy dinner in one of the great restaurants in town.
Friday: Peace, relaxation, and panzerotti!
Today you’ll finish up your lessons with Cory. Be sure to get in any last questions and advice so you can take all that you’ve learned with you.
After lunch at the villa, the afternoon is free to relax poolside or explore the neighboring country side. Take a walk along the ancient Via Appia Traiana or just lounge and soak up the Puglia sun.
Tonight, we celebrate our week with a panzerotti party. A very traditional, local dish served at most celebrations. A fitting end to your week in Italy.
Saturday: Arrivederci! (See you soon!)
Today, you’ll unfortunately have to say goodbye to Puglia and all your new friends. Transfers will be available for those heading to the airport of train stations. But it’s not “goodbye” as we know we’ll see you again!
Included:
- Daily morning lessons with Cory
- Coffee & Tea service every morning followed by a vegetarian lunch at the villa
- Every meal at the villa, which includes Villa Cappelli wine and after-dinner liquors
- There is also a complimentary cocktail if we aren’t out sight-seeing
- All transportation listed in the itinerary, including airport and train pickups and drop-offs near the villa
Not included:
- Any souvenirs or other purchases made during your trip
- Any meals or snacks outside the villa in the towns we visit
“Yoga Italy 2018 combined mornings of Ashtanga yoga under Cory’s skilled and sensitive guidance with sociable afternoons and evenings enjoying the food and scenery of Puglia. Villa Cappelli is a beautiful home in an idyllic location and our hosts Paul and Steven’s enthusiasm for local food and culture gave us a wonderful experience of the area. Sharing the week with a dozen friendly yogis (and the cats and dogs living at the villa!) made for an excellent yoga holiday.”
— Lou Woodley
Meet Your Teacher Cory Bryant
Cory grew up in the 1970s-80s farm country of Southern Indiana surrounded by family. It was a time that generated deep love and respect for family, animals and the earth.
He began practicing yoga just after the attacks of 9/11 while living in New York City. Cory completed multiple teacher trainings in 2007-8 and has been teaching since.
His commitment to practice and teaching has continually deepened and in December 2015 he resigned from an international food policy position at the U.S. Food & Drug Administration to pursue yoga study, practice and teaching full-time.
Join us!
Just €1680 per person (€440 single supplement)
Early Bird Special! 10% off if you sign up before September 15, 2018
Enter your name and email below, and we’ll get the process started.
If you have any questions, just email us at [email protected]
Price includes: Lodging for 7 nights in double occupancy room at Villa Cappelli; Limited single rooms are available for a single supplement; All meals at the villa; Transfer from Bari Airport or Terlizzi or Molfetta train stations on arrival and departure days; transportation to and from events listed in the itinerary.
Price does not include: Air or other transportation costs to and from Bari, Italy or nearby towns; personal items such as souvenirs, snacks, faxes, telephone calls; meals outside the villa; admissions or guide fees you may want at any of the sites listed in the itinerary; gratuities for guides.
“Cory’s Italian Yoga Retreat at Villa Cappelli was a perfect blend of individualized study of asana, guided pranayama and meditation with exploration of a rich cultural corner of Italy many tourists are unfamiliar with. Cory deepened my primary series practice with the personalized one-one-one instruction in the mysore style of teaching and helped me move thoughtfully into second series. During the retreat, we also enjoyed the flexibility to participate in fully led classes.
The setting at Villa Cappelli, positioned along the celebrated Roman Appian Way, was idyllic for our retreat and practice — surrounded by olive trees, fragrant gardens, a lovely pool and the beautifully restored villa itself. Our wonderful hosts made us feel like family, serving locally-sourced and delicious home-made meals and showing us what they love about the enchanting towns and villages nearby. It was a memorable week with a terrific group of like-minded yogis. Thank you, Cory!”
— David Yu
“Cory is an inspiration. As a teacher, Cory continues to inspire me with his passion for and devotion to teaching not only asanas but imparting the spiritual exploration at the heart of yoga that helps lead to transformation. He teaches with clarity and compassion, and has helped me and numerous students overcome long-held fears on the mat. I find myself becoming more aware of my physical capabilities and the enabling force that is my breath under his guidance. In short, he is a gifted and talented teacher.
After attending two of Cory’s retreats, the first in Nepal and the second in Villa Cappelli in Puglia in May, 2018, I can say his retreats are life changing, yet fun and uplifting. They are special opportunities to be guided by Cory, to get to know his journey and to be inspired by his teachings.”
— Helen Lee