Florence, Italy

Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy

IR
Illuminare Retreat
  • Email address verified
26 reviews
Jan 25 - 31, 2025
Group size: 1 - 10
Florence, Italy
Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy

Illuminare Retreat
  • Email address verified
26 reviews

Jan 25 - 31, 2025
Group size: 1 - 10

About this trip

There aren't many other places in the world that can inspire quite like Florence.  Home to countless works of art, mesmerising culture, and fantastic food, what better place to kick off your 2025 could there be?

During our 6 night retreat in the heart of Florence, we'll engage out senses as as we dive into the culture, history, and culinary wonders of Italy.  We'll enjoy the quiet, empty streets that only a month like January can provide - far away from the rush of tourist season, we'll experience the city like a local.  Surrounded by other women who are on their own personal journeys in life, we'll encourage and push one another on towards living our very own La Dolce Vita.

Taking in the smells, the sights. Feeling the ancient roads under our feet, hearing the clank of the cup meeting the saucer as locals savor their morning espresso in cafes. The tastes... Oh, the tastes. Nothing feeds the soul quite like fresh Italian pasta & vino made from the vineyard down the road.

There's something about Italy.

Welcome to Illuminare.

Illuminare Retreats (named after the Italian word for "to light up") provide a curated & immersive travel experience for women from all walks of life.  In the company of new friends, you'll find time to relax & recharge - while also being inspired & renewing your sense of adventure.  Europe has a beautiful way of getting down deep into your soul & stirring alive passions you forgot were there.   Of reigniting ideas & bringing a new perspective to our lives. 

If you've been longing for clarity & inspiration in your life, this is for you.

What’s included

  • 6 Nights Stay
    6 nights/7 days in our stunning apartment overlooking the Ponte Vecchio
  • Double Accommodation
    All rooms will have 2 attendees; some rooms have 2 twin beds, others have 1 king bed to share
  • All dinners
    With wine
  • Most lunches
    There will be a few lunches you'll have on your own during your free time in Florence
  • Private tours
    Private expert tours by local professional tour guides
  • Transportation w/group
    All transportation during group activities/excursions is included when driving is required. We will be walking plenty, too
  • Wine Tour day in Tuscany
    We'll head into the Tuscan hillside for a day of wine tasting you won't forget
  • Travel Guide
    You'll receive a custom travel guide to aid you in your travel planning
  • Surprises :)
    Of course expect plenty of fun surprises, too!

What’s not included

  • Airfare
    Attendees are responsible for their own airfare
  • Transport to/from
    Attendees are responsible for their transportation to/from our retreat home before/after the retreat.
  • Breakfast
    There's a great cafe next door to our apartment - I'll show you how to order your cappuccino & croissant in the morning! It's fun and less than 5 Euro
  • A few lunches
    While most lunches (and ALL dinners) are included, there will be a few days that attendees will have free time to explore the city & be able to pop into cafes for lunch on their own.
  • Travel Insurance
    Attendees are encouraged to purchase trip insurance on their own. Refunds are NOT available; travel insurance is inexpensive & highly recommended to all attendees.

Available Packages

Trip Price

Please Note:  If you are not coming with a friend/roomate, you will be paired up with another solo attendee and will share a room with either 2 twin beds or 1 king size bed.

$4,800
Deposit: $800

Your Organizer


IR
Illuminare Retreat
26 reviews
Illuminare is an Italian word that means to illuminate; to light up. That's exactly how I want you to feel during an Illuminare Retreat. Like the light inside yourself has been flicked back on. Reconnecting with yourself, your passions & interests - all while being pampered in a beautiful setting. These retreats were born out of a love of crafting once-in-a-lifetime style experiences abroad for women.

Reviews

It was a fabulous experience that I will always cherish. What set this retreat apart were the women who attended. Many heartfelt and insightful conversations around the dinner table and study. The kind of circle that fills you up. Every detail was beautifully curated by Amanda Donaho, the founder of Illuminare, including itineraries and other surprises that delighted us every day! It wasn’t just a retreat; it was immersion in grace and growth. If you crave connection, inspiration, and a touch of magic, this retreat is for you!
By Elizabeth M for Cotswolds, England on Jul 23, 2025
TH
This trip was nothing short of a magical dream! Amanda curated the most amazing trip with exquisite attention to details! Thank you so much for the trip of my dreams!
By Teresa H for Cotswolds, England on Jul 23, 2025
When you become an adult, especially a busy mom/woman who gives of herself day in and day out, it can feel like the magic has left your life but, Illuminare Retreats brings true magic back into your life. It's actually difficult to leave a review for an experience that goes beyond words but magical seems to be the best fit. The retreat allowed us to come back to ourselves, to be regrounded in who we are as individual women. For Amanda, this isn't a job, it's a calling. Her sincere love is felt in every thoughtful detail and she truly loves spoiling women, and that's what you get and deserve, being spoiled. My wish is for every woman who is on the fence about going on a retreat, to leap off with complete confidence and trust Amanda.
By Jody L for Cotswolds, England on Jul 19, 2025
If you’re looking to reset, allowing a trip to heal and inspire you, you’re looking in the right place. I traveled solo and met a wonderful group of ladies who were open to connection and adventure. Each day had heartwarming surprises, opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture, time set aside for pampering and reflection within beautiful accommodations, and delicious food prepared by a chef who has also served the king! Looking forward to continuing the relationships built during this trip and traveling again with Amanda soon!
By Mia B for Scotland, 2025 on Jun 24, 2025
Thank you for the kind words, Mia - and most importantly for being such a light on our retreats! Always love having you & your warm, welcoming spirit. Happy to have you any time! xo
By Illuminare Retreat on Jun 26, 2025
IR
This was my first Illuminare trip and hoping it won’t be my last! Everything about this trip was perfectly curated but not over-planned. The attention to detail made this trip feel so special and planned with each guest in mind. Amanda strikes an amazing balance of mixing site seeing, activities, and down-time to make you feel truly steeped in the culture and simultaneously rejuvenated.
By Megan O for Scotland, 2025 on Jun 22, 2025
I'm so glad you enjoyed your time with us, Megan - and certainly hope to see you again! You have been such a joy getting to know & I deeply appreciate your openness and willingness to dive into conversation. Thank you for the kind words!
By Illuminare Retreat on Jun 23, 2025
IR
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References

The Cotswolds retreat was my first retreat and first time I traveled internationally. I loved every minute of it! Amanda has a wonderful way of making everyone feel special and important! Every detail and the little surprises are just part of what makes the retreats so memorable! The women I met on the trip were so incredible! I found a genuine connection with these women! We laughed and cried as we shared our lives with each other! Amanda, thank you for sharing your wonderful gift of bringing women together in beautiful places! This was my first but won’t be my last retreat with Amanda! This trip is in the top 10 moments of my life! Don’t hesitate to go on an Illuminare retreat!
By Kathy B on 21 Jul, 2025
I have now completed my fifth Illuminare Retreat with Amanda and I already have plans to sign up for more. It is evident in her attention to details that she really cares about her attendees and goes above and beyond to provide the best curated experiences for all the women. The retreat homes have been breathtaking. The restaurants and food selections (with generous amounts of wine) have been delicious. The tours have been engaging. The surprises each day kept me guessing what she had up her sleeve for us. It's so nice to turn off planning mode and trust that I will be taken care of, eat great food, be treated to unexpected experiences, and above all, have wonderful conversations and connections with other women I will carry with me for a long time to come! Thanks again Amanda! Until my next retreat with you! :)
By Christina B on 03 Feb, 2025