A Vibrant, Transformative Italian Adventure
Tuscany & Liguria, Italy
May 4th - 15th, 2023
Calling all women who are ready to shake off the cobwebs and reignite their zest for life!
Imagine standing on a balcony, gazing out at a quaint Italian village nestled on the sparkling Mediterranean Sea.
You’re listening to the waves crash on the pebbled beach below as seagulls squawk and swoop in for their dinner.
The breeze blows through your hair and you feel a sense of certainty growing inside you. It’s the feeling you get when you know, without a shadow of a doubt, that you are in the right place.
Charming sherbet-colored buildings dot the landscape. Everywhere you turn, there’s a path to explore or a vista so spectacular, it takes your breath away.
As you soak in the idyllic scene, you realize you’ve never felt so relaxed. In fact, you can’t remember the last time you gave yourself permission to just BE.
Ahhh…the retreat is working its magic!
You’ve gathered in Italy for fun, friendship, and enlightening conversation.
You’re surrounded by soulful, creative and passionate women who have welcomed you with open arms.
Just like you, they are here to take a breather, have an adventure and reignite their zest for life. For once, there’s nothing to plan or manage.
Every detail has been carefully laid out so you can just sit back and enjoy the freedom that comes with not being in charge.
“The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams.”
~ Oprah Winfrey
Do any of these things sounds familiar?
✔ Your life has been lacking some serious fun
✔ You’re craving human connection
✔ You don’t remember the last time you saw your passport
✔ It’s been forever since you’ve laughed until your sides hurt
✔ You keep promising yourself you'll get away "one day"
INTRODUCING…
Footloose & Fancy-Free
With Linda Beach
"WAIT! A dream trip to Italy?" I can hear you sighing right now.
You’ve thought about doing something really fun but again and again, you convinced yourself that you don’t have enough money or time or energy (or all of the above) to do something so utterly fabulous.
BUT UTTERLY FABULOUS IS EXACTLY WHAT YOU CRAVE!
Because lately, you’ve been feeling stuck between “I guess this is good enough” and “I’m sure there’s more to life.”
The excitement has waned a bit (okay, a lot). You don’t feel particularly inspired.
And everything just seems a bit dull these days – somewhere between a lackluster gray and a nondescript beige.
It's time to do something about it!
That's right, I'm going to help you rekindle your zest for life! I have hand-curated this incredible adventure to provide the ultimate "technicolor" experience.
Because I believe that if we undertake a journey with a sense of child-like wonder, it can change the very fiber of our being.
With a little encouragement, we can shift from being a passive passenger to an active adventurer. Doing so will allow us to truly discover the heart and soul of the places we visit.
During our time together, I’ll take you by the hand and show you what makes each place we visit special. I’ll help you shift from observer to participant; from entertained to involved.
I’ll also introduce you to my favorite locals, who will share the unique qualities of the places they call home. They can’t wait to meet you!
Some love from past participants...❤️
Jessica Hanaghan
Linda went above and beyond to make sure every detail of the retreat was perfect. The accommodations were amazing, the food was to die for, the activities were incredible and the community we created was well…Perfect! We are now a family and friends for life. If you have the opportunity to go on a retreat with Linda, I can’t recommend her adventures enough!
Lauren Bailey Housemeyer
I went on Linda's retreat to Bali and WOW – it was so inspiring! Linda was there to guide us on this adventure, even coaching us to overcome fears that were holding us back in our lives. I would highly recommend Linda’s retreats to any woman, any age, any location! She’s just fantastic and truly understands what you’re going through. Linda is your ultimate retreat guide!
Kelly Morgan Merly
I knew this retreat was going to be a trip of a lifetime. Linda planned each minute to perfection and included her unique Dream Building skills each morning, even weaving them into our activities. The combination of heart-opening coaching sessions paired with our luxurious location and authentic cuisine led to the truest, deepest and most exotic trip of my life. I can’t wait to travel with Linda on retreat again!
Here's just a peek at what you can expect:
History & Art
Considered the birthplace of Western civilization, Italy is famous the world over for its grandiose architecture, iconic food and treasured art.
Imagine yourself gazing upon celebrated masterpieces or wandering the halls of the ancient churches and abbeys that dot the countryside. It won't take long for you to realize that every sculpture, painting and magnificent structure has a rich story to share with those who listen.
Delectable Cuisine
Prepare your palette for a culinary experience like none other! Italy is famous the world over for its cuisine, and we promise you’ll get to sample plenty of it. From pasta to pizza to melt-in-your-mouth gelato, Italians know food!
We’ll discover the region's favorite dishes in each place we visit. One thing is for certain...you'll never go hungry!
And don’t stress if you’re a vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or have any other dietary restrictions. We promise to make sure you have plenty of choices too!
Unparalleled Shopping
A trip to Italy wouldn’t be complete without a little retail therapy. Whether you’re looking for a souvenir or the perfect dress, you won’t have to travel far.
You’ll delight at the endless array of shops filled with artisan crafts, designer shoes, luxurious fashions, stunning jewelry and fragrant perfume.
The Italians love to shop and there are stores and stalls for every budget. You'll be certain to find a unique treasure to commemorate your time in Italy!
Fabulous Friendships
Remember the sleep-overs and pillow parties you used to have when you were young? Weren’t they fun? Well, we think you’re never too old to gather with other women for a PJ party! Our evenings will be low key but not without giggles.
You’ll have plenty of opportunities to join one or more of your retreat sisters for a coffee in town or a stroll on the beach.
You might also choose to read a good book (finally) while snuggled under the covers or simply watch the clouds drift overhead.
Whether you come on this retreat with a friend or make a few while you are here, you’ll never feel alone (unless you want to be alone) and you’ll never be left out.
Plenty of "Activity"
This is a high-vibe adventure with lots of moving around! While some of my retreats are super laid back, Footloose & Fancy-Free is for those of you who want to see and do as much as possible during our time together.
Not only will we be staying in four different towns, we’ll be walking a lot. Besides a few private transports in Tuscany, we’ll be traveling by train between towns. There will also be a couple of ferry rides (so fun) when we reach our final town, Camogli.
If you’re really active and want to get in some extra steps, there are some incredible hikes just behind our hotel at the sea. What’s great about all the activity…you won’t feel guilty for one minute eating all that yummy pasta and gelato!
Meet your host: Linda Beach
Not long ago, I needed a big change. My life was a “Groundhog Day Parody,” with every moment blending together into a blurry blob of BLAH. I was tired of the “same old, same old” and desperately craved more passion and adventure.
So in early 2016, I took a huge leap. I sold my business, gave away nearly everything I owned, and moved to Belize (where I didn’t know a soul). Gulp…talk about terrifying! 😳
But it was so worth it! For the next couple of years, I watched the palms blowing in the breeze as I worked from my balcony.
I also started visiting "must see" places on my bucket list, including Italy. On my first visit, I crisscrossed the country looking for adventure, talking to strangers and exploring ancient cathedrals and ruins.
I treated myself to all the pizza, pasta and gelato my heart desired (calories don’t count there 😂). Along the way, I rekindled my lust for life…just like you will when you join me in Italy!
Since then, I've been back to “Bel Paese” many times. I love exploring Italy so much that I now host multiple retreats a year in different parts of the country.
I love nothing more than to take women on retreat and watch them have the time of their life! Ready to see what grand adventures I have in store for you? Trust me, it's going to be epic! 🤩
Check out this incredible itinerary!
Day 1: May 4th
Arrive by plane or train into Florence, then hop into a taxi and head to Hotel Villa Olmi. We’ll greet you in the lobby for a Prosecco toast, then help you get settled into your room in the 18th century villa. Depending on your time of arrival, feel free to unwind, nap or explore the spacious grounds.
When everyone arrives, we’ll gather for a lavish welcome dinner and review the itinerary for the week. You’ll meet your “retreat sisters,” and together we’ll set our intentions and dedicate the rest of our stay to rediscovering whatever it is that brings you true joy. Then get a good night’s sleep so you’re ready for our first big day tomorrow!
Meals included: dinner
Day 2: May 5th
Our first full day together begins with a lavish breakfast buffet, after which we’ll head straight to meet our Tuscany tour guide.
We’re off for a grand adventure in the countryside! Glorious vistas, wine tastings, tours of ancient towns...we've got some fun surprises up our sleeves!
This exciting day will be filled with friendship and laughter (and even a song or two). 🎶 After we return to our villa, you’ll be free to wind down the day any way you’d love.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3: May 6th
Today is all about the culture and artistry of Florence. We’ll start with a fun and informative walking tour of this amazing city. You’ll learn about its history, architecture and notable figures.
Once you’ve become acquainted with the layout of Florence, you get to choose your next activity. Climb 463 steps to the top of the Duomo for a panoramic view of Florence. Explore an art gallery, wander through the bustling Mercato Centrale or shop for a handmade leather bag from the Florence Leather School.
Maybe you’ll choose to see Michelangelo’s David, the incredible masterpiece that has an even more incredible history. How about a visit to the interactive museum dedicated to Leonardo da Viinci, filled with functioning machines built from the designs of the genius himself? Whatever you decide, we’ve got special “skip the line” tickets just for you.
Later in the afternoon, we’ll meet back up and make our way to a fun pizza and gelato-making class. You'll learn how to make these Italian favorites and YES, you get to eat your creation! We’ll head back to the villa together to pack our bags because tomorrow we’re on the move.
Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Day 4: May 7th
It’s time to say ciao to the “City of Lilies” and move on to our next destination: Montecatini Terme!
After indulging in our wonderful breakfast buffet one last time, we’ll head to the Santa Maria Novella train station. In less than an hour, we’ll arrive in Montecatini Terme, an art nouveau town dedicated to everything SPA due to the rich therapeutic properties of its thermal hot springs.
The owners of our sweet hotel will greet us and get us settled, after which we’ll head to the most incredible nature-inspired place for lunch. Walk off your delicious pasta with a little stroll around this lovely town or take a nap by the sparkling pool.
Next we’ll hop on a funicular that’s been in operation since 1998 and ride to the top of a nearby mountain. Here we’ll explore the medieval fortress town of Montecatini Alto and enjoy an aperitivo. The expansive views over the valley are spectacular and sunset is even more awe-inspiring!
If you’re still hungry once we come down from the mountain, feel free to grab a retreat sister or two and enjoy one of the many amazing restaurants in Montecatini. Sleep well because tomorrow we’re hitting the spas!
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, aperitivo
Day 5: May 8th
After breakfast we’ll be exploring the Terme di Montecatini, where health-savvy folks have flocked for over a century to find “salute per aqua” or health through water. We’ll visit the Redi Spa Complex where we’ll lounge in the thermal pools and enjoy a personalized massage treatment.
We’ll indulge in a healthy-ish (😉) lunch, then take a short walk to Terme Tuttuccio, an impressive cluster of structures designed in 1916 to emulate the beauty of the antique Roman baths.
Here we’ll explore the impressive grounds and learn about Hydropinic Therapy, the drinking of water to stimulate and affect the systems of the body. You can choose to stay and “take the waters” after consulting with an on-site medical professional (for an extra fee).
We’ll regroup back at the hotel for dinner, then pack our bags for yet another amazing town tomorrow: Lucca!
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6: May 9th
Goodbye spa town, hello historical Lucca! Encased in a circle of thick stone walls, Lucca is a small Medieval city made for aimless wandering and strolling.
Home to hundreds of historical sites and churches, we’ll be starting our exploration with a fascinating walking tour. Once we’ve covered the highlights in the center of town, we’ll take to the walls on bikes to see the sights from above.
You’ll have time to relax by the pool or explore the shops before we head to our favorite pizzeria for dinner. Afterwards, walk into the center of town and immerse yourself in the bustling evening activity or take a moonlit stroll along the wall.
Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Day 7: May 10th
Are you ready for another cooking class? This time we’ll be preparing a four-course menu. We’ll start by exploring the local food shops to hand-select our ingredients. We’ll taste olive oils, local cheeses and honey and of course, sip a little Prosecco while we prepare an array of Italian delights.
After we’ve had our fill, you can choose your afternoon activity. Explore one of the many churches, indulge in a little retail therapy or climb to the top of a historic tower. Ahhhh…isn’t it nice to have a choice? We thought so!
Whatever you decide, make sure you’re ready for a fabulous night on the town. At 7 pm, we’ll walk to the Church of San Giovanni to enjoy “Puccini e la sua Lucca,” an exciting operatic performance of one of Lucca’s talented native sons.
After the concert, we’ll enjoy a leisurely dinner in town, followed by some of the best gelato in Italy. It’s okay to indulge…I declare that calories don’t count here!
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8: May 11th
Our big adventure continues as we bid goodbye to Lucca and make our way to the quaint village of Camogli by train. Once we arrive at the glorious Hotel dei Dogi and you get settled into your room, we’ll meet in the lobby for an overview of the area.
We’ll take a stroll along the boardwalk and visit the stunning Church of Santa Maria Assunta. I’ll point out some of my favorite shops in this cute little fishing village.
Then you’re free to walk on the pebbled beach, circle back to one of the local shops or just relax at a cafe and watch the world go by. We’ll meet back up for a delectable dinner at a favorite local trattoria.
Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Day 9: May 12th
Are you ready for another train adventure? This time to the famed coastal area known as the Cinque Terre, or “Five Lands.” We'll lead you through the streets of these colorful villages as we wander, shop and grab some lunch.
As the golden sun starts to set over the horizon, we’ll take a breathtaking cruise along the coast, complete with wine, snacks and music!
We'll board a train back to our lovely hotel where you can grab a snack in town or a good night's sleep. This will be a full day of sights, sounds and tastes so put on your walking shoes! 👟👟
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, aperitivo
Day 10: May 13th
Today is about choices and a chance to explore the quaint town of Camogli. We’ll meet at breakfast to discuss the options. Beach, pool, shopping, hiking? You decide. Just make sure not to miss the relaxing massage I've arranged for you!
Later that afternoon, we’ll head to a local shop to sample Ligurian wines and other goodies. For dinner, I’ve reserved a table at one of the finest restaurants in town where we’ll gaze at the stars and share the highlights of the day. Get a good night’s sleep because I’ve got something amazing in store for you tomorrow! 💤
Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Day 11: May 14th
Rise and shine! Your bountiful breakfast buffet is waiting. After we’ve had our fill, we’ll board a ferry to the Abbey of San Fruttuoso. Tucked into a small bay accessible only by boat or foot, this picturesque complex boasts a monastery, watchtower and pebbled beaches, all of which you’ll have time to explore.
Time to board another ferry and set sail for our next destination: Portofino. A favorite haven of the rich and famous, here you’ll have time to enjoy a leisurely lunch and people watch before indulging in a little high-end boutique shopping. If you’d prefer to walk off your pasta, hike up the path to Castello Brown, a 16th-century fortress with incredible panoramic views of the town and Ligurian Sea.
As the afternoon winds down, we’ll make our way by boat to Santa Margherita, the sea-splashed, bougainvillea-brilliant cousin to Camogli. We’ll enjoy a yummy gelato before hopping a quick train back to our cozy little fishing village.
Freshen up and then join the group for our farewell celebration. The chef has prepared a special feast just for us. Expect hugs, tears, laughter and a surprise or two!
Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Day 12: May 15th
Today is the day you start your journey back to the “real” world. We’ll gather at breakfast for our final farewells before you take a train back to your departure destination. If you’ve chosen to extend your stay in Italy, we’ll be happy to offer suggestions for your onward itinerary.
While it’s always sad to say goodbye, this isn’t the end of our journey together. We’ll see each other in our private Facebook group to share photos and stories. You’ll have unforgettable memories, a shiny dream plan in place and some new friends to help you celebrate every milestone. Besides, you can always join us for the next retreat!
Arriverderci! 👋
Meals included: breakfast
Our Beautiful Accommodations...
4 incredible hand-picked hotels!
The first place we'll stay is a stunning 18th-century estate situated in the countryside just outside of the bustling city of Florence.
The owners have gone to great lengths to preserve its elegant stuccoes, delightful frescoes, fine tapestries and Murano chandeliers. Just outside, there’s a huge pool ringed by lounge chairs and a jasmine-covered pergola under which we’ll dine. It’s no wonder we chose this delightful hotel for the beginning of our journey!
Our next venue is a charming family-owned hotel with feminine touches throughout. Built in 1922, this elegant property in Montecatini Terme is located within walking distance to all the activities we have planned.
Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, the hotel has a salt-water pool, satellite TV, air conditioning and newly remodeled bathrooms. In addition to the extensive breakfast buffet, the hotel has a delightful restaurant where you can dine inside or out.
Stunning properties with luxury & comfort in mind!
Conveniently located in the historic heart of Lucca, the next property is built on walls dating back to the Roman Empire.
This elegant residence served as a boarding house for students until 1800. Since then it’s been renovated and embellished into its current charming atmosphere.
We’ll enjoy breakfast in the gorgeous dining room and marvel at the soaring ceilings made from original exposed beams. The soft and comfortable setting of this property creates a homey ambiance for our time in Lucca.
Last but certainly not least is my favorite hotel in Italy! Tucked away in a quaint corner of the splendid Ligurian Riviera, it won’t take long for you to settle into a slower way of living in this upscale and utterly charming hotel.
Each elegant Mediterranean-styled room is equipped with satellite TV, Wi-Fi, minibar, tea kettle and luxurious bath products. This exquisite property boasts a private beach and salt-water swimming pool. 🧜♀️🧜
We’ll dine in the oceanside restaurant or outside al fresco on the terrace, watching the light of day melt into dusk and the stars glow in the cobalt sky. There’s magic in the air. Can you feel it?
Check Out These Bonuses!
Italian Language Lessons
Let's prepare for the journey ahead by learning some common Italian words and phrases! Our pre-retreat lessons will be conducted via Zoom by our very favorite bi-lingual teachers. They'll even share their best insider tips for fitting in. ✋😎
Pre-Trip Happy Hours
Before our big adventure, we’ll hop on a few group calls to discuss our exciting plans and get to know each other. Not only will you be prepared for the journey ahead, but once we join together for our Welcome Dinner, it’ll be like meeting up with old friends!
Private Facebook Group
As soon as you register, you’ll be invited to join our private group where you can meet your travel companions and find the perfect roommate. We'll be sharing travel tips and other important information about the Footloose & Fancy-Free Adventure!
More love from past participants...❤️
Donna Martindale
Linda is an expert at putting together unforgettable retreats. I attended the Fun in Tuscany Retreat in May 2022 and was blown away by the attention to detail. The tours, food and wine tastings were absolutely wonderful and there were countless unexpected surprises. I haven't laughed so hard in ages! Linda made sure everyone had a good time and no one felt left out. The friendships I made will last a lifetime (along with the magical memories). I’m already packing for Linda’s next adventure!
Nicole Johnson
Before going on a retreat with Linda, I was struggling with what I wanted to do with my life and how to get there. Linda helped me to understand how I can make my dreams a reality and that I am capable of anything that I put my mind to. I strongly recommend Linda’s retreats to anyone who is ready to make changes in their lives and fulfill their life’s passion. She will lead you in the right direction and guide you to find the success that you are looking for. She is truly a wonderful mentor that anyone would be blessed to have her help them in their journey of self-discovery!
Terry Packard
When I joined Linda on her retreat in Tuscany, it had been on my bucket list for many decades. The program that Linda put together surpassed all my expectations. She has an eye for detail and provided our group with everything we could have imagined and more! The amazing people I met on the retreat have all become my new friends. I am looking forward to joining Linda for more fun adventures in the future. I am grateful I said yes and highly recommend you do too. I'm still smiling because it was the trip of a lifetime! 😊
Got Questions? I’ve Got Answers!
What if I can't afford a trip to Italy?
I can't take the time away from my family
I don't know how I feel about traveling with a group of strangers.
I'm stressed thinking about all the activities. Will I have any time to myself?
Do I have to be physically fit for this retreat?
Which airport do I fly into?
Can I arrive early or stay longer?
What about Covid-19 travel restrictions?
What will the weather be like in Italy in May?
I have more questions and want to talk with someone personally.
Head over to the registration page & grab your spot!
Take me there. I'm already packing! 🧳🎒Would you like to know more about this amazing journey?
I get it, I'm excited too! I'd love to hop on a call and answer any questions you might have asap! Just click the button below...⬇️
Let's chat!
