Name: Vipassana Retreat
Start: 2026-07-16
End: 2026-07-19
Location: Villa Sambuca

Teacher:

Gualtiero Vannucci

Yoga teacher since 1971, he has dedicated more than fifty years to the practice, teaching, and dissemination of yoga and awareness. In 1974, he founded the Italian Yoga Federation, and in 1976 the Surya Chandra Yoga Association, the first yoga center in Livorno. Over the years, he has trained generations of teachers and practitioners in Italy and abroad.

Throughout his journey, he studied with some of the most influential figures in contemporary yoga, including André Van Lysebeth, Swami Satyananda, Swami Chidananda, and Swami Satchidananda. For the practice of mindfulness and meditation, he has been inspired by the teachings of Jon Kabat-Zinn and Thich Nhat Hanh.

Among all the guides he encountered, however, he recognizes Vimala Thakar as his true teacher: a central presence in his inner journey, who profoundly shaped his vision of yoga as a path of awareness, freedom, and transformation.

His teaching integrates the yogic tradition, meditation, and inner inquiry, guiding people toward a more authentic relationship with themselves and with life.

More info:

16-19 July 2026

Villa Sambuca

Check-in: Thursday at 3:00 PM | Retreat begins at 5:00 PM Check-out: Sunday by 2:30 PM

Language: italian

Included:

Full board accommodation (vegan cuisine)

3 nights accommodation

Coffee breaks throughout the day with water, tea, herbal infusions, and fresh fruit

Bed linen, towels, bath amenities, and hairdryer

Prenota ora

An immersive experience to slow down the pace of everyday life, regain mental clarity, and reconnect with yourself in an authentic way.

Participating in a Vipassana retreat means giving yourself a precious space away from distractions and the constant noise of daily life, allowing you to observe emotions, thoughts, and inner patterns with greater awareness.

Vipassana – an ancient meditation practice whose meaning is “to see things as they truly are” – guides us toward a clearer and more direct observation of our inner experience. Through the practice, we learn to recognize thoughts, emotions, and habitual patterns with greater awareness, cultivating a more open and non-judgmental perspective.

Individual practice will be interwoven with the strength of the group: shared silence, mutual presence, and the energy of the Sangha support each participant’s journey, creating a profound human and spiritual synergy.

Guided by Gualtiero Vannucci, spiritual researcher and Yoga and meditation teacher with more than fifty years of experience in contemplative practice, we will explore Vipassana according to the tradition of the Forest Masters, as a practical path of awareness and inner transformation.

Throughout his journey as a Yoga teacher, Gualtiero has integrated teachings from the Buddhist tradition, meditative practices, and inner work, guiding groups and retreats dedicated to cultivating presence and deep listening for many years.

What You Will Experience During the Retreat

Seated and Walking Meditation

The practice will alternate between periods of seated meditation and mindful walking, cultivating presence, stability, and continuity of awareness through both stillness and movement.

Noble Silence

Silence will be an integral part of the retreat experience — not as an absence, but as a fertile space for listening, observation, and inner reflection.

Teachings and Guided Practice

Dedicated moments of teachings and practical guidance will support the journey, offering tools to deepen meditation and integrate awareness into everyday life.

Nature, Simplicity, and Presence

Immersed in the peaceful natural setting of Valle Benedetta, the retreat offers an essential and welcoming environment designed to encourage slowing down, grounding, and reconnection.

Meditazione seduta e camminata
La pratica alternerà momenti di meditazione seduta e camminata consapevole, coltivando presenza, stabilità e continuità dell’attenzione nel corpo e nel movimento.
Silenzio consapevole
Il silenzio sarà parte integrante dell’esperienza: non come assenza, ma come spazio fertile di ascolto, osservazione e raccoglimento interiore.
Insegnamenti e pratica guidata
Momenti dedicati agli insegnamenti e alle indicazioni pratiche sosterranno il percorso, offrendo strumenti per approfondire la meditazione e integrare la consapevolezza nella vita quotidiana.
Natura, semplicità e presenza
Immersi nella quiete della natura di Valle Benedetta, il ritiro offrirà un contesto essenziale e accogliente, capace di favorire rallentamento, radicamento e riconnessione.

Costs

Program Fee (Accommodation Excluded)

At Valle Benedetta, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to participate according to their possibilities. For this reason, we have chosen a model of conscious contribution, allowing each participant to support the retreat in a way that reflects their circumstances.

SUSTAINABLE LEVEL – Covers the actual costs of the retreat: €230

SUPPORTER LEVEL – For those who wish to contribute a little more and support the participation of others: €280

SUPPORTED LEVEL – For those who may need financial support: €180

Accommodation Cost – Full Board Included

Accommodation with full board is available according to the room category selected:

Shared Quadruple Room – €90 (per person, per night)
Double Room – from €115 (per person, per night)
Single Room – from €180 (per person, per night)

All room details and availability can be viewed directly on the booking page.

Prenota ora

Vipassana Retreat

The path of silence and authentic presence

What You Will Experience During the Retreat

Costs

Program Fee (Accommodation Excluded)

Accommodation Cost – Full Board Included