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Keys to an Abundant, Balanced, and Graceful Life: A 3-Day Retreat in Florence, Italy


2025 Dates: Friday, June 13 - Sunday, June 15

This intimate retreat, nestled in the heart of Florence amidst the rolling Tuscan hills, will offer a rare opportunity to blend ancient wisdom with modern wellness. We will delve deep into the profound connection between spirit, mind, and body—exploring how these elements intertwine to create holistic well-being. Our retreat will be a unique journey through sacred spaces and wellness practices, guiding you towards a more vibrant, conscious, and graceful life.

Our transformative experience will be led by Donnie Yance – Former 3rd Order Franciscan, Clinical Master Herbalist and Certified Nutritionist renowned for his pioneering botanical and nutritional approaches in cancer care, and founder of Mederi Center and Natura Health Products. 

“I am not this hair, I am not this skin, I am the soul that lives within.” ~ Rumi

Download our Retreat Booklet to learn more about each day's detailed itinerary >>

Our Itinerary

Day 1: Sacred Pilgrimage to La Verna Sanctuary
 9 am - 8 pm

  • Experience the spiritual energy in a pristine nature sanctuary where Saint Francis received the stigmata
  • Enjoy a guided hike through ancient forests, where we'll explore the healing power of nature
  • Connect with divine peace in this powerful sacred space
  • Includes a stop in Stia for a locally sourced, organic lunch prepared by Francesco, a famous Florentine chef

As we begin our pilgrimage, Donnie will share his personal relationship with St. Francis, his time living in the Eastern Rite Byzantine Franciscan monastery, and some stories about St. Francis. With journals in hand we can ponder, Who am I? Why am I here? How do I want to live my life?

“Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that have received--only what you have given.”
― Francis of Assisi

Day 2: Wellness & Wisdom at a Tuscan Villa
10 am - 4 pm

  • Intimate discussions on holistic health and longevity
  • Personal Q&A session with Donnie Yance where you can ask your most pressing questions on health and healing
  • Explore the integration of natural healing and modern medicine

Day 3: Integration and Transformation
10 am - 7 pm

  • Deep dive into life’s profound questions, such as Who am I? What am I doing and what do I need to learn?
  • Gain new perspectives on how to listen for the subtle whispers of wisdom that guide us.
  • Enjoy a group dinner in the tranquil garden of Beppe Fiore Restaurant in Florence

Days 2 & 3 offer a rare opportunity for deep conversation with Donnie on health and healing. We'll explore the essence of wellness, the balance between self-care and selflessness, the interplay of heart and mind, and the unity of body and soul.

You'll learn practical tools to bring home: foods, herbs, supplements, and more that can enhance your quality of life, and help you age gracefully.

Download our Retreat Booklet to learn more about each day's detailed itinerary >>

Additional Retreat Details

The retreat will be held at Elizabeth Orchard’s enchanting private villa, just 10 minutes outside of Florence. Group transportation to and from La Verna will be provided, along with locally sourced, organic lunches, snacks and beverages, plus dinner at a restaurant in Florence at the end of our retreat.

Limited to just 12 participants to foster personal attention and meaningful connections.

What's included:

  • Van transportation provided on Day 1 from Florence to La Verna and back to Florence
  • Locally sourced daily lunches include a meal at a restaurant in the village of Stia, on the way to La Verna
  • Healing foods and refreshments provided daily
  • Dinner at a restaurant in the heart of Florence at the end of Day 3

Not included:

  • Flights: We recommend flying in and out of Roma Fiumicino (FCO), then taking the high-speed train to Florence. Retreat starts at 10 am on Friday, June 13 and ends after dinner in Florence on Sunday, June 15.
  • Train Transportation: High speed train travel from Rome to Florence can be booked through ItaliaRail. Plan on at least 1.5 hours in transit.
  • Other Transportation: We are providing van transportation on Day 1 from Florence to La Verna and back to Florence. Participants are responsible for all other transportation.
  • Accommodations: For help finding accommodations near the villa in Florence where our group sessions will be held on Day 2 & 3, please contact Barbara Slaine at 203-912-2791 or liphebalance@gmail.com. You can also find local accommodations on travel sites like VRBO and AirBnB. Contact Barbara for more information on villa location where activities will be held on Day 2 & Day 3.
  • Travel Insurance: We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance: https://www.insuremytrip.com/

Themes We'll Explore Together

  • The interconnection of mind, body, and spirit in holistic health
  • Natural medicine and divine healing through herbs and nature
  • Practical wisdom for graceful aging and longevity
  • Network medicine and whole-system approaches to health
  • Forgiveness, transformation, and spiritual growth
  • The unity of heaven and earth in healing practices

Through intimate discussions, practical teachings, and experiential learning, you'll gain deep insights into these topics while developing tools for a more balanced, conscious, and vibrant life.

“The purification of the heart leads to inner peace, which allows us to listen and hear the illumination of truth, which lives in the ocean of perfect love.” ~ Donnie Yance 

We are most grateful to Barbara Slaine, esteemed Mederi Board Member, Holistic Nutritionist, and part-time Florence resident, for hosting this special Mederi Center retreat.

The total cost for this 3-day retreat is $1,500 per person.

Prefer to pay in full? 

Click the PAY IN FULL button below to secure your spot.

NOTE: Participants are responsible for arranging their own flights, train travel, local transportation (except to La Verna on Day 1), and accommodations. You are also responsible for your transportation to and from the Villa on Days 2 and 3.

Prefer to make payments?

Click the button below to make a non-refundable $500 deposit. Two additional payments of $500 will be charged. The 2nd charge will be 30 days after your first payment, and the 3rd charge will be 30 days after that. Depending on when your first payment is made, any remaining balance will be charged on or by May 31, 2025. (Special Instructions: During your checkout process, on the Billing Information portion of the form, under “Ship to this address?” please select “Yes”, even though we will not be shipping anything to you -- it is simply a formality on the form.

NOTE: Participants are responsible for arranging their own flights, train travel, local transportation (except to La Verna on Day 1), and accommodations. You are also responsible for your transportation to and from the Villa on Days 2 and 3.

Cancellation Policy

Read the Mederi Center Retreats Cancellation Policy here >>

All payments final.

Travel Insurance

We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance: https://www.insuremytrip.com/

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