Mindful Adventures: The Dolomites & Venice

September 28 – October 7, 2026

Mindful Escape: Serenity Among Peaks and Canals

Nourish and refresh your soul while exploring The Dolomites & Venice

Embark on a 9-day, 8-night Mindful Adventure with Joan of Red Barn Yoga, through the breathtaking Dolomites and the enchanting city of Venice, blending yoga, mindfulness, and cultural exploration in two of Italy’s most captivating regions. This fully-escorted journey offers the perfect balance of activity, relaxation, and discovery, with all accommodations, excursions, transportation, and most meals thoughtfully arranged.

Your adventure begins with six nights in the heart of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its dramatic limestone peaks, lush valleys, and charming alpine villages. Nestled in a luxurious mountain retreat, you’ll enjoy serene accommodations featuring modern comforts, panoramic views, and a private space for yoga and mindfulness sessions.

Days will be filled with light hikes, visits to local farms, and opportunities to immerse yourself in the region’s natural beauty and rich traditions. Evenings invite you to unwind with delicious regional cuisine and moments of quiet reflection.

Women's "Ciao Bella" Tour 2019

The journey concludes with two nights in Venice, where you’ll stay in a charming boutique hotel housed in a former monastery, offering a tranquil escape amidst the city’s vibrant canals and historic charm.

Explore Venice’s iconic landmarks, wander its winding streets, and savor the unique atmosphere of this floating city. Whether practicing mindfulness by the water or simply soaking in the beauty of your surroundings, Venice provides the perfect finale to your mindful adventure.

This tour is designed to help you reconnect with yourself and the world around you, offering a stress-free experience with plenty of time to explore, reflect, and simply be. Whether you’re hiking in the Dolomites, meditating in the mountains, or enjoying a quiet moment in a Venetian piazza, this journey promises to leave you feeling inspired, rejuvenated, and deeply connected to the beauty of Italy.

Our intention is to explore, learn and experience the rich culture of the area stress free! This is your time to “just be” so feel free to join activities or skip them if you prefer and take time for yourself. Rilassa.

 

Women's "Ciao Bella" Tour 2019

Tour Highlights

 

  • ​6 Nights in the Awe-Inspiring Dolomites
  • 2 Nights in the Heart of Enchanting Venice
  • Private yoga & mindfulness sessions
  • Private tours with private guide & driver
  • Visit to a local dairy farm with cheese tasting
  • Dinner at a typical Tyrolian farm
  • Visit an ancient water mill with light lunch
  • Guided wine-pairing Dinner
  • Guided hiking day with a local English speaking hiking guide
  • Visit to WWl museum
  • Private guided tour of Venice Highlights
  • Cicchetti tasting in Venice
  • Gondola ride in Venice
  • Airport transfers to/from Venice(VCE)

You do not have to participate in the Yoga or Mindfulness Activities to join this tour. You can use that time as free time as you wish. 

 Your Team Leader

Joanie Fisler and Vitalia Tours have teamed up to continue to bring you new and exciting “Mindful Adventures”.

Joanie is the owner of Red Barn Yoga, yoga teacher, spiritual director as well as a financial planner.  She has been  practicing yoga for 20 years and began teaching in 2009. She studied with Lara Ward at Lotus Gardens in Connecticut. Yoga prepared Joan for a meditation practice which she considers a gift to her spiritual path.

Joanie’s style of teaching yoga is eclectic with emphasis on alignment and encouraging the mind, body, spirit integration. She aspires to keep the environment playful but also conducive to inner stillness.

She has traveled extensively and wants to bring her love of doing so to you. Joanie also shares a love of helping others enjoy the riches of the present moment, finding a heart felt joy within and traveling with humor and grace.

She would love to offer you a mindful adventure you will never forget.

My Heart Welcomes Yours!
– Joanie

Itinerary:*
Day 1 - Arrival Day/ Benvenuto!

Welcome to Italy!

Arrival to Venice airport and transfer to the Dolomites

Private transfer from Venice Airport to the enchanting Dolomites. Embark on a scenic drive, passing by Cortina d’Ampezzo, famed for hosting the 1956 Olympics and the upcoming 2026 Winter Games.

Visit to a quaint mountain farm and dairy, where the dairyman will uncover the secrets of traditional cheese-making and you’ll have the opportunity to savor a cheese tasting.

Indulge in a delightful lunch at a local farm, nestled in the heart of one of Europe’s largest larch forests. Here, the chef showcases a cuisine that beautifully blends tradition with his culinary philosophy of local and sustainable ingredients. (A La Carte – Not Included)

After lunch, continue your scenic journey to your hotel in the Dolomites.

The rest of the evening is yours to explore or relax.

Group “Welcome” Dinner (D)

Day 2 - Visiting a Local Farm

From your hotel, take a 20-minute walk or a private transfer to a nearby farm, where the owner, will share the history of the estate and his passion for their animals—some of which even have names.

Enjoy a brief tour of the farm before savoring a light lunch in the 16th century manor house, where the family still lives.

In the early afternoon, return on foot to your hotel, or enjoy a private transfer back.

Perhaps enjoy a restorative yoga session or some time at the hotel spa to unwind and relax.

You can also walk around the local small village, accessed easily by foot.

In the evening, enjoy an exclusive dinner in a wine cellar, where each dish is perfectly paired with a selected wine and thoughtfully explained by the sommelier. (B, L, D)

Day 3 - Brunico & Beyond

​​Today, embark on a journey to Dietenheim, where the captivating exhibits of the “Provincial Museum of Customs and Traditions” await. Enjoy a private guided tour of the museum, which will immerse you in a rich historical and cultural experience of local life of the Dolomites.

Then, the group will have a private transfer to the base of a mountain where you will take the cable car and reach the summit of 2000 meters with a wonderful view on the Val Pusteria.

Enjoy lunch at a stunning restaurant perched high above the clouds – the property of a 3-star Michelin chef. (Order a la Carte – Not included)

Transfer back to your hotel.

Perhaps enjoy a restorative yoga session or some time at the hotel spa to unwind and relax.

You can also walk around the local small village, accessed easily by foot.

Gourmet dinner at the hotel. (B, D)

 

Day 4 - Lagazuoi, 5 Torri and WWI

This morning, take a 20-minute private transfer to Passo Valparola and visit the WWI Museum.

Continue with a short 5-minute drive to Passo Falzarego, where the cable car will carry you up to 2,752 meters. From the summit, admire breathtaking views of the Dolomites, stretching from the 5 Torri and Croda da Lago to the Marmolada Glacier and Tofana di Rozes. Enjoy a short hike exploring the WWI trenches.

A gentle 10-minute walk leads you to the cross, opening up a new panoramic perspective.

Return to the Rifugio to savor a traditional lunch while soaking in the spectacular scenery. (Not included)

In the afternoon, descend by cable car and transfer back to your hotel.

Finish the day with a rejuvenating yoga session or unwind at the spa.

In the evening enjoy a typical dinner at a local farm. (B, D)

Day 5 - Easy hike on the Pralongiá Plateau

In the morning, take the Piz La Ila cable car to an altitude of 2000 meters. From here, enjoy an easy hike to local Rifugio for lunch.

  • (one way – hiking time: 10 minutes, 1.68 km, elevation change: -30 m / +60 m).

The entire route offers breathtaking 360° views, including the Marmolada Glacier, also known as the “Queen of the Dolomites.”

Optionally, you can enjoy a yoga session in the meadows along the way, with stunning mountain views.

Lunch at the local Rifugio. (Not included)

After lunch, hike back the same route and descend by cable car to your hotel.

Finish the day with a rejuvenating yoga session or unwind at the spa.

Gourmet dinner at the hotel. (B, D)

Day 6 - Looking to the Past: Visit to an Old Farm & Watermill

This morning the group will take a private transfer a charming local village that looks like times has stood still. It is a community that still thrives on farming, where traditions are carefully preserved and passed down through generations. Far from the tourist crowds, this village offers an authentic glimpse into local life.

Here, you’ll witness a traditional watermill in action with the passionate young owner who not only demonstrates its workings but also shares his deep knowledge of the craft. Afterwards, he will  welcome you into his wine cellar, where he reveals the art of producing the local delicacy speck—and invites you to savor its unique flavor.

Your journey continues with a delightful lunch at a family-run farm restaurant, where you’ll immerse yourself in the genuine tastes of the region.

In the afternoon, return to your hotel and take time to unwind in the wellness area, enjoying the serene atmosphere of your beautiful retreat.

Gourmet dinner at the hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 7 - Depart for Venice & Venice Highlights

After breakfast, the group will transfer back to Venice (Approximately a 3.5hour drive).

Upon arrival, we’ll check into our hotel. The hotel has a peaceful inner courtyard garden – perfect for morning coffee or evening aperitivo. Everything is within easy walking or vaporetto distance.

Lunch on your own

In the afternoon, we’ll meet up with our local guide and enjoy a pleasant walk through the city’s unknown corners to discover an unusual and authentic Venice. This will allow you to discover an unusual Venice by treasure-hunting its many, little-known gems.

Then we will reach the historical center of Venice and we will admire the most important historical buildings of St. Mark’s Square.

At the end of the walking tour you will have a beautiful gondola ride through minor evocative canals in the heart of the city.

At the end of the tour we can stop to one local osteria where you can try the fantastic local Venetian delights called ” cicchetti”,  accompanied by local wine.

Dinner on your own

(B, Aperitivo)

Day 8 - The Islands of Venice

Meet your guide this morning to explore some of the famous islands of Venice  and admire the local craftsmanship. 

We will first do a beautiful panoramic tour on private motorboat: starting from the  Grand Canal, the widest waterway of the city of Venice (during which we will see  the highlights and main attractions of the city), going through minor evocative  canals in the heart of the city and finally we will visit some of the islands of the  Venetian lagoon, in particular the islands of Murano and Burano. 

  • Murano – Known for its artisan glassblowing factories and shops,  Murano boasts a long and still-thriving tradition dating back to 1291,  when glass artisans moved their kilns from the old city center. Murano  was very wealthy, especially during the 15th and 16th centuries when the  island was central to Europe’s glass making. Stop at a glass factory to  watch skilled glass blowers create brilliant works of art.  
  • Burano – The island of Burano is one of the most colorful and  picturesque with fishermen’s houses painted in bright pastel colors. In  this miniature Venice, you’ll find the famous lace – abundant since the  16th century and once considered the most refined in Europe. Browse  local shops and find lace on display at a museum dedicated to the craft  of lace making.  

Lunch on one of the islands – there are plenty of options for seafood lovers and  non-seafood eaters alike. (Not included) 

Return to hotel in the afternoon by boat 

Final Group dinner at a local trattoria overlooking the Grand Canal  (B, D)

Day 9 - Departure Day

Breakfast at your hotel if time permits*

Private water transfer to Venice Airport (VCE)

Depart Venice  

Bid Arrivederci to Italy! (B*-  if time permits)

Key: B = Breakfast / L = Lunch / D = Dinner​,  included
*Itineraries are subject to change. Vitalia Tours and its partners will strive to provide you with the best possible tour and experience. It is our intention to adhere to the outlined itinerary as published. However, please be advised that it may be occasionally necessary to substitute an activity due to events that cannot be predicted. Therefore, Vitalia Tours reserves the right to make changes in accommodations, tours or excursions, meals, and itineraries at any time should it become necessary or desirable.

This Tour Includes:

  • Small group size: Maximum of only 18 travelers
  • Accommodations for 8 nights
    • 6 nights Dolomites in a boutique hotel with spa
    • 2 nights Venice in a boutique hotel
  • All Breakfasts – Buffet style,
  • 2 Light Lunches, 1 Aperitivo, 7 Dinners
  • Dedicated private escort/interpreter for duration of tour
  • Private Airport transfer from Venice(VCE) to your Dolomites hotel
  • Private driver and bus/van for all daily excursions
  • Dairy visit with cheese tasting
  • Dinner at a typical Tyrolean farm
  • Guided wine-pairing Dinner
  • Visit to a local farm with light lunch  
  • Visit to the watermill with light lunch  
  • Private guided museum tour in Dietenheim 
  • All Cable Car/Gondola tickets 
  • Guided hiking day with a local English speaking hiking guide  
  • Visit to WWI museum 
  • Private transfer to Venice 
  • All vaporetti water transportation while in Venice 
  • Private guided tour of Venice Highlights 
  • Cicchetti tour in Venice 
  • Gondola ride in Venice 
  • Private boat tour to Venice Islands 
  • Private guided tour of Venice Islands including visit to glass furnace 
  • Private water transfer to Venice Airport (VCE) 
  • Mindfulness and yoga sessions with Joanie throughout the tour
  • Pre-trip information packet
  • Local VAT taxes and government fees, gas, highway tolls, city access licenses and permits, and parking fees​​​​

Not Included:

  • Airfare
  • Taxi/Cab Fare
  • Travel insurance*
  • Travel documents & fees: i.e. passport and visas (if required)
  • Any telephone, cell, data & internet usage**
  • Any incidentals or additional room charges at your accommodations
  • Spa or Wellness treatments at your accommodations
  • Items of a personal nature​
  • Any taxes or tariffs on personal items purchased
  • Travel-related expenses outside of the tour itinerary
  • Any food or beverage ordered by traveler that is not included or presented during meals including: wine and other alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks & gelato
  • Wine/Drinks at Lunch or Dinner (other than at the wine-pairing dinner)
  • Any meals not listed in above itinerary
  • Any tour or excursion not outlined in the above itinerary
  • Optional tips to guides, staff or drivers. These are not required and are given at your discretion.
  • Any expenses related to COVID or illness, masks, sanitizer, testing or medical expenses,  medications, loss of tour days, isolation or quarantine expenses, illness, or anything else  related to COVID or other illnesses. 

* We highly recommend purchasing trip insurance to protect your investment. This is to ensure that you are covered in the event of loss of deposit and cancellation fees, medical emergency or health expenses, personal accident, flight cancellation or delays and to protect your luggage against any loss or damage.​ ​​​​​​ ​

** There is free wifi at our accommodations

Details

Dates:  September 28 – October 7, 2026
9 Days/8 Nights

Where: Dolomites – Venice
Group size: 16 Maximum

Tour Cost: $7800.00 USD per person/double occupancy

Single Supplement: $1,750.00 USD

 

 

Deposit: 50% of the total at time of booking to reserve your spot

Balance due: 60 Days before tour start date

Traveling Solo? We can suggest a roommate so that you avoid having to pay the single supplement!

This tour is quoted in US dollars

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