International Retreats
Sardinia, Italy
October 4-12, 2026
Join us for a transformative journey through Northern Sardinia, considered one of the world’s Blue Zones, where a remarkable concentration of centenarians has seemingly discovered the key to living a long and healthy life.
The science of Blue Zones is very real. “Blue Zones” are geographic areas with lower rates of chronic diseases and a longer life expectancy. Diet and exercise are factors associated with Blue Zones. Italy, Greece, Japan, Costa Rica, and the U.S. have a Blue Zone. In other words, the Blue Zones can teach us about the behaviors we should adopt to live longer and enjoy more fulfilling lives. And since we will be there, we will have a chance to explore what you can do to live your own “blue zone” lifestyle—eating a diet full of whole plant foods, reducing calorie intake, exercising daily, getting enough sleep, being religious or spiritual, having a life purpose, establishing a healthy social network, and more!
Overview of Sardinia
The second-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, located west of mainland Italy. It is an autonomous region with a unique culture, language, and history distinct from the rest of Italy. The island is known for its breathtaking natural landscapes, featuring over 1,800 kilometers of coastline, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a rugged mountainous interior. Northern Sardinia, particularly the Costa Smeralda and La Maddalena Archipelago, is famous for its glamorous beaches, sailing, and dramatic cliffs, while southern Sardinia offers a more relaxed experience with historical sites like Nora, vibrant city life in Cagliari, and peaceful beaches such as Chia. Central Sardinia is more remote and authentic, rich with ancient ruins, shepherd traditions, and Blue Zone longevity, especially in the Ogliastra region, where people live significantly longer than average.
The island has a strong cultural identity, with a rich culinary heritage that includes roasted meats, pecorino cheese, handmade pasta, and fine local wines. Italian is the official language, but many locals also speak Sardinian dialects. Sardinia’s slower pace and deep-rooted traditions make it a uniquely peaceful and reflective destination. Overall, Sardinia offers a magical combination of unspoiled beaches, ancient history, and rustic charm—ideal for travelers seeking both natural beauty and cultural depth.
Itinerary
Day 1 - October 4
Arrive Olbia Airport. Group transfer to Punta D’Acu Country Resort
About this property: Punta D’Acu Country Resort, nestled in Arzachena just 16 miles from Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport, oers a peaceful resort in the heart of northern Sardinia. Guests can unwind by the swimming pool while taking in panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The resort is surrounded by lush gardens and features cozy outdoor seating areas, as well as a charming picnic spot perfect for relaxing in nature. Its on-site restaurant serves authentic local specialties, fresh-baked pastries, and a curated selection of beverages. Each morning, guests are treated to a delightful continental breakfast with fresh juice, cheese, seasonal fruits, and more. Evening - Welcome dinner under the stars- plant-based Sardinian dishes, local wine, and introductions. Discussion about the foundations of the Blue Zone longevity lifestyle.(D)
Day 2
Morning - Gentle yoga and breakfast.(B)
Afternoon - 4 mile E-bike ride along natural trails to the Nuraghi Ruins and Giants Tomb; a prehistoric Sardinian wonder. We will get o the bikes at each spot to spend some time exploring. We will have lunch at a cafe -TBD (L) Nuraghi Ruins are ancient, mysterious stone towers found only in Sardinia, built by the Nuragic civilization between 1800 and 500 BCE. These unique structures, made without mortar, range from simple conical towers to complex fortresses with multiple chambers and defensive walls. Their exact purpose remains uncertain—possibly serving as fortresses, religious temples, or community gathering places. The Nuragic people left no written records, so much of what we know comes from archaeological discoveries, including evidence of advanced stonework and astronomical alignment. Visiting these ruins oers a powerful glimpse into Sardinia’s Bronze Age past and the ingenuity of a lost civilization. Giants Tomb -is the name given by local people and archaeologists to a type of Sardinian megalithic grave built during the Bronze Age by the Nuragic civilization. They were collective tombs and can be found throughout Sardinia, with 800 being discovered there. Evening - Dinner at resort (D)
Day 3
Morning - Gentle yoga and breakfast. (B)
Afternoon - Visit the traditional village of Luogosanto. A "sacred" and authentic place where time passes slowly, and a welcoming pilgrimage destination that owes its name to a devotion that characterizes its community and to 22 sanctuaries spread out in the area. Luogosanto ("holy place") is a town of fewer than 1000 in the heart of Gallura, in the foot hills of the granitic Monti Ghjuanni, famous for a Nuragic site with an intact (and visitable) "capanna delle riunioni" (meeting hut). The town was founded in the 13th century with the arrival of the Franciscans, who set up a convent, one of the first created while Saint Francis was still alive. We will visit the hermitage of San Trano; a spiritual oasis. After spending time at San Trano, we’ll meet with a local plant healer to explore the traditional uses and healing properties of native plants. You will then have time to explore the village on your own and have lunch. Evening - At La Quericia della Gallura; a rustic farmhouse.(D)
Day 4
Morning - Breakfast at resort then o for a full day of sailing on a private boat of the Maddalena Archipelago where we can swim, snorkel, and sunbathe. (B)
The Maddalena Archipelago is a stunning group of islands in northern Sardinia, Italy, known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, secluded beaches, and protected natural beauty. It’s one of the most beautiful and pristine parts of the Mediterranean. Lunch and aperitivo provided on board (wine included) (L) Evening - Dinner back at resort (D)
Day 5
Morning - Yoga and breakfast (B)
Afternoon - Put on your hiking shoes, we will do a lot of walking today.. We will visit the village of San Pantaleo and local market. San Pantaleo is a charming village nestled in the hills of northeastern Sardinia, Italy, known for its unique blend of rustic charm and bohemian flair. Surrounded by dramatic granite mountains and close to the glamorous Costa Smeralda, San Pantaleo has become a haven for artists, artisans, and travelers seeking authenticity. One of its main attractions is the weekly local market, held every Thursday in the central piazza. This vibrant market is a sensory delight, oering everything from handmade ceramics and jewelry to local produce, cheeses, and wines. The market not only showcases the region’s craftsmanship and culinary richness but also creates a lively atmosphere where locals and visitors mingle under the Sardinian sun. Lunch in the piazza amid local artisans at Victoria Bistro. (L) After lunch we will visit an Animal Shelter. You will also have time to spend time at the resort to journal, nap, or go to the pool. Evening - Dinner at resort (D)
Day 6
Morning - Yoga and breakfast (B)
Afternoon - An unforgettable day at San Giacomo Winery where we will have a hands-on pasta class in an ancient Sardinian stazzu (home), and estate wine tasting experience by a expert sommelier. Farm-to-table lunch overlooking the vines.(L) We will also have time to explore the grounds to walk o that pasta. Evening - Dinner back at resort. (D)
Day 7
Morning - Yoga and breakfast (B)
Afternoon - We will attend the Barbagia Festival, known as “Autunno in Barbagia”, it is a vibrant cultural celebration held from September to December in the heart of Sardinia’s mountainous interior. Spanning over 30 villages in the Barbagia region, this festival transforms each weekend into a showcase of Sardinian heritage, with local homes—called cortes—opened to the public. Visitors can experience traditional crafts, taste regional food and wine, watch folk dances, and witness age-old rituals like the mysterious masked parades of the Mamuthones and Issohadores in Mamoiada. More than just a festival, Autunno in Barbagia oers an intimate journey into Sardinia’s ancient customs, rural life, and strong community spirit, making it one of the island’s most authentic cultural experiences. This will be an all day event and we will do a lot of walking so wear comfortable shoes. Evening - Dinner back at resort. (D)
Day 8 (Departure) - October 12
Morning - Yoga and farewell brunch at resort (B)
Group Transfer to Olbia Airport
PRICE PER PERSON:
$3949 double room occupancy
+ $1,000 for a single room occupancy
To register for this trip, please submit online Booking Request, then call or e-mail Lynne Norris at (317) 385-6998 or macynorris@yahoo.com to submit the initial deposit.
Payment
Schedule:
* A $500 non-refundable deposit is die per person upon booking. The balance is due 120 days prior to departure. Checks made payable to Peace through Yoga Foundation, a 3.5% is added for credit card fees.
Send checks to:
Peace Through Yoga Foundation
Attention: Lynne Norris
16511 Stonewolf Blvd
Noblesville, In 46060
Cancellation Policy:
$500 is charged for cancelling up to 90 days prior to departure.
100% cancellation fee is charged after 90 days prior to departure.
Trip Protection:
Call Travel Guard at 800-454-7107
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
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Seven (7) nights accommodations at Punta D’ACU
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7 breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 7 Dinners
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Daily activities as described.
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6 yoga classes
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Group transfers to and from resort; individual transfers not included.
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Trip leader and driver
PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
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Airfare from hometown
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Meals not stated on itinerary
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Personal expenses
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Tipping to guide and driver
Notes:
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This itinerary may change slightly due to accommodation availability, weather, festivals, and spontaneous side trips.
Trip Leaders:
Lynne Norris
Lynne has been involved with Peace through Yoga since her first trip hiking the Camino de Santiago in 2022. An avid hiker and traveler, she also enjoys yoga, transcendental meditation, photography, biking, kayaking, reading, and cooking. Lynne is also a Master Gardener and works for Windowbox Gardner in Indiana. Formerly she was a radiology technician and a packaging engineer. She lives in Noblesville, Indiana with her husband, two children and two dogs.
To register for this trip, complete the Booking Request, then call Reservations Manager, Susie Morwick, if you would like to book via credit card at a 3.5% feel or use VENMO, at (317) 544-8391. Or send initial deposit of $500 to:
Peace through Yoga Foundation
7904 Pine Lake Road
Indianapolis, IN 46268
*A $500 deposit is due upon booking (no more than seven days after confirmation). Balance is due 120 days prior to departure.
