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SICILIAN DREAMS: ORTIGIA ODYSSEY
RETREAT & TOUR: ANCIENT ORTIGIA ISLAND, SICILY
OCTOBER 4-11, 2025

Wellness & wonder combined.
Explore the heritage and spectacular old-world beauty of Ortigia.
Refresh your soul with yoga, journaling and immersive creativity.
 
  • Reconnect with yourself or your partner
  • Feel awe and wonder as you explore
  • Get outside the norm and get inspired
  • Savor the freshest food and regional wines
  • Make unforgettable memories with new friends


    The Pearl of Sicily: Ortigia Island.
    The historic center of ancient Siracusa, Sicily.

    Our base to explore within and without. 
     
  • Optional bonus excursions to Baroque towns, wineries and boat tours! Seaside aperitivo with a breathtaking view. 

    EARLYBIRD PRICING TILL APRIL 21st!
     
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Soothe Your Soul While
Experiencing An Incredible Place​

 

This retreat is designed for you: the busy human who desperately needs a break. But more than that, needs to be nurtured and restored, inspired and reignited. 

Imagine a week in a beautiful, ancient setting- a part of Italy many people haven't yet experienced - where you get to be a whole person, experiencing the simple pleasures of yoga, immersive creativity, journaling, and amazing fresh food. We explore these practices as we also go out into the world and discover a fascinating city full of archeological wonders and natural beauty.

We  balance the ideas of going deeply within, and journeying into the world. The tools we build during this retreat & tour will serve you long after returning home, and you will love the transformation!

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WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Seven nights' lodging at a historic hotel

  • Breakfasts at the hotel

  • Four customized lunches and four dinners at a classic trattoria down the block

  • Travel planning assistance from Dana

  • Several yoga, journaling and creativity sessions

  • Visits to historic sites within Ortigia

  • Italian language learning during pre-trip meetups online

  • Access to the seashore

  • Welcome ritual and farewell ceremony

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BONUS (OPTIONAL) OFFERINGS

  • Excursions to historic towns, wineries and heritage sites

  • Creativity consulting with Dana Saylor

  • Worldschooling/travel consulting with Chloe Batrick

  • Therapeutic massage sessions at the nearby studio​
     

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THE LOCATION

Our homebase in Ortigia, Siracusa Sicily is a charming seaside spot in the center of the ancient island city. Where Archimedes was born, and lived to invent many new ideas we still use. 

The hotel occupies a historic building and is full of character. 
The flexible rooms range from single to quadruple, so you can come by yourself, or bring a group of friends or family members. (It's very common in Italy for beds to be together or separate, depending on your preferences.)

We'll walk to a nearby shoreline spot for several yoga sessions with an international teacher. We'll amble next door for four of our lunches and dinners (other meals you'll get to try cafes, restaurants and regional dishes that suit you). We'll stroll the historic district and learn the context of this beguiling place. We'll most definitely taste gelato, cannoli and other treats while out and about. We'll take time to journal, and savor immersive ink painting sessions that will amaze you- Dana's past retreat attendees ALL loved what they created. Many of whom had never painted, or thought themselves "not creative". 

Chloe, our co-leader, lived in Ortigia for seven years so she knows her way around. She speaks Italian as well, so we can both communicate with locals. 

 

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THE TEAM

DANA SAYLOR, CO-LEADER

I'm an artist, historian, preservation advocate and event planner. In 2016, an art/history residency outside of Florence changed my trajectory and led me toward collaborations I couldn't have imagined. Now, I've  organized five wellness and creativity retreats and my passion for all things Italian has only grown.

My cousins in Lazio south of Rome have helped me stay connected to my heritage, and I am so excited to share this beautiful place with you.

 

We've planned this retreat with you in mind, and selected our teachers and venue with great care. We look forward to spending quality time with you.

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CHLOE BATRICK, CO-LEADER

I'm Chloe, previous resident of Ortigia Island for 7 years, lifelong traveller, business owner and worldschooling mum of 2 young children.

 

15 years ago I set out on a 6 month solo backpacking adventure and I never took the flight home. 


I've lived and worked all over the world teaching English and then opened my own online school. During 7 years in Ortigia Island I also ran a successful holiday home business.  Travel is not just an interest for me, it's who I am, and that's why I now help others plan, book and make the most out of their trips.


I can't wait to share Ortigia and some of its hidden gems with you.

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SIGN UP TODAY - DON'T MISS THIS

Our retreat and tour in Ortigia, Sicily will leave you with a sense of peace and contentment. The chance to show up for your deeper self, along with an opportunity to see a special part of the world that you might not otherwise visit, is a worthwhile investment.
 

Built for all skill and experience levels, this retreat is priced by type of room. Paying an initial non-refundable deposit of $500 per person will lock in your rate and hold your space.

Click here for Room Types, Pricing, FAQ and Cancellation Policy

Dana Saylor

315-525-7474
dana@danasaylor.com

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© Copyright Dana L.  Saylor            Buffalo, New York           315-525-7474         dana@danasaylor.com

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