RETREAT FROM 10/31 TO 11/03
Three days to slow down, in one of Italy's most fascinating areas, nestled between the sea and the hills. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cilento is a magical place, as you'll experience when you arrive at the Franciscan Convent, in the heart of Cilento National Park. Founded in 1320 in Cuccaro Vetere, it housed a sacred relic, the Legno Santo, a fragment of Christ's cross.
Vacations have become increasingly challenging, with planning and activities to complete. With this retreat, we want to help you truly slow down, combining non-doing with light, meditative doing, leaving you feeling relaxed and filled with joy at the end. In a one-of-a-kind setting, with just 14 people, the founders of Vita lenta and Slow Living Hotels, and three bespoke experiences.
THE CONVENT
Enclosed by ancient walls and a garden that produces vegetables and the freshest grapes, the convent was founded with the idea of being self-sufficient, offering the friars the opportunity to live in harmony with nature. Even today, this spirit of simplicity and respect for the land remains intact, inviting guests to rediscover the value of a slower pace of life and an authentic connection with the land.
Since its founding, the Franciscan Convent has undergone many transformations, without ever losing its identity and timeless charm. Every space tells a story, every perspective opens onto vistas that invite reflection and serenity. Crossing the threshold of the Franciscan Convent means embarking on an inner journey, an opportunity to connect with a living past, capable of inspiring and nourishing the soul.
Slow Life is the sound of cicadas, laundry hanging out to dry, a person sleeping, gazing at the sea at sunset, being bored without feeling guilty, celebrating humanity and simplicity, appreciating life as it is. And it's also an art project on Instagram, founded in 2020.
THE ORGANIZERS
Slow Living Hotels is a network of accommodations that go beyond a simple stay: they are true sensory retreats where the quality of time and environment are at the heart of the experience. Each hotel is selected for its ability to offer a "slowdown effect," promoting relaxation, connection with nature, and inner well-being.
info e booking: retreat@vitalenta.it
THE PROGRAM
TREKKING
A roughly three-hour trek immersed in the Mediterranean scrub of the Infreschi and Masseta Marine Protected Area, one of Italy's most spectacular stretches of coastline. The trek winds along paths overlooking the sea, offering unique views and stops at Cilento's most iconic beaches, such as Cala Bianca and Baia degli Infreschi, both named "Italy's Most Beautiful Beach" by Legambiente.
During the excursion, we'll stop for a picnic on the beach, prepared with typical local products, and conclude the day with a return boat ride to admire the coast from a different and unforgettable perspective.
(Activity subject to weather and sea conditions; in case of bad weather it will be replaced with an alternative trek in the Cilento hinterland.)
MEDITATIVE WRITING
Meditate through handwriting, an increasingly uncommon gesture in our daily lives, where the manual gesture has been replaced by the tapping of a screen or keyboard. Leading us for an afternoon to rediscover handwriting and its gestures is one of the last remaining active signmakers in Italy, Loris Lillo, aka Lillo Letters, who continues to create gold leaf signs in Italy and abroad from his workshop in Conversano, Puglia.
cooking class
Cilento is the true epicenter of a healthy and tasty gastronomic culture that inspired the Mediterranean diet.
An authentic Cilentan cuisine experience led by Patrizia Portolano, chef at Osteria del Convento. Originally from Puglia and now a Cilentan by adoption, Patrizia guards the secrets of Southern Italy's culinary tradition and brings them to our table every day.
During the cooking class, we'll learn how to prepare two typical Cilento pastas: fusilli and cavatelli, made with ancient whole grains. We'll then create the sauces together using fresh, seasonal local produce.
The result will be a convivial lunch, cooked and shared around the table, in the spirit of authenticity and the Mediterranean spirit.
food
Every day, you can sample the cuisine of the Franciscan Convent's osteria, where Patrizia Portolano's expert hands prepare traditional local dishes. You can also taste wines from the most interesting local wineries. Weather permitting, we'll do everything in the convent's beautiful courtyard; otherwise, we'll take refuge within the walls of the former church.
FAQ
What does the price include?
The price includes 3 nights' accommodation in a double room with breakfast, 3 dinners with wine tastings, 3 lunches, and 3 experiences. The price does not include any additional services requested directly at the property.
How to get there
The Franciscan Convent Experience Hotel is located in Cuccaro Vetere (SA), within the Cilento National Park.
📍 Via Convento, Cuccaro Vetere, Province of Salerno
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By train: The closest station with high-speed connections is Vallo della Lucania-Castelnuovo, just a 15-minute drive from the Convent. Frecciarossa and Italo trains arrive daily.
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By plane: Salerno-Costa d'Amalfi Airport is about 1 hour and 10 minutes away; Naples-Capodichino Airport is about 2 hours away.
Is travel included in the price?
No, travel is not included. If you require transportation to and from the nearest airport (Naples-Salerno) or train station (Vallo della Lucania-Castelnuovo), please indicate your preferred dates and times in the notes.
In what language will the experiences be held?
Our experiences will be held in Italian and English.
When can I cancel?
Reservations cannot be cancelled, but they can be transferred to other people upon prior notification to info@conventofrancescano.com.
How can I pay?
You can pay the full amount by credit card or bank transfer.
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