Week 1: 9th May – 16th May 2026
Week 2: 31st October – 7th November 2026
Join the Idler Pilgrimage Retreat, a week of walks, talks and yoga in Umbria and Tuscany. We’ll walk three short stretches of the Via di Francesco pilgrimage route, starting at an ancient hermitage in the hills and finishing at Assisi. On each walk we’ll contemplate a work of Renaissance art including two great Piero della Francesca paintings and a recently discovered Donatello statue in a nearby village.
Along the way we’ll pass through olive and chestnut groves, orchards, vineyards and tobacco fields and we’ll see some of the very greatest Renaissance art. Each stretch will take roughly half a day.
In the company of Idler editor Tom Hodgkinson, philosopher Mark Vernon, yoga teacher Tessa Mair and Idler Academy director Victoria Hull, we’ll be talking about philosophies that can help us be happy.
Mark Vernon will compare the different philosophies of nature from the ancient world, St Francis, and the Romantics. He’ll discuss the stillness at the heart of Piero della Francesca’s paintings, and he’ll talk about the meaning of pilgrimage.
Tom Hodgkinson will explain why Socrates was so annoying, ask if the Stoics were the original hippies, and show us how their ideas can help us be happy. Tom’s new book How to Live Like a Stoic: A Handbook for Happiness is published by Bloomsbury in February.
Tessa Mair will lead yoga sessions that invite deeper exploration of the themes at the heart of the pilgrimage.
We’ll be based at Villa Pia, on the border of Umbria and Tuscany.
You’ll go home with new inspiration and great ideas, having had a lot of fun into the bargain.
More Information on The Idler website: https://www.idler.co.uk/product/idler-pilgrimage-retreat/
Testimonials from previous Idler Pilgrimage Retreaters
“A completely wonderful experience with lovely people in a magical setting.”
“A great mix of nature, walking, relaxing, and intellectual stimulation… and not to forget, feasting.”
“It was lovingly organised, seemed effortlessly orchestrated. I think only fantastic people get drawn to the Idler. How else could every member of the group be so fantastic, and of course the organisers.”
“…inspirational talks and discussions which opened one’s mind to new perspectives.”
“A relaxed and welcoming adventure. Appreciated the care and attention of you both as my hosts.”
“It was wonderful and interesting – I have learnt so much and met a fabulous group of people.”
“A very good mix of activity, learning, food & drink, and time for reflection and/or relaxation.”
“While being lots of fun, I enjoyed the lectures and all the conversations to consider and think about. It was (and I felt) serene. The food was outstanding. Overall I thought the Retreat offered huge value for money.”
“Fabulous! I got more than I ever anticipated.”