Sewing in Sardinia: Healing, self-care, quilting, and yoga on an Italian island with Heidi Parkes

Your TourHero

Image provided by Heidi Parkes

Heidi Parkes

Heidi began her yoga training in 2012, and discovered her passion for hand quilting in 2013. This pairing of sewing and yoga has transformed her life and uplifted her spirit. Heidi is a 2005 graduate of The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and received her vinyasa flow 200-hour training from Rolf Gates and her Yoga Therapy 300-hour training from Indu Arora. She is an internationally acclaimed quilter and artist, based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.

Heidi balances a fast-paced career, social media presence @heidi.parkes, and her creative practice with a focus on curiosity. Remaining in a state of wonder while trusting that her future self can navigate logistical and compositional challenges is a skill that can be taught and learned, and it is with great joy that Heidi offers this class in healing, sewing, and self care. Quilting while traveling can enhance your ability to be nimble and can build trust with yourself.

'Working with Tour Hero allowed me to spin the globe and select any location that spoke to me. Without question, the answer was Sardinia! I haven’t been here in a decade, but I fell in love with the food, the water, the wind-sculpted rocks, and the art of Sardinia in my 20’s. Making quilts to document my travels is a passion, and I have goosebumps thinking of the work that this exquisite landscape might bring forth. Picturing our group practicing in the yoga shala, eating healthy local food, and exploring the coast & mountains feels like the perfect way to introduce folks to my approach to sewing.' -Heidi

Duration

7 days · 6 nights

Travel Date

Jul 14 – 20, 2024

Activity Level

Moderate

Group Size

12 – 16

Transportation

Group airport & activity transfers

Tour Price

USD 4,700
/ person
9 spots left
Bookings for this trip close on April 10, 2024. Don't miss your chance to Sew in Sardinia!

Your Fellow Explorers

Age range

21+

Travel interest

Wellness, art, nature, yoga

Fellow Travelers

CherylSherriMarian ShannonTeresa InekeSherriKatie

Your Local Guide

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A division of Europe Incoming, a DMC with more than four decades of experience under their belt, Ertha is a company that centers itself around trips that help travelers attain a true feeling of wellness. If your goal is to relax and recharge in a gorgeous setting, they are here to help! Yoga retreats, spa trips, quiet vacations in iconic locations – no matter what you’re looking for, Ertha can help design a customized trip that matches your exact needs.

Italy>Sewing in Sardinia: Healing, self-care, quilting, and yoga on an Italian island with Heidi Parkes

Immerse yourself in an unforgettable wellness journey at Galanias Bari Sardo Hotel in Sardinia, an exquisite island off the coast of Italy that is renowned for the good health and wellbeing of its inhabitants, boasting an extraordinary number of centurions. The holistic experience will feed your eyes and your body, and it will empower you in making a work of art alongside your host: quilter, artist, and yoga instructor, Heidi Parkes.

Your journey begins each morning with a yoga session, followed by a delicious Sardinian brunch or breakfast. The days are filled with a range of enriching activities, including a hike, a boat ride, and an excursion to Sardinia’s famed town of murals: Orgosolo. Heidi will guide you in yoga, traveling, and stitching with daily workshops on hand sewing a quilt top for yourself.

Beginners are welcome, and you will meet with Heidi before and after our retreat on Zoom to receive additional instruction on the art of hand piecing your quilt top. Balancing effort and ease is prioritized as you learn to pace yourself and stay curious about your artmaking. Enjoy relaxing with free time by lounging at the retreat’s 3 pools, schedule a massage, hike, or visit the coast of Bari Sardo. Evenings wind down with a delectable dinner with options for traditional Sardinian, vegetarian, or vegan meals.

Each day of this retreat is thoughtfully curated to promote balance, wellness, and a deeper connection with yourself and fellow retreat-goers. We hope you’ll join us for a transformative experience at Galianis, where the vibrancy of Sardinia meets the tranquility of wellness and creativity.

Cancellation policy

TourHero, the retreat host, and the tour operator reserve the right to cancel or reschedule this trip up until April 10, 2024. If the departure is canceled out of your control, you will be alerted by this date and will receive a full refund.

In this case, TourHero is not responsible for your preparation expenses, such as airline tickets, extra accommodations, loss of work, or any other cost associated with preparing for your trip. We recommend booking travel insurance, along with refundable flights/accommodations in case of cancellation.

Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.

Refunds for fully-paid trips
You may change or cancel your trip by April 10, 2024 for a refund, excluding the deposit. After this date, no refunds will be given. To change or cancel your trip, please email travelers@tourhero.com.

Trip cancellation due to COVID-19
A full credit will be issued if the tour is canceled when there is full border closure due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. This credit can go towards booking a future TourHero tour (see our COVID-19 guarantee on the tour itinerary page). We suggest buying your own travel insurance for coverage of cancellations within 30 days of the tour commencing for reasons other than a full tour cancellation.

Your TourHero

Image provided by Heidi Parkes

Heidi Parkes

Heidi began her yoga training in 2012, and discovered her passion for hand quilting in 2013. This pairing of sewing and yoga has transformed her life and uplifted her spirit. Heidi is a 2005 graduate of The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and received her vinyasa flow 200-hour training from Rolf Gates and her Yoga Therapy 300-hour training from Indu Arora. She is an internationally acclaimed quilter and artist, based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.

Heidi balances a fast-paced career, social media presence @heidi.parkes, and her creative practice with a focus on curiosity. Remaining in a state of wonder while trusting that her future self can navigate logistical and compositional challenges is a skill that can be taught and learned, and it is with great joy that Heidi offers this class in healing, sewing, and self care. Quilting while traveling can enhance your ability to be nimble and can build trust with yourself.

'Working with Tour Hero allowed me to spin the globe and select any location that spoke to me. Without question, the answer was Sardinia! I haven’t been here in a decade, but I fell in love with the food, the water, the wind-sculpted rocks, and the art of Sardinia in my 20’s. Making quilts to document my travels is a passion, and I have goosebumps thinking of the work that this exquisite landscape might bring forth. Picturing our group practicing in the yoga shala, eating healthy local food, and exploring the coast & mountains feels like the perfect way to introduce folks to my approach to sewing.' -Heidi

Duration

7 days · 6 nights

Travel Date

Jul 14 – 20, 2024

Activity Level

Moderate

Group Size

12 – 16

Transportation

Group airport & activity transfers

Italy>Sewing in Sardinia: Healing, self-care, quilting, and yoga on an Italian island with Heidi Parkes

Immerse yourself in an unforgettable wellness journey at Galanias Bari Sardo Hotel in Sardinia, an exquisite island off the coast of Italy that is renowned for the good health and wellbeing of its inhabitants, boasting an extraordinary number of centurions. The holistic experience will feed your eyes and your body, and it will empower you in making a work of art alongside your host: quilter, artist, and yoga instructor, Heidi Parkes.

Your journey begins each morning with a yoga session, followed by a delicious Sardinian brunch or breakfast. The days are filled with a range of enriching activities, including a hike, a boat ride, and an excursion to Sardinia’s famed town of murals: Orgosolo. Heidi will guide you in yoga, traveling, and stitching with daily workshops on hand sewing a quilt top for yourself.

Beginners are welcome, and you will meet with Heidi before and after our retreat on Zoom to receive additional instruction on the art of hand piecing your quilt top. Balancing effort and ease is prioritized as you learn to pace yourself and stay curious about your artmaking. Enjoy relaxing with free time by lounging at the retreat’s 3 pools, schedule a massage, hike, or visit the coast of Bari Sardo. Evenings wind down with a delectable dinner with options for traditional Sardinian, vegetarian, or vegan meals.

Each day of this retreat is thoughtfully curated to promote balance, wellness, and a deeper connection with yourself and fellow retreat-goers. We hope you’ll join us for a transformative experience at Galianis, where the vibrancy of Sardinia meets the tranquility of wellness and creativity.

Timeline

  • Day 1 · July 14, 2024 · Sardinia
  • Arrive in Italy
  • Group transfer from airport to accommodation
  • Check-in at Galanias Hotel & Retreat (or similar according to availability)
  • Welcome gathering
  • 7 PM: Dinner
  • Day 2 · July 15, 2024 · Sardinia
  • Light refreshments: coffee, hot tea, fruit
  • 9 AM: Vinyasa flow yoga session with Heidi
  • Free time
  • 11 AM: Brunch
  • 12 - 3 PM: Hand sewing workshop
  • Free time
  • 7 PM: Dinner
  • Day 3 · July 16, 2024 · Sardinia
  • Light refreshments: coffee, hot tea, fruit
  • 9 AM: Depart for Domus de Janas hike
  • Noon: Brunch
  • Free time
  • 4:30 PM: Hand yoga session with Heidi
  • 5 PM: Hand sewing workshop
  • 7 PM: Dinner
  • Day 4 · July 17, 2024 · Sardinia
  • Light refreshments: coffee, hot tea, fruit
  • 9 AM: Vinyasa flow yoga session with Heidi
  • Free time
  • 11 AM - 2:30 PM: Boat tour with lunch
  • Hand sewing workshop
  • 4:30 PM: Free time
  • 7 PM: Dinner
  • Day 5 · July 18, 2024 · Sardinia
  • 7 - 9 AM: Breakfast buffet
  • 9 AM: Hand yoga with Heidi while in transit
  • Visit Orgosolo (Mural Tour) + Nuraghe Losa (1 hr drive)
  • Lunch in the town of Cabras
  • Tharros Archaeological Site + Visit San Giovanni di Sinis Beach + transport with guide
  • 7 PM: Dinner
  • Day 6 · July 19, 2024 · Sardinia
  • Light refreshments: coffee, hot tea, fruit
  • 9 AM: Mudras, meditation, and gentle yoga with Heidi
  • Free time
  • 11 AM: Brunch
  • 12 PM: Hand sewing workshop
  • 2 PM: Free afternoon
  • 7 PM: Dinner
  • Day 7 · July 20, 2024 · Departure
  • 7 - 9 AM: Breakfast buffet and check out of accommodation
  • 9 AM: Group transfer from airport to accommodation (arrival around 11 AM)
  • Hand yoga with Heidi while in transit
  • Journey ends

Details

Day 1 · July 14, 2024

Welcome to Sardinia – your week of health, relaxation, and sewing begins

Pre-Trip: Revel in the joys of anticipation, and begin learning, stitching, and stretching pre-trip. Heidi will welcome students via email with a robust pre-recorded introduction to sewing while traveling, and to the fundamentals of her approach to yoga. Then, you will join her live via Zoom to meet your fellow travelers, ask questions, and gain insights on what to pack. (recorded)
We will meet:
Thursday, April 25, 5pm-7pm central
Thursday, May 30, 3pm-4:30pm central
Tuesday, June 25, 6pm-7:30pm central
Travelers may be excited to know that in 2024, the Venice Biennale is focused on art, and you can share any additional travel plans that you may have made before or after the trip in Italy or elsewhere.

Your journey continues at the Olbia Airport! Upon arrival, our group transfer will be ready and waiting to transport you through the scenic landscapes of Sardinia to your luxurious home-away-from-home, the Galanias Hotel & Retreat in Bari Sardo. There will be two transports to the hotel, and Heidi will join her guests on one of them. After check-in, you'll have some free time to settle in and explore the enchanting property.

As the day turns into night, you're invited to join our welcome gathering – an opportunity to connect with your fellow retreat goers in a relaxed setting to share your sewing progress and meet your peers in the flesh. From here, a warm Sardinian evening awaits you with a welcome dinner featuring the finest local ingredients prepared by our expert chefs, where options for traditional Sardinian, vegetarian, or vegan meals are available. Shift into a state of peace, and let the journey unfold.

Day 2 · July 15, 2024

Attune your compass, finding the next right thing and staying present

There is much to enjoy on site and by foot from our hotel! Today we will orient ourselves in Sardinia. We begin with a light start to the day featuring tea and some simple fruits to peel and eat. There is also a hotel ‘bar’ available for those wishing to partake in an Italian espresso or cafe latte to start their day. At 9am, we will gather in the yoga shala, with panoramic windows, vaulted ceiling, and air conditioning. Greet the day by surrendering into the fluid movements of a vinyasa yoga practice. Heidi will attune the sequence to the needs of quilters with extra care for neck and shoulders. After our flow and calming savasana (75-minutes), you may retire to your room or partake in a quick swim. Brunch at 11am will delight your senses and sustain us through the day.

We will begin diving into our sewing practice at noon. Italians are known for saying allora, 'and then,' and Heidi will share some similar secrets for quilting. We will practice avoiding decision fatigue and overwhelm, and instead focus our energies on finding 'the next right thing' as we lay our quilts out on the floor of the yoga shala and ask ourselves, 'what’s next?' The gift of this spacious studio for both sewing and yoga will allow you to work as Heidi does in her home studio, laying out your quilt horizontally and playing effortlessly with composition, color, and cloth.

Our 3-hour workshop will melt into the afternoon around 3pm, at which point you can continue to sew in the yoga shala or poolside. You may wish to book a massage, explore the coast and the Torre de Bari at the seaside, or enjoy a nap. The choice is yours. Dinner awaits us at 7pm.

Day 3 · July 16, 2024

Sculpted by wind, salt, and mirto, we walk amongst the peaks

Following our light refreshments, while the air is still cool, at 9 am we will embark on a 2.5 hour guided hike of the Domus de Janas Perda e’ Pera. This is a complex of Neolithic tombs carved out of granite, topped by bright red peaks, reminiscent of the designs of Picasso. Sardinia is known for its fragrant winds scented with mirto berries and salt, which carves the rock and leaves locals and travelers equally in awe. After experiencing the beauty of nature, we will return to Galanias for brunch and free time.

At 4:30 pm we'll reunite at our yoga shala for hand yoga and a sewing workshop. How to depict nature's beauty? An aerial map, embroidery, colorful appliqué, text? We will stay curious and allow the impact of our hike to unfold into our sewing.

As the stars begin to twinkle in the night sky, gather with your fellow retreat-goers for a delightful dinner, where local flavors meet innovative cuisine, culminating in a gastronomic experience that will satisfy your cravings and feed your soul.

Day 4 · July 17, 2024

Shifting perspective again, we experience the sea, notice the middle, and savor the day

We will begin the day with strength, balance, and flexibility as we prepare our sea-legs for a day on the Tyrrhenian Sea. After enjoying light refreshments, yoga, and free time, we will board a boat for a 3-hour excursion including lunch. When on an island, time at sea is a must, and we will soak in the view of the coast.

Upon return from our boating experience, we will enjoy class time in the yoga shala, taking note of the past, future, and present as our stitching progresses. Wednesday is a classic day for taking note and acknowledging the middle, and we will savor this moment together as we sew, ask questions, learn new techniques, and go deeper into the healing philosophies of quilting with Heidi.

We will relish new opportunities with our free time beginning at 4:30 pm, sewing or perhaps embarking on a solo hike with the knowledge gained from our guided hike the day before. Massages, the pool, and the town of Bari Sardo are your oyster. As dusk emerges, we will share a meal at Galianis, savoring food and the moment.

Day 5 · July 18, 2024

Anarchist murals, an adventure inland, and a practice in ‘making time’

Today we change our pace and enjoy a breakfast buffet to start our day. Then, we will board a bus for an adventure with our guide. Heidi loves to say that quilting should adapt to our lives rather than our lives adapting to our practice, and so we will practice hand yoga with her on the bus. This may be Heidi’s best known skill as a yoga instructor, and it will allow you to enjoy the stunning panorama of Sardinia while recharging your hands.

While still morning, we will tour the city of Orgosolo, as seen on shows like Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations. Heidi visited this town on several occasions while in her 20s, and it left a mark on her heart with the art of their murals, the unique style of painting, and the inland community with steep roads. We will tour onward to a late lunch in Cabras. Sardinia is one of 5 places on earth known as a ‘Blue Zone,’ acclaimed for an impressive number of centurions and a vibrant, long-lived lifestyle. We will endeavor to learn more about this in person, and will explore the Tharros Archaeological Site and the San Giovanni di Sinis Beach north of our hotel.

Travelers are encouraged to maximize their bus time with a self-paced choice of experiencing the view, enjoying music or podcasts, hand yoga, and/or sewing. Upon our return to our hotel, we will be met with a mouth-watering dinner under the stars, a perfect opportunity to connect with fellow retreat-goers and share the day's experiences.

Day 6 · July 19, 2024

Composition, balancing effort and ease, and feeling into intuition

Mudras, meditation, and gentle yoga will begin this final day of our retreat. After light refreshments, Heidi will lead students in a favorite meditation, guiding one’s thoughts towards the future and inviting in powerful new habits, encouraging you to take the peace and excitement of our time together back home. Paired with a gentle yoga practice, we will greet the day and our next chapter with joy, allora!

Our delicious Sardinian brunch will be followed with a workshop on composition, aesthetics, & economy of movement. How do we know when a work of art is complete? Sometimes more stitching is perfect, and other times it is just more, and we might be better served by moving forward into the next phase of hand quilting. Heidi will share the basics of this skill, and students will receive abundant pre-recorded instruction on hand quilting too - an opportunity to keep the spirit of our Sardinian self-care retreat alive and flowing into your daily routine at home.

Travelers are invited to indulge in their favorite pastimes with a lengthy afternoon of free time. Following this opportunity to connect with intuition, inclination, and self, we will unite for our final dinner together at Galianis, reveling in storytelling about our day's adventures.

Day 7 · July 20, 2024

Allora, and then!

In the morning, we will enjoy a breakfast buffet, and then launch into a day of travel. Heidi will accompany travelers onward to the airport transport as we enjoy a glorious view of the Sardinian countryside and perhaps practice some hand yoga together in transit.

Post-trip: Reunite, reminisce, encourage, and plan. Meeting on Zoom (recorded) with Heidi will offer a special opportunity to share an update about your quilt, ask questions, and reconnect with our group:

Tuesday, August 27, 4 – 5:30 pm

Accommodation

  • Galanias Hotel & Retreat (or similar according to availability)

    Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Sardinia, Italy, Galanias Hotel & Retreat is an idyllic accommodation set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea and lush greenery. It offers guests a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life with elegant accommodations featuring tasteful decor, panoramic views, and air conditioning. Guests can indulge in delectable Sardinian cuisine at the on-site restaurant, unwind by the sparkling pool, or explore nearby pristine beaches and ancient archaeological sites. If you want to look inwards, connect with the Earth, and develop a stronger sense of personal wellness, Galanias is the perfect choice. Room type: Double occupancy. Room configuration: Twin beds.

Included

  • 6 nights in Galanias Hotel & Retreat (or similar)
  • Shared double occupancy in accommodations with AC
  • All activities described in the itinerary
  • Transportation between activities and accommodation
  • Meals as described in the itinerary
  • One group airport arrival transfer
  • One group airport departure transfer
  • Yoga equipment (Mats, blocks, pillows, straps, bolsters)

Not included

  • Flights
  • All food not mentioned in inclusions
  • Optional add-ons
  • Travel insurance
  • Gratuities

FAQ

What happens if I need to cancel my trip?

Please check the cancellation policy section on this itinerary page for specific details.

Will TourHero or the operator take care of my visa (if applicable)?

Travelers are responsible for researching visa requirements and obtaining a visa if needed. Please check government websites to ensure you have the necessary documents, along with passport requirements, before your departure date. This includes necessary transit visas, permits, and vaccinations required prior to travel and any required reciprocity fees for the destination. TourHero will provide a booking confirmation document after purchase, which may be needed to obtain a visa.

If your visa is denied for any reason, TourHero will issue a refund based on the cancellation policy. However, we are unable to provide a refund after the cancellation due date has passed.

Do I need a passport for this trip?

A full and valid passport is required for all persons traveling to any destination outside of one’s home country. Most international tours require a passport that's valid for at least six (6) months beyond the scheduled end of your itinerary. TourHero will not issue refunds based on passport issues such as renewals or lost passports.

What's included in the price?

Please check the inclusion and exclusion sections above. You'll find information about included meals, transfers, flights, and activities. If you have any questions or need support, please contact hello@tourhero.com.

Available add-on

Private room upgrade

Upgrade to a private room at Galanias Hotel & Retreat.

Price: USD 1,125

2 spots left

Add-on: Private room upgrade

Osteopathy evaluation and treatment

Book an osteopathy evaluation and treatment.

Price: USD 145

2 spots left

Add-on: Osteopathy evaluation and treatment

Total body decontracting massage

Experience a transformative and healing total body decontracting massage.

Price: USD 136

1 spot left

Add-on: Total body decontracting massage

"Post-race" relaxing sports massage

Allow your body to relax after exercise with this "post-race" massage.

Price: USD 136

2 spots left

Add-on: "Post-race" relaxing sports massage

Manual lymphatic drainage L.D.M.

Book a session of manual lymphatic drainage L.D.M.

Price: USD 136

2 spots left

Add-on: Manual lymphatic drainage L.D.M.

Shiatsu treatment

Book a shiatsu treatment.

Price: USD 136

1 spot left

Add-on: Shiatsu treatment

Biodynamic craniosacral treatment

Book a biodynamic craniosacral treatment.

Price: USD 111

2 spots left

Add-on: Biodynamic craniosacral treatment

Anti-stress relaxation massage

Book an anti-stress relaxation massage.

Price: USD 111

2 spots left

Add-on: Anti-stress relaxation massage

Psychosomatic massage

Book a massage with psychosomatic benefits.

Price: USD 119

2 spots left

Add-on: Psychosomatic massage

Personalized massage

Book a massage that is personalized to you and your unique needs.

Price: USD 119

1 spot left

Add-on: Personalized massage

Partial massage

Book a partial massage to focus more on one section of the body.

Price: USD 85

2 spots left

Add-on: Partial massage

Lomi Lomi Hawaiian massage

Book a Lomi Lomi Hawaiian massage.

Price: USD 119

2 spots left

Add-on: Lomi Lomi Hawaiian massage

Californian massage

Book a Californian massage.

Price: USD 119

2 spots left

Add-on: Californian massage

Draining massage

Drain build-ups of fluid in your body with this massage.

Price: USD 119

2 spots left

Add-on: Draining massage

Aromatherapy massage

Book a massage session that incorporates rejuvenating aromatherapy.

Price: USD 128

2 spots left

Add-on: Aromatherapy massage

Anti-cellulite treatment

Make your skin look brand new with an anti-cellulite treatment.

Price: USD 119

2 spots left

Add-on: Anti-cellulite treatment

Cold cupping and detoxifying massage

Book a cold cupping and detoxifying massage.

Price: USD 119

2 spots left

Add-on: Cold cupping and detoxifying massage

Sport massage

Book a massage that is perfect for athletes or anyone involved in sports.

Price: USD 136

2 spots left

Add-on: Sport massage

Plantar reflexology

Book a session of plantar reflexology.

Price: USD 85

2 spots left

Add-on: Plantar reflexology

Anti-aging gua sha face and decollete treatment

Renew your skin with this anti-aging gua sha face and decollete treatment.

Price: USD 85

1 spot left

Add-on: Anti-aging gua sha face and decollete treatment

Cancellation policy

TourHero, the retreat host, and the tour operator reserve the right to cancel or reschedule this trip up until April 10, 2024. If the departure is canceled out of your control, you will be alerted by this date and will receive a full refund.

In this case, TourHero is not responsible for your preparation expenses, such as airline tickets, extra accommodations, loss of work, or any other cost associated with preparing for your trip. We recommend booking travel insurance, along with refundable flights/accommodations in case of cancellation.

Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.

Refunds for fully-paid trips
You may change or cancel your trip by April 10, 2024 for a refund, excluding the deposit. After this date, no refunds will be given. To change or cancel your trip, please email travelers@tourhero.com.

Trip cancellation due to COVID-19
A full credit will be issued if the tour is canceled when there is full border closure due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. This credit can go towards booking a future TourHero tour (see our COVID-19 guarantee on the tour itinerary page). We suggest buying your own travel insurance for coverage of cancellations within 30 days of the tour commencing for reasons other than a full tour cancellation.

USD 4,700
Per person