(No availability) 6 Day Wild Alpine Retreat: Vegan Cooking, Fermentation, Foraging and Trekking in Rovetta, Italy
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Wild Alps Retreat: Nature, Food, Adventure
Join Alessia in the heart of the Italian Alps for an unforgettable journey into nature, flavors, and self-discovery. Based in a secluded mountain cabin, you’ll explore the wild beauty of the Alps through daily treks, hands-on workshops in vegan cooking and fermentation, and the ancient art of foraging wild herbs. Reconnect with the rhythms of nature, nourish your body with wholesome plant-based meals, and awaken your spirit in the pristine wilderness. This is more than a retreat; it’s a transformation.
Meet the instructors
Read more
Highlights
- Wild treks
- Fermentation magic
- Foraging adventures
- Sunset sauna sessions
- Mountain cabin living
- Plant-based feasts
- Vegan cooking workshops
- 5 nights accommodation
Skill level
- Beginner
- Intermediate
Accommodation
Your base camp: Baita Bruseda
Your retreat begins at Baita Bruseda, a cozy mountain cabin nestled in the heart of the Orobie Regional Park. Surrounded by untouched nature, this is your sanctuary for the week—a place where the wild beauty of the Alps meets the warmth of a rustic refuge
The cabin features a welcoming wooden bathroom and an outdoor hot shower, allowing you to refresh and rejuvenate while staying connected to the natural surroundings. Just steps away, you’ll find a unique sauna carved into a small cave—a magical spot to relax and unwind after a day of adventure
For accommodation, you’ll stay in a spacious seven-meter glamping tent, located just one minute away from the cabin. These tents offer a unique blend of adventure and comfort, with cozy bedding and a connection to nature that ensures a restful night’s sleep.
Wake up to the sounds of the forest, with breathtaking views of the mountains and the crisp alpine air right outside your door. It’s the perfect way to recharge after a day of trekking, cooking, and exploring.
Program
What to expect:
- Wild treks: Explore the untouched beauty of the Alps with guided treks through forests, meadows, and mountain trails.
- Vegan cooking workshops: Learn to create delicious, wholesome meals with Alessia, using local and seasonal ingredients.
- Fermentation magic: Dive into the ancient art of fermentation and craft your own probiotic-rich foods like sauerkraut and kimchi.
- Foraging adventures: Discover wild herbs and edible plants, and learn how to transform them into culinary treasures.
- Sunset sauna sessions: Relax and rejuvenate in a traditional sauna, surrounded by the stunning colors of the alpine sunset.
- Mountain cabin living: Stay in a secluded alpine cabin, immersed in nature and far from the noise of everyday life.
- Plant-based feasts: Enjoy nourishing vegan meals, prepared with love and inspired by the wild flavors of the Alps.
Day 1 – Arrival
- 16:00 – Pick-up: meet at the Clusone bus station
- 17:00 – Arrival at the park: walk 30 minutes to Baita Bruseda
- 17:30 – Settle in: get comfortable in the shared glamping tent and explore the surroundings
- 18:00 – Welcome: relax and get to know Alessia and me, your hosts
- 19:00 – Sunset sauna: optional sauna session to unwind after the journey
- 20:00 – Dinner: enjoy a warm, welcoming vegan meal together
- 21:00 – Evening wind-down: herbal tea, stargazing, or relaxation by the fire
Day 2
- 07:30 – Morning wake-up: mindful moment in nature
- 08:00 – Breakfast: enjoy a wholesome vegan breakfast prepared by your hosts
- 10:00 – Foraging trek: explore the Orobie Park and forage for wild ingredients
- 12:00 – Shared lunch prep: transform foraged ingredients into a delicious meal together
- 14:00 – Lunch: enjoy the communal lunch
- 16:00 – Free time: relax in a hammock, read a book, or soak up the sun
- 19:00 – Sunset sauna: optional sauna session
- 20:00 – Dinner: share the evening meal prepared by your hosts
- 21:00 – Evening wind-down: herbal tea, stargazing, or relaxation by the fire
Day 3
- 07:30 – Morning wake-up: mindful moment in nature
- 08:00 – Shared brunch prep: prepare a wholesome vegan brunch together
- 10:00 – Brunch: enjoy a leisurely and abundant brunch
- 12:00 – Free time: relax, read, or enjoy the alpine views
- 14:00 – Fermentation lab: learn the art of fermentation
- 16:00 – Free time: relax in a hammock, read a book, or soak up the sun
- 19:00 – Sunset sauna: optional sauna session
- 20:00 – Dinner: share the evening meal prepared by your hosts
- 21:00 – Evening wind-down: herbal tea, stargazing, or relaxation by the fire
Day 4
- 07:30 – Morning wake-up: mindful moment in nature
- 08:00 – Breakfast: enjoy a wholesome vegan breakfast prepared by your hosts
- 10:00 – Foraging trek: explore the Orobie Park and forage for wild ingredients
- 12:00 – Shared lunch prep: transform foraged ingredients into a delicious meal together
- 14:00 – Lunch: enjoy the communal lunch
- 16:00 – Free time: relax in a hammock, read a book, or soak up the sun
- 19:00 – Sunset sauna: optional sauna session
- 20:00 – Dinner: share the evening meal prepared by your hosts
- 21:00 – Evening wind-down: herbal tea, stargazing, or relaxation by the fire
Day 5
- 07:30 – Morning wake-up: mindful moment in nature
- 08:00 – Breakfast: enjoy a wholesome vegan breakfast prepared by your hosts
- 10:00 – Free time: relax, read, or enjoy the alpine views
- 12:00 – Shared lunch prep: cook together using fresh ingredients
- 14:00 – Lunch: enjoy the communal lunch
- 16:00 – Fermentation lab: learn the art of fermentation
- 19:00 – Sunset sauna: optional sauna session
- 20:00 – Dinner: dhare the evening meal prepared by your hosts
- 21:00 – Evening wind-down: herbal tea, stargazing, or relaxation by the fire
Day 6 – Departure
- 07:30 – Morning wake-up: mindful moment in nature
- 08:00 – Shared breakfast prep: prepare a wholesome vegan breakfast together
- 09:00 – Pack up: prepare to leave the cabin
- 10:00 – Pick-up: depart for the Clusone bus station
Included excursions
Explore the wild beauty of the Orobie Park
The excursions during this retreat are designed to immerse you in the untouched beauty of the Orobie Regional Park, offering a mix of adventure, discovery, and connection with nature. Each trek is an opportunity to explore the alpine landscape, forage for wild ingredients, and recharge your spirit.
- Guided foraging treks: Wander through lush forests, meadows, and mountain trails, learning to identify and harvest wild herbs, berries, and edible plants. These ingredients will then be transformed into delicious meals during our cooking workshops.
- Wild herb harvesting: Discover the abundance of wild herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, nettle, and wild garlic, and learn how to incorporate them into your cooking for unique flavors and health benefits.
- Scenic alpine trails: Explore iconic spots like the Presolana peak and the Ferrante and Ferrantino mountains, with breathtaking views of valleys, lakes, and rugged peaks.
- Nature immersion: Experience the magic of the Alps as you walk along crystal-clear streams, through enchanted woods, and across sunlit meadows.
- Mindful exploration: Each trek includes moments of mindfulness, allowing you to fully connect with the natural surroundings and appreciate the serenity of the mountains.
- Sharing circles in nature: Pause during the treks to sit together in peaceful spots surrounded by forests, meadows, or mountain vistas. These moments are perfect for sharing stories, reflections, or simply enjoying the silence of the wild.
Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a casual walker, the excursions are tailored to suit all levels, ensuring a rewarding and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Instructors
Alessia
Alessia Fantini, The Vegan Side of the Moon, is a vegan chef, foraging expert, and sustainability advocate. Inspired by nature, she creates dishes with local, wild, and fermented ingredients, reducing food waste and celebrating seasonal flavors. A former engineer, she turned her passion for plant-based cooking into a global mission, sharing her knowledge through workshops, blogs, and social media. Alessia empowers others to cook sustainably, forage mindfully, and embrace a compassionate lifestyle.
Location
The Wild Alpine Setting
Nestled in the heart of the Orobie Regional Park, in the Italian pre-Alps, this retreat takes place in a region blessed by endless sunny days and untouched natural beauty. The park is a paradise of wildflowers, berries, enchanted forests, crystal-clear torrents, and majestic peaks—a landscape so breathtaking it feels like it was painted by the divine.
Unlike more crowded destinations, the Orobie Park remains wild and serene, offering a true escape into nature. Here, the clouds dance across vast skies, creating unforgettable sunsets, and at night, the moon illuminates the mountains, filling the air with a vibrant energy that invites you on an endless inner journey.
Nearby attractions:
- Explore the iconic Presolana and Ferrante peaks, perfect for trekking and photography.
- Discover hidden alpine lakes and lush meadows teeming with wildflowers.
- Wander through magical forests and along crystal-clear streams
Local flavors:
- Taste the wild with foraging expeditions for herbs and berries.
- Visit nearby farms and producers to experience the authentic flavors of the Alps.
Accessibility:
- Easily reachable yet far from the crowds, the Orobie Park offers a perfect balance of wild nature and convenience.
Food
Nourishing plant-based cuisine
During your retreat, you’ll enjoy delicious, wholesome vegan meals prepared with love and creativity by Alessia Fantini, known as The Vegan Side of the Moon. Every dish is a celebration of local, seasonal, and wild ingredients, inspired by the natural beauty of the Alps.
What to expect:
- Fresh and local ingredients: Meals are crafted using organic, seasonal, and locally sourced produce, including wild herbs and edible plants foraged during the retreat.
- Fermented delights: Discover the magic of fermentation with homemade sauerkraut, kimchi, and other probiotic-rich foods.
- Hearty and wholesome: From nourishing breakfasts to satisfying dinners, each meal is designed to fuel your body and soul.
- Interactive cooking: Join hands-on workshops to learn how to create these dishes yourself, taking home new skills and inspiration.
Inclusions:
- All meals are included—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—along with snacks and herbal teas.
Special attention is given to dietary restrictions; please inform A Magic Journey in advance.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Snacks
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
- Tea
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegan
- Organic
What's included
- Guided excursions to explore the Orobie Regional Park, forage for wild herbs and edible plants, and discover the alpine landscape
- 5 nights in a spacious shared glamping tent, located just one minute from Baita Bruseda
- Wholesome vegan breakfast, lunch, and dinner, prepared together using local, seasonal, and foraged ingredients
- Hands-on vegan cooking classes with Alessia Fantini, focusing on creative and sustainable recipes
- Learn the art of fermentation and create your own probiotic-rich foods like sauerkraut and kimchi
- Access to a unique outdoor sauna, carved into a small cave, perfect for relaxation after a day of activities
- Collaborate in preparing meals, from foraging to cooking, in a communal and supportive environment
- Opportunities for reflection, sharing circles in nature, and connection with the group
- Herbal teas and snacks available throughout the day
What's not included
- Flights
- Airport transfers
- Transport to and from the retreat (aiable at 35 euro both way)
- All drinks (except water and tea)
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Milan–Malpensa Airport
106 km
Transfer not provided
Il Caravaggio International Airport (Orio al Serio Airport)
39 km
Transfer not provided
Linate Airport
80 km
Transfer not provided
Arrival by car
If you arrive by car, you can park at Spinelli and then walk for 90 minutes to the cabin, on the shadow and gentle path. Only the last 25 minutes are uphill. The parking costs 3 EUR a day.
Arrival by airplane
Please book your flight to arrive at Orio al Serio Airport (BGY), the nearest and most convenient airport. It is 55 kilometers away from the cabin. You can also choose to arrive at Linate Airport (LIN) or Milan–Malpensa Airport (MXP).
Arrival by public transport
Using public transport, you can easily get to Clusone (main town), and from there, a Magic Journey team member will come to pick you up at the cost of 35 EUR both ways. The pick up time is at 4 p.m. on the arrival day at the bus station in Clusone, where a 4x4 will bring you close to the cabin, where Luca will wait for you. The day after the end of the retreat, at 9 a.m., the same jeep will pick you up and bring you to Clusone.
There are several path you can take to reach the cabin from the other side of the mountain if you wish to hike in the mountains. Once you book, A Magic Journey will provide you with all the information to arrive there. The longest path takes around 5 hours, the shortest around 3 hours.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 36.29% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid on arrival.
