Italy Ecovillage Tour
10 DAYS | Max group size: 18
Explore inspiring ecovillages nestled in northern Italy.
Dreaming of Italy? Go beyond postcard-perfect vineyards and towns to meet the changemakers cultivating a regenerative future. Visit communities growing organic food, restoring historic villas, and experimenting with cooperative living.
You’ll visit world-renowned communities like Damanhur and Torri Superiore, as well as hidden villages in the hills of northern Italy. Along the way, you’ll learn about natural building, solar energy, water systems, group decision-making, and communication tools that help communities thrive.
This guided Ecovillage Tour invites you to slow down, savor real connections, and experience how Italians are weaving sustainability into daily life. Whether you’re seeking inspiration for your own project, considering a move abroad, or craving a more meaningful European getaway—this journey offers a deep, intentional way to experience Italy.
Italy Ecovillage Tour
Next tour dates:
Sept 30 - Oct 9, 2025
Early bird sale now until June 8.
Click “book now” to see current pricing.
Tour Highlights
What you can expect to experience during your time in Italy.
Visit 8+ communities over 10 days: From hidden villages to world-renowned ecovillages, meet the people reimagining what it means to live well—together.
Savor local beauty and culture: Step off the typical tourist path to explore Northern Italy’s hilltops, castles, and breathtaking landscapes—plus a cross-border visit to the azure beaches of charming Menton, France.
Travel in a guided group: With experienced local guides who’ve led groups through Italy’s intentional communities for years, enjoy authentic access and a shared journey that fosters deep connection.
Discover the secrets of community living: Explore what helps communities truly thrive with special sessions facilitated by leaders in the Italian ecovillage movement.
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A Day in the Territory of Arca Tentyris
Explore real-world sustainability solutions—from bio-construction and solar energy to water systems and innovative off-grid living practices. The visit includes a guided meditation on sacred rocks (indoors if needed) and a session on the role of dreams and trauma healing in community life.Facilitator: Macaco Tamerice. A sociologist, trauma specialist, and long-time Damanhur leader, Macaco is a globally recognized voice in community building, leadership, and personal transformation. She has taught over 20 Ecovillage Design Education (EDE) courses and is a certified educator with GEN and Gaia Education.
Group Dynamics & CLIPS
An interactive session introducing the CLIPS (Community Incubator) method—used across Europe to support new and existing community-led projects with proven tools and strategies.Facilitator: Lucilla Borio, co-author of CLIPS and founder of Ecovillage Torri Superiore.
Social Permaculture & Film Screening
An intro to social permaculture—designing systems for human and ecological wellbeing—followed by a screening of Learning from SPARROWS, a documentary on youth-led regenerative education.Facilitator: Massimo Candela, founder of the Italian Permaculture Academy.
Featured Communities
Below are the communities we’ll visit during the trip.
Torri Superiore
Nestled in the Ligurian hills near the French border, Torri Superiore is a beautifully restored 13th-century stone village. This ecovillage and cultural center began in the early 1990s and exemplifies sustainable living through ecological restoration and community engagement. Visitors can explore its labyrinthine architecture and participate in workshops on permaculture, natural building, and community living.
Website: torri-superiore.org
Federation of Damanhur
Damanhur is a federation of 30 communities, known as "nucleos," located in the Valchiusella valley in northern Italy. These communities collectively comprise around 600 residents. Each nucleo focuses on specific areas such as solar energy, organic agriculture, education, and healing practices. Damanhur is renowned for its underground Temples of Humankind, a series of hand-carved chambers dedicated to spiritual and artistic expression. The community operates with its own constitution and emphasizes values like sustainability, spirituality, and collective living.
Website: damanhur.org
Communities within Damanhur we’ll visit:
Arca Tentyris
Arca Tentyris is one of the four core communities within the Federatiåon of Damanhur. This intentional community is dedicated to experimenting with alternative social models that emphasize communal living, environmental sustainability, and spiritual growth. Residents engage in various projects, including renewable energy initiatives, organic agriculture, and the development of eco-friendly infrastructures.
Website: arca.tentyris.itTerre di Oropan
Part of the Damanhur Federation, Terre di Oropan is a vibrant spiritual community in northern Piedmont where daily life blends food, art, and beauty to inspire collective healing and human evolution. With five distinct housing cores, each home to 10–20 people, the community nurtures a deep connection to nature and shared purpose.
Website: terredioropan.itDamjl
Founded in 1979, Damjl is the historical heart of the Damanhur Federation and a spiritual center built on sacred land. Reclaimed and cultivated by volunteers, it is now a lush space filled with art, meditation paths, and sacred architecture. The community is made up of eight unique housing cores, all contributing to shared spiritual and ecological goals.
Website: damjl.org
Alpe Pianello
Situated near Lake Maggiore, Alpe Pianello is an ecovillage emphasizing low-impact, minimalist, and self-sufficient living. The community offers opportunities for visitors to engage in activities like yoga, meditation, and permaculture, fostering a deep connection with nature. This growing community is open to new members!
Website: alpepianello.it
Villaggio Verde
The Villaggio Verde is an ecovillage project conceived in the early 1980s by Bernardino del Boca, as an experimental center for the evolution of consciousness, a free laboratory of living by seeking harmony with oneself, others and nature.
There is no political or religious inspiration, nor strict regulation: everyone is free to participate in the common activities according to his or her availability and inclinations, according to the needs of the group and to his or her individual conscience and responsibility.
Currently there are about 20 inhabitants who are members of a housing cooperative close to the concept of cohousing, which holds undivided ownership of 12 apartments made in the shape of a semicircle around a pond, other communal buildings and the land, amounting to about 8 hectares, most of which is forest and 1 hectare cultivated for years according to organic farming standards.
La Casa Rotta
In the Piedmont region, La Casa Rotta is an evolving ecovillage combining communal living with sustainable agriculture. The community focuses on restoring the land through biodynamic farming and offers a model for economically sustainable and replicable living practices.
Website: lacasarotta.com
Cohousing Numero Zero
Based in Turin, Cohousing Numero Zero is a pioneering urban cohousing project developed by the CoAbitare Association. It aims to foster a collaborative lifestyle while respecting individual privacy, emphasizing participatory design and shared responsibilities among residents.
Cohousing Montesole
Located in the hills near Torino, Cohousing Montesole is a community of individuals committed to shared living and sustainability. The residents focus on creating a supportive environment that balances communal activities with personal space.
Website: facebook.com/CohousingMontesole
Trip Details
Explore detailed trip information to prepare for your adventure.
Included
All tours and activities at intentional communities
All ground transportation from tour start and end point
All lodging in shared rooms (Single room upgrades available)
All meals, except when you choose to eat separately
Not Included
Transportation to/from country
Insurance of any kind
Alcoholic beverages and extra drinks
Optional gratuities to guides
Laundry fees and items of a personal nature
Trip Pricing
Click “Book Now” to see current pricing and availability.
$2,499 – Early Bird (book by June 8)
$3,199 – Regular Price
🎓 Limited work trade scholarships are available. Learn more and apply.
Travel Logistics
We encourage you to book your flight as soon as possible, as the better deals are often found in advance. We recommend flying in and out of Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP).
Our tour will begin at the MXP Airport. Participants are asked to plan their arrival at the airport to be before 3pm local time on the tour start date for pick up. Or, alternatively, plan for pick up at the Milano Centrale railway station before 1pm local time (the train is connected to the LIN and BGY TRN airports).
Our tour will conclude back at the MXP Airport by noon on the last day of the tour. Lunch and lodging is not included on the last day of the tour. Kindly book your flights for that afternoon or stay on in Italy if you choose.
Lodging
Lodging varies from shared dorm-style rooms to simple private rooms, depending on availability. Rooms will be shared with fellow travelers. We will separate male and female rooms whenever possible, while couples and families are placed in private rooms whenever possible.
You can upgrade to a private room when booking (select the $800 single room supplement). Private rooms will be available for 8 out of the 9 night, due to the nature of some locations.
Overnight accommodations will be at the ecovillages and communities we visit during the trip. This allows for a more immersive experience of what it’s like to live in a community. Accommodations are often rustic, emphasizing sustainability over luxury. Some may include limited Wi-Fi, limited air conditioning, and communal facilities.
Meals
As much as possible our meals will be fresh, local and organic, with produce grown on-site, giving greater prominence to the flavors and aromas of Italian cuisine. Most meals will be vegetarian. When eating out at restaurants, we will have a fixed menu with a few options of local specialties. One beverage is usually included with lunch and dinner. Extra dishes and drinks are on you. We can accommodate a range of dietary requirements, to a point, so please contact us to inform us about any food allergies and come prepared with your own specialty food or supplement needs. We will stop at grocery stores where you can purchase your own snacks.
Weather
In early October, northern Italy enjoys the golden light and crisp air of early autumn—an ideal time to visit. Daytime temperatures typically range from the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit (18–24°C), with cooler evenings that may dip into the 50s (10–15°C). The weather is generally mild and pleasant, perfect for exploring the countryside and enjoying outdoor meals. Autumn colors begin to paint the hills and mountains, harvest season is in full swing, and the tourist crowds have thinned—offering a quieter, more authentic Italian experience.
If the weather is nice, we’ll also have the opportunity to swim in the beautiful Mediterranean Sea—possibly twice—so be sure to pack accordingly!
Packing
A full packing list will be provided after booking the tour. Laundry service will be available at some of our locations. Due to the limited space in our vehicles, each passenger will only be allowed one suitcase and one day bag.
Plan to pack layers for the changing autumn weather in northern Italy. Bring comfortable, breathable clothing for mild days, along with a warm sweater or jacket for cooler mornings and evenings. A light raincoat or umbrella is a good idea, as occasional showers are possible. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for countryside strolls. We also recommend bringing a bathing suit, beach towel, and beach slippers. A scarf never hurts for both warmth and style in Italy! A cotton scarf is ideal—wool will likely be too heavy for the temperatures we expect—and some summer clothing may still be appropriate (we’ll confirm this before departure).
Physical Requirements
We may visit waterfalls and rivers with slippery footing. Some of our accommodations have narrow stairs and none have elevators. You will be responsible to carry your luggage to and from your rooms.
Unfortunately, due the nature of the tour we cannot accommodate anyone with mobility requirements, such as use of a wheelchair.
If you have any questions about your physical needs and abilities for the trip, please feel free to reach out.
Traveling with Children
It is possible to bring children on this tour, however not all children and families may be suited to this adventure. For children 15 and under, please contact us to discuss suitability on your specific tour. We will supply you with a discount code to use to receive child discounts:
Ages 3 and under: Free
Ages 4-7: 50% off
Ages 8-15: 20% off
Families with children should note that tours generally include long periods of sitting for presentations, uneven terrain, some long car rides, and moving among four different locations for sleeping. Laundry services are limited. We want to encourage families to join, so long as they are prepared for these challenges.
Parents or guardians assume full responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of their children throughout the tour. Children must be supervised at all times. Children under 1.5 meters tall need a booster seat. Please coordinate with us to ensure your child has the proper booster seat.
Payment & Cancellation Policy
A refundable deposit of $500 is required at the time of booking to secure your space. Full payment is required 60 days before the departure date. At the time of booking you can choose to make your payment in full or pay the deposit and remaining payments in auto-payment installments.
Click the “book now” button to see current pricing. Contact us about discounts for larger groups.
Cancellation and Refunds
Your tour deposit is 100% refundable for 30 days from the date it is received unless noted otherwise. Deposits made 60–90 days before a tour departs become non-refundable on the final payment due date. If you book a tour less than 60 days before its departure date, the entire tour cost becomes non-refundable after 7 days but may be creditable in the event of a medical or family emergency. Once your deposit refund date has passed, your deposit will not be refunded under any circumstance. Please read our Tour Conditions for more information.
Meet Your Guides
Embark on your journey with confidence – get to know your experienced guides.
Safir Stagliano
Safir brings over a decade of immersive community living to the Italy Ecovillage Tour, with a heartfelt passion for group facilitation and creating joyful, harmonious ways of being together in alignment with nature. His work draws from a wide spectrum of practices, including Permaculture, Sociocracy, Consensus, Dragon Dreaming, CLIPS, Social Permaculture, Open Space, World Café, Word Circle, Inner Transition, and Nonviolent Communication…
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He has lived and learned within vibrant ecovillages and projects full of life, guided by master facilitators and fellow travelers on the path of community. Since 2012, Safir has been an active member of the Italian Ecovillage Network, where he once served as co-president and now focuses on community relations and organizational development.
His commitment extends globally through his involvement with the Global Ecovillage Network, where he co-facilitates empathic listening spaces at international gatherings. He is also a collaborator with the widespread community of Piumani, dedicated to shared values and mutual support.
Today, Safir works as a facilitator and trainer with both well-established and emerging community groups across Italy. With more than 25 years of exploration in the arts of inner transformation, he brings a depth of insight into body, mind, emotion, and energy—supporting meaningful connection, self-discovery, and collective growth.
Giovanni Sardo
Giovanni brings a rich blend of experience in group facilitation, holistic healing, and conscious living to the Italy Ecovillage Tour. He has led Cerchi di Uomini (Men’s Circles), fostering shared leadership and empowering individuals to recognize their inner strength—a practice that continues to shape his approach to group dynamics…
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A dedicated practitioner and teacher of Marshall Rosenberg’s Nonviolent Communication and its couples-focused adaptation, IMAGO, Giovanni helps others cultivate deeper empathy and connection in their relationships. He is also passionate about Sociocracy and the dynamics of intentional communities, offering valuable tools for collaborative and effective group governance.
Giovanni’s background in holistic health includes training as a Reiki operator, BARS Access Consciousness practitioner, and Ayurvedic massage therapist. He has practiced Transcendental Meditation for over 14 years and shares a variety of meditative techniques, supporting individuals in discovering the practice that best suits them.
Since 2024, Giovanni has served as an Environmental Hiking Guide, integrating his love for nature with personal growth by leading transformative outdoor experiences that connect people with the land—and themselves.
Praise for Giovanni and Safir
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Safir and Giovanni accompanied us with great professionalism and expertise through wonderful territories. Thanks to them, I had unique experiences, discovering places and meeting special people. Every moment was enriched by the silence of nature, play, challenge and shared affection. An unforgettable experience that I will always carry with me.
—Indra
Guys [Giovanni and Safir], I thank life that brought me to you. Together you are perfect, you complement each other and have a beautiful energy.
—Ilaria M.
I am very happy with this experience because it allowed me to learn about community realities on my doorstep. It was very enriching. I really appreciated the choice that Giovanni and Safir made to take us on paths that were not too beaten. I would recommend this trip to those who want to discover different parts of living together and experiencing nature and sociality.
—Matteo S.
Is this tour right for me?
On the fence? Discover if this tour is meant for you.
Choosing to embark on an ecovillage tour is an investment in your journey into intentional community living. Thanks to years of relationship building with community founders, we’re able to give you an experience that’s simply not available to the regular traveler.
Still unsure?
Explore if this tour is right for you…
This tour ideal for those who want to:
Join intentional communities: Engage directly in projects that focus on environmental and social regeneration, creating vibrant, sustainable spaces for communal living.
Explore sustainable living: Dive into the world of ecovillages as a lifestyle choice, integrating principles of ecological balance and community harmony into your daily life.
Network with regeneration leaders: Forge deep connections with key figures in the regenerative movement, gaining inspiration and momentum to advance your life's purpose.
Get a true eco-vacation: Embark on adventure travels that support ecovillages, choosing experiences that contribute positively to the planet and align with your values.
Learn from successful projects: Observe and study the approaches of others, applying their strategies and innovations to develop your own land or community initiative effectively.
Why choose this tour?
Knowledgeable guides: Led by experts in ecovillages and intentional communities, as well as experienced group facilitators.
Authentic experience: We partner with local communities for a genuine and unfiltered experience.
All-inclusive: From eco-friendly lodging to local cuisine, we've got you covered.
Small group size: We limit the number of participants to ensure a personalized and intimate experience.
Hassle free travel: We cover all the logistics, so you can get the most out of the experience.
What’s the alternative?
You could try visiting intentional communities on your own, except that…
Many communities are not open to the public and, if they are, the founders will not give you their undivided attention as a just normal passer-through.
Figuring out the logistics of getting yourself around is a headache and you’ll have no immediate support if something goes awry.
Traveling alone isn’t as nourishing or nearly as fun journeying with a small group in an intentionally held container for connection.
It’ll take years of relationship building and financial investment to even come close to the experience that Ecovillage Tours is able to offer… because we’ve done all that work for you already!
Reviews
Read authentic reviews from past tour participants.
One of the greatest experiences I have ever had. A completely unique journey to some wondrous ecovillage projects, full of inspirational humans. To share the tours with others with similar visions was enriching and a real privilige. I left feeling fulfilled and educated.
— Adam Bates
Best summer camp ever! A must see!! People, food and lodging were more than I could have hoped for in a travel experience like this!! Definitely will be back.
—Megan Zimmerman
It is an experience worth paying for. You get to know places and people who are on the real hands on effort for bringing change and make local ecosystems more resilient.
— Edward Bryce
Ecovillage Tours has put something really special together. The amount of research and care they have put into this trip is impressive in and of itself and have helped facilitate meaningful connections both within the tour group and with the communities hosting us. This eye opening experience has the potential to change your life by exploring more unique paradigms.
— Nathan Oxenfeld
Still have questions?
We are happy to help!
Ready to go?
The communities are excited to welcome you.
Let your adventure begin.