There’s nothing more refreshing psychologically, physically and even spiritually than a week of walks and philosophising with a group of idlers, says Victoria Hull

The Idler Pilgrimage Retreat is our annual week of walks, talks and yoga in Umbria. In May 2026 Idler retreaters will follow the footsteps of St Francis on three stretches of the Via di Francesco pilgrimage route. In the company of Idler editor Tom Hodgkinson, philosopher Mark Vernon and yoga teacher Tessa Mair we’ll be talking about philosophies that can help us be happy.

Mark will compare 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 the meaning of pilgrimage.

Tom 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.

Tessa will lead yoga sessions that invite deeper exploration of the themes at the heart of the pilgrimage.

We start our pilgrimage at an ancient hermitage in the Apennines and we finish 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. We’ll be based at the home of Idler Retreats Villa Pia, on the border of Umbria and Tuscany.

We walk and talk in the mornings, read and nap in the afternoons and feast in the evenings, all in the good company of fellow idlers. I can’t think of anything more refreshing psychologically, physically and even spiritually.

Find out more about the retreat and how to book here.

Testimonials from last year’s 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.”

About the Idler Pilgrimage Retreat

The Idler Pilgrimage retreat will begin at the hermitage of Montecasale, nestled in the Apennines overlooking the Tiber Valley. Saint Francis passed through here for the first time in 1213 and returned several times.

We’ll walk to Sansepolcro and see Piero della Francesca’s Resurrection, described by Aldous Huxley as “the greatest painting in the world”. We’ll visit the small hill village of Citerna where a Donatello statue of the Madonna was discovered restored just a few years ago.

Finishing in Assisi, visible from the land for miles around, we’ll visit the Basilica di San Francesco and see Giotto’s cycle of 28 frescoes depicting the life of St Francis.

We’ll be based at the home of Idler Retreats: Villa Pia

Villa Pia sits on the border of Tuscany and Umbria on the edge of the medieval village of Lippiano. Idler retreaters have been looked after here by the brilliant team for many years. The villa has magical views over the Umbrian hills, a swimming pool, tennis court and extensive gardens in which to rest and read.

The retreat is all inclusive. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all provided, and you’ll be free to help yourself to fresh fruit, coffee, tea, alcohol and soft drinks at any time of the day or night.

Villa Pia’s chefs prepare delicious local Italian cuisine with the care and attention to detail that Italians are known for. All of their ingredients are locally sourced wherever possible.

The simple elegant rooms are cleaned daily.

“Villa Pia and countryside were beautiful and the atmosphere so relaxed and relaxing.”

“I really enjoyed the open bar as it was very convivial and I never witnessed anyone taking advantage of it. I certainly commend the kitchen team; they did their work with joy and it was reflected in their offering.”

“Great venue… well organised without being too regimented… very enjoyable list of activities. Lots of interesting people and lots to learn from them in a safe and open environment.”