About Viva Heavens by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive
Eight days of adventures
In the regions of Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio April 22nd – 30th 2025
Led by Sue (and team), an internationally renowned Italian expert (and President of the Canadian Association for Italian Studies), and as part of a group of friends, that includes adventures, new words, hugs, community, friendly locals, love, wine, unique activities, dancing, laughter, fun guides, monster gardens, gondolas up the mountain and hot springs. And food.
We’ll have a safe, guided (by a renowned expert), loving week in one of the most beautiful parts of Italy. Did we mention the food? This itinerary will spoil you and stuff you with all the fantastic local food you can eat.
Here is the draft itinerary. There may be some minor changes (if we get even better ideas for adventures) but it will be close to this. We have hired an Italian travel agent experienced in group excursions in the region to manage money and details. His office can help you with your flights or you can book them yourself directly.
Itinerary: Playa del Carmen, Nov 8- 15th
Send in your deposit! $250 CDN th–15, 2025th
Nov 8 (Saturday): Arrival Day
- 6:00 AM: Depart from YOW Airport – Grab your coffee and get ready to fly! Wear your group t-shirts to stand out and make everyone wish they were with us.
- 5:00–6:30 PM: Welcome Reception – Bond with your fellow adventurers! We’ll have name necklaces available for anyone who doesn’t already have one. Relax and start building connections.
Nov 9 (Sunday): Room Crawl
- Afternoon: Participate in the Room Crawl!
- Decorate your room with a theme and get added to the list of participants. This fun activity will help us explore the resort and meet everyone in the group.
- 5:00–6:30 PM: Group Dinner – Enjoy a delicious meal together after the Room Crawl.
Nov 10 (Monday): Scavenger Hunt & Jungle Party
- Morning/Afternoon: Collect people for the Scavenger Hunt! Details will be shared on-site.
- 3:00–7:00 PM: Jungle Party – Hop on the shuttles to join us for an unforgettable themed gathering.
Nov 11 (Tuesday): Optional Excursion
11:00 AM: Visit a rum factory and a local school. A great opportunity to experience local culture and give back. (Location details will be announced.)
Nov 12 (Wednesday): Cocktails, Apps & Chocolate Tasting
5:00–6:30 PM: Gather for group cocktails and appetizers, followed by a decadent chocolate-tasting experience.
Nov 13 (Thursday): Optional Adventures
We’re organizing either a boat cruise or a cooking class (additional cost). Stay tuned for more details!
Nov 14 (Friday): Adventure Day
- Morning: Horseback Riding on the Beach – Enjoy a scenic guided tour along the shoreline.
- Afternoon: Dune Buggy Adventure – After lunch (included), take turns experiencing the thrill of driving dune buggies.
Nov 15 (Saturday): Departure Day
Head to the airport and bid farewell to beautiful Porta Plata as we return home.
April 30, DAY 9, Florence-Ottawa
Train trip back to Florence to catch a plane (or continue your solo travels). The locals will miss you! Safe travels back to Ottawa or wherever your journey will take you.
Here is what the week looks like: Total rating 2-3 flamingos
Day 1 Flight to Cancun and a bus will be there to take us to Viva Maya. There is a welcome reception
Day 1 Flight to Cancun and a bus will be there to take us to Viva Maya. There is a welcome reception
Day 2 Group optional breakfast with people bingo Themed room crawl. What are you going to plan? It’s optional but sooo much fun.
Day 3. 12 pm Nookie College Workshop (certified toward your first Nookie College diploma and group lunch. 5 pm is Tacos on 5th Ave (the BelAir of Mexico and it’s a super-safe gated community) with top tequila tasting and courtyard presentation
Day 4. 8 am Full day trip to the AMAZING Cenyote (underground cave, and limestone, freshwater lake) with lunch and magical spiritual properties.
Day 5 Optional Wildlife sanctuary and possible sensuous resort tour (this day would be a 4 flamingo!)
Day 6 Full day off but with optional catamaran tour. Details to follow
Day 7. 5 pm Second Nookie College workshop with possible guest. Followed by group dinner, awards and last reception.
Day 8. Saturday, Nov 15th. Flight home for most of the group. Tired, loved, relaxed and sooo very happy
Couple resting together in a hammock
TICO 2569684,678 Belmont Ave W Unit 201 In Belmont VILLGE Kitchener, ON N2M 1N6 NorthStar Travel
Please note:
- Flight back at on the 30th of April MUST be later in the day as you need to leave 2-3 hours ahead to comfortably get to Florence by train (with an extra hour for delays).
- Trains in Italy are, for the most part, reliable, but there may be even serious delays. Italians are used to them, but for us Canadians travel delays may feel very disruptive. In case of serious delays, you can fill out a form online and ask for a refund up to a year after the trip. If you are delayed on the day of your flight, I recommend paying for a taxi outside of the train station.
- The prices quoted are for double occupancy. Single rooms require an increase in the amount quoted for the rooms. A separate price can be provided. Roommates can be matched if you are traveling solo. Single room addendum is $560 CNDN.
- The price includes all meals except for three FREE meals are covered (and we are told that EAT-aly is a truth so you may already be stuffed and happy with snacks). There are also three short taxi rides from airport/B & B in Florence that are not included in all the transportation.
- This price DOES NOT include flight to and from Ottawa- Florence. Some people are coming from different cities, some want to use points, some want to go early (or stay later) and travel around so including flights isn’t realistic. Flight prices are posted below (sourced Dec 1, 2024). Approx $1000 return.
- You need to purchase your own travel insurance. In case of an emergency, hospitals will want to know which insurance, if any, they can bill.
- We have experts on the ground who are bilingual, know the health care system and understand all the areas you will be visiting. This is a community group with love, local experiences and ease of navigating a historic Italian area. We are a group of people who will have your back.
- If you have mild mobility issues you can request assistance at train stations through Sala Blu. However given the cobblestones, hills, and activities you will need to make arrangements for additional support outside of the group. We will give you contact information.
- We will have at least two pre-trip meeting that will include easy and appropriate (and the fun, inappropriate) Italian words and phrases, Italian cooking, and getting to know your travel group. Any and all questions will be answered and assured. Tentative date for the first meeting is Monday, January 13th. Details will be confirmed. Join our mailing list below to be contacted.
- There are minimum and maximum numbers. A $1000 non-refundable deposit (unless we have the very unlikely situation where we don’t hit our min and have to cancel) will be required to hold your spot. Balance is due by March 1st. All monies will be held in trust and sent directly to the agent to confirm the reservations.
The total price is $2560 CNDN NOT including flights. This price is only held until Jan 13, 2025. Send your $1000 Cndn deposit NOW to hold your spot. We are 50% sold out.
And send an email with your phone number to be added to the What’s ap group (sue@over40connect.com)
Where else can you go on a trip with friends and your own world-renowned Italian expert and local guide? Expect it to be life-changing in the best possible way!
With love, Sue
This needs to be booked by Jan 13th and fully paid by March 1, 20025 or we cannot guarantee hotel rooms.
Send your $1000 deposit in trust to sue@over40connect.com TODAY! There is limited space and once it’s sold out it’s done.
It’s going to be life-changing!
SAVE THE DATE! The in person info night has been booked for Jan 10th 7-9 pm with snacks, Italian wine, fun words in italian lesson and any and all questions answered. 72 Union St. Ottawa
