La Dolce Vita:
Italy 2026
Tuscany, Florence, Rome, and the timeless beauty of Italia
September 28 - October 8, 2026
A Small Group Journey
Hello, dear friends!
Italy has been calling to my heart for years—the golden light spilling over Tuscan vineyards, the scent of fresh espresso and baking bread, the way art and beauty are simply part of everyday life. This September, as harvest season paints the countryside in amber and gold, we'll answer that call together.
Our small group will wind through the rolling hills of Tuscany, stand before Michelangelo's David in Florence, and walk in the footsteps of emperors in Rome. We'll savor long lunches at family-run trattorias, taste wines at hilltop estates, and discover the Italy that exists beyond the tour buses—the one where locals still gather in the piazza at sunset.
This is slow travel, Italian style. We're staying a wee bit longer in each place, giving you time to wander medieval streets without rushing, to linger over that second cappuccino, and to truly taste la dolce vita—the sweet life. With our intimate group size, we can slip into hidden corners, dine at local favorites, and experience Italy as it's meant to be savored.
Arrivederci until then,
Martha
Dates
Sept 28 - Oct 8, 2026
10 nights / 11 days
Season
Harvest Season
Perfect weather
Group Size
Small Group
12-14 travelers
Where We Stay
Tuscan Countryside Villa
Charming Countryside Hotel (4-star) - 4 Nights
Our Tuscan home base is a beautifully restored villa set among rolling vineyards and olive groves. Think terracotta tiles, vineyard views, and the kind of peace that only comes from being surrounded by Italian countryside.
• Swimming pool with panoramic views • Traditional Tuscan architecture • On-site restaurant with local cuisine • Walking distance to village center
Florence Historic Center
Centrally Located Hotel (4-star) - 3 Nights
Our Florence hotel places you right in the heart of Renaissance splendor, within walking distance of the Duomo, Uffizi, and Ponte Vecchio. Perfect for evening strolls through the illuminated city.
• Walking distance to all major sites • Traditional Florentine charm • Rooftop terrace views • Breakfast included
Rome - Near Vatican
Comfortable Hotel (4-star) - 3 Nights
Our Roman hotel offers the perfect balance—close to Vatican City but in a quieter neighborhood with authentic trattorias and local life. Easy metro access to all the ancient wonders.
• Near Vatican Museums • Metro access to Colosseum • Traditional Roman hospitality • Breakfast included
Your Italy Journey
Tuscany - Countryside & San Gimignano – 4 Nights
- •Arrival in Florence and transfer to our Tuscan countryside villa
- •Welcome gathering with local wine and antipasti
- •Full-day wine tour through Chianti—visit family estates and hilltop villages
- •Excursion to medieval San Gimignano, the 'Town of Beautiful Towers'
- •Cooking class at a local farmhouse—learn to make fresh pasta
- •Free afternoon to relax by the pool or explore nearby villages
- •Sunset dinner at our villa overlooking the vineyards
Florence – 3 Nights
- •Morning transfer to Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance
- •Guided walking tour including the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Piazza della Signoria
- •Skip-the-line visit to the Uffizi Gallery—Botticelli, da Vinci, and more
- •Free afternoon for shopping, museums, or a gelato break
- •Visit the Accademia to see Michelangelo's David
- •Optional evening opera or concert in a historic venue
- •Free day to explore Florence at your own pace
Rome – 3 Nights
- •High-speed train to Rome—the Eternal City awaits
- •Afternoon walking tour of ancient Rome—Colosseum, Forum, Palatine Hill
- •Visit Vatican City—Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica
- •Explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps
- •Free afternoon for shopping or discovering hidden neighborhoods
- •Trastevere evening walk and farewell dinner at an authentic trattoria
- •Morning at leisure before departure transfers
Our Route
From Tuscan vineyards to Renaissance Florence to the eternal grandeur of Rome
Pricing & Booking
Tour with Airfare
- ✓Round-trip airfare from major US cities
- ✓10 nights in charming hotels & villa
- ✓Daily breakfast & most dinners
- ✓Wine tours, cooking class & tastings
- ✓All museum tickets & entrance fees
Land Only
- ✓Arrange your own flights
- ✓10 nights in charming hotels & villa
- ✓Daily breakfast & most dinners
- ✓Wine tours, cooking class & tastings
- ✓All museum tickets & entrance fees
Flexible payment plans available. Single supplement: $995
Ready to Join Us?
Have questions about the Italy tour? I'd love to hear from you.
Martha's Travel Corner | Oswego, IL
Personalized small-group tours for kindred spirits