Dolce Vita Diaries

Buongiorno from Italy! Members have embarked on an extraordinary exploration of Florence, Tuscany, and Rome. This exceptional adventure offers unparalleled behind-the-scenes access to Italy's most iconic landmarks, exquisite private tours, and exclusive experiences, all while enjoying luxurious accommodations and exceptional Italian hospitality.

Day 1 | Florence

Under skies so blue they practically glowed, Members touched down in Florence and were greeted with a feast for the eyes and the soul. For those eager to hit the ground running, a stroll to the Basilica di Santa Croce set the scene, complete with tombs of Italy’s greatest minds — think Machiavelli and Michelangelo. After some downtime at the Salvatore Ferragamo-owned Hotel Lungarno, Members regrouped for a private, after-hours tour of the Galleria dell’Accademia. Michelangelo’s David never looked so good (especially without the usual crowds). Dinner at Trattoria la Casalinga wrapped up the day with classic Florentine comfort food, leaving everyone well-fed and ready for more.

Day 2 | Florence

After a leisurely breakfast, Members began their exploration of Florence’s rich history with a private, curated walking tour through the UNESCO-listed Centro Storico Museum. While the afternoon offered free time for personal discovery, some Members opted for a private viewing at the renowned Uffizi Gallery. By evening, camaraderie had blossomed over cocktails at the intimate Fusion Bar, where stories of past Exclusive Resorts adventures were shared before indulging in an expertly curated feast at Parione.

Day 3 | Florence

With Florence basking in the golden light of morning, Members embarked on a truly exclusive experience — a private tour of the Basilica della Santissima Annunziata, where the intricacies of centuries-old art restoration were unveiled. The afternoon was left open for personalized exploration, with many choosing to visit the historic Scuola del Cuoio leather workshop or indulge in the luxurious scents of Santa Maria Novella’s famed pharmacy. Yet, the evening was the crown jewel: an unparalleled experience at the Gucci Museum. Members enjoyed an intimate, after-hours tour, a bespoke shopping experience, and an unforgettable Michelin-starred dinner at Gucci Osteria. Even for seasoned travelers, it was the epitome of exclusivity and sophistication — an evening truly reserved for those in the know.

Day 4 | Tuscany

The group bid a stylish farewell to Florence, departing the city in true Italian fashion — by car, winding through the picturesque countryside. Their next stop: the rolling hills of Tuscany, where a farm-to-table lunch and wine tasting awaited at the renowned Avignonesi Winery. Sipping on the region's finest vintages, Members enjoyed an exclusive tour of the vineyards and learned about the meticulous winemaking process. Refreshed and ready for more, the group continued on to the luxurious Hotel Fonteverde and Spa, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Tuscany. Arriving just in time to bask in the last rays of daylight, Members took to the thermal pools, relaxing in the mineral-rich waters while watching the sun dip behind the sweeping hills. The tranquil setting felt like a scene from a movie, setting the stage for the evening ahead. As twilight turned to night, the group gathered for a traditional Tuscan BBQ, where fresh, local ingredients were masterfully prepared over an open flame. Under a sky full of stars, laughter and conversation filled the air, and the promise of more adventures to come was as bright as the constellations overhead.

Day 5 | Tuscany

Cue the roar of Ferrari engines: Members awoke to the sight (and sounds!) of four sleek Spyder Ferraris waiting for them, a thrill that set the tone for the day ahead. Each couple received the keys to their own Ferrari, embarking on a 100km cruise through the winding roads of the Tuscan countryside. The scenery was pure postcard perfection, with rolling vineyards and olive groves stretching as far as the eye could see. A pit stop in the picturesque village of Bagno Vignoni provided the perfect intermission, where Members sipped espresso in the town square, soaking up the old-world charm. By evening, they reconvened in the enchanting town of San Casciano dei Bagni, where a candlelit dinner awaited them. The day’s adrenaline rush, courtesy of the roaring Ferraris, was perfectly balanced by the tranquil pace of Tuscan life, blending excitement and relaxation in true Italian fashion.

Day 6 | Rome

En route to Rome, the group made a memorable stop in the hilltop town of Orvieto, a hidden gem in the heart of Umbria. Known for its medieval charm and stunning cathedral, Orvieto offered a glimpse into Italy’s ancient past. But the real highlight came beneath the surface — an exclusive tour through the town’s ancient underground caves, led by a renowned archaeologist. After the adventure in Orvieto, it was onward to Rome, where the group arrived at the stately Villa Spalletti Trivelli — an oasis of luxury and refinement. Members barely had time to take in the grandeur of their surroundings before heading out for an extraordinary experience: a private, after-hours visit to the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel. With more than exclusive access, the group wandered through the hallowed halls of the Vatican, absorbing centuries of art, history, and culture — with no crowds in sight. Standing beneath Michelangelo’s iconic frescoes in the Sistine Chapel in complete solitude was a transcendent moment. The sheer exclusivity of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity — exploring one of the world's most sacred spaces in total quiet — left everyone in awe, a highlight that would undoubtedly remain in their memories for years to come.

Day 7 | Rome

The day began with a leisurely e-bike ride along the historic Appian Way, offering Members a unique and immersive way to experience one of Rome’s most ancient roads. Pedaling through history, they passed centuries-old ruins, aqueducts, and lush countryside, gaining a deeper appreciation for the eternal city’s rich past. After the ride, a relaxed lunch at Tre Scalini provided the perfect respite, where Members indulged in classic Roman dishes on a charming piazza. As the evening unfolded, Members were free to explore Rome at their own pace, with many choosing to visit the city’s iconic landmarks. The Trevi Fountain, glowing under the city lights, quickly became a group favorite as Members tossed coins into the water, embracing the tradition of ensuring their return to the Eternal City. It was a day that blended the historical and the personal, creating lasting memories of Rome’s timeless allure.

Day 8 | Rome

The group set off for the serene hills of Castel Gandolfo, the Pope’s summer retreat, where they were treated to an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of the opulent residence and its stunning gardens. As they strolled through the impeccably manicured grounds, they marveled at the history and beauty of this rarely seen sanctuary. A surprise al fresco lunch, set amidst the lush gardens, elevated the experience even further. The highlight of the day came in the form of a hands-on cooking class, where Members rolled up their sleeves to craft fresh pasta using ingredients straight from the Pope’s own gardens. Under the guidance of expert chefs, they created authentic Italian dishes in the most unique of settings — a true farm-to-table experience with a divine touch.

Back in Rome, the evening culminated in a Michelin-starred dinner at Il Convivio Troiani, an authentic and romantic restaurant tucked away in one of Rome's ancient alleyways. The artfully curated meal served in an intimate and sophisticated setting, was the perfect way to end the day, leaving everyone with unforgettable memories of the culinary and cultural delights that make Italy so extraordinary.

Day 9 | Rome

On their final day, Members were transported back in time with exclusive access to the Colosseum’s legendary lower gladiator arena bowl, standing where ancient Romans once fought, and taking in unparalleled views of this ancient marvel. A guided tour of the Roman Forum followed, where the rich history of the empire came alive through tales of emperors, politics, and daily life in ancient Rome. As the day turned into evening, a special acoustic guitar performance by their Journey Director, Daniele, set a serene and intimate tone, creating the perfect atmosphere for their last night together. But the grand finale was yet to come — a private after hours visit of the Borghese Gallery, where masterpieces from Bernini, Caravaggio, and Raphael were admired in the tranquil silence of the exclusive after-hours setting. The evening concluded with a sumptuous dinner in the gallery’s opulent halls, closing the trip with an unforgettable exclamation point. It was a final celebration of art, history, and camaraderie, leaving everyone with lasting memories of their extraordinary Italian journey.

Day 10 | Departure

As Members made their way home, the shared experiences, friendships formed, and once-in-a-lifetime moments lingered in the air. Italy had been explored like never before — and no one would soon forget it.