Immerse yourself in the glorious early summer of Bella Italia on this exclusive "off-the-beaten-path" adventure.   Discover secret gardens, legendary food and wine, little known history, fields of wildflowers, and the extraordinary Infiorata festival in Spello . Join an intimate dinner party sized group (maximum 12 participants) led by Anne Block , founder of Take My Mother*Please tours.

The Tower!

Imagine seeing the Leaning Tower of Pisa bathed in golden Tuscan light, visiting the white marble mountain of Carrara where Michelangelo chose the stone from which he would create his monumental "David." We'll visit artisans at work in the sculptor's village of Pietra Santa , and explore an exquisite 18 th century villa. The high medieval walls of Lucca protect us while we sleep and provide a broad shady path to stroll or bike upon when we awake.

Indulge in Florence , one of the world's great art and shopping capitals, where the spectacular San Lorenzo Market offers culinary delights and bargains in leather, silk and cashmere. We will visit Michelangelo's "David" and Brunelleschi's classic Duomo, meander beside the River Arno and discover the Ponte Vecchio for gold jewelry, coral and precious cameos, then cool off in the fabulous Boboli Gardens of the Pitti Palace.

David

Picture driving through the Italian countryside past fields of wild red poppies to an Umbrian hill town made of pink stone. After stopping at the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi , we arrive in Spello to take part in the ephemeral Infiorata festival. Overnight, during this one-day-a-year event, the town's cobblestone streets are transformed into carpets of dazzling, colorful "paintings" created from nothing but fresh flower petals!

making a "painting" with flower petals

Beginning in late afternoon, the young people will toil until dawn on their hands and knees making the paintings, while the older folk cook for them and make music to keep up their strength and spirits. It's the only night each year when even the littlest children are allowed to stay up as late as they want!

Finished masterpiece "painting" with procession

Marvel at daybreak when the finished masterpieces are unveiled for all to see. A formal procession is led by the town's brass orchestra while the bishop, walking under a golden canopy, blesses the occasion and all who are gathered. A ribbon is bestowed on the best painting. And then it's over. By early afternoon when the wind comes up all is gently swept away ... To experience the joy and beauty of this 24-hour celebration is to become an honorary citizen of Spello forever.

Relax in Rome and experience the capital city's vibrant contemporary life amid ancient ruins. We'll tour the Coliseum and the Pantheon , and toss coins in the Trevi Fountain . On our final night we'll savor La Dolce Vita together at our farewell dinner al fresco on one of most beautiful piazzas in "The Eternal City."

Spanish Steps in Rome

Contact Anne about this trip