Tuscany, Through My Eyes: The Story Behind Our Ladies-Only Escape to Italy
There are places you visit, and then there are places you find yourself dreaming about long after you’ve left. Tuscany belongs to the latter.
I have always been drawn to destinations that offer more than beautiful landmarks and impressive hotel rooms. I look for places where everyday life becomes part of the experience: where food tells a story, where landscapes invite you to slow down, where traditions are still woven into daily life, and where the simplest moments often become the most memorable.
Tuscany has all of this, and perhaps a little more.
My previous travels through the region left me with a collection of impressions that I kept coming back to: the warm colours of Florence, the scent of freshly prepared pasta, the elegance of its historic architecture, the endless countryside views, and those wonderful afternoons when a meal turns into an entire event of its own.
Eventually, these memories became the inspiration for a new journey with Seeking Wanderland DMC. One that would bring together everything I love about Italy, with a little extra attention to the details that make travelling together so special.
And so, La Dolce Vita was born.
Florence: Renaissance Beauty, Italian Style and Little Discoveries
Our story begins in Florence, a city that seems to have been designed for people who appreciate beauty.
The birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is home to extraordinary architecture, centuries of artistic heritage and some of Italy’s most recognisable landmarks. Yet, beyond the famous Duomo, Piazza della Signoria and Ponte Vecchio, there is a city of charming side streets, independent boutiques, artisan workshops and little cafés waiting to be discovered.
It is impossible to walk through Florence without encountering art. From Michelangelo’s extraordinary legacy to the masterpieces housed in its museums and galleries, the city offers an almost overwhelming concentration of artistic treasures. Even a simple stroll can feel like stepping into a different century.
And then there are the gardens.
The Boboli Gardens, with their elegant pathways, sculptures, fountains and carefully designed green spaces, offer a different perspective on the city. They are a reminder that Florence is not only about museums and monuments, but also about the art of enjoying beautiful surroundings.
I particularly love the contrast between Florence’s grand cultural heritage and its more intimate everyday pleasures. You can spend the morning admiring Renaissance masterpieces, wander through a little leather workshop in the afternoon, and finish the day with an aperitivo overlooking the rooftops.
One of Florence’s most charming curiosities is its buchette del vino; the historic wine windows built into the façades of old palaces. Originally used by wine merchants to serve wine directly to customers, these little architectural openings have become one of the city’s most distinctive features. Finding one during a walk through the historic centre is a small discovery in itself.
For our journey, I wanted to leave enough room for exactly these moments: a little wandering, spontaneous discoveries, a beautiful café, a glass of wine and the freedom to experience Florence at your own pace.
A Taste of Tuscany: Fresh Pasta, Chianti and the Pleasure of a Long Lunch
If there is one thing Tuscany knows how to do exceptionally well, it is turning food into an experience.
Italian gastronomy is about much more than recipes. It is about ingredients, regional traditions, family stories and the pleasure of sitting around a table without constantly checking the time.
Fresh handmade pasta, seasonal ingredients, locally produced olive oil, traditional Tuscan dishes and excellent wines are all part of the region’s culinary identity.
And naturally, I could not imagine a Tuscan journey without a proper cooking experience.
During our stay in Florence, we will have the opportunity to discover the art of Italian home cooking through a hands-on pasta-making experience. There is something wonderfully satisfying about working with fresh ingredients, learning traditional techniques and eventually sitting down to enjoy what you have prepared.
And what would a Tuscan meal be without wine?
The Chianti region is one of Italy’s most celebrated wine-producing areas, known for its distinctive landscapes and its Sangiovese-based wines. Beyond the bottles themselves, visiting a local winery offers an opportunity to understand the relationship between the land, the climate, the people and the traditions behind each vintage.
I wanted to include a wine experience that would bring us closer to this side of Tuscany, not simply tasting a few glasses, but enjoying the atmosphere of a vineyard, discovering local flavours and hearing the stories behind the wines.
Because, in Tuscany, a good lunch is never just lunch. It is an occasion.
San Gimignano: Medieval Streets and Landscapes Straight Out of a Movie
After the energy and artistic richness of Florence, the journey continues towards the Tuscan countryside.
Our second base is San Gimignano, a medieval hilltop town famous for its impressive stone towers, historic streets and spectacular views across the surrounding landscape.
There is something almost cinematic about arriving here. The stone buildings, the narrow lanes, the little squares and the surrounding countryside create a setting that feels wonderfully removed from the pace of modern life.
The views are the kind you might expect to see in a beautiful Italian film: rolling green hills, vineyards stretching towards the horizon, cypress-lined roads, old farmhouses and golden light falling across the landscape.
It is easy to imagine yourself in a romantic 1990s movie, somewhere between a long summer afternoon and an endless Italian road trip.
This is the part of Tuscany where I wanted the pace of our journey to change. More time outdoors, more opportunities to enjoy the scenery, long meals, local wines and the simple pleasure of having nowhere particularly urgent to be.
For those who would like to add a little adventure, we are also including the possibility of an optional horseback riding experience through the countryside. Exploring the landscape on horseback offers a completely different perspective and a chance to connect with the natural beauty of the region.
And, of course, there will be time to explore San Gimignano itself: its medieval architecture, local shops, traditional delicacies and the unmistakable atmosphere of a Tuscan town that has managed to preserve so much of its character.
The Places We Stay: Boutique Hospitality and a Sense of Place
For me, accommodation is never simply somewhere to sleep. It is an important part of how we experience a destination.
When designing this journey, I wanted our accommodation choices to complement the character of each location rather than simply provide a convenient base.
In Florence, the idea is to enjoy the city from a comfortable and thoughtfully selected boutique setting, with the historic centre and its many discoveries within reach.
In the Tuscan countryside, the atmosphere changes. Here, the accommodation becomes part of the experience itself: a place to slow down, enjoy the surroundings and appreciate the quieter rhythm of rural Italy.
I particularly enjoy properties that have personality, places where the architecture, interiors, atmosphere and hospitality contribute to a sense of belonging. Not necessarily the biggest or most extravagant hotels, but those with a distinctive character and a genuine connection to their surroundings.
This is the kind of hospitality I wanted to bring into La Dolce Vita: carefully chosen places that make the journey feel complete.
A Little Italian Fashion, Too
Of course, no journey to Italy would be quite complete without a little fashion.
Florence has a long-standing relationship with Italian craftsmanship and design, and the surrounding area offers access to some of the country’s best-known designer outlet destinations.
For those who enjoy discovering fashion brands and finding a special purchase along the way, we have included the possibility of dedicating a day to outlet shopping.
It is another side of the Italian experience; a little indulgence, a little retail therapy and perhaps the perfect opportunity to bring home something beautiful.
As always, the idea is to give everyone the freedom to choose how they would like to spend their time.
Why a Ladies-Only Journey?
There is something special about travelling with a small group of women.
It is not necessarily about travelling with people you already know. In fact, some of the loveliest travel connections begin when you arrive somewhere on your own and leave having shared stories, experiences and memories with people who were strangers just a few days earlier.
For this journey, I wanted to create an atmosphere that feels welcoming, relaxed and personal. A small group of up to eight women, with a shared appreciation for travel, food, culture and the little pleasures of life.
We will celebrate International Women’s Day on 8 March with a special lunch dedicated to female friendship, connection and the joy of travelling together.
There will be shared experiences, but also room for independence. Some moments will be carefully organised, while others will be left open for spontaneous discoveries. You might arrive with a friend, your sister, or entirely on your own. Either way, there will be opportunities to connect, explore and enjoy the journey in your own way.
Check out more posts on Ladies-only journeys HERE & HERE
La Dolce Vita: Join Us in Tuscany in March 2027
This is what inspired me to create La Dolce Vita: a journey that brings together the many things I love about Tuscany, from Renaissance art and medieval towns to handmade pasta, local wines, beautiful accommodation and the pleasures of the Italian countryside.
It is not designed to be a race through landmarks or a checklist of attractions. It is an invitation to experience a destination through its atmosphere, flavours, traditions and people.
Our La Dolce Vita ladies-only journey takes place from 3–9 March 2027, combining three nights in Florence with three nights in the San Gimignano area.
Designed for a maximum of eight women, the experience includes selected accommodation, organised transfers and a collection of carefully chosen experiences, with additional optional activities for those who wish to explore further.
Whether you are dreaming of a little Italian escape with a friend or considering joining a group on your own, we would love to welcome you.
Come for Tuscany. Stay for the experiences, the conversations, the friendships and the memories.
La Dolce Vita awaits.
Discover the journey: La Dolce Vita – A Ladies’ Escape to Tuscany
For more journeys, information, availability and personalised booking enquiries, get in touch with Seeking Wanderland DMC.
*For an opulent travel experience, we invite you to explore our agency’s website. Allow us to curate the perfect journey tailored to your unique preferences and desires.
