A small-group journey planned for September 2028
Rome, Tuscany & a Place at the Table.
Escorted by Brenda Hoffman · Travel Meets Adventure
Free to join, with no obligation to book.
Imagine an evening in Tuscany, gathered around a table with people you’ve come to know. Dinner turns into a long conversation, someone brings up a funny moment from the day, and you’re happy to stay a little longer.
You look around and think, “I’m so glad I came.”
That’s the feeling behind Italy, Made Personal.
I’m creating this journey for people who enjoy good food, getting to know a place and sharing the experience with others. We’ll explore Rome before settling into Tuscany, with hands-on experiences and time to enjoy being there.
If you’ve been waiting for the right people to experience Italy with, I’d love for you to come along.
Free to join, with no obligation to book.
You’ve finally made it to Italy. You deserve time to enjoy it.
That might mean lingering over lunch, asking an artisan about their work or browsing a shop where something catches your eye.
I’m planning our days with that in mind, balancing selected sights and creative experiences with time to relax.
We’ll have things to look forward to each day—and room to appreciate them while we’re there.
our planned journey
Three nights in Rome. Four nights in Tuscany. One last night in Rome.
Here’s how our Italy journey is coming together, with private transportation connecting our stays and scheduled group experiences.
Arrival · Rome
Our journey begins with a private airport transfer and time to settle into a beautiful, centrally located 4-star hotel within walking distance of restaurants and shops.
Arrival day is about getting comfortable after traveling. Unpack, rest and freshen up before we gather for a welcome dinner with beverages and our first evening together.
More information about our Rome hotel will be shared later.
Rome
Enjoy private guided sightseeing introducing us to Rome’s history and atmosphere, with convenient transportation between selected sights and a thoughtful pace.
An early-morning Colosseum visit is part of the itinerary under consideration, subject to ticket availability and access arrangements.
Our Rome stay also includes hotel breakfasts, shared dinners and free time to enjoy the neighborhood.
And yes, choosing where we’ll eat is receiving plenty of attention. I take that part of my job very seriously.
Travel day
We’ll leave Rome in a private, air-conditioned vehicle, with room for our suitcases and carry-ons, plus driver assistance with loading and unloading.
A scenic lunch stop will give us a chance to break up the journey before continuing to Tuscany.
There’s no additional touring planned for this travel day, so we can arrive ready to settle in.
our Tuscan home base
4 nights · Figline Valdarno · half board
Our planned home base is Villa Casagrande Resort e SPA in Figline Valdarno, a hotel-style villa property where we’ll spend four nights.
We’ll be staying on a half-board basis, with breakfast and dinner included at the property.
Start the morning over breakfast before our outings, then return to relax before gathering for dinner. I love the idea of having a familiar table to come back to each evening—a place to share what we discovered and enjoy being together.
A little time for yourself belongs here, too. Our stay includes access to the indoor pool and heated outdoor pool.
If you’d enjoy a spa treatment, I can help arrange it before the trip so you have something extra to look forward to. Treatments require an appointment, are subject to availability and are paid for separately.
There will also be time to enjoy our surroundings between experiences.
Address
Via G.B. del Puglia, 61
50063 Figline Valdarno, Italy
Rooms are not yet reserved. Room details will be confirmed with the final trip details.
Tuscany
During a hands-on leather accessory workshop, we’ll learn about Italian craftsmanship and create something personal to bring home.
Seated participation will give us time to enjoy the process comfortably.
Imagine someone asking about your accessory and being able to answer, “I made it in Italy.”
Tuscany
Our private cooking class brings us into the kitchen to learn from local cooks.
Afterward, we’ll sit down together to enjoy what we’ve prepared. Come ready to participate—and bring your appetite.
A seated tasting experience is also part of the plans, giving us another opportunity to discover local flavors.
Florence
We’ll travel to Florence by private transportation for a short introduction to the city, with selected views and photo opportunities.
A personal fragrance workshop, with perfume and men’s cologne options, will give you a chance to create a scent of your own.
We’ll also make time for an artisan demonstration and shopping, with manageable walking distances considered throughout the outing.
Free time
Scheduled shuttle opportunities will give you time to explore local shops independently.
Browse for gifts, stop for a treat or simply enjoy your surroundings. These windows of free time let you experience a little of Italy your own way before returning for dinner.
Return to Rome
We’ll return to Rome by private transfer for one final overnight and a relaxed farewell dinner—one more evening together before the trip home.
A private airport transfer is planned for the following day.
By then, I hope your suitcase holds a few meaningful things you’ve made and discovered, and your phone holds the numbers of people you’re glad you met.
the details
I’m bringing the details together so you can look forward to experiencing Italy—and the people you’ll share it with.
These are our planned inclusions. Final arrangements will be confirmed before booking.
Included
Not included
Come along as this journey takes shape. Joining is free, with no obligation to book.
taken care of
Finding someone to travel with can be the thing that keeps a wonderful idea on hold.
Your friends may have different interests. Your family’s schedules may never line up. You may be ready to go while everyone else is still saying, “Someday.”
You’re welcome here whether you’re traveling with your partner, bringing a friend or considering coming on your own.
We’ll have opportunities to get acquainted before departure, so those first introductions can happen before we meet in Italy.
My hope is that you come home with people you’re already making plans to see again.
Your escort
One of the things I love most about group travel is watching people become comfortable with one another.
Someone starts a conversation over breakfast. A shared experience gives everyone something to talk about. Before long, people are looking out for each other and laughing like they’ve known one another much longer.
That’s what I want to make room for on this journey.
I’m putting care into the practical details, but I’m also thinking about how it will feel to be part of this group. I want you to feel welcome and know you have someone to turn to along the way.
I’d love to share Italy with you.
Brenda
Travel Meets Adventure LLC
FL SOT: ST15578 · CA ST: 2090937-50 · WA UBID: 603189022
Join the Italy Priority Waitlist
The Italy Priority Waitlist is where I’ll share updates as this journey comes together.
You’ll receive major reveals four days before I share them publicly, including confirmed itinerary details, pricing and booking information.
I may also ask for your thoughts on options I’m considering. You’ll get a glimpse of the planning and an opportunity to be involved along the way.
This will be a small group, with limited spaces when reservations open. Joining the waitlist gives you early information and time to decide whether you’d like to come along.
Joining is free and does not reserve a space or obligate you to book.
good questions
Someday, you might reach for the accessory you made in Italy or catch a familiar fragrance—and remember exactly how it felt to be there.
And you’ll have someone to message who remembers it, too.
Come along with me. Let’s make Italy personal.
This journey is currently in development. The itinerary reflects current plans rather than confirmed inclusions. Exact dates, final accommodation arrangements, activities, meals, transportation and pricing will be provided before booking. You can unsubscribe from updates at any time.
Brenda Hoffman
Travel Meets Adventure LLC
Plan Smarter • Relax More • Travel Better
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