Day five in Italy gave our group the rare treat of choice—something we all dream about on vacation: a day tailored to your own pace. The morning began gently at our wine resort hotel, sunlight streaming over the terracotta rooftops and vineyards, painting the villa in warm golden hues. Breakfast was a cheerful affair, and Jimmy joined us with a big grin, tucking into fresh pastries and Italian coffee as laughter filled the terrace. Some of us opted to remain in this peaceful paradise. The spa beckoned with an indulgent organic, wine-infused mud treatment that left skin glowing and spirits[…]
Day 4: Venice ➝ Po River Sailing ➝ Romagna Countryside
This morning we waved arrivederci to Venice, taking one last ride through the canals before heading out into the countryside. The city slowly faded behind us as we made our way toward the Romagna region, a land famous for its love of food, wine, and good living. Our journey took us into the Po Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the landscape feels timeless. We boarded a pontoon boat and glided across the wetlands, the same waters that once sheltered ancient Romans as they fled barbarian invasions. The scenery was peaceful and wide, dotted with small fishing huts and[…]
Day 3 – Venice: Gondola Boatyard, Ride & Classical Concert
Venice is a city unlike any other, and today it felt like we peeled back another layer of its magic. By now, we’ve traveled on four different kinds of boats in just three days—a true Venetian initiation! Yesterday we explored the Po River Delta with our wonderful guide Sara and Captain Sandro, and it was so good to see them again. That nature tour was such a unique experience, far from the usual tourist trail, and it gave us a glimpse into an important part of Italy that so many people overlook. But today was all about one of Venice’s[…]
Venice, Piazza, Music – Day 2
Now that we’re all well-rested, the adventure officially begins! Venice, with its 117 tiny islands, 150 winding canals, and 400 charming bridges (thank you, UNESCO), is ready to show us its magic—and we are so ready for it! Our day kicked off with a proper dose of Venetian charm. Imagine this: me, Chuck, riding the waves like a pro…or at least trying to. Don’t just take my word for it—check out the action in this video. Spoiler alert: Venice has waves, and yes, I survived! As we wandered through Venice, we caught a glimpse of a man quietly sitting on[…]
Best of Italy Tour: Day 1 – Venice Arrival
Today we landed in the magical city of Venice! There’s truly no better way to begin an Italian adventure than by taking a boat taxi from the airport directly to our hotel. Gliding across the lagoon with the city rising up before us is always a breathtaking way to start the journey. This evening, our group gathered for a welcome toast and our first dinner together. We dined at a quaint, family-owned restaurant that has become a tradition for us on this tour. Tonight, we were treated to a delicious four-course meal, showcasing the warmth and hospitality of true Italian[…]
We Finally Made It to Italy!
After a year of planning, we are here—Italy at last! The timing couldn’t be more perfect: the weather is gorgeous, the weekend crowds are nowhere to be found, and everything is falling beautifully into place. Tonight, our group will gather for our first dinner together—sharing food, laughter, and that unmistakable Italian energy. Tomorrow, we’ll begin our adventure with one of the most iconic experiences in the world: a gondola ride. Stay tuned to Coco’s Facebook and Instagram pages for updates, photos, and behind-the-scenes moments from our journey. Why Travel with Us? The best way to travel to Italy is with[…]
Practical & Polished: A Quick Guide for First-Time Travelers
Practical & Polished: A Quick Guide for First-Time Travelers First trip coming up? You want to look good in photos but also stay comfortable, secure, and stress-free while exploring. Here’s a fun, practical guide for first-time travelers that balances style with smarts. Pack a Tiny Capsule Shoes: Two Pairs Only Smart Security Weather Wins with a Poncho Smart Packing Moves Accessories That Do Double Duty Bonus Practical Tips Confidence Is the Best Outfit The TakeawayTravel practical, travel polished, and you’ll be lighter, safer, and more confident — all while looking effortlessly stylish. Want to try out your new packing skills?[…]
Family Trip to Epcot in Orlando, Florida
Family fun while on a business trip! 👨👩👧👦✨ In between meetings and tour planning with my amazing travel partner OASIS Travel, I spent the day enjoying the magic of Epcot with my family. Yes, these photos are of my kids—and I love sharing them with you. 💛 They’ve become such joyful little travelers and are always curious, engaged, and soaking up the experience. I honestly see a few future tour guides in the making! 🌍👣 As we wandered through the World Showcase—Italy, Morocco, France—it hit me again how powerful travel is. It shapes us. It connects us. It creates memories[…]
Morning Reflections on the 4th of July: Freedom, Fireworks & Treviso Friendships
I just woke up to a quiet Fourth of July morning—the kind of slow, golden start where the air already feels full of anticipation. Later tonight, there’ll be fireworks, music, and celebration. But right now, I’m sitting with a coffee, thinking about a different kind of freedom I felt not long ago—on my last trip to Treviso, Italy. It’s funny how, sometimes, the quietest places and smallest interactions leave the loudest echoes. Treviso wasn’t the busiest stop on my tour, but it might’ve been the most memorable. Not because of the postcard scenery—though, trust me, it was stunning—but because of[…]
Pasta Highlights from Northern Italy
Our adventure kicked off in Treviso, where, over a welcome dinner in a villa surrounded by gardens, I had my first bite of bigoli in salsa—a thick pasta with anchovy and onion sauce. Simple, salty, and deeply satisfying. Later, wandering Treviso’s canals, I found a cozy lunch spot and tried tagliatelle al radicchio trevigiano. The local chicory, sautéed with pancetta, was bold and slightly bitter—a perfect match for the fresh pasta. In Verona, the city of love, I fell hard for tortelli di zucca—pumpkin-filled pasta with sage butter and crushed amaretti. Sweet and savory, it captured Verona’s charm in every[…]