Indulge in the Legendary La Dolce Vita of the Southern Region’s Cuisine and wines

Journey on this Thirdhome Signature small-group Adventure with the opportunity to travel with fellow Club members while forging new friendships and enjoying extraordinary destination experiences together.

Join us on this La Dolce Vita Adventure that guarantees your palette will be overwhelmed with extraordinary regional tastes and sips, while incurring a joyful spirit of simply sharing Italy’s cuisine with the ones you love along with your newfound friends.

The Adventure route begins with an Optional 3-Night Pre-Adventure experience in Florence with a full-day wine wines & tastes excursion into San Gimignano. Then travel onward to begin the Main Adventure (12-Nights) which starts in Perugia, then to Sorrento on the Amalfi Coast, and onward to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Matera with a finale ending in Lecce. While in Lecce discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the white-washed Trulli Houses & beautiful Alberobello.

Escape into a quintessential Southern Italy delicious culinary journey stuffed with regional delights, tasting tours of local cuisine, food markets, and scenic wine estate visits offering food and vine pairings. Experience a sensory journey through all the local flavors with every taste, while being immersed into the magical atmosphere, pure beauty and authenticity of old world Italy.

Throughout this Adventure expect to encounter historical sights, classical architecture, gourmet delights and breathtaking scenery that inspired the myths and legends of Italy’s heartbeat. Enjoy days with insightful guided explorations along with free time to further explore on your own or relax. Seamlessly planned and guided every step of the way, this Adventure balances discovery with guided comfort so as to enjoy the regions without any hassles. Enjoy accommodations in hand-picked 4-star boutique hotels that reflect both Italian traditional and modern styles with classical ambiance.

The Fall season blankets Italy in rich golden hues, offering ideal conditions for exploring vineyards during harvest season. It’s a delightful time for food lovers—fresh truffles, olive oil tastings, and celebrated grape varietals abound. Cities and the countryside become quieter, yet retain their inviting warmth, providing travelers with intimate experiences and perfect weather to explore Italy’s cultural riches at a leisurely pace.

This ThirdHome Signature Adventure has been personally curated by ThirdHome Adventures Director, Liz Bates, and in partnership with our boutique Japan tour partners, showcasing a memorable itinerary experience that is expertly designed to WOW you!

OPTIONAL PRE-EXTENSION FLORENCE & TUSCANY REGION

Experience legendary Tuscan sunsets, al fresco feasts and wine tastings

OCT 1 – 3, 2027 (3 Nights Florence with excursions into San Gimignano, Umbria & Arrezo)

Choose to begin your Italian adventure with an Optional 3-Night Pre-Extension in Florence, immersing yourself in the arts, flavors of the regional cuisine, the varietals of wines and the romantic landscapes of Tuscany, before joining the Main Adventure group on October 4th. Florence provides a memorable introduction with its elegant streets, historic squares, Renaissance landmarks and unmistakable atmosphere.

During the extension, enjoy daily guided experiences in Florence along with excursions into the Tuscan countryside, including San Gimignano, one of Tuscany’s most distinctive hill towns, celebrated for its medieval towers, beautifully preserved architecture and atmospheric streets.

On October 4th, the extension guests will travel onward to Perugia to connect with the Main Adventure group. This transfer day also becomes part of the experience, taking you from Tuscany into Umbria, with a stop in Arezzo along the way to enjoy its historic center, elegant streets, beautiful squares and rich artistic heritage. From Arezzo, continue through the changing countryside into Umbria and onward to Perugia, where the Main Adventure officially begins.

THE MAIN ADVENTURE

Experience iconic sites, stunning vistas along with culinary and wine immersions

OCT 4 – 16, 2027 (12 Nights from Perugia, Sorrento, Matera & Lecce)

From the stunning Puglia coastline with its world-renowned cuisine and unique cone-shaped Trulli houses in Alberorobello, to the breathtaking Amalfi Coast and serene location of Sorrento (The “Land of the Sirens”), exploring the ancient ruins of Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius, then onward to the ancient UNESCO World Heritage site of the cliff-side charm of Matera with its “Sassi” caves and stone dwellings, and a finale ending in the Baroque bustling town of Lecce (amicably known as “The Florence of The South”) filled with its open-air marketplaces. While in Lecce discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the white-washed Trulli Houses & beautiful Alberobello. This Southern Italy Adventure will profoundly tug at your heartstrings with a fond lasting impression of what La Dolce Vita is!

The Small-Group Size

This is a private ThirdHome small-group tour with a maximum occupancy of 24 adults

Please Note: This Adventure requires a minimum of 16 participants and a maximum of 24 participants to operate at the price quoted. Should we end up with less participants on this adventure then an increase in cost may occur, and ThirdHome will advise all participants.

Who Can Participate

All Club Members including their Family or Friends can join into this exclusive Adventure.

Activity level

To experience this unique destination requires being open-minded and enjoying traveling with others on a scheduled small-group tour planned itinerary. The Activity Level of this tour is moderate – you will need to be able to participate in physical activities such as walking and/or hiking, navigating upon uneven terrain, climbing stairs and various time-period lengths of standing. You must be able to climb onboard various motorcoach buses and sometimes various other modes of transportation if required. You can expect some longer guided touring days, balanced with ample free time to relax or explore on your own when time permits. Expect occasional group meals dining together as a group experience, with also several meals not included so as to to allow you to discover the local cuisine and fantastic restaurants as you wish on your own.

Small-Group Expectations

This small-group journey along with its itinerary is purposefully crafted as a small-group experience for a more engaging and rewarding experience. Touring days have been pre-planned with included group activities in addition to group gathering dining times. Participants must be adaptable to the pace and flow of the required pre-planned group sightseeing and regional activities that are scheduled in this adventure.

Important: Guests may choose to opt-out of any day’s planned activities or scheduled meals should they not wish to participate in what has been scheduled for that day with the group, but please note that there are no price-reductions nor refunds offered for missed activities or meals that are part of the overall scheduled group experience of this Adventure journey. Some optional activities and personally elected add-ons that are not part of the overall organized group itinerary do have some flexibility in being changed, but this will be determined on a case-by-case basis and/or circumstance, which may also incur non-refundable penalties if cancelled or changed.

Adventure Highlights

Experience authentic cultural gems, divine tastings and iconic sites on this immersive journey

• Journey on a small-group experience with maximum occupancy of 24 people
• OPTIONAL 3-Night Pre-Adventure Florence Extension, with excursions to San Gimignano & Arrezo
• MAIN Adventure includes Perugia, Assisi, Sorrento, Matera & Lecce with guided daily excursions
• 12 Nights Stay in 4-star Deluxe boutique hotel accommodations throughout the journey
• Travel throughout the extension & main adventure by private deluxe bus transportation services
• Enjoy expert local guides that will illuminate your journey on a deeper level
• Immerse into an authentic Italian La Dolce Vita lifestyle and culture in each distinctly unique region
• Gain insight of old-world traditions infused with local culture and customs throughout this journey
• Encounter the vast history of the archaeological site of Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius
• Discover historic UNESCO World Heritage sites, modern gems, iconic vistas and legendary art works
• Explore charming streets, coastal towns, mountain villages and hill-town neighborhoods
• Enjoy Italy’s legendary cuisine with an array of incredible dining experiences and wine tastings – explore the Highlights in the “La Dolce Vita Dining Experience” section below

Adventure Itinerary Overview

OPTIONAL PRE-EXTENSION FLORENCE

Oct 1 – 3, 2027 (3 Nights)

• OCT 1 – Arrival into Florence/FLR (3 Nights OCT 1/2/3)
• Arrival day at leisure
• Florence – Half-day guided walking tour with Gallery of the Academia / Free time
• San Gimignano – Full-day tour of top sites, farm-to-table lunch and winery tour with tastings
• Visit the charming town of Arrezo enroute to Perugia to begin the Main Adventure below

MAIN ADVENTURE

October 4 – 16, 2027 (12 Nights)

• OCT 4 – Arrival into Perugia Umbria International Airport/PEG (3 Nights OCT 4/5/6)
• OCT 7- Sorrento (3 Nights OCT 7/8/9)
• OCT 10 – Matera (3 Nights OCT 10/11/12)
• OCT 13 – Lecce (3 Nights OCT 13/14/15)
• OCT 16 – Departure from Bari/BRI International Airport

Accommodations

Enjoy Deluxe 4-star Accommodations throughout this Adventure

PRE-ADVENTURE 3-NT EXTENSION HOTEL

FLORENCE – Hotel Santa Maria Novella

Set in a picturesque square directly across from the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, this upscale 4-star boutique property is located right on the historic Piazza di Santa Maria Novella Church in the heart of Florence. It is a brief walk to all the major sights like the iconic Duomo Cathedral. The hotel features interconnected historic buildings and classic Florentine decor throughout, with natural wood and marble accents, along with beautiful art works. The rooms are luxurious and different from each other, yet all are decorated with taste and refinement, having romantic four-poster beds and bathrooms with fine marble. All rooms feature climate control with air conditioning and heating, depending on the season. The experience of a stay here is further enriched by the lovely terrace on the sixth floor with a panoramic view over Piazza Santa Maria Novella and out to the Florentine hills….a perfect perch for cocktails and sunset-watching. The hotel also has a fully-equipped gym and a Finnish sauna, along with a cozy reading room with fireplace. Immersed in the enchanting setting of Florence’s Piazza Santa Maria Novella, The Santa Cocktail Club embodies the elegance of the city and the artistry behind its distinctive cocktails that guests can enjoy with the view. The hotel’s legendary traditional Tuscan hospitality distinguishes a discreet yet impeccable service. 

Superior Rooms with EU Queen Bed, ensuite bathroom & AC/Heat

THE MAIN ADVENTURE HOTELS

PERUGIA – Hotel Posta Donini 1579

Located in San Martino in Campo within the charming town of Perugia and within the heart of the Umbria region, Hotel Posta Donini 1579 is a historic residence and 4-star hotel. Guests will experience a privileged stay within this prestigious 17th-century residence with its enchanting atmosphere. The hotel is composed of two unique Villas (Villa Costanza and Villa Laura), surrounded by two hectares of centuries-old park where guests can reconnect with nature. The bedrooms are all created from architectural spaces that originally served different purposes and are part of the historic renovation into a beautiful hotel property, therefore each room is uniquely different in decor and views. Guests will enjoy exclusive pampering and outstanding services throughout its offered on-site amenities – enjoy a gastronomic experience within its Pantagruel restaurant; and unwind within its sublime Biowellness SPA. Surrounding the hotel are fully restored gardens, home of several centuries-old trees and a rose garden with over 100 different varieties, from ancient fragrant roses to strikingly colored modern hybrids, offering a vibrant and romantic experience in every season. The garden is framed by three fountains and fragrant jasmine arches surrounding the wide courtyard in front of the ancient 19th-century stables; and the gardens showcase 17th-century terracotta amphorae and antique stone benches. Behind the villa, the garden makes way into The Romantic Wood Park, a magical place where visitors can wander among stone grottoes, winding paths, and small bridges that cross an ancient holm oak forest, dominated by an imposing oak over 400 years old. The park is historically significant for Perugia and Umbria as it contains several historical and archaeological finds dating back to the 3rd century BC, including a divine 19th-century chapel dedicated to Countess Laura, filled with cherubs, religious artworks and stone decorative elements.

Classic Rooms with EU Queen Bed, ensuite bathroom & AC/Heat

SORRENTO – Hotel Continental

The Hotel Continental in Sorrento is located in one of the most charming historical corners of the city and a few steps from the romantic Cloister of San Francesco. This elegant structure, with its lovely designed rooms with stunning sea views, offers a perfect location to spend an unforgettable holiday on this sophisticated iconic coast. The Hotel Continental offers luxurious lounges with Bar areas and fabulous dining restaurants. To soak up the sun and sea, there is a large swimming pool complimentary access to the “Acqua Relax” Jacuzzi to enjoy a sensorial experience to regenerate body and soul. Guests can also enjoy private access (fee required 30 Euros per person) to the Beach Club “Leonelli”, along with the use of the Hotel’s changing room cabana. The Beach Club access includes comfortable sunbeds, deck chairs and umbrellas; there is also a restaurant and a snack bar for guests to to pay directly for what they wish to sip and nibble while enjoying the club atmosphere. Guests can also share the spectacular sunsets on the hotel’s fifth floor at the exclusive “Terrazza Vittoria” which represents a corner of paradise from which guests can admire the legendary views of the Sorrento Coast and the Gulf of Naples.

Classic Sea View Rooms with EU Queen Bed, ensuite bathroom, balcony & AC/Heat

SASSI DI MATERA – Pianelle Resort

The Sassi di Matera are the ancient cave dwelling districts in the southern Italian city of Matera, featuring the Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano neighborhoods carved into limestone cliffs. Inhabited since the Paleolithic era, this UNESCO World Heritage Site represents one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements. Beneath Chianella, the ancient name of this medieval district, a crossroads of trade and commerce flourished. Today, that place has become the Pianelle district, that welcomes travelers from around the world for its enriching history and culture. In this historically rich setting established in 1610, discover the beauty of the Pianelle Resort through its history, its wonder and its enchantment. The enchanting Pianelle Resort is nestled amongst the magical ancient stones of Sassi of Matera, and the property’s charming architecture has been beautifully restored, perpetuating an ancient dwelling that unites the past, present and future. The boutique property combines modern minimalist rooms with traditional cave architecture and vaulted stone ceilings, pillowtop beds with down comforters and Frette Italian linens, all with beautiful private bathrooms that feature rainfall showerheads and designer amenities. Enjoy the sun-rooftop terrace bar with delightful views and cocktails; grab a bite from the deli-snack bar, and start each day with a hearty Italian breakfast. Just steps away to explore on foot the nearby Cathedral of Matera, the Casa Grotta nei Sassi, along with the historic neighborhoods, makes Pianelle the perfect perch.

Historic Standard Room with EU Queen Bed, ensuite bathroom & AC

LECCE – Masseria Malvindi

Located in the countryside of the Ancient City Messapian of Mesagne at the edge of Via Appia, is the Masseria Malvindi Farmhouse. It’s location in Roman times connected the capital of the Empire to the important port of Brindisi. Masseria Malvindi is a relaxing haven and close proximity to the most beautiful attractions of Salento, the historic center of Lecce and the beautiful Ionian beaches. The property boasts a classic all-white architecture and interior decor, 24-hour reception and a lovely outdoor swimming pool along with a delightful cocktail bar. All rooms at the hotel offer flat-screen TV, toiletries and arbor-patios with seating that face the pool. All the cuisine is prepared with sourced vegetables, fruits and herbs from its onsite gardens, as well as derived from local artisans of the “Food Pugliese”. Guests will be graciously hosted in this magical and evocative location of this charming Farmhouse, with a staff that will make your stay truly unforgettable.

Deluxe Room with EU Queen Bed, ensuite bathroom, patio with chairs & AC/Heat

The La Dolce Vita Dining Experience

Taste the delightful regional culinary fusions of Southern Italy’s iconic locations.

Discover and taste a gastronomic feast in Italy’s most iconic places on this Adventure that showcases the cuisines from 3 regions – Umbria, Basilicata and Puglia.

On this journey from Florence to Perugia, the Amalfi Coast, Matera and Lecce, guests will experience the culinary fusion of classical authentic Italian foods, wines, olive oil estate visits with tastings, along with street foods and a cooking class – all offering a delectable La Dolce Vita palate adventure!

This Adventure is deliciously filled with traditional Italian ingredients, carefully selected and paired with the finest specialties. Each dish is born from the meeting of tradition and creativity, offering an authentic and memorable culinary journey. Guests will experience legendary Italian hospitality, while being immersed in the roots of bringing nature into the restaurant and making it the true focal point. Every taste and sip follows the rhythm of the seasons and their transformations.

Creativity, seasonality, quality, and a slow-food tradition are the key ingredients in every recipe crafted by the chef tables and artisans you will encounter. Indulge in tasting menus designed to delight the most discerning palates, offering a variety of delicious and naturally healthy dishes. Savor wines from cellars that boast an extensive selection of local varietals, with particular emphasis on regional wines while also celebrating Italy’s finest vintages.

Highlights of the Dining & Wine Experiences on this Adventure:

• Florence Extension – Full-day culinary and wine excursion into San Gimignano with lunch at Tenuta Torciano Cantina with a 2-course ristorante menu; followed by a tour and tasting at a fabulous local winery with 3 wine tastings
• Main Adventure Itinerary Group Meals: 12 Breakfasts, 7 Exclusive Lunches, 2 three-course Dinners (Welcome & Finale), including all planned group wine & culinary tastings as defined in itinerary
• Perugia Truffle Hunting with a local artisan and delightful tastes
• Sorrento region – wines and olives tastings with lunch at Sorrentino Vini Restaurant near Mount Vesuvius
• Amalfi Coast 2-course lunch at a local restaurant in Ravello
• Matera local cheese farm at Caselficio Vannulo to experience fresh artisan mozzarella and burrata tastings
• UNESCO Sassi di Matera lunch at a local restaurant to taste traditional Lucanian cusine
• Matera Aglianico wine tasting at Musto Carmelitano winery – world-renowned for its volcanic organic varietals
• Matera olive oil producing farm with tastings & hands-on bread making experience in a traditional bakery, followed by lunch with local gourmet specialties
• Alberobello wine tasting with delightful light lunch at Masseria Torricella
• Lecce visit of the historic Castello (Castle) Frisari with light lunch and wine tastings famous for being produced solely with Negroamaro grapes
• Lecce hands-on cooking class at a fantastic local Massaria with a Farewell Dinner showcasing prepared dishes

Adventure Pricing

$14,895 per person based on Double Occupancy

Single Occupancy is on a request-basis only with higher pricing

DEPOSIT REQUIRED: $7495 per person (non-refundable)

OPTIONAL ADD-ON FLORENCE PRE-EXTENSION

$2,695 per person based on Double Occupancy

Single Occupancy is on a request-basis only with higher pricing

DEPOSIT REQUIRED: $1350 per person (non-refundable)

FINAL PAYMENT DUE:  JUN 30, 2027

Final Payment Due Dates are the same for Extension Package & Main Adventure

Adventure is non-refundable (this applies to all deposits and final payments)

Please Note: This Adventure requires a minimum of 20 participants and a maximum of 24 participants to operate at the price quoted. Should we end up with less participants on this adventure then an increase and/or decrease in cost may occur, and ThirdHome will advise all participants.

All ThirdHome Adventures are non-refundable. ThirdHome highly recommends participants to consider purchasing Travel Insurance – per our Terms & Conditions outlined below.

Adventure Terms and Conditions

Adventure is non-refundable (this applies to all deposits and final payments).

Travel Insurance

“Cancel for Any Reason” (OR) Standard Travel Insurance Options

Should you wish to be covered under the “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage plan, then Travel Insurance is required to be purchased at the time of deposit or no later than 14-days of confirming your participation with your paid Adventure deposit. Otherwise, Standard Travel Insurance can be purchased at any time prior to your departure, and offers benefits for covered reasons only.

ThirdHome has partnered with USI Affinity Travel Insurance providing U.S.A. residency members coverage benefits with a discount – to obtain a Travel Insurance quote CLICK HERE

ThirdHome Adventures and/or our preferred tour operator partners, reserve the right to modify, change or cancel itinerary accommodations and/or alter tour routing and operations, if conditions beyond our control and that of our travel partners who operate our journeys, require such alterations thereof due to any unforeseen circumstances.

Any traveler that elects not to purchase travel insurance, agrees to release ThirdHome and its tour operation partners from liability for any loss of funds incurred due to the cancellation of a specific ThirdHome Adventure as a result of, but not limited to, an act of God, a failure to purchase travel insurance, the cessation of business with respect to a tour operator/ground operator partnered services, and/or the failure of a tour operator/ground operator to refund consumer deposits or payments following the cancellation of a ThirdHome Adventure or a material failure to complete the operation of any ThirdHome Adventure.

Click here to view the THIRDHOME Adventures Terms and Conditions