If a group of people can’t bond over pizza, pasta, and prosecco in one of the world’s most popular destinations, then it simply wasn’t meant to be.
But that certainly wasn’t a problem on Italy by Travelive’s recent FAM trip to Rome, Florence, and Venice, which saw some of the most passionate, inquisitive, and fun-loving travel advisors discover the essence of la dolce vita across three classic Italian destinations.
How did they do it? Well, the Travelive way of course! Through food, drink, immersive cultural experiences, and stays at charming boutique accommodations.
And this is how it went.
A Roman Holiday
Everybody loves a Roman holiday, and not just Audrey Hepburn.
A city where emperors, artists, film stars, and modern-day travelers have all come in search of life’s finest moments, the Eternal City is ever the classic starting point for a true Italian adventure. And with the elegant Hotel L’Orologio Roma serving as our home away from home, we were perfectly positioned to immerse ourselves in its timeless charms.
Nestled within the historic Lavaggi Pacelli building, Hotel L’Orologio Roma sits just steps away from some of Rome’s most iconic landmarks. The hotel quickly won us over with its refined design, warm hospitality, and enviable location in the heart of the capital. But as cozy as it was, Rome was already calling.
A panoramic evening golf cart tour introduced us to the city in spectacular fashion, carrying us past such legendary sights as the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps. Illuminated beneath the Roman sky, these familiar landmarks somehow felt even more magical than expected; while the hailstorm that we got caught in along the way made it even more memorable.
The following day our exploration took us deep beneath the Colosseum, where gladiators once awaited their fate in the underground chambers of the world’s most famous amphitheater; though our visit was a touch more leisurely.
Meanwhile, up in the Vatican Museums, masterpieces by Michelangelo, Bernini, and countless others reminded us why Rome remains one of the world’s great cultural treasures.
Naturally, no search for la dolce vita would be complete without food. Between leisurely lunches in Trastevere, memorable dinners at local trattorias, and countless conversations shared over excellent Italian cuisine, our group quickly discovered that some of Rome’s greatest attractions often appear on the table rather than the map.
By the time we needed to say arrivederci, if you asked us which cities we enjoyed the most, we would probably quote Princess Ann: “Rome! By all means, Rome. I will cherish my visit here in memory as long as I live.”
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A Hole in One — Rome Golf Cart Tour
When a city has over 2,000 years of history, seeing it all can involve taking quite a few steps. A golf cart tour offers a relaxed and efficient way to take in Rome’s highlights while conserving energy for everything else the city has to offer. Evening tours are particularly rewarding, revealing the Eternal City at its most atmospheric beneath a blanket of lights.
A Taste of Florence
If Rome paints a capital picture of Italy, Florence invites you to slow down and admire the brush strokes. And we began doing so with some wine; as you do, when in Italy.
Leaving Rome behind, we made our way into the heart of Tuscany with a memorable stop at Avignonesi Winery, where excellent vintages, a leisurely lunch, and rolling vineyard views reminded us that for Italians la dolce vita is very much a national pastime.
Upon arriving in Florence, our group had the opportunity to experience two charming 4-star properties: Hotel L’Orologio Firenze and Hotel Santa Maria Novella. Both ideally located in the heart of the city, the hotels offered their own distinct take on Florentine hospitality, blending elegance, comfort, and a deep appreciation for the city’s timeless character.
Naturally, Florence wasted little time showing off. It led us through its historic streets and into its creative soul, revealing not only iconic landmarks and Michelangelo’s enduring legacy, but also the artisans, workshops, and hidden corners of the Oltrarno district, where the city’s centuries-old traditions live on beyond the Renaissance.
Of course, one cannot truly understand Tuscany without stepping into the kitchen. A visit to the bustling Sant’Ambrogio Market was followed by a hands-on cooking class that saw us attempt (mostly successfully) to recreate the delicious specialties of one of the world’s most acclaimed cuisines. All of which lasted barely long enough for photo evidence.
Between insightful site inspections, memorable dinners, and countless moments spent soaking in the city’s beauty, Florence revealed itself not merely as a destination, but as a masterpiece still very much in progress.
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Cooking Up Memories in Florence
Some of the best ways to discover a destination happen around the dinner table. This hands-on experience combines a visit to the authentic Sant’Ambrogio Market with a cooking class led by a professional chef, offering travelers a genuine taste of local life beyond the usual tourist trail. Best of all, it can be adapted to dietary preferences and is available in other Italian cities as well.
A Venetian Finale
By the time we arrived in Venice, we had already spent several days living la dolce vita. Venice, however, had a whole other idea of it.
Drifting gracefully between water and sky, Italy’s most enchanting city welcomed us with its timeless beauty, winding canals, and unmistakable atmosphere. Our “floating” home for the next two nights was Hotel L’Orologio Venezia, an elegant 4-star boutique property overlooking the Grand Canal; making it perfectly positioned for discovering the city’s many wonders.
Pretty soon we resolved to do just that. A guided walking tour introduced us to some of its most celebrated landmarks, from the grandeur of St. Mark’s Square to the architectural marvel of Scala Contarini del Bovolo and the world-famous La Fenice Theatre. However, one does not simply walk through Venice.
Since no visit to ‘The Floating City’ is complete without a gondola ride, we commandeered a couple and seized the opportunity to experience the city from its most iconic perspective: gently gliding through its labyrinth of canals while trying not to look too much like tourists. A challenge we happily failed.
Yet some of Venice’s greatest treasures lie beyond the city itself. A private boat excursion carried us across the lagoon to Murano and Burano, where centuries-old traditions of glassblowing and lacemaking continue to thrive. Between Murano’s remarkable craftsmanship and Burano’s colorful fishermen’s houses, our cameras received almost as much exercise as we did.
With one final dinner at a local trattoria, plenty of laughter, and perhaps a final toast or two, our Italian adventure drew to a close. Venice had provided the perfect ending: beautiful, unforgettable, and just mysterious enough to leave us wanting more.
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Aperitivos With a View
One discovery our group was particularly happy to make was the Santa Cocktail Club collection found within the WTB hotels featured throughout the journey. Offering creative cocktails, delicious cuisine, and some of the best views in town, these stylish venues have become favorites among both travelers and locals alike. And when Italians choose to spend their evenings at a hotel bar, you know you're probably in the right place.
La Dolce Vita, Lived
As it turns out, the secret to la dolce vita is surprisingly simple: great food, wonderful company, unforgettable experiences, and a destination that somehow makes every moment feel special.
Needless to say, our travel advisors found all of that and more across Rome, Florence, and Venice. And while the trip may have come to an end, the inspiration, insights, and memories they gathered will continue to shape extraordinary Italian journeys for many travelers to come.
Until next time, Italia.
