FOOD. WINE. CULTURE.
Nourish your soul with a taste of Italy
Come experience la Dolce Vita with us...
Is Italy at the top of your travel dreams list ?
Join us on one of our
beautifully curated trips to Italy & beyond
and immerse yourself in la Dolce Vita!
Isn't it time you connected with your inner Mediterranean soul?
Welcome to La Dolce Vita!
Whether your idea of happiness is the tranquil beauty of the Tuscan countryside or the excitement of exotic delights in magical cities
we have what you're looking for...
Don't wait for "some day" your life is NOW!
Are you longing to go to Italy to indulge in amazing foods, delicious wines
and experience your own taste of La Dolce Vita...
but don't know where to start?
Why not let me take care of the planning for you~
Sign up for a small group adventure with me or private trip planning today!
Upcoming trips and events
May 27- June 6 2025
Paris~Versailles~Champagne
A truly opulent and unforgettable trip of a lifetime 10 days France
Inspired by Bridgerton?
Here's your chance to attend a lavish ball in period costume.
This trip is tailor-made for all the ladies who dream of an extraordinary night at the Palace of Versailles, walking in the footsteps of Marie Antoinette.
Couples are welcome to join in this night of extravagance!
​
We start in Paris, the City of Light. Then, indulge in the splendor of Versailles, where a magical night of extravagance awaits! Then we're off to the breathtaking Champagne region, famed for its rolling vineyards and prestigious bubbly to indulge in tastings of world-renowned champagne.
​
Women's Ligurian Coast trip
Coming Spring 2025
A trip for women by women
Details to come!
Discover the beauty of the Ligurian coast, Cinque Terre, Santa Margherita, Portofino and more. Experience Italy through the beauty, food and wine of this special area as you create new friendships with your small group of travel companions.
​
Taste of Sicily Fall 2026
​
Join us for a food, wine and cultural journey on the beautiful island of Sicily.
We'll spend 10 days exploring the diverse history, stunning architecture and tasting the delicious southern Italian cuisine, paired with the most important and diverse wines of the region.
We'll also enjoy some fun experiences from olive oil and chocolate tastings, to a special hands on cooking experience- plus a few fun surprises.
We will be adding more retreats soon!!
check back for additional dates, locations and travel updates for:
Italy and France coming
MAY and JUNE 2025
​
Looking for a tailored vacation just for you?
Contact me to arrange a special trip guaranteed to create unforgettable memories for
your family, friends or business
To stay up to date on events and upcoming trips
at the bottom of this page
Here are some photos from our past trips and retreats
I have explored the corners of almost every region in Italy over the past 30+ years and there is still always something new and exciting to discover.
​
What's on your bucket list?
Note from host:
​
Have you ever fantasized about eating
your way through Italy and savoring its regional wines? Now's your chance!
This is not typical retreat or vacation.
Its a soul nurturing experience and immersion
into one of the most loved cultures in the world.
​
Food, Wine and Passion
are integral parts of Italian culture.
Come with me to the place I call my heart home
and nurture your soul with delicious cuisine
sourced locally, Zero km,
Meet local winemakers and discover organic wines...
and of course there's the gelato!​​
​
​When you travel to Italy with us you'll discover for yourself what Italians already know...
how to feel alive with a new spark in your soul
as you enjoy living la dolce vita~
Come reawaken your life with passion!
​
*Have a food sensitivity?
No worries- Italy has many gluten free and vegetarian options!
​​
​
​
Below are some photos from past Dolce Vita trips:
Special excursions
The true beauty and magic of Italy can be found in the small towns and villages, with wonderful local experiences.
​
Together we'll explore the hidden landscapes, while being sure not to miss the important sights, as we create memories new friendships and stories to last a lifetime.
Testimonials
"Thank you, Ann Marie, for showing me a side of Italy and myself I would never have discovered on my own.
Grazie mille, Bella! "
*read reviews here
Get ready to fall in love with Italy, connect with new friends, bathe in laughter and joy,
and revel in new adventures as you rejuvenate your mind, body and soul, living la dolce vita
Dine Al fresco in the harmony of the exquisite landscape, and feel like part of the family
Allow your palate to be awakened with fresh simple cuisine and vibrant wines
Meet your host
Ann Marie Packard
Retreat host, Event Planner, Italophile
Organizer for "San Franciscans who love all things Italian" and "Let's go to Italy" Meetup groups
Italian Ambassador and member of Le Donne D'Italia
Each time I return to Italy there's a feeling that stirs my soul and whispers Welcome Home!
On my first visit, in 1988, sitting in an ancient piazza sipping cappuccino, I fell in love....
​
Italy has a way of tantalizing all your senses at once. I've never felt so completely present than I did in that moment. I was captivated by the sights, the melodious beauty of language and music, and the delightful aromas wafting through the air. The glow of bistro lights at sunset and the gentle summer breeze seemed to embrace my soul...
It was in that magical moment that I fell in love with this beautiful country, and it has remained my heart's home ever since. Italians embrace life at a leisurely pace, infused with profound passion. This is the experience I cherish and wish to share with you.
Why I began leading retreats
After my fathers sudden passing in 2007 at the young age of 60, my outlook on life changed.
My father and I had plans to travel together once he retired. He worked hard his entire life and spoke often about the things he was putting off until retirement, a "someday" that never came.
That was the moment I let go of my own excuses, and made a decision to enjoy life, now.
Each year, I kept my fathers dreams alive by traveling to a place on his bucket list and sprinkling some of his ashes there. So, in a sense we did travel the world together after all.
​
Soon, I started noticing signs showing up in my life, like the flyer for a yoga retreat in Tuscany which led me to quit my job of 25 years to follow my heart and create a dream of curating retreats of my own.
I've lost some very dear people over the last few years, its always a harsh reminder that life really is too short not to do the things that you dream of doing. For me, helping others live their dreams and do something for themselves, is immensely fulfilling.
I read somewhere that we are the sum of our experiences, if so, then investing in traveling and creating memories should be a priority.
I've also found that sharing our experiences with others takes it to another level. Connection is a basic human need, I love witnessing the sharing, friendships and transformation I see in my guests during my trips.
​
I have a deep love for travel, how about you? Are you ready to live your own Dolce Vita experience?
Let's create unforgettable memories together!
