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
Taste of Sicily Fall 2027
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.
November 27~December 8, 2027
Magical Christmas Holiday
European Christmas Markets River Cruise
There's something truly magical about Europe at Christmastime.
Imagine strolling through centuries-old town squares glowing with thousands of twinkling lights, the scent of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine filling the crisp winter air.
From the grand boulevards of Budapest to the enchanting streets of Prague, we'll cruise the beautiful Danube River, visiting some of Europe's most beloved Christmas markets along the way.
Together, we'll sample regional holiday specialties, sip warming Glühwein, and enjoy a tasting of Austria's renowned wines. Our journey concludes with two unforgettable nights in Prague, where Gothic spires, cobblestone streets, and beautifully decorated Christmas markets provide the perfect finale to this festive holiday escape.
More than a river cruise, this is an invitation to slow down, embrace the joy of the season, and experience the warmth, traditions, and timeless beauty of Christmas in Europe.
I hope you'll join me for this unforgettable holiday journey.
Where do you want to go?
What are you dreaming of...
Lavender fields in bloom
🍷 Rosé beneath the olive trees
Charming village markets
Long, leisurely sunset dinners...
Tell me where your heart wants to travel next. I'd love to hear your dream destination—
it just might inspire our next Dolce Vita Retreat.💜
Girls Wine Week
An unforgettable weekend of luxury awaits you...
You can join one of our small group getaways for ladies 40+ in Napa or Sonoma.
Or join a wine tasting adventure in Anderson Valley, with a fun stay in Mendocino.
Let us plan your special girls weekend, or a romantic getaway for you and your sweetheart.
We will be adding more retreats soon!!
check back for additional dates, locations and travel updates for:
Italy, France, Montenegro, Croatia,
Portugal, Scotland and European Christmas Markets
2027 & 2028
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 38+ 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 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, travel 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 in Rome, 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 ancient sights, the melodious beauty of language and music, and delicious aromas in the air. The glow of bistro lights at sunset and the gentle caress of the summer breeze embraced 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
My journey began with a profound loss.
When my father passed away suddenly in 2007 at just 60 years old, my perspective on life changed forever.
He was my person, and we had dreams of traveling together once he retired. He worked hard his entire life, often talking about the places he wanted to see "someday." Sadly, that someday never came.
His passing became the moment I stopped waiting for the perfect time and decided to start truly living my own life, and stop sleepwalking on auto pilot.
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.
Signs began showing up, like the flyer for a yoga retreat in Tuscany which led me to quit my job of 25 years to follow my heart and begin a dream of creating retreats of my own.
I've experienced some deep losses the past few years, and each goodbye has reinforced the same lesson: life is precious, and none of us knows how much time we have. It's why helping others fulfill their own travel dreams has become so deeply meaningful to me.
I believe that the places we explore, the people we meet, the meals we share, and the moments that take our breath away become part of who we are.What I've come to love most, is witnessing what happens when those experiences are shared.
Are you ready to live your own Dolce Vita experience?
I'd be honored to help you experience the beauty of slowing down, and savoring life's extraordinary moments.
Andiamo- Let's go create unforgettable memories together!
