I recently had the incredible opportunity to explore Italy with 30 travel professionals from around the world on a hosted TTC Brands Tour. Together, we immersed ourselves in one of TTC’s exceptional tours, featuring overnights in Italy’s Big Three: Rome, Florence, and Venice.
My journey commenced on Delta Airlines, with a connecting flight in Atlanta before landing directly in Rome. The transatlantic flight with Delta was a pleasant experience. They served dinner, a snack a few hours later, and breakfast about an hour before landing. Throughout the 9-hour flight, a plethora of movies and entertainment kept us engaged, and complimentary pillows and blankets ensured everyone's comfort.
TTC wasted no time in showcasing the carefully curated experiences they offer in Rome.
Day 1: Benvenuto Italia
After an introduction from the TTC Tour Director, our group was warmly welcomed into an Italian home, where we indulged in a delightful meal of pizza, pasta, and tiramisu. The next night, we had a hands-on experience preparing our own meal, starting with making our own pasta.
Day 2: The Eternal City
Two action-packed days in Rome highlighted iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, Arch of Constantine, Trevi Fountain, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, Bramante Staircase, and a special blessing from the Pope. Many do not realize that every Sunday (if the Pope is at the Vatican and not traveling), he appears in a window high above Saint Peter’s Square to address the crowd below.
Day 3: Make Travel Matter
Our first significant travel day led us to the town of Perugia, where, as part of TTC Tour’s “Make Travel Matter” initiative, we visited an artisanal workshop of loom-weaving—an ancient art passed down through the generations. Since food and Italy go hand-in-hand, the day concluded with Tuscan risotto and Chianti wine.
Day 4: I Want To Be Where Pizzas Are
Florence and Food Day! Waking up in the city center of Florence, we embarked on a full day of touring and tasting. The Mercato Centrale Firenze offered a sensory delight of artisan specialty dishes, while our Renaissance city tour took us to the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Michelangelo’s David. Florence, a bustling city, has so many things to do, see, and eat!
Day 5: The Tower Leans
Goodbye Florence, hello Square of Miracles! It wouldn’t be a trip to Italy’s highlights without a visit to the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Day 6: The City Floats
TTC pulled out all the stops, treating us to our final two days in Venice. We traveled by water taxi to our hotel on the Grand Canal, and the following day we explored both Murano and Burano islands.
Day 7: Farewell to Another Enchanting City
On the final day, we were whisked away by water taxi to the Venice airport to begin our long journey home. My return flight with Delta included stops in Paris and Atlanta. Despite the 17+ hours of travel, there were no delays or lost luggage, leaving me with no complaints!
