Inside the 2026 Journey
From June 20 to July 8, we welcomed 10 American guests through Emilia-Romagna, followed by Northern Italy and France. This page looks back at the journey, the places we explored, and what it means to travel with Luca Italian Experiences.Our first hosted journey began with a simple idea: stay in one place long enough for it to feel like home. Rather than changing hotels every day, our guests spent a full week together in a private villa in the countryside of Emilia-Romagna. From there, we explored the region through its food, towns, producers, and Motor Valley, always returning each evening to the same home base. Shared breakfasts, afternoons by the pool, dinners both at the villa and in local restaurants, and the freedom to settle into one place created the relaxed rhythm we believe makes regional travel so rewarding.
After the villa week, part of the group continued with us through Northern Italy and France. The second part of the journey followed a different rhythm, moving between carefully chosen hotels that each offered something unique. From a centrally located hotel with a rooftop breakfast overlooking Lyon, to a family-owned hotel in the Loire Valley, and finally a château stay near Chantilly, every stop was selected for its character, comfort, and location. The result was a journey where transportation, accommodations, and daily experiences worked together seamlessly, allowing guests to simply enjoy the places around them.
Their Experience, In Their Own Words
The most meaningful part of any journey is how it is remembered. Here are a few words our guests shared after returning home.
Luke Stedman
Director of Premium Experiences, Disneyland Resort
"Fantastic trip! And what a great photo and priceless memory. Thank you for giving me this time with my family and friends. These are the most valuable moments in our lives. We're all so thankful to have you in our lives."
Linda
"It was a wonderful trip and thank you for letting me be a part of it. Your planning and thoughtful itineraries were evident, as well as your ability to adjust on the fly as needed."
"What you offered was great. You did a very admirable job. I absolutely loved the small towns we visited... My friends are very impressed with my trip. I think a few have already signed up for your website."
Jeff
"This most recent journey with you has been perhaps one of the most memorable I have experienced."
"It was such a pleasure finally getting to sit back, relax and not worry about the countless details that make a trip fit like a glove for a discriminating group of seasoned travelers."
