Join us for an unforgettable 10-day journey through Northern Italy, where centuries-old textile traditions meet world-class cuisine and Renaissance masterpieces. This is la bella vita—the beautiful life—where Italians have woven together their passions for art, fashion, and food into a rich cultural tapestry that thrives to this day.

Experience Milan's cutting-edge fashion scene and Florence's timeless silk-weaving mills. Dive into hands-on natural dyeing workshops, watch skilled embroiderers create intricate designs, and discover the secrets behind Parmigiano Reggiano and authentic balsamic vinegar—experiencing firsthand how Italy's love affair with both artistry and flavor has shaped generations.

You'll stand before Michelangelo's David, explore the Uffizi's treasures, and wander through medieval Bologna's food markets, exploring the Italian way of celebrating life through beautiful things.

Textile & Cultural Treasures

• Learn traditional Italian embroidery techniques from master artisans.

• Discover natural dyeing methods using plants and flowers for sustainable color creation.

• Experience historic silk weaving at a centuries-old Florentine factory.

• Explore Milan's fashion scene through exclusive behind-the-scenes workshops and tours.

• Witness legendary Florentine leather craftsmanship in working artisan studios.

• Discover 6,000 textile artifacts spanning medieval to modern times at Prato Textile Museum.

• Marvel at the artistic masterpieces of Michelangelo’s David and Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper.

Culinary Experiences

• Taste fresh Parmigiano Reggiano straight from the source at a traditional dairy in Parma.

• Uncover centuries-old balsamic vinegar traditions at Modena's specialized museum.

• Practice hands-on Bolognese cooking including tortellini, strichetti, and signature sauces.

• Experience local food culture through guided tours of Bologna's best-kept culinary secrets.

Kris Vierra

Kris Vierra has been sewing or quilting for over 20 years. She loves sharing her passion for quilting and all things related to fabric, believing that quilting should be fun and not stressful. Kris teaches at national shows and guilds across the country, and has won numerous national awards for her machine quilting skills over the years. Most recently, Kris won the Best Long Arm Quilting award at AQS Quilt Week Paducah and the PFAFF Master Award for Machine Artistry at the International Quilt Festival Houston. Two of her quilts, Tiger, Tiger and Star of India, are part of the permanent collection at the National Quilt Museum in Paducah. Kris is also the author of the Stress Free Quilting® book series. She loves traveling and meeting quilters from around the world. Kris believes that no matter what language you speak fabric is universal.

The tour starts at dinner on Day 1, Tuesday, October 27 at Hotel Brunelleschi or similar in Milan. The tour ends after breakfast on Day 10, Thursday, November 5 at Grand Hotel Adratico or similar.