2017 Florence “Dreaming Sophia” Author Fan Tour with Author Melissa Muldoon
4-Days / 4-Nights: Follow the Steps of Sophia and Discover Florence, Art and the Medici’s
I’ve just returned from an unforgettable September in Italy!
For the first two weeks, I was in Arezzo, co-leading a language immersion program with Paola Testi of Cultura Italiana. Then, for the third week, I found myself in Florence once again—this time with a delightful group of Dreaming Sophia readers! Together, we spent four magical days and nights walking in Sophia’s footsteps, turning dreams into reality.
To capture the highlights of our 2017 Dreaming Sophia Experience, I’ve put together a video—be sure to watch and relive some of the special moments we shared in Sophia’s favorite city!
A heartfelt GRAZIE to all my incredible travelers—I had an absolutely marvelous time with you! Pictured above are Joe, Sandra, Shelly, Marylou, (me!), Sheree, Kara, Lucrezia (our wonderful photographer!), and Sue Ann. Thank you for reading Dreaming Sophia, loving the story, and joining me on this journey. Every moment in Florence with you was pure joy—I promise next time we’ll allow for even more shopping and spritzing!
A special thank you to my amazing partners in this Florentine art adventure, Benedetta Bronzini and Giulia Bucciarelli. Benedetta, a native Florentine, art historian, teacher, and guide, brought the city’s history to life for us. Giulia, a talented plein air artist (just like Sophia!), originally from Arezzo, now lives and works in Florence. Baci & abbracci! You are both incredibly talented, and I feel so privileged to have such wonderful women in my life.
Sophia, Eleonora, and I thank you all from the bottom of our hearts!
Experience Florence through the eyes of an artist!
8-Spots Available
Don’t just dream of Italy—experience it!
Be like Sophia and make your Italian dreams come true!
Join Melissa and local Florentines—Giulia Bucciarelli, a talented Florentine artist, and Benedetta Bronzino, an Italian teacher and expert tour guide—for an unforgettable journey through Florence, seen through the eyes of an artist. Together, we’ll trace the footsteps of Sophia, the beloved protagonist of Dreaming Sophia, and rediscover the magic of Florence in a whole new way. (The Florence Dreaming Sophia program will be conducted in English, but Italian language enthusiasts will have plenty of opportunities to practice their conversational skills.)
The program will be conducted in English, but there will be opportunities to practice Italian for those who wish!
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Wednesday, September 13: Welcome to Florence!
Morning check-in
Walking tour with Melissa and Giulia
Visit to San Lorenzo and Medici Palace
Welcome dinner with a gelato finale!
Day 2 – Thursday, September 14: Renaissance Masters
Guided tours with Benedetta (Duomo, Accademia, Uffizi)
Lunch at All’Antico Vinaio (out of pocket)
Dinner at a local trattoria
Day 3 – Friday, September 15: Art and Bohemia
Outdoor watercolor painting lessons
Oltrarno tour: workshops, artists, and galleries
Sunset wine tasting
Day 4 – Saturday, September 16: Experience the Vendemmia in Chianti
Full day among Chianti vineyards and wine cellars, with lunch included
Day 5 – Sunday, September 17: Farewell / Baci & Abbracci!
Morning checkout and final goodbyes
Accommodations
During our four unforgettable days and nights in Florence, you’ll stay in a delightful Bed and Breakfast near the Accademia. We’ve reserved rooms at Residenza Johanna and Antica Dimora, two charming properties located on the same street and managed by the same hospitable owner. You’re welcome to take advantage of the exclusive room rates offered for this program or opt to arrange your own accommodations in Florence.
Two Tour Packages to Choose From
During our four unforgettable days and nights in Florence, you’ll stay in a delightful Bed and Breakfast near the Accademia. We’ve reserved rooms at Residenza Johanna and Antica Dimora, two charming properties located on the same street and managed by the same hospitable owner. You’re welcome to take advantage of the exclusive room rates offered for this program or opt to arrange your own accommodations in Florence.
PACKAGE 1: Hotel included. Includes 4 days/4 nights in a Florentine B&B near the center, city pass, guided tours, culinary and artistic experiences, and a Chianti excursion.
PACKAGE 2: Offers the same program without accommodation costs.
Experience the Magic of Florence: Walk, Paint, and Dream!
Join Melissa in Florence for an extraordinary journey that blends art, history, and Italian charm, all inspired by the captivating world of her protagonist, Sophia. Experience the city like never before with immersive walking tours, an open-air painting class in the lush Boboli Gardens, and visits to iconic landmarks such as the Medici Palace and Pitti Palace. Indulge in delectable food and wine, relax in charming accommodations, and even ascend to the breathtaking heights of Brunelleschi’s Duomo for a view you’ll never forget. Let Florence’s beauty, culture, and Melissa’s unique storytelling bring your Italian dream to life!
Read the novel that was inspired by Florence!
Dreaming Sophia
Dreaming Sophia is a magical look into Italy, language, art, and culture. It is a story about turning dreams into reality and learning to walk the fine line between fact and fantasy. When tragedy strikes, Sophia finds herself alone in the world, without direction and fearful of loving again. With only her vivid imagination to guide her, she begins a journey that will take her from the vineyards in Sonoma, California to a grad school in Philadelphia and, eventually, to Italy: Florence, Lucca, Rome, Verona, Venice, and Val d’Orcia. Through dreamlike encounters, Sophia meets Italian personalities—princes, poets, duchesses, artists, and film stars— who give her advice to help put her life back together. Following a path that takes her from grief to joy, she discovers the source of her creativity and learns to love again, turning her dreams into reality.
