The Adventure of a Lifetime
A Family Journey to Remember
Florence · Tuscany · Assisi · Rome
Three generations exploring 2,500 years of history together
The Big Picture
From the rolling hills of Chianti to the ancient stones of Rome — this trip takes our family through art, history, faith, and incredible food across 10 unforgettable days.
Our People
Three generations on one incredible adventure — grandparents, parents, and four amazing grandkids!
Getting There
We fly from Austin, Texas all the way to Florence, Italy — crossing the entire Atlantic Ocean with a stop in Frankfurt, Germany. Here's what the journey looks like.
Our Accommodations
Three completely different places — a 1,000-year-old Tuscan water mill, a Renaissance palace in Assisi, and a rooftop hotel steps from the Vatican.
Nestled in an authentic and beautiful area of central Tuscany, Mulino Morandi is a lovingly restored ancient water mill with over a thousand years of history. The sound of the river runs constantly alongside the property — you'll fall asleep to rushing water every night!
The mill blends rustic Tuscan charm with thoughtful modern design — stone walls, exposed beams, and stunning bathrooms made from pietra serena (Florentine gray stone). The property includes exclusive use of the entire mill and its grounds for our family.
🏡 View on Airbnb ↗Housed in the historic Palazzo Ferri Benigni Illuminati Scatena, the Fontebella Palace Hotel is a 4-star property right in the heart of medieval Assisi — just steps from the famous Basilica of St. Francis. Each floor of the hotel represents a different historical period: Medieval, Renaissance, and 17th century.
From the terrace of their Il Frantoio Restaurant, you'll see one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in all of Umbria — fields of sunflowers and lavender, monastery bell towers, and the rolling hills of the valley below.
🏨 Fontebella Official Website ↗Our Rome home is perfectly placed — 3 minutes on foot from St. Peter's Square, between the Vatican and the Tiber River. The hotel sits in the elegant Prati district, with easy walking access to the Vatican Museums, Castel Sant'Angelo, Piazza Navona, and the Pantheon.
The crown jewel of the hotel is the Les Étoiles rooftop terrace — a multi-level experience on the 6th, 7th, and 8th floors offering one of the most spectacular views of St. Peter's Basilica and Rome's skyline. Breakfast here looking at the dome of St. Peter's is unforgettable.
🏨 Atlante Hotels Website ↗Day by Day
Every day is a new adventure — here's the full plan!
Explore Every Stop
Three great regions, each completely different — Renaissance art, Franciscan faith, and ancient Roman history.
Our Most Important Day
The spiritual heart of our trip — we attend Mass at St. Peter's with Father Ben, then tour the Vatican Museums with guide Ala. Here's everything to know before we go.
St. Peter's Basilica is the largest Christian church in the world and one of the holiest places on Earth. It is built over the tomb of Saint Peter — one of Jesus's closest disciples and the first Pope. The current basilica was begun in 1506 and took 120 years to complete, with Michelangelo, Raphael, and Bernini all contributing to its design.
Michelangelo's Pietà (1499) — a breathtaking marble sculpture of Mary holding Jesus, carved when Michelangelo was only 24 years old.
Bernini's Bronze Canopy (Baldachin) — a massive 95-foot bronze canopy over the main altar, built using bronze taken from the Pantheon's roof.
The Dome — look straight up at the center. The light pouring through is otherworldly.
We have the extraordinary privilege of attending Mass at St. Peter's on June 10 at 8:15 AM with Father Ben. Arriving early is essential — plan to be seated by 8:00 AM. Dress respectfully: shoulders and knees covered, no shorts. Mass at St. Peter's is an experience very few people have — it is something the Edwards family will carry forever.
Our Vatican Museums tour with guide Ala begins at 7:30 AM on June 11. The museums hold one of the greatest art collections in the world — built by the Popes over 500 years. Highlights include:
• Gallery of Maps — enormous painted maps of all of Italy (Rose will love this!)
• Raphael's Rooms — School of Athens and other masterpieces
• Egyptian Museum — real mummies! (George's favorite)
• Sistine Chapel — Michelangelo's ceiling. No photos allowed. Total silence required.
✓ Bring passports — required for Vatican Museums
✓ Shoulders covered (no tank tops)
✓ Knees covered (no shorts or short skirts)
✓ Men remove hats inside the Basilica
✓ No large bags or backpacks in the museums
✓ Absolute silence in the Sistine Chapel
✓ No photography in the Sistine Chapel
✓ St. Peter's Basilica is free to enter
✓ Arrive early — crowds are intense by 9 AM
For Daniel, Henry, Rose & George
Tap any card to reveal the answer! See who can remember the most by the end of the trip — Edwards Family Challenge!
Edwards Family Challenge!
Eat Your Way Through Italy
Italian food is completely different region by region. Here's what to order — no wine recommendations needed, Italy has incredible non-alcoholic options too!
Speak Like a Local
Italians love when you try their language — even a few words will get you big smiles! Challenge: who can learn the most before we leave?
Be Prepared
Everything you need to know so every Edwards has the best trip possible.