Candelaria Design Tour Italy

September 29 - October 14, 2026

Candelaria Style is not just about the homes we design, it's the lifestyle and way of living we are striving to enhance. Whether a new home or a remodel our job is to take your daily experience of living in your personal environment to the highest level. Cooking, dining, sleeping, exercising, entertaining, traveling, or gardening - they are all embodied, experienced or relived in our homes. When designing a home, we are not just thinking about a floor plan, we are thinking of a life plan.

The Candelaria Team lives life and understands the underlying reason for creating a home  - it's about creating an elevated way of living. Candelaria Design Tours are open to all and are all about exploring other ways of life and bringing those practices into your home. Our Candelaria Design travels involve plenty of fun, food, culture, architecture and ways of living that will leave you inspired! Enjoy these videos, photos and articles to get a sense of what awaits you on our Tour Italy!

Enjoy the following magazine articles Mark wrote about his trips to Italy published in Iconic Life Magazine.

MARK-itecture: Savor a Tour Through Italy Through an Architect’s Eyes

MARK-itecture: Savor a Tour of Architecture in Tuscany, with an Architect as your Guide: Part 2 of 3

MARK-itecture: Savor Italy and Architecture Through an Architect’s Eyes: Part 3 of 3

Proposed 2026 Itinerary: Florence, Umbria & Portofino

Day 1, Sept 29: Depart Phoenix and Fly to Florence.

Day 2, Sept 30: Check into Hotel, Dinner al fresco in front of The Duomo at Buca San Giovanni. Cap off the night with drinks at the rooftop bar of the Westin Excelsior.

Day 3: Enjoy the day in Florence, visit museums, gardens, and explore the vibrant city & Devour Tour

Day 4: Free Day in Florence. That evening we will get dressed up for apertivo hour on the terrace of the the exquisite Belmond property Villa San Michele. Following sunset cocktails will move into their restaurant for a Farewell to Florence Dinner.

Day 5: Morning in Florence then we will take a transport to the airport to get our rental cars. From Florence we will drive to the exquisite, modern Antinori Winery for a self-guided tour and a private wine-pairing lunch. Then, we will finish the drive to the Farmhouses where we will be greeted by Elizabeth Wholey and her team with a Welcome Dinner in our homes!

Day 6: We start the day off with a savory brunch at the Villa di Piazzano from 1030-12. Then, we will explore the antique fair in Arezzo. The real fun begins Sunday evening with our cooking class with Elizabeth Wholey!

Day 7: Free Day in Umbria or optional relaxation at Monte Amiata Hot Springs. This evening we will meet up in Cortona and grab dinner wherever we like.

Day 8: Wine Tour Day by Elizabeth Wholey– we will tour wineries in either Tuscany or Umbria for the day including a light lunch. Dinner at the Ristorante Girasoli.

Day 9: Free Morning to relax – drive to Umbertide for the Farmer’s Market from 10-1pm. After we will drive to Perugia for sightseeing, and their famous chocolates & linens. That night we will be treated to an incredible 6-course homemade meal at Mimmi’s.

Day 10: We will leave around 10am today for a trip to the Tuscan town of San Gimigiano then Mark’s favorite, Siena at sunset.

Day 11: Morning visit of the Umbrian Village of Assisi followed by the afternoon in Spello with lunch and wine tasting at Enoteca Properzio around 1. Evening farewell dinner at 7:30 at Il Falconiere.

Day 12: Check out of the Farmhouse and hit the road for a 4-hour drive to the coast of Portofino! Check into hotel (TBD) in Santa Margarita.

Day 13: Optional sightseeing & hike in Cinque Terre by train. Or check out a garden, such as Parco del Flauto Magico, or the beautiful churches in the area and enjoy the hotel amenities. Group dinner that evening tbd.

Day 14: Enjoy a free day at the hotel or in Portofino. This evening we will celebrate Mark’s Birthday!

Day 15: Free day to rest and pack-up. We will also conclude with a couple hours on a private boat tour and farewell drinks after.

Day 16 (Oct 14): Fly home from Genoa Airport.

Details and venues are subject to change. Please contact Evelyn Jung for more details: evelyn@candelariadesign.com