Tuscany & Rome FAM Trip

Luxury, authentic experiences & endless opportunities for the MICE Market

At Travelmediate, we are always looking for destinations, experiences and partners that can truly inspire our clients and showcase what is possible for future MICE and incentive groups. Recently, we had the pleasure of organizing and participating in an unforgettable FAM trip through Tuscany and Rome in collaboration with our trusted Italian DMC partner Comunicando Eventi and airline partner ITA Airways.

Over the course of three incredible days, we discovered luxurious hotels, authentic Italian experiences, world-class gastronomy and unique event opportunities that once again confirmed why Italy remains one of Europe’s strongest destinations for meetings, incentives and events.

Day 1 – A warm Italian welcome

The journey started long before we landed in Italy. Thanks to our airline partner ITA Airways, we received a very special welcome from the moment we boarded the aircraft. Travelling comfortably is an important part of every group journey, and we were pleasantly surprised by the generous leg space and excellent onboard service. ITA Airways demonstrated exactly why they are such a valuable partner for business and incentive travel between the Benelux and Italy.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by two very familiar faces: Monica and Alessandra from Comunicando Eventi. It is always a pleasure to work alongside partners who are not only incredibly professional but also genuinely passionate about their destination. Their enthusiasm for showcasing the best of Italy was evident throughout the entire trip.

Tuscan landscapes & thermal springs

From the airport, we travelled into the beautiful Tuscan countryside towards our first accommodation: the stunning Fonteverde Lifestyle & Thermal Retreat. Nestled amongst the rolling hills of Tuscany, Fonteverde is a destination in itself. Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and famous thermal springs, the property perfectly combines luxury, wellness and authentic Italian charm. The moment we arrived, we knew we were in for something special.

As a wonderful welcome gift, we were treated to a relaxing massage. After travelling, there could hardly be a better way to start a FAM trip. Completely relaxed, we then spent the afternoon enjoying the famous thermal baths that have attracted visitors to this region for centuries. The thermal pools overlooking the Tuscan landscape provided the perfect setting to unwind and appreciate the beauty of the destination. It immediately became clear why Fonteverde is such an attractive option for executive retreats, incentive groups and wellness-focused events.

As the sun slowly began to set, we gathered in the hotel bar for a classic Italian aperitivo. Great drinks, delicious bites and even better company created the perfect atmosphere to start our Italian adventure. The evening concluded with an exceptional dinner at Ferdinando Restaurant, located within the hotel. The combination of refined Tuscan cuisine, local ingredients and impeccable service resulted in a dining experience that perfectly reflected the quality standards of the property.

Good food has always been one of Italy’s greatest assets, and this dinner certainly reminded us why. After a fantastic first day, we headed to our rooms looking forward to what would be another exciting day ahead.

Day 2 – wine, Rome and authentic experiences

After enjoying a wonderful breakfast with panoramic views across the Tuscan countryside, we departed for one of the highlights of the trip: a visit to the prestigious Podernuovo Bulgari Wine Estate. The estate is a true showcase of excellence, innovation and passion. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed for a VIP experience that offered a unique insight into one of Tuscany’s most prestigious wine producers.

Podernuovo Bulgari Wine Estate

The architecture of the winery is impressive, blending seamlessly into the surrounding vineyards while offering state-of-the-art production facilities. During the tour, we learned more about the estate’s philosophy, winemaking process and commitment to quality. Of course, no visit would be complete without a tasting.
What followed was an incredible wine tasting experience combined with carefully selected food pairings. Each wine told its own story and perfectly reflected the character of the region. Experiences like these create unforgettable memories for incentive travellers and VIP groups and demonstrate how Tuscany effortlessly combines culture, gastronomy and luxury. After our wine estate visit, it was time to head towards Italy’s iconic capital: Rome.

Impressive arrival in Rome: from hotel to vintage cars

Upon arrival in Rome, we checked into the impressive Rome Marriott Park Hotel. And as every proper Italian welcome should begin, we were first greeted with a lovely aperitivo. The Rome Marriott Park Hotel immediately impressed us with its scale and facilities. For planners searching for conference hotels capable of accommodating large international groups, this property offers enormous potential. Spacious meeting facilities, extensive accommodation capacity and professional event infrastructure make it a fantastic option for conferences, conventions and corporate gatherings.

After exploring the hotel, it was time for something truly unique. Waiting for us outside were a collection of beautiful vintage cars, ready to take us on a memorable journey through Rome. Cruising through the Eternal City in classic Italian vehicles provided a completely different perspective on the destination and immediately created a sense of excitement and exclusivity.

Our destination was the fascinating archaeological site of Ostia Antica. Often referred to as Rome’s hidden gem, Ostia Antica offers an extraordinary glimpse into ancient Roman life. Rather than simply walking through the historic ruins, we participated in an engaging and interactive experience that brought history to life. For groups looking for something beyond traditional sightseeing, this type of activity offers the perfect balance between education, entertainment and team engagement.

The day was far from over. In the evening, we headed back into the heart of Rome for dinner at Osteria dei Cappellari. This charming restaurant perfectly represents everything people love about authentic Roman dining. Located within one of the city’s most picturesque neighbourhoods, Osteria dei Cappellari offers genuine local cuisine, warm hospitality and an atmosphere that immediately makes you feel part of the city.

For incentive groups and corporate events seeking authentic local experiences rather than standard tourist programmes, venues like this are absolute gems. Excellent food, flowing conversations and an authentic Roman setting made for the perfect ending to another remarkable day.

Day 3 – discovering Rome’s newest hospitality gem

After two packed days filled with memorable experiences, we started our final day with another impressive hotel visit. Our destination was the recently renovated Sheraton Rome Parco de’ Medici. The extensive renovation has completely transformed the property, resulting in a modern and highly attractive venue for both leisure and business travellers. From the moment we arrived, the quality of the refurbishment was immediately apparent.

One of the hotel’s most unique features is its stunning setting surrounded by expansive golf courses. The green surroundings create a resort-like atmosphere while still offering excellent accessibility to Rome and its airports. For corporate groups, incentives and conferences, the hotel provides an excellent combination of accommodation, meeting facilities, outdoor space and recreational opportunities.

Golf and Italian hospitality

Naturally, our visit included a golf clinic, allowing us to experience firsthand one of the property’s standout activities. Whether for networking, team-building or simply relaxation, golf remains a highly popular addition to many corporate programmes. As has been the case throughout our entire journey, we were warmly welcomed with outstanding food and beverages. One thing is certain: hospitality is deeply rooted in Italian culture, and every venue we visited demonstrated this perfectly. The attention to detail, genuine warmth and passion shown by every partner, supplier and venue made this trip particularly memorable.

Putting Tuscany & Rome on the Map

This FAM trip once again demonstrated why Tuscany and Rome continue to be among Europe’s most attractive destinations for meetings, incentives, conferences and events. From luxurious wellness retreats and exclusive wine experiences to world-class conference hotels, authentic gastronomy and unforgettable cultural activities, the possibilities are virtually endless.

Most importantly, destinations become truly successful when supported by outstanding local partners. We would therefore like to extend a sincere thank you to Monica, Alessandra and the entire team at Comunicando Eventi for their exceptional hospitality, flawless organization and unwavering passion for Italy.

A special thank you also goes to ITA Airways for their support and for ensuring our journey started in comfort and style. Finally, thank you to all hotels, venues, suppliers and partners who contributed to making this FAM trip such a success.

We returned home inspired, energized and full of ideas for future programmes. One thing is certain: Tuscany and Rome have left a lasting impression on all of us, and we are excited to continue putting these incredible destinations firmly on the map for the Dutch and Belgian markets. We cannot wait to bring future groups here and allow them to experience the magic of Italy for themselves!