Subject: From Provence to Puglia: Your 2026 Adventure Await.
Hello friends,
December 2025
Before we step fully into a new year of adventures, I want to pause and celebrate what we’ve created together... 2025 was full of discovery, laughter, memory-making moments, and the kind of connections that only travel can spark. Whether you joined me on a Dolce Vita Adventures tour, explored Italy through a curated, unescorted itinerary, or simply shared photos and “Let’s go here next!” ideas—you and your enthusiasm are the heart and joy of the DVA community. Grazie mille for being here!
As we look ahead to 2026, travel is continuing to evolve—and happily, it’s evolving in our favor.
GOOD TO KNOW FOR 2026 TRAVEL
✈️ FLIGHTS:
International travel jumped up another 5% and airlines are responding. Flights to Europe are easier than ever with new nonstop routes opening across the U.S.
United: NYC ➜ Bari (perfect for our Puglia tour!)
Alaska: Seattle ➜ Rome
American: Miami ➜ Milan (reinstated)
JetBlue (!): Boston ➜ Milan
Delta: NYC ➜ Sardinia (ready for a ‘27 adventure in Sardinia? LMK)
🧳 TRENDS:
Travelers are choosing depth and purpose over a “checklist”, embracing a slower rhythm and intentional travel. Music to my ears... exactly how DVA travels.
🛂 ETIAS:
The new ETIAS (European Travel Information & Authorization System) has been postponed for the 5th time. Current launch date is fall 2026. Che sarà sarà... Do double- check requirements directly - especially for connections passing through UK passport control to collect checked luggage.
🛡️ INSURANCE:
More travelers are choosing “Cancel For Any Reason” and/or medical coverage upgrades. If you’re planning any adventures in ‘26, double-check your policy to ensure it covers medical interruptions, weather events, and flight delays – each on the rise this past year. Good News: Though air travel is increasing, lost luggage rate is decreasing due to improved automation, use of electronic tags and more CARRY ON bags.
🗓 DATES:
Shoulder seasons are getting longer but continue to shine with better value, fewer crowds, and that magical in-between light Italy does so well. Spring and fall are the sweet spots.Dolce Vita Adventures? We’re right on schedule.
What’s New for 2026?
We’re expanding thoughtfully, staying true to what makes DVA stand apart – Hub & Spoke itineraries, time to breathe, and experiences that connect you to place, people, and flavor.
🇫🇷 FRANCE: Je t’adore!
Despite the huge success of the “OMG Greece” tours (or maybe because of them), we’re switching gears again and heading to southern France for the best of AIX EN PROVENCE. Think buttery croissants, lavender fields, art galleries, antique markets, vineyards, swimming in the mediterranean and celebrating Bastille Day! Oui Oui!
🌋 SICILY:
Experiences that awaken our senses is what it’s all about, so we’re returning to Sicily, one of our favorite destinations. This time, beyond the classic highlights you’d expect from circling the entire island, we’ve added some new ways to explore and connect to the island’s mystical charm -
A tasty hands-on Sicilian cooking class in Chef Max’s home
A private, guided discovery of Siracusa and Ortygia
An afternoon boating and snorkeling beneath the sea’s crystal clear waters.
🍇 FOOD, FESTIVALS & WINE:
Our DVA signature tour – an active, well balanced and engaged itinerary, culture for the mind, food and drink for the belly and local friends for the soul. Favorite activities such as e-biking countryside wineries and truffle-hunting with good dogs remain, while new options - Greve in Chianti and an optional pre-tour Florence Enrichment have been added. This is Italy’s origins, traditions and flavors all wrapped into one.
🎨 FLORENCE IN 4 DAYS:
Perfect for first-timers and for those already bewitched by Florence so eager to return, this insider-led adventure is carefully arranged for you so you can focus on the magic rather than the logistics. In true HUB & SPOKE fashion, you’ll unpack once, settle into a perfectly located boutique hotel, and let me handle all the details. Spend your time with carefully selected experiences showcasing Renaissance masterpieces, E-biking the Tuscan hills, strolling iconic neighborhood, browsing colorful open air markets, cooking and eating great Tuscan food - and you’ll still have time on your own to savor the beauty, stories, and rhythms of this iconic city.
🌊 PERFECT PUGLIA:
Fall in love with Puglia, Italy’s “rising star”, gaining all the attention for all the right reasons. Spend a full week in the sun-kissed beachfront town of Monopoli, fully unpack and start wandering white cobble stone streets like a local. On alternate days we’ll explore neighboring towns like Lecce and Matera, then return to our home base. In early October the region’s grapes are ripening for harvest, the small-town charm is at its peak, and the end-of-summer light on the sea is magical... this is your chance to see why Puglia is stealing everyone’s heart – and maybe even imagine life here for yourself! #livelikealocal PERFECT PUGLIA – October 2026.
📍Some new HUB & SPOKE experiences in Provence, Florence and Puglia - this is the future of immersive travel #livelikealocal!
The art of Provencal living, local culture, markets and the joy of discovery. July ‘25
Orange scented sunny days, endless blue horizons and a multilayered history. Sep ‘25.
A snapshot of Italy, action packed fun and indulgent. June ‘26.
Tuscan flavors, Renaissance art, and local life for first-timers or returning. May ‘26.
A blend of solo exploration and small group shared adventures. Oct ’26.
Let’s toast to what’s ahead -
DVA Hub & Spoke experiences for Ischia, Sardinia, and Tuscany are in the early planning stages for 2027. Back to Greece? Spain for the Feria festival? As always, your curiosity, feedback, and “what if we went here?” ideas are not just welcome - they’re part of how Dolce Vita Adventures grows.
Thanks to your continued support and a strong year, DVA is once again able to donate to two charities close to my heart: Shatterproof and Girls on the Run. I invite you to join me in supporting a cause that feels meaningful to you this season.
As we continue seeking out experiences that truly matter- and enjoying the world’s wonders - I want to thank you again for trusting me with your precious travel time.
I hope you’ll join me on a small-group adventure in the year ahead, but whether you travel with me or craft your own journey, I really hope you step off the tourist trail and discover rich culture, unexpected beauty, and maybe even a new friend in a foreign place.
Cheers to experiencing the world with joy,
Sybil
P.S. DVA tours are intentionally small and often fill quickly through word of mouth and returning travelers on “pencil me in - no obligation” lists. If one speaks to you, take a peek sooner rather than later.
2025 Tour Photo Albums
Food, Festivals & Wine 2025
From Water to Wine 2025
Perfect Puglia 2025
OMG Greece 2025
Taste of Italy 2025
Sybil P. Haynes
Owner | Founder, Freelance Tour Director
Dolce Vita Adventures
Escorted Small Group Travel
Unescorted - Independent Trips
P: +1.571.481.8020 (WhatsApp 001+)
E: sybil@dolcevitaadventures.com
W: www.dolcevitaadventures.com
FB: www.facebook.com/dolcevitaadventures
“Travel is not a reward for working, it is education for living”