The Journey
I'm Interested!
Soil & Sea Escape
Italian Farmhouse Meets Mediterranean Cruise
An effortless, fully-hosted journey I've navigated for you—combining authentic Italian farmhouse living with a luxurious Mediterranean cruise.
Picture This...
You wake up to morning espresso on a farmhouse terrace, rolling hills stretching as far as you can see.
Over the next few days, you'll roll up your sleeves and learn from a professional chef turned farmer—making fresh egg pasta by hand, firing up a wood-burning pizza oven, and maybe drinking a little too much local wine on the optional vineyard tour.
Then? We trade the countryside for the coast—seven nights cruising the Mediterranean, waking up in a new historic port almost every day.
And the best part? I've mapped out every single detail. You just show up.
This is Soil & Sea Escape.
July 2-12 2026 | Charted & Hosted by Natalie Heberling
The Route: Two Distinct Legs of Your Journey
Think of this as the perfect Italian adventure map: three nights immersed in authentic farmhouse living in Le Marche's countryside, then seven nights exploring dramatic Mediterranean coastlines by sea. I've charted every detail—you just show up and soak it all in.
LEG 1: SOIL
3 nights at La Tavola Marche
500-year-old stone farmhouse on 250+ acres in Piobbico, Italy
  • Private apartment with ensuite bath
  • Hands-on cooking class
  • Farm-fresh breakfast daily
  • Two lunches and three dinners
  • Optional half-day wine tour
LEG 2: SEA
7 nights Mediterranean cruise
Norwegian Gem sailing through Croatia, Montenegro, Greece, and Italy
  • New port almost every day
  • All main dining included
  • Onboard entertainment & amenities
  • Optional shore excursions
Your Complete Day-by-Day Itinerary
Let me map out exactly how this journey unfolds, from touchdown in Venice to your final departure from Rome. Every waypoint charted, every detail handled.
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Day 1: Venice Arrival
Touch down at Venice Marco Polo Airport. Our private bus collects everyone for a guided walking tour of Venice (St. Mark's Square, Rialto Bridge—or explore solo if you prefer!). Scenic 3-hour drive through countryside to La Tavola Marche. Welcome aperitivi and dinner with local wines.
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Day 2: Wine Tour & Pizza Class
Breakfast at the farmhouse. Half-day wine tour with Marco - visit family-owned wineries, all tasting, authentic Marchigian lunch included OR free time to hike, swim, read, and enjoy the property. Evening: Wood-Fired Pizza Class where you'll make dough and sauce from scratch.
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Day 3: Farmhouse Day
Morning free time to soak in the countryside. Midday Pasta Lunch prepared by Chef Jason. Afternoon to relax by the pool or explore the 250+ acres. Mixed Grill Farewell Dinner together at the farmhouse.
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Day 4: Setting Sail
Farmhouse breakfast. Private transfer to Ravenna with a stop to see the stunning Byzantine mosaics. Board the Norwegian Gem and settle into your stateroom. Sail away at 4pm as we begin our Mediterranean adventure.
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Days 5-10: Mediterranean Cruise
New port almost every day: Split, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Corfu, Messina, and Salerno. Onboard dining, entertainment, and relaxation between ports. Optional shore excursions in each city.
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Day 11: Rome Departure
Disembark in Rome (Civitavecchia). Group transfer to Rome Fiumicino Airport. Flights home, or stay longer with an optional Rome extension!
Your Farmhouse Basecamp: Where Slow Living Begins
La Tavola Marche
Your Private Sanctuary
Your accommodations are in a beautifully restored 500-year-old stone farmhouse, nestled on 250+ acres of rolling hills between the Apennine Mountains and the Adriatic Sea.
Each apartment features two private bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, plus a shared kitchen, dining area, and stone fireplace. Families get their own apartment; couples enjoy a private bedroom and bathroom, with common spaces shared with fellow travelers.
Sky-high wood-beam ceilings, traditional tile floors, and rustic Italian charm mixed with modern comfort
What's Waiting for You
  • 250+ acres to explore: Hiking trails through rolling farmland, organic gardens, peaceful countryside
  • Pool & relaxation areas: Perfect for unwinding between cooking classes
  • Garden terrace: For morning espresso or evening aperitivo with the group
  • "In a hurry to go nowhere" vibe: This is slow living at its finest
Cooking with Chef Jason
You'll roll up your sleeves for an unforgettable hands-on experience with Chef Jason—a classically-trained professional who traded restaurant kitchens for farm life.
Wood-Fired Pizza Class
Fire up the traditional wood-burning oven and make pizza from scratch—dough, sauce, and all. Finish with Chef Jason's world-famous Tiramisu. This festive evening IS your dinner. Family-friendly and fun for all ages!

La Tavola Marche has been featured in: USA Today ("Best Bucket List Cooking Schools"), The Telegraph, Lonely Planet, Forbes, Food & Wine, and The Guardian.
Wine Tour: Marco's Way
I've done this wine tour three times. Every single time I visit La Tavola Marche, I book it again. That's how special it is.
Half-Day Experience with Marco
Marco's Way is more than wine tasting—it's an authentic introduction to Le Marche culture through wine, food, families, and centuries-old traditions. Led by Marco himself in English, you'll visit family-owned wineries producing indigenous grape varieties you literally can't find anywhere else.
What's Included:
  • Visit to family-owned wineries
  • Extra virgin olive oil producer
  • All tastings
  • Authentic Marchigian lunch
  • Door-to-door transportation from the farmhouse
  • Not joining the wine tour? Totally fine! You'll have the day free to relax at the farmhouse, hike the 250+ acres, swim, or enjoy the peaceful countryside.
Mediterranean Ports: Your Coastal Map
Seven nights sailing through some of Europe's most dramatic coastlines and historic cities. Sail the Norwegian Gem and wake up in a new port almost every day, with all the logistics handled—you just step off the ship and explore.
🇮🇹 Ravenna, Italy
Embarkation
Board Norwegian Gem and set sail
🇭🇷 Split, Croatia
Ancient Diocletian's Palace & vibrant waterfront
🇭🇷 Dubrovnik, Croatia
Pearl of the Adriatic — 17 hours to explore!
🇲🇪 Kotor, Montenegro
Dramatic fjord-like bay (Tender Port)
🇬🇷 Corfu, Greece
Venetian charm meets Greek island life
🇮🇹 Messina, Sicily
Gateway to Mount Etna & Taormina
🇮🇹 Salerno, Italy
Gateway to Amalfi Coast & Pompeii
🇮🇹 Rome, Italy
Disembarkation
Eternal City awaits
What's Included in Your Cruise Experience
  • All main dining room meals
  • Buffet and casual dining venues
  • Onboard entertainment and shows
  • Pools, hot tubs, fitness center
  • Access to all ship amenities
  • Optional shore excursions in each port
Your Investment
All packages include the same incredible experience—the only difference is your stateroom choice for the cruise portion.
Per Person Pricing (Double Occupancy)
Interested in a suite or other stateroom category? Contact me for pricing.
Traveling with family or as a solo traveler? Contact me for customized pricing.
Payment Plan
Travel Insurance
Allianz trip protection is included in your package price. Coverage is optional—let me know at booking if you prefer to decline.
What's On the Manifest (Included)
Here's everything I've already plotted out and handled for you.
Venice Arrival Experience
Airport pick-up at Venice Marco Polo, guided walking tour with local guide, transfer to farmhouse. All transportation included.
3 Nights at La Tavola Marche Farmhouse
Private apartment with ensuite bathroom, farm-fresh breakfast daily, Welcome Aperitivi & Dinner, Pasta Lunch, Mixed Grill Farewell Dinner.
Hands-On Cooking Class
Wood-fired pizza party class with Chef Jason.
Marco's Way Wine Tour
Half-day experience visiting family-owned wineries, all tastings, authentic Marchigian lunch included.
7-Night Mediterranean Cruise
Your chosen stateroom aboard Norwegian Gem, all main dining and buffet meals, onboard entertainment and activities, access to all ship amenities.
Ground Transportation
Private bus/van throughout Italy: Venice → Farmhouse → Ravenna Port → Rome Airport.
Travel Insurance
Allianz trip protection included. Coverage is optional—let me know at booking if you prefer to decline.
Your Host - Me!
Present throughout the entire journey. Coordination before, during, and after. Insider tips from my three visits. Support whenever you need it.
What's Not Included
  • Roundtrip airfare (I'll help coordinate timing)
  • Lunch in Venice on Day 1
  • Gratuities (drivers, guides, ship staff, farmhouse hosts)
  • Shore excursions during cruise
  • Specialty dining & alcoholic beverages on cruise (wine IS included at all farmhouse meals)
  • Spa services and personal purchases
Extend Your Italian Adventure
You're already making the trip to Italy—why not stay a little longer?
Venice: Arrive Early
Add a few nights before the group trip begins to beat jet lag and explore Venice at your own pace.
Rome: Stay Later
Add a few nights after the cruise ends to explore the Eternal City before heading home.
Interested in extending? Let me know and I'll put together options and pricing based on your preferences.
Is This Journey Right for You?
Let me be straight with you about who absolutely loves this trip—and who might want to chart a different course.
You'll Love This Trip If You:
  • Want an effortless, fully-hosted adventure (zero planning required)
  • Appreciate authentic cultural experiences over tourist attractions
  • Enjoy meeting new people and traveling with a small group
  • Value having an expert guide throughout the journey
  • Want the perfect blend of structure and free time
  • Love food, wine, history, and beautiful scenery
  • Prefer "done-for-you" travel over DIY trips
  • Are excited to fully disconnect and embrace slow countryside living
  • Don't need to constantly sightsee—you're happy exploring 250+ acres, relaxing by the pool, and immersing yourself in one authentic location
This Might Not Be For You If:
  • You prefer to plan every detail yourself
  • You want a fast-paced, check-every-box sightseeing itinerary
  • You need complete independence and solitude
  • You're looking for a party or spring break atmosphere
  • You can't be flexible if weather or timing shifts slightly
  • You need to explore multiple towns daily during the farmhouse portion
Perfect for Families
Multigenerational groups love this—kids enjoy cooking classes (especially pizza!), the pool, and exploring 250+ acres. Spacious 2-bedroom apartments with 2 bathrooms.
Ideal for Couples
Romantic escape with built-in community. Private bedroom and bathroom, shared experiences, perfect balance of together time and group activities.
Solo Travelers
Welcome to join! Contact me for details and pricing.
Ready to Chart Your Course?
Hi, I'm Natalie! 👋 I'll be your guide for this entire journey—from the rolling hills of Le Marche to the historic ports of Croatia, Montenegro, and beyond.
Why I Created This Route
I wanted to design a trip that combines two of my favorite ways to experience the Mediterranean: the slow, authentic immersion of Italian countryside living and the effortless exploration of waking up in a new coastal city almost every day.
The farmhouse portion? I've been to La Tavola Marche three times—I keep going back because it's that special. The cooking classes, the wine tours, the peaceful mornings. Then we transition to Norwegian Gem for seven nights exploring Split, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Corfu, Sicily, and the Amalfi Coast—ancient fortresses, crystal-clear waters, and Mediterranean magic without packing and unpacking.
This isn't a trip I designed from a desk. It's the journey I'd plan for myself.
Limited Spots Available
This intimate group experience is capped at 14 travelers for July 2-12, 2026. Once we reach capacity, this route closes. If you're feeling drawn to join us, don't wait.
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1. Fill Out Interest Form
Share your travel style, stateroom preference, and any questions
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2. Schedule Quick Call
Let's chat about details, extensions, and make sure this is your perfect journey
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3. Secure Your Spot
Easy payment plan with deposit to lock in your adventure
Still Have Questions?
I'd love to chat! Reach out anytime:
📧 Email: Natalie@NatalieNavigates.com
📱 Phone/Text: 512-585-1073
🌐 Website: NatalieNavigates.com
📸 Instagram: @Natalie.Navigates
"Helping you navigate your best trip ever."
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