It’s the stuff travel dreams are made of. After a transcontinental flight, your motorcoach winds through the Tuscan countryside, your excitement building as lush grapevines and olive trees paint the landscape in vibrant shades of green. Then the 18^th-century estate comes into view with its impressive stone façade, terracotta roof, and timeless Italian architecture. You pinch yourself because this is your home for the next six nights.

For AAA Western and Central New York CEO Marke Dickinson, this wasn’t just a dream – it was the beginning of an unforgettable Dream Escape. Dickinson joined AAA Group Travel Manager Melissa Petersen and 21 travelers for the inaugural AAA Dream Escape through Tuscany and Lake Como this May.

“Any opportunity I get to spend time with our members and clients is special, and Tuscany was a fabulous destination to do so,” Dickinson said.

While the itinerary featured iconic destinations like Siena, Florence, Pisa, Lake Como, and St. Moritz, it was the exclusive experiences woven throughout the journey that elevated it from an ordinary vacation to a true Dream Escape.

"Because of our intimate group size, we were able to enjoy experiences you simply can't have with a larger group," Petersen said. The group enjoyed a six-night stay at a private villa within the Torre a Cona Winery, with nightly dinners served by dedicated staff and surprise pop-up live entertainment.

The days were filled with VIP access to attractions, wine tastings, guided museum tours, and an exclusive boat tour of Lake Como. The group's private leather shopping experience in Florence proved especially popular, with travelers taking home 16 handcrafted leather pieces. As an unexpected bonus, the group even spotted Ryan Seacrest while strolling the streets of Florence.

“I loved the exclusive access we had to memorable experiences, the small group size which allowed us to really get to know one another, and the genuine congeniality that existed among our group,” Dickinson said.

But perhaps the most remarkable part of the journey wasn't found on the itinerary at all. Petersen said that the friendships that formed among the group were just as special as the trip itself.

“They weren’t just returning home with amazing photos,” she said. “They were returning with lifelong friendships and memories they’ll cherish forever. There were heartfelt conversations, tears, hugs, and plenty of laughter. It perfectly captured what group travel is all about.”

One of the most unforgettable days came near the end of the journey as travelers boarded the Bernina Express for a spectacular ride through the Swiss Alps in a private rail car. By then, strangers had become friends, and the train car was filled with laughter, playful banter, and heartfelt conversations.

While the train ride marked the final full day of the trip, it also offered travelers a preview of AAA's next Dream Escape trip, Switzerland: Where Alpine Dreams Unfold.

"If your exposure to Switzerland has been fondue, alpine skiing, or the occasional yodeler, this trip is your chance to experience so much more," Dickinson said. "We'll travel by train, boat, cable car, and horse-drawn carriage through the Swiss Alps while experiencing the landscapes and culture that make Switzerland so unforgettable."

From Tuscany's rolling vineyards to Switzerland's towering Alpine peaks, one Dream Escape has inspired the next. If you're interested in joining Dickinson in 2027—or simply dreaming about the possibility—explore the itinerary here.

And if your own dream destination looks a little different, AAA Travel is ready to help make it a reality.