About Us

Heather

Welcome! I'm a credentialed leadership and life coach, healthcare executive, doctoral candidate at LSU Shreveport, and avid traveler based in Upstate New York.

I'm passionate about authentic travel experiences in Italy, especially its food, wine, language, and rich history.

Since my first visit in the early 2000s, I've been captivated by all things Italian. What began as a personal passion has grown into a mission: helping others discover Italy in a deeper, more meaningful way.

Whether we're planning the perfect Italian getaway or you're joining me on a small-group journey, you'll experience far more than a vacation. You'll gain insider knowledge, make genuine connections, and return home with a fresh perspective and memories that last a lifetime.

Photo: Lake Como, 2025 

At You, Unpacked, we create small-group travel experiences in Italy for 10 or fewer guests, specializing in curated journeys through Tuscany, Umbria, and Northern Italy. 

Our boutique Italy retreats are designed for travelers who want authentic experiences, flexible itineraries, and a deeper connection to place.

Unlike large group tours, our small-group Italy travel allows us to stay nimble. We can adjust plans, follow the energy of the group, and embrace spontaneous opportunities, whether that means an extra afternoon in a Tuscan hill town, a private winery visit in Umbria, or an unplanned stop at a hidden trattoria.

We also offer women’s walking retreats in Italy, blending guided reflection, personal growth, and immersive walking experiences through some of Italy’s most beautiful regions. These small-group women’s retreats combine movement, connection, and meaningful travel in a way that feels restorative rather than rushed.

We also design leadership-focused retreats and offer leadership and life coaching before and after travel, and as a standalone service. 

We specialize only in Tuscany, Umbria, and Northern Italy because we believe deep knowledge creates better travel. From vineyard roads and medieval villages to lesser-known local experiences, we know these regions intimately and design each retreat with care.

If you’re looking for small-group Italy tours, women’s walking retreats in Italy, or authentic travel experiences in Tuscany and Umbria, you’re in the right place.

Photo: Venice, 2025 

We believe the best authentic Italy travel experiences are rooted in culture, language, food, wine, and history. 

At You, Unpacked, our small-group Italy retreats are designed to immerse travelers in the real rhythms of Tuscany, Umbria, and Northern Italy through curated experiences that connect them deeply to each destination.

From vineyard tastings and regional cuisine to historic villages and local traditions, our boutique Italy travel experiences offer luxury without pretension. We focus on slow, personal, and unhurried travel, creating space for genuine connection, discovery, and restoration.

Whether joining one of our small-group Italy tours or women’s walking retreats, travelers experience thoughtfully curated journeys that blend comfort, authenticity, and meaningful exploration in some of Italy’s most beautiful regions.

Photo: Alba, 2025