Discover Florence Escape: Art, Culture, and Connection for Women in Medicine, a 5-night immersive experience exclusively designed for women physicians, led by a woman physician. This thoughtfully curated journey invites you to step away from the demands of your career and immerse yourself in the timeless beauty, rich history, and cultural treasures of Florence. Italy. From uncovering Renaissance masterpieces to savoring Tuscany’s acclaimed cuisine and wines, every detail of this experience is crafted to inspire connection, renewal, and joy—all set against the backdrop of luxurious accommodations that embody Florentine elegance.
2026
FLORENCE escape
october 12-17, 2026
Art, Culture, & Connection for Women in Medicine
our host
Merry Jennifer Markham is the owner and founder of MMarkham Travel. She's also a medical oncologist at a leading cancer center, where she enjoys teaching and mentoring, caring for her patients, and contributing to research in gynecologic cancers and the patient experience.
She started her travel business out of a passion for travel and a desire to help her clients make meaningful connections and create lasting memories through the priceless experience of exploring the world.
She is married and has two fantastic kids, three cats, and a goldendoodle named Milo. She loves traveling the world with her family, but she's always ready for a solo adventure, especially if it involves Paris.
Set in the heart of Tuscany, Florence is a captivating city where Renaissance art, timeless beauty, and Italian sophistication come together in perfect harmony. With its cobblestone streets, elegant piazzas, and the gentle flow of the Arno River, Florence exudes an atmosphere of creativity and charm. Home to masterpieces by Michelangelo, Botticelli, and da Vinci, the city is a living museum that continues to inspire awe and wonder. Beyond its galleries and cathedrals, Florence delights with its artisan shops, inviting cafés, and exceptional cuisine, offering endless opportunities to indulge the senses. Ideally situated for exploring the rolling hills and hilltop towns of Tuscany, Florence provides the perfect setting for our thoughtfully curated group journey.
Florence, Italy
the hotel
Villa Cora, an opulent 19th-century mansion overlooking the city of Florence, offers an enchanting blend of history, elegance, and refined Italian hospitality, making it an ideal setting for our Florence Escape. Surrounded by centuries-old gardens in the prestigious Oltrarno district, this five-star retreat captures the grandeur of a bygone era while offering every modern indulgence.
Each room is uniquely adorned with exquisite details, from frescoed ceilings to antique furnishings, reflecting the timeless artistry for which Florence is renowned. Guests can unwind beside the tranquil outdoor pool, rejuvenate in the elegant spa, or enjoy an aperitivo on the panoramic terrace with sweeping views of the city’s skyline. The hotel’s acclaimed restaurant celebrates Tuscan flavors with seasonal ingredients and fine local wines, creating a dining experience that embodies la dolce vita.
Villa Cora is more than a hotel; it is a celebration of Florentine grace and sophistication, where every moment feels touched by history and beauty.
villa CORA
- You are a woman physician.
- You love experiencing a single destination deeply and meaningfully.
- You would love to visit Italy, and especially the Florence & Tuscany region.
- You enjoy solo travel but want to do it in the company of other women.
- You are excited about meeting new friends and spending time with some you already know.
- You are an introvert, an extrovert, or somewhere in the middle.
we'd love for you to join us
sign me up!
This trip is for you if:
highlights
Itinerary
Private walking tour of Florence with an expert guide.
Explore Siena with a private guide
Sample Tuscan wines and visit an olive oil producer
Market tour and cooking class with an expert chef
click for more itinerary details
There will be only 14 total women on this trip, and this includes our host, Merry Jennifer Markham.
Space is very limited!
01. how many people will be on the trip?
A 30% nonrefundable deposit is due at registration. The second nonrefundable payment (30%) is due by April 10, 2026. The final nonrefundable payment is due by July 9, 2026.
02. what is the payment schedule?
- 5 nights accommodations at the 5-star Villa Cora with daily breakfast
- Welcome and Farewell dinners in Florence
- Private walking tour of Florence
- Private guided tour of Tuscany with wine tasting
- Florence market tour and private cooking class with a professional chef
- Private Siena Art and Palio Discovery Tour
- Private airport transfers from and to the Florence airport (FLR) on arrival and departure
For more details on inclusions and exclusions, head to the booking page!
03. what all is included when i book?
booking page
This trip is organized and priced based on single occupancy. Everyone gets their own wonderful room, with no single supplement.
However, if you prefer to share a room, we offer a discount. You’ll need to have your friend sign up at the same time, however. We aren’t able to do roommate matching.
04. will i share a room or do i get my own room?
Because of our up-front costs for organizing the trip and pre-paying hotel and other service providers, we can’t give you a refund if your plans change or you're unable to travel because of health issues, work or family commitments, financial hardship, etc. This policy is the only way we can maintain the small group size, trip quality, and level of service we provide.
If you're concerned that you may not be able to join a trip as planned, we strongly recommend that you purchase Travel Insurance. We can provide you with a quote for travel insurance.
05. what is the cancellation policy?
As long as we know ahead of time, we can accommodate almost any dietary restriction. If you have any concerns, just ask us!
06. can you accommodate my dietary restrictions?
The trip officially starts on October 12, 2026.
We recommend arriving a day early so you have time to relax and adjust to the local time zone.
If you decide to arrive early (or stay late), we can assist you with booking an extra night. Just let us know which extra nights you'd like to stay.
07. when should i arrive?
frequently asked questions
