Sojourn Ventures

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Sojourn Ventures

Sojourn Ventures Travel packages to Italy & Bali exclusively for non-profit fundraising. We also help individuals and groups create vacations of a lifetime in these locales.
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Your Tuscany, Italy and Bali Experts

We are Rob Friedman and Stacey Mattraw, owners of Sojourn Ventures. We offer Italy and Bali vacation packages to non-profit organizations to aid their fundraising efforts. For the past 25 years, we have traveled extensively throughout Europe and Asia with an emphasis on Italy and Bali. We own several of the properties listed on this site, and serve as booking

agents for the others you’ll find here. We have deep and lasting relationships with people in both Italy and Bali that allow us to offer our guests sojourns beyond the normal tourist experience. We take our guests’ needs and desires very much to heart, and receive great satisfaction from providing them with meaningful stays, full of discovery and adventure. We look forward to providing you with your own Bali or Italy adventure! Rob and Stacey

03/19/2025

Stacey and Rob, founders of Sojourn Ventures, purchased Casa San Marco in 2002 and lovingly restored it over many years along with local Cortona artists, artisans, and tradesmen. You can feel the warm and inviting spirit of this historic home from the moment you step through its doors.

Casa San Marco occupies the top two floors of a former 16th-century palazzo and overlooks the stunning Church of San Francesco, along with the beautiful valley below. The design and furnishing of Casa San Marco have taken inspiration from the owners’ affinity for flea markets and interior design. The result is an eclectic, artful, and aesthetically pleasing 500-year-old home.

Casa San Marco is included in our "Under the Tuscan Sun for 8" package that includes wine tasting and a chef's dinner. This home will truly make your stay in Tuscany memorable!

03/11/2025

✨ Let your donors experience the magic of Tuscany with a 5-night stay at Casa San Francesco + a private cooking class with Chef Ivan! ✨

🏡 Stay: Casa San Francesco accommodates up to 6 guests in the heart of Upper Cortona.
🍴 Savor: A multi-course, in-home Tuscan cooking experience with the renowned Cortonese Chef Ivan.
🌟 Service: Enjoy personalized guest services and insider tips from Stacey & Rob to make the most of your trip.
🍷 Welcome: A bottle of wine + a thoughtful selection of provisions await your arrival!

From dinner recommendations to last-minute plans, our local team is here to make your Tuscan adventure seamless and unforgettable.

03/06/2025

Seven Nights in Casa Stefano is the perfect home for a family of four or two couples.

Experience the perfect fusion of historic charm and modern elegance in this beautifully renovated 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment nestled in the heart of Cortona’s historic center. Just steps from the vibrant Piazza Signorelli, charming restaurants, cozy bars, and cultural treasures, this stylish retreat invites you to immerse yourself in the quintessential Italian lifestyle.

Spanning two floors, the apartment comfortably sleeps up to four guests, making it ideal for families or small groups. The thoughtfully designed space includes a serene king-size bedroom and a second bedroom with two twin beds, offering both comfort and flexibility. While honoring its historic roots, the apartment boasts modern amenities, abundant natural light, and a tranquil setting on a quiet street—your perfect sanctuary after a day of exploration.

02/21/2025

✨Achieve your fundraising goals with this popular package: A 7-night stay in the newly renovated Suite Gabriella.✨

Nestled on the ground floor of a historic palace in the heart of Cortona, Suite Gabriella has been thoughtfully restored by its owners, blending timeless Tuscan materials with sleek, modern design. This stylish fusion offers a fresh take on classic Tuscan charm, complemented by luxurious details and contemporary amenities. Whether you're wandering through Cortona's enchanting streets or exploring the art cities of Tuscany and Umbria—each easily reachable by car—Suite Gabriella is the ideal home base for an unforgettable Italian getaway.

01/16/2025

Thank you so much, Tori! We are so glad you enjoyed your time at Golden Buddha!

01/08/2025

🍷✨New Package Highlight: A Culinary Celebration for 6 with Chef Ivan

- 5-night stay for six guests at the exquisite Casa San Francesco

- Private, in-home, multi-course Tuscan Cooking Class with Cortonese Chef Ivan

- Exceptional guest services with personalized support tailored to help you plan and enjoy local activities. Our local team, with an office in the town square, is ready to assist with any in-travel needs. Whether you’re looking for recommendations for dinner or planning last-minute experiences.

- A welcome gift awaits your arrival, featuring a bottle of wine and a selection of small provisions to help you settle in and begin your stay on the right note.

- Exclusive access to Stacey and Rob’s Insider Tips to Cortona

12/06/2024

In loving memory of our Founder: Robert Friedman 1950-2023

Robert Friedman led a vibrant life with many chapters. Born in New Jersey in 1950, as a young adult he moved to San Francisco, where he met Stacey Mattraw, his future co-founder at Sojourn Ventures. Both street artists at the time, the two connected at the crossroads of creativity, entrepreneurship, and adventure, leading the duo on a shared path in which the small businesses they created—from an avant-garde video rental store to a European antique and home goods boutique—had tremendous impacts on their local communities.

These shared values would pave the way for Sojourn Ventures when Rob and Stacey purchased Casa San Marco in Cortona, Italy, in 2002. Together, they transformed it into their cherished family home where they would raise their two sons for years to come. The same principles guided Rob when he journeyed to Bali decades ago, where he built Villa Paradiso and the Golden Buddha Resort, forging lifelong connections like his partnership and dear friendship with Wayan Menu. Over the past 20+ years, Rob's work has touched countless lives—not only in Italy and Bali but across the globe—through his unwavering dedication to non-profit fundraising and community enrichment. Rob’s gentle humor, open-mindedness, and deep generosity will be forever remembered.

Robert Friedman's life was a journey, and his legacy endures with his family, who, forever inspired despite his absence, continue to lovingly run and grow Sojourn Ventures. Rob is survived by his two sons, Jesse and Corey Friedman, and his wife, Divine Friedman.

11/28/2024

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Sojourn Ventures!

We’re grateful for your trust and support and wish you a joyful holiday filled with love, laughter, and gratitude. 🍂

09/25/2024

Donors will enjoy a 5-night stay for 2 guests in a historic 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment in central Cortona complete with a 3-hour E-bike tour with a local guide around the historical center of Cortona and the Tuscan countryside with a local guide and lunch. Guests will experience a beautiful welcome dinner box at your home including an appetizer, main course, and dessert. Included is a complimentary tasting of world-famous Tuscan wines and delicious antipasti bites at a family-run Enoteca

Expert guest services are provided to organize guest's stay in Cortona 🍷

09/17/2024

Package Spotlight:
✨Splendors of Spain Retreat for 2, 4, or 6 guests. ✨

5-night getaway in a luxurious deluxe suite at a charming boutique hotel nestled in Sierra De Gata, Spain

Discover Spanish luxury with a chef-curated dinner

Inclusive round-trip private transfers from Madrid, Spain, or Lisbon, Portugal

Located just two hours from Madrid or Lisbon

Daily breakfast included

Relish the use of hotel facilities, which encompass a guest swimming pool and an art gallery

Unearth age-old customs through optional harvest experiences

Embark on a culinary journey through Spain and Portugal with their flavors at your fingertips!

08/09/2024

Casa Giovanni is a beautiful, curated 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom retreat nestled in Upper Cortona. Perfect for up to 4 guests, this meticulously curated abode boasts a rare gem—a private garden, a true rarity in Cortona. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Tuscan nature with just a five-minute stroll, while a leisurely 10-minute downhill walk leads you to the vibrant heart of Cortona's town center. Casa Giovanni epitomizes luxury living, blending timeless antiques, captivating artwork, and awe-inspiring design, ensuring an unforgettable experience amidst the allure of the Tuscan countryside and the buzz of Cortona.

Casa Giovanni is being offered at a special rate for fall auction season, contact us today to reserve your 5 or 7-night package.

07/31/2024

Join us in Venice: Known as the City of Canals, Venice is a mesmerizing fusion of architectural splendor and cultural richness. Spread across 118 interconnected islands linked by graceful bridges, the city is adorned with elegant palaces and historic gems, the iconic Rialto Bridge, the romantic Bridge of Sighs, the Byzantine Basilica San Marco, and the neighboring Doge's Palace, each contributing to its unparalleled allure. Gondolas quietly glide along its intricate waterways, while lively squares such as the world-famous Piazza San Marco embody Venice's blend of history, art, and romanticism, captivating visitors with every glimpse.

PACKAGE INCLUDES:
✨4-night stay for 2 people in a 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment in central Venice. Casa Valeria, or Casa Vivana

✨Meet & Greet at the train station by a local guide who will provide orientation, accompany to accommodation, and assist in coordinating transportation and luggage portage to the accommodation.

✨Private gondola ride

✨Wine tasting at a historic wine bar

✨Traditional Venetian glass-blowing demonstration on the Island of Murano

✨Street food tour with a local guide

✨Timed entrance to Fondaco dei Tedeschi rooftop for panoramic city views

✨Comprehensive downloadable Travel Guide with helpful information, fun facts, self-guided tours, and more

✨Expert guest services are provided to organize your stay in Venice.

07/03/2024

Introducing Casa Mariana, located in the heart of Cortona featuring 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a stunning terrace overlooking the Church of San Francesco. The perfect place to base yourself during your visit to Cortona!

06/05/2024

✨Romantic Renaissance Getaway for Two in Tuscany ✨
Embark on an unforgettable 8-night journey in Tuscany, starting in the heart of Florence's historic center. Immerse yourself in the romance of the birthplace of the Renaissance with a luxurious stay in a contemporary 1-bedroom apartment nestled amidst the city's architectural marvels. Explore iconic landmarks, indulge in a wine-tasting experience, and unravel the city's artistic treasures on a historical walking tour.

Your adventure continues in the ancient city of Cortona, where you'll enjoy a 5-night stay in a thoughtfully curated apartment just minutes away from the historic center. Delight in regional wines and delectable antipasti at a family-run enoteca, and savor a romantic multi-course dinner for two at one of Cortona's oldest dining establishments.

Indulge your senses with the flavors of Tuscany and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Book your romantic escapade now!

05/31/2024

Escape to the enchanting town of Cortona in Tuscany and immerse yourself in the rich culture and beauty that this ancient Etruscan hill town has to offer. 🏰✨ Indulge in gastronomical delights, world-class wines, Renaissance art, historic architecture, and the warmth of the Italian spirit during your unforgettable stay.

Stay at the stunning Villa Luisa for 7 nights, where you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the Val Di Chiana and relax by the infinity pool. 🌅🍷 Dine like royalty with a chef-prepared meal in the luminous kitchen or al fresco with the sunset as your backdrop. 🍽🍷

Sip on legendary Tuscan wines and savor homemade antipasti at a charming cantina steps away from Piazza Della Repubblica. 🍇🧀 Let a wine expert guide you through a tasting of diverse wines from this iconic region, and enjoy a special gift to take back to your villa. 🍷🎁

Explore the history of Cortona on a 2-hour walking tour led by a knowledgeable guide, and uncover the secrets of this fabled Tuscan town. 🚶‍♀️🔍 Don't miss out on creating treasured Tuscan memories that will last a lifetime! Book your stay now and experience the magic of Cortona. ✨🇮🇹

05/14/2024

✨Under the Tuscan Sun for 8:
✨ Includes a 7-night stay for 8 at Casa San Marco
✨Wine tasting for 8 at a local enoteca
✨Chef Dinner for 8

Casa San Marco features four spacious bedrooms, two large bathrooms, and a charming dine-in kitchen equipped with all the essentials for your culinary needs during your stay. Adorned with carefully curated antiques, the home exudes character and charm. Step out onto the stunning terrace and behold the breathtaking view of the Val Di Chiana—a perfect spot to relax and savor a glass of wine after a day of exploring the wonders of Tuscany!

05/09/2024

🍷🍇 Royal Culinary for 6: Your donors will indulge in a five-night getaway for six in a luxurious home nestled in the heart of Cortona, boasting three bedrooms and three en-suite bathrooms. The experience extends beyond accommodation as you step into the quintessential tasting room mere moments away from Piazza Della Repubblica. Here, within the walls of a charming cantina, they'll embark on a journey through the legendary Tuscan wines accompanied by homemade antipasti, guided by a knowledgeable wine expert. Cap off the tasting with a specially reserved bottle of Tuscan wine exclusively for our guests. Throughout your stay, your donors will relish in the culinary delights of authentic Tuscan cuisine with a multi-course dinner prepared by one of Cortona's skilled chefs in the comfort of your home. From antipasto to dolce, each course promises to tantalize your taste buds, complemented by an aperitivo of Prosecco and regional wine.

05/02/2024

Escape to the coastal paradise of Amed, Bali, where you can indulge in a lavish seven-night retreat at the intimate Golden Buddha resort. Renowned for its exceptional scuba diving, scenic vistas, and serene ambiance, Amed offers the perfect setting for a revitalizing escape. Enjoy a range of thoughtful amenities including airport transfers, rejuvenating massages, daily breakfast, and personalized concierge service, ensuring a pampered experience throughout your stay. Your private cottage is nestled amidst lush gardens, complete with a king-size bed, outdoor shower, and access to exciting activities such as temple tours, guided diving expeditions, or tranquil snorkeling adventures. Conclude your journey with a memorable dinner at the resort, raising a toast to the serenity and joy discovered in this idyllic sanctuary.

Address

Portland, OR

Website

http://www.sojournventurestravel.com/

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Videos

Come with us on one of our favorite adventures to Deruta, Italy. Deruta is well known for the production of maiolica, the name given to the style of tin-glazed, decorated pottery that reached its peak in the 1500’s in Renaissance Italy- now exported worldwide. #deruta #italy #traveltheworld

Selamat Pagi

Smell the seawater mist rising, from waves crashing against the rock and watch it settle on the wooden decks. Look at the birds flying freely in the blue sky, chirping loudly telling you how lovely the island they were in. Bali Indonesia is more than a place. Its a mood, its magical, its tropical state of mind.