Get to know Nicolette & Nina
This spring, we’re traveling to Florence and Tuscany for an epic adventure: a Queer-Inclusive Tour to Tuscany. On the itinerary? Botticelli and bespoke programming, classic culture and creative twists. And of course, wine tasting and plenty of R&R at our chic countryside Villa.
We couldn’t be setting off on this trip without our incredible co-hosts: Nicolette Mason and Nina Kossoff. The Brooklyn-based couple are one of several queer couples who have attended a Stellavision tour and the duo “had such a great time on our Secret Southern Italy tour in 2022, we knew we wanted to collaborate with Stellavision on an explicitly queer-inclusive itinerary”. A collab was born!
Today we’re sitting down with Nicolette and Nina as they share some of their New York lifestyle with us, and preview their more anticipated moments this May:
Let’s start with food. And the beginning of the day! What’s a typical breakfast for you in New York vs in Italy?
Nicolette: In NYC, mornings are usually just a cold brew, but in Italia… un cappuccino, per favore! Plus, Italians know how to do a breakfast spread – eggs, fresh tomatoes, fresh fruit… I do my best to enjoy the (gluten-free!) offering!
Nina: in New York, eggs and toast. In Italy, as many baked goods as I can, and fruit. I’ve been dreaming of Italian fruit since last year!!
We know you are both involved in advocacy work. In New York, what are some of the causes you support?
Nicolette: LGBTQ advocacy, of course. As an Iranian-American and founding member of the Iranian Diaspora Collective, I’ve also been dedicating most of the last 6 months to the Woman, Life, Freedom revolution and movement for a secular, democratic Iran.
Nina: queer liberation! I am an advisory council member for Third Wave Fund, which resources youth-led, intersectional, gender justice movements to advance the community power, well-being, and self-determination of young Black people, Indigenous people, and People of Color (BIPOC).
When did you know you wanted to come back to Italy?
Nina: as soon as we arrived in Rome last summer!
Nicolette: I’m going to have to agree with Nina on this one! It was an immediate feeling of “I wish we could stay longer….!”
What are you most looking forward to during our time in Tuscany and Florence?
Nicolette: I’m really looking forward to seeing the art, architecture, and cultural sites in Florence.
Nina: I can’t wait for our time in the Tuscan countryside!
From the gorgeous swimming pools to Tuscan hikes, borrowing a bike or enjoying the Villa’s meditation room, there’s plenty of time for R&R on this trip. Back in Brooklen, what is your favorite way to relax and unwind?
Nina: I love to cuddle up with our two pugs and read, preferably in a sunny spot. More than happy to take that activity to Italy, too.
Nicolette: I love to lay… Laying poolside under the Tuscan sun with an aperol spritz in hand? Don’t mind if I do.
What does it mean to you to have helped created a tour that examines Italy through an LGBTQ+ lens? With local queer Italian guides!
N&N: History is often written through the eyes and lens of dominant culture, meaning that the contributions and histories of LGBTQ people, marginalized people, and more are often whitewashed or erased. In a city like Florence, especially, that has such a rich, long history as an arts and cultural center, I look forward to highlighting the contributions of LGBTQ people.
In your opinions, how does a tour like this support queer travel?
N&N: LGBTQ+ inclusion and rights laws differ so greatly by country (and state in the US), that traveling can be nerve wracking – many people opt not to travel for that reason. Creating this explicitly queer-inclusive space, is us offering a way for LGBTQ+ people to feel safer when they travel by doing it in a group of like-minded, welcoming co-travelers.
What does queer celebration on this trip look like?
N&N: Being unapologetically yourself!
We spoke about it together very deliberately, and ultimately decided you do NOT need to identify as queer to attend this trip. Can you share that decision-making?
N&N: We like to think of this trip as queer *inclusive,* not exclusive. Anyone joining should absolutely be comfortable with queer people, identities, and experiences being centered and celebrated, and be active in their allyship towards LGBTQ people.
Did your experiences in Italy change you?
N&N: Yes!! Not to pick on a cliche… but the concept of “dolce far niente” (the sweetness of doing nothing) really impacted us. Our lives are very go, go, go with every moment scheduled – and carving out time in Italy to really savor, slow down, and revel in all the senses was a much needed reset.
What do you most look forward to when traveling? Food, experiences, culture, shopping….?
Nina: is it a cop-out to say all of the above?!
Nicolette: It’s also all of it, for me! I think that’s what I love so much about this trip and the itinerary we have planned – we’re experiencing so much of the best of the best, from city travel to relaxation, art and fashion, history and modernity..
Ok, let’s finish it up with a tip because we witnessed firsthand - you two are expert level travelers. What’s your must-have travel accessory?
Nicolette: Portable iphone charger
Nina: A packable duffle bag in case you get a little over-excited on the purchases to take home…