WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
November 5-11, 2023 with Roberto
Tuscany is justifiably famous for scenery and food, but also for tourist crowds. In this tour, we will find unknown villages and sample local specialties that few travelers come across. You’ll get to be a temporary part of a Tuscan/American family, staying at the home of our local guide, Roberto Bechi.
We have enjoyed our small groups so much that we will continue to keep numbers low and personal attention high. This tour will have a maximum of 8 guests.
Please view our Tuscany Tour Diary for more photos and detailed descriptions of the tour itinerary!
Day One
Overnight: Casalciccia
Welcome to Off the Beaten Path Tuscany
After pick up at the Rome (FCO) airport we will drive north. Taking the coastal Aurelia highway we will stop in the picturesque fishing village of Talamone, once the medieval port of the Republic of Siena and still dominated by an ancient Sienese fortress. Lunch with a sea view followed by rest at restored Tuscan farmhouse, Podere Casalciccia, your home for the next six nights. Welcome home-cooked dinner at the farmhouse.
Next Day
Day Two
Overnight: Casalciccia
Monticchiello
Tour of the Etruscan museum located inside a former granary near the historic center of Chianciano. Lunch in the medieval village of Monticchiello, located in the heart of Val d’Orcia, followed by a guided visit around this charming place. Optional Yoga class at Casalciciccia available at our return. Dinner at a local farm.
Next Day
Day Three
Overnight: Casalciccia
Siena and Farm-to-Table Dining Experience
Walking Tour of Siena and its Cathedral followed by a visit to Madonna Bella Farm. Lunch will consist of a delightful farm-to-table food and wine pairing with local dishes and our own wines. Optional drawing class for those interested available at our return to our Casalciccia. Light dinner in Asciano.
Next Day
Day Four
Overnight: Casalciccia
Florence
Walking tour of Florence, enjoying the back streets and lesser-known masterpieces with a local guide. Lunch on your own in Florence and a free afternoon to enjoy the city’s delights. Light dinner in Arbia en route to home.
Next Day
Day Five
Overnight: Casalciccia
Village Tour of the Clay Hills
Morning dedicated to a chosen extra activity (art, yoga, walking). Light lunch at Casalciccia. Clay Hills tour in the afternoon, visit of Monteoliveto Abby and its amazing art followed by the village of Lucignano D’Asso. We end with a visit of the medieval village of Chiusure, followed with a pizza dinner on a terrace with an amazing view of the Clay Hills at sunset.
Next Day
Day Six
Overnight: Casalciccia
Cooking class and Chianti wines
Chianti + cooking class. Visit of the off-the-beaten-path medieval hamlets like Vertine and San Donato in Poggio followed by a visit of the Villa Geggiano and Utd Gardens. This is a national treasure, and is owned by a good friend of Roberto’s, a noble Count! Light lunch with the Count. Cooking class followed by dinner at Casalciccia.
Next Day
Day Seven
Overnight: n/a
Farewell lunch and wine tasting in Val D’Orcia
We’ll tour the Val D’Orcia, including visits to the famous hilltowns of Pienza and Montalcino, Farewell Lunch will be at a family run BRUNELLO winery followed by a visit to the cellars. Late afternoon transfer to Rome.
Price: $2850 (Air not included). Due to lack of rooms at the farmhouse, single supplement may not be available. We are happy to pair solo travelers to share a room.
What’s included: 6 dinners (wine included) and 7 lunches, 6 nights lodging in a clean, comfortable and family-run farmhouse in the gorgeous Tuscan countryside. All tastings and entrance fees per itinerary above. Local guide, driver, ground transport and transfer to/from ROME airport.
Deposit Policy: we require a $600 non-refundable deposit at the time of booking. If your plans change, you may transfer this deposit to any of our other tours.
Tour begins and ends in Rome. International airport there is FCO.
If you would like to book this tour just for your own group of friends or family (6-8 people), we can offer a private tour with dates to suit your travel needs.