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LIVING SLOW IN TUSCANY
For those who seek to live the culture instead of snapping pictures, this journey will satisfy daydreams of wandering untouched medieval villages, connecting with the land, and learning from locals along the way. This Fall adventure will have you hunting for truffles, helping with the olive harvest, & experiencing a local chestnut festival, all while surrendering to the magic of the unexpected!
- Welcome Cocktail & Dinner
- Olive Harvest
- Truffle Hunting
- Pizza-Making Class
- Cheese Farm Visit & Tasting
- Visit Historic Palazzo dei Vicari
- Winery Visit, Tasting, & Lunch
- Visits to Lesser-Known Villages
- Homemade Truffle Lunch
- Evening with Women's Handicrafts
- Private Palazzo Tour
- Sunset Aperitivo
- Cooking Class
- Art Nouveau Museum
- Local Chestnut Festival
- Free Time for Your Own Discoveries
Overview
For those who seek to live the culture instead of snapping pictures, this journey will satisfy daydreams of wandering untouched medieval villages, connecting with the land, and learning from locals along the way. This Fall adventure will have you hunting for truffles, helping with the olive harvest, & experiencing a local chestnut festival, all while surrendering to the magic of the unexpected!
Main Impressions
- Welcome Cocktail & Dinner
- Olive Harvest
- Truffle Hunting
- Pizza-Making Class
- Cheese Farm Visit & Tasting
- Visit Historic Palazzo dei Vicari
- Winery Visit, Tasting, & Lunch
- Visits to Lesser-Known Villages
- Homemade Truffle Lunch
- Evening with Women's Handicrafts
- Private Palazzo Tour
- Sunset Aperitivo
- Cooking Class
- Art Nouveau Museum
- Local Chestnut Festival
- Free Time for Your Own Discoveries
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Sierra, Travel Expert
Chat with the host
I fell hard for Italy as an art student and never stopped exploring since. I scoured maps for Italy's hidden secrets, connecting with locals, learning the language, and soaking up the authentic everyday life along the way. This passion led to a career in NYC, where I worked for top agencies and startups, planning luxury vacations for VIP clients. Now living half the year in Italy, my goal is to bring my guests meaningful travel experiences that will forever connect them to the genuine spirit of Italy.
Things I love: Salsa dancing, speaking Italian, painting, & nature!
How to participate
Leave a booking request. It's free. If you still have questions about the tour, please contact a Travel Expert to get the answers.
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See the activitiesExertion LevelMedium
Activities within the same location or change of several locations during the route, infrastructure-developed locations, periodic outings to nature.
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See the accommodationsComfortMidscale
Regular housing with standard level of comfort, décor, and amenities.
- See the conditions
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Travel-ExpertTravel languages
English, Italian
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Who is in the groupAgeAge group: 18-99
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Rating: 0.0
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Sierra, Travel Expert
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Itinerary
Start: , Florence, Florence, Italy
Finish: , Florence, Florence, Italy
Day 1. LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED
In the morning, we'll pick you up fr om Florence and head straight to the countryside wh ere we'll have the absolute treat of meeting a flock of sheep and learning how their milk is turned into delicious local cheese. After tasting the best cheese you've ever had, we'll check out a low-key spot known to locals in the tiny village of Sant'Agata. It's unassuming but serves the best "Tortelli di Patate", or potato-filled pasta with meat sauce (the area's typical dish).
Driving through a green valley dotted with autumn colors and gentle hills in the distance, we'll arrive at Poggio alle Ville, our first accommodations at a beautiful agriturismo farm with authentic Tuscan cottages surrounded by olive trees and forests. After settling in and relaxing, we'll kick things off with a Welcome Aperitivo followed by a homemade dinner on the farm! Welcome to Tuscany!
Meals Included: Cheese Tasting, Aperitivo, Dinner
Day 2. TRUFFLE HUNTING + PIZZA CLASS
After a leisurely morning, we'll walk into the woods to hunt for truffles then linger over a homemade, truffle-themed lunch! After lunch you'll be free to find a sunny spot for a cat nap, sketching, or journaling. You may even opt for a game of bocce. In the evening, our hosts Raffaele and Ioana will teach us how to make homemade pizza!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3. WINERY VISIT
In the morning we'll visit the historic home of the Chini family, now a museum dedicated to Art Nouveau. Afterwards, you'll have some free time to wander the village of Borgo San Lorenzo, keeping an eye out for Art Nouveau details! But the highlight today is spending time at a gorgeous winery where we'll wander the vine- covered grounds and have a homemade lunch while getting to know the family that runs the vineyard. The rest of the day depends on how the group feels. We can go back to relax, visit another charming village, or perhaps an ancient stone mill forgotten in the forest! We'll go with the flow and surrender ourselves to the magic of the unexpected!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4. OLIVE HARVEST
After a lazy morning, we'll connect with the culture by helping out with the olive harvest, followed by another family-style lunch at the farm! You'll have the afternoon free to relax and sink the details of this experience into your memory.
Over an evening aperitivo, we'll have a special inside look at Italian culture thanks to a local association working to keep women's traditional handicrafts alive. You'll hear about the history and cultural significance as you get to touch and feel the intricate work up close. Our local guests will join us for dinner, giving you the unique opportunity to get to know Italians as fellow friends!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Aperitivo, Dinner
Day 5. MEDIEVAL VILLAGE VISIT
The medieval village of Scarperia is famous for its production of artisanal, handcrafted knives since the 1400s. We'll visit a knife workshop that has been preserved as it was left in the 1900s. Next, we'll step inside the stunning Palazzo dei Vicari where medieval history is brought to life! To wrap up an exciting day, we'll pause for "la dolce vita" with a typical Tuscan aperitivo (don't be surprised if you end up calling this dinner)!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Aperitivo
Day 6. COOKING CLASS
This morning, we'll bid farewell to our home on the farm and head to Palazzo Torriani in the town of Marradi. Our hosts, Anna Maria and Mariaemilia, will walk us through this gorgeous villa where their family has lived for over 500 years. After a break to settle in, we'll step into the kitchen for a cooking class. Prepare to delight your taste buds and soul!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7. FESTIVAL + FREE TIME
Marradi is known for its marrons glacés (candied chestnuts) and October is the season they are celebrated! Today you'll be free to enjoy the local chestnut festival which is full of food stands offering all the best local products and traditional food based on their prized chestnuts! Enjoy the full day to wander the village on your own and shop for souvenirs. Later, we'll enjoy a farewell dinner at the Palazzo!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8. MORE FESTIVAL + FREE TIME
After breakfast, you'll be free for another day enjoying the festival and buying your last gifts & souvenirs to take home. There will be an optional visit to a chestnut forest and we'll have our driver on hand if we get an itch to explore! Later, we'll enjoy a final farewell dinner at the Palazzo!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9. CIAO!
After a delicious breakfast featuring homemade cakes and local meats & cheeses, we'll drop you at the Florence Airport. A presto! (See you again soon!)
Haven't had enough yet? We can help you plan an extended stay in Florence, Tuscany, or beyond. Just get in touch!
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation
Cottage
Single
Сonditions
What's included
- Arrival/Departure Transportation: We require all guests to arrive in Florence the day before our trip starts. You'll be taken care of from the time we pick you up from your hotel in Florence until departure! If your dates differ or you use an airport other than Florence, you'll be responsible for covering your transfers. Florence city center is very easy to reach by their new Airport Tram! We're happy to help with arrivals, just ask!
- Accommodations: 7 nights of accommodations in a private room, including all taxes & fees. At the farm you may share a bathroom with 1-2 other guests, but your bedroom will be private.
- Meals: 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 6 dinners including wine, 2 tastings, and 3 aperitivi
- Transportation: Private driver for the duration of the trip.
- Experiences: All activities, workshops, and visits described in this document. There may be a couple of optional activities not mentioned for around 10-30 euros per person.
- Tips for guides and drivers.
- 24/7 Trip Leader: Italian and English-speaking leader/cultural host.
- Carbon Footprint Offset: A donation will be made to fund projects that reduce carbon emissions and improve daily life in impoverished areas.
- Travel Planning: Professional Flight Booking Assistance
- Pre-Trip Prep: Cultural and Italian language guidance, packing tips, and additional resources to fully connect you with what you'll experience!
- Local recommendations in each location.
What's not included
- Flights: We'll help you find the best flights for your dates, free of charge!
- Some Meals: Meals not described in this document. (We believe scoping out your own hole-in-the-wall is part of the experience!) Our included meals are so abundant that guests usually stick to gelato or something light when a meal is not included.
- Incidental Expenses: A/C or Heat may cost extra at some locations, but it is unlikely that it will be needed.
- Mandatory Travel Insurance: Click here for more info and resources.
Additional services
3650 $
Double
Price for a tour per person based on Double occupancy
Flight tickets
Start: , Florence, Florence, Italy
Finish: , Florence, Florence, Italy
Don't spend weeks checking multiple airline sites for the best deal. We've partnered up with Sojourn Flights to save you the headache! After you've paid your deposit, we will connect you with our friend Justin at Sojourn Flights. Justin has access to some specially-contracted fares on certain airlines and alliances that may get you a lower rate compared to what's available online (depending on your flight specifics). This is not a flight package- you are still in charge of choosing and booking your own flights, but Justin will be able to help you find the best deal available, even if it isn't coming from him. This service is included at no extra charge! There is little to no public transport in this area of Tuscany, so it's very important that you note the below information: Arrival: You should plan to arrive in Florence the day before our trip start date. This means you'll likely take an evening flight on Oct 15 in order to arrive in Italy on Oct 16 and start our adventure together on Oct 17. We will pick you up that morning from your B&B in Florence! If you want to have time to really visit Florence, we suggest you plan to spend at least 2 nights there before we pick you up on the 17th. Departure: On the morning of Oct 24, we will drop you at the Florence Airport by 10:30AM. If you're staying longer in Florence, you can easily take the airport tram to the city center. We recommend booking a return flight no earlier than 1:00PM to allow plenty of time. If you book an earlier or later flight and would like your own private transfer to the airport, we will be happy to arrange this for an extra cost. Alternative Options: Some find a better deal arriving into Rome and taking a train to Florence. Have fun experimenting but be aware you'll need to cover your own transportation costs if your arrival or departure don't align with our scheduled group plans.
You can check the flight here:Important information
Guest requirements
Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Must purchase mandatory travel insurance.
Cancellation terms
6 months prior - 65% of the remainder is due
2 months prior - full payment is due
Cancellation Policy:
Our trips are carefully budgeted for 5 - 7 participants. This means we have to adhere to a strict Cancellation Policy in order to maintain cost effectiveness for everyone. However, we require you to purchase travel insurance in an effort to provide some protection from potential losses should you need to cancel. It is up to you to make sure your policy includes trip cancellation coverage. We highly recommend a Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) policy.
If you cancel because your country or Italy forbids travel at the time of departure due to Covid-19, you'll be able to change to another trip date within one year or get a full refund.
If you cancel for any other reason, your tour cost is subject to our full Terms and Conditions. In summary, canceling less than 150 days prior would mean no future credit and no refund. Cancellations 150 or more days prior incur an administration fee of $300 and allow you to apply the remainder of your credit toward another group trip within one year. OR you can choose to receive a full refund, less any fees and nonrefundable or unrecoverable costs.
Please note, we require at least 5 confirmed guests to run this trip. In the event that minimum requirements are not met within 2 months of the trip start date, you will have the choice to receive a full refund of your trip cost or credit applied to another trip within the next year. Flight costs and other costs outside of the trip itself would need to be reimbursed by the travel insurance which you are required to purchase.
2 months prior - full payment is due
Cancellation Policy:
Our trips are carefully budgeted for 5 - 7 participants. This means we have to adhere to a strict Cancellation Policy in order to maintain cost effectiveness for everyone. However, we require you to purchase travel insurance in an effort to provide some protection from potential losses should you need to cancel. It is up to you to make sure your policy includes trip cancellation coverage. We highly recommend a Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) policy.
If you cancel because your country or Italy forbids travel at the time of departure due to Covid-19, you'll be able to change to another trip date within one year or get a full refund.
If you cancel for any other reason, your tour cost is subject to our full Terms and Conditions. In summary, canceling less than 150 days prior would mean no future credit and no refund. Cancellations 150 or more days prior incur an administration fee of $300 and allow you to apply the remainder of your credit toward another group trip within one year. OR you can choose to receive a full refund, less any fees and nonrefundable or unrecoverable costs.
Please note, we require at least 5 confirmed guests to run this trip. In the event that minimum requirements are not met within 2 months of the trip start date, you will have the choice to receive a full refund of your trip cost or credit applied to another trip within the next year. Flight costs and other costs outside of the trip itself would need to be reimbursed by the travel insurance which you are required to purchase.
Do I need to pay full amount at once?
The amount of prepayment is determined by the Travel Expert and is indicated on the tour page. For the majority of tours standard prepayment does not exceed 50% of the tour price. If you have any difficulties with payment, please contact the customer service.
How do I book a trip?
Select your dates and click "Reserve". You’ll be redirected to the page with fast and secure payment by credit card or by Apple Pay / Google Pay. For tours with instant booking, you get an immediate confirmation. For other tours, you can reserve a place in the group by making an advance payment, then your booking is approved by the travel expert within 24 hours. If the booking is rejected, your prepayment will be refunded instantly. Please feel free to contact the tour organizer directly if you have any questions prior to booking.
Travel expert Sierra
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Verified travel expert (joined the Tripsider.com in September 2021)
Contact organizer
This trip involves walking on uneven ground for multiple hours and some time in nature without a restroom close by.
Please note that you'll need to carry your own luggage up and down stairs at hotels and across cobblestone.
The longest drive will be about 1 hour and 45 minutes, with breaks.
The itinerary presented here is a base itinerary subject to change due to weather or other factors. We will stick to this plan as closely as possible and always provide great alternatives when necessary! Part of Italy's charm is the laid-back attitude and slower pace. Thus, you'll enjoy the experience much more if you arrive with a reasonable amount of flexibility and are simply "up for the ride" of living in the moment.
– A comment from the tour leader
I fell hard for Italy as an art student and never stopped exploring since. I scoured maps for Italy's hidden secrets, connecting with locals, learning the language, and soaking up the authentic everyday life along the way. This passion led to a career in NYC, where I worked for top agencies and startups, planning luxury vacations for VIP clients. Now living half the year in Italy, my goal is to bring my guests meaningful travel experiences that will forever connect them to the genuine spirit of Italy.
Things I love: Salsa dancing, speaking Italian, painting, & nature!
Закрыть
Sierra, Travel Expert
Chat with the host
Закрыть
Sierra, Travel Expert
Chat with the host
Закрыть
Sierra, Travel Expert
Chat with the host
This trip involves walking on uneven ground for multiple hours and some time in nature without a restroom close by. Please note that you'll need to carry your own luggage up and down stairs at hotels and across cobblestone. The longest drive will be about 1 hour and 45 minutes, with breaks.
The itinerary presented here is a base itinerary subject to change due to weather or other factors. We will stick to this plan as closely as possible and always provide great alternatives when necessary! Part of Italy's charm is the laid-back attitude and slower pace. Thus, you'll enjoy the experience much more if you arrive with a reasonable amount of flexibility and are simply "up for the ride" of living in the moment.
– A comment from the tour leader