We all know the top touristed cities in Tuscany. I love those cities and travel to them often, however have you really gotten off the beaten path?

Tuscany is one of Italy's most iconic regions, known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, artistic heritage, and world-renowned cuisine and wine. The region is characterized by rolling hills dotted with vineyards, olive groves, and cypress trees, as well as medieval towns and Renaissance cities. Traveling through Tuscany offers a journey through time, art, and some of Italy's most picturesque scenery.

I live in Tuscany and know it well. Let me plan your perfect trip to Tuscany, or combine it with another region.

Visiting the Garfagnana region in northern Tuscany offers a tranquil escape into one of the most unspoiled areas of the region, surrounded by the Apuan Alps and Apennine Mountains. Known for its lush forests, rolling hills, and scenic landscapes, Garfagnana is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Hiking trails abound, including paths through the stunning Orecchiella Natural Park, where visitors can spot wildlife and enjoy panoramic views. The region's charming medieval villages, like Castelnuovo di Garfagnana and Barga, offer a slower pace of life with cobblestone streets, ancient churches, and family-run trattorias. Garfagnana is also famous for its rich culinary traditions, including dishes made with locally-grown farro, chestnuts, and porcini mushrooms. Visitors can explore historic fortresses, visit traditional farms, and experience the region’s authentic, rural lifestyle. A visit to Garfagnana feels like stepping back in time to a more peaceful and untouched Tuscany. Come with me and see the hidden gems of Tuscany.

Sicily is a stunning Mediterranean island rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Known for its ancient ruins like the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, Sicily boasts a unique blend of Greek, Roman, Arab, and Norman influences. Its diverse landscapes range from the towering Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, to charming coastal towns like Taormina. Sicily's vibrant cities such as Palermo and Catania offer bustling markets, exquisite cuisine, and architectural wonders. Renowned for its warm hospitality, delicious food, and rich cultural heritage, Sicily captures the essence of Southern Italy’s timeless allure. These are the top places to visit in Sicily. 

Palermo – The vibrant capital city offers a mix of Arab-Norman architecture, lively markets like Ballarò, the stunning Palermo Cathedral, and rich street food culture.
Taormina – A picturesque hilltop town known for its ancient Greek Theatre with breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea.
Agrigento – Home to the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with impressive ancient Greek ruins.
Syracuse and Ortigia Island – Known for its historical significance, with ancient Greek ruins, a beautiful old town on Ortigia Island, and stunning Baroque architecture.
Catania – Nestled at the foot of Mount Etna, this lively city offers a bustling fish market, the stunning Piazza del Duomo, and a gateway to Etna's hiking adventures.
Cefalù – A coastal town with a picturesque beach, a charming medieval center, and the majestic Cefalù Cathedral.
Mount Etna – Europe’s most active volcano offers thrilling hikes, crater tours, and a unique landscape to explore.
Noto – Famous for its splendid Baroque architecture and historic churches, part of the UNESCO-listed Val di Noto.
Monreale – Just outside Palermo, Monreale is known for its stunning cathedral with intricate mosaics, one of the most beautiful examples of Norman architecture in Italy.
Segesta and Erice – Segesta boasts an ancient Greek temple and theatre, while Erice is a hilltop medieval town offering stunning views and a quiet atmosphere.

Come with us and visit these cities as so much more. We know Sicily and we can show you the places, culture, food and the soul of the people of this wonderful island.

Visit the romantic city of Venice, explore the charming towns of Verona and Padua, and indulge in the delicious cuisine of the Veneto region. Wander the streets of Burano and Lido. See a different side of Venice and travel to Milan and Lake Como, stopping along the way to see the less traveled cities. 

Here’s a journey through Milan, Bergamo, Verona, Padua, Venice, and Burano, highlighting the key cultural, historical, and culinary experiences in each city:

Milan
Begin your trip in Milan, Italy's fashion and business hub, known for its cutting-edge design and historical treasures. Start with the stunning Duomo di Milano, where you can climb to the rooftop for panoramic views of the city. Visit Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the oldest shopping malls in the world, full of luxury stores and elegant cafes. Stop by Teatro alla Scala, the world-renowned opera house, and explore Sforza Castle, which houses art collections and ancient relics. Milan’s culinary scene is sophisticated, featuring risotto alla milanese, osso buco, and plenty of stylish aperitivo spots.

Bergamo
From Milan, a short journey will take you to Bergamo, a city divided into two parts: the modern Città Bassa and the medieval Città Alta. In Città Alta, wander through the cobblestone streets and admire the well-preserved Venetian walls, which are a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit Piazza Vecchia, the heart of the old town, surrounded by historical landmarks such as Palazzo della Ragione and Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. Bergamo is also known for its delicious polenta dishes and casoncelli, a type of stuffed pasta.

Verona
Next, head to Verona, the city of love, made famous by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Stop by Juliet's House and see the iconic balcony. Explore Piazza delle Erbe, a vibrant square filled with cafes, markets, and frescoed buildings. Don’t miss the Arena di Verona, an ancient Roman amphitheater still used for opera performances. Stroll along the Adige River to see the charming Ponte Pietra bridge and the ruins of the Roman theater. Verona’s food specialties include risotto all’Amarone and tortellini di Valeggio, perfect for a hearty lunch.

Padua
From Verona, make your way to Padua, a university town rich in history and home to Basilica di Sant’Antonio, which attracts pilgrims from all over the world. Padua’s Prato della Valle, one of the largest squares in Europe, is a beautiful spot for a leisurely walk. Visit the Scrovegni Chapel, known for Giotto's stunning frescoes, considered a masterpiece of Italian art. Explore the vibrant atmosphere of Piazza dei Signori and the nearby Palazzo della Ragione. Padua’s culinary delights include bigoli (a thick pasta) and pevarada, a peppery sauce often paired with game meats.

Venice
Next, travel to the enchanting city of Venice, where the canals, bridges, and historical palazzos create a magical atmosphere. Start in Piazza San Marco, home to St. Mark’s Basilica and the imposing Doge’s Palace. Take a walk over the famous Rialto Bridge, where you can browse the market for fresh produce and local delicacies. Consider a gondola ride along the Grand Canal to see Venice from a unique perspective. Venice’s cuisine features seafood-based dishes such as sarde in saor and risotto al nero di seppia (squid ink risotto). Don't forget to try cicchetti (small Venetian tapas) at a local bacaro.

Burano
From Venice, take a boat ride to the nearby island of Burano, famous for its brightly colored houses and centuries-old tradition of lace-making. The island is a photographer’s paradise, with every house painted in vibrant hues that reflect in the canals. Visit the Lace Museum to learn about the island's rich lace-making history. Burano is also known for its seafood, especially risotto di go (goby fish risotto), and for Bussolai, a traditional butter cookie.

This route blends urban sophistication with medieval charm, artistic treasures, and tranquil islands, offering a diverse and immersive Italian experience. From fashion in Milan to the canals of Venice, each city presents its unique history, cuisine, and local culture.

Come with us to discover these amazing cities of Northern Italy.  We will taste the foods, see the top sights and also experience the less traveled places. 

Exploring the Cinque Terre by Ferry Boat
After exploring Portovenere, you can continue your journey by boat to the Cinque Terre, a series of five picturesque villages nestled along the rugged coastline. The boat ride offers a unique perspective, as you can see the dramatic cliffs, terraced vineyards, and colorful houses from the sea.

As you sail north, you'll first encounter Riomaggiore, the southernmost village of the Cinque Terre, with its steep streets and vibrant buildings. Next, Manarola comes into view, its pastel-colored houses cascading down the cliffside to a tiny harbor. Continuing along the coast, you'll pass Corniglia, perched high above the sea, and then Vernazza, with its iconic harbor and tower. Finally, you'll reach Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the five villages, known for its beautiful beaches and historic center.

Traveling by boat between Portovenere and the Cinque Terre allows you to experience the full beauty of this UNESCO-protected coastline, with each village offering its own unique charm and character.

This trip is included in our Tuscany tours.

Umbria is often called the "green heart of Italy" due to its lush landscapes, rolling hills, and rich cultural heritage. Located in central Italy, it's the only Italian region without a coastline or international border, which adds to its charm as a place that feels uniquely self-contained. Umbria is known for its medieval hill towns, historical sites, and vibrant local traditions, including festivals and culinary delights like truffles, olive oil, and wines.

Umbria is a wonderful region for food lovers, nature enthusiasts, and those interested in healthy living. Known for its lush landscapes, medieval towns, and strong culinary traditions, it is an ideal place to experience cooking, truffle hunting, hiking, and biking. 

Key Features of Umbria for Healthy Living:

Farm-to-Table Cuisine: The focus on local ingredients, farm-to-table dining, and organic farming means that most of the food in Umbria is fresh and nutritious.

Outdoor Activities: The region is a haven for hiking, biking, and outdoor exploration, with its rolling hills, mountains, and vast natural parks.

Slow Living: Umbria is less touristy than other parts of Italy, allowing for a slower pace of life that’s focused on well-being, mindfulness, and enjoying nature.

This combination of cooking, truffle hunting, and outdoor activities makes Umbria a perfect destination for those seeking both gastronomic delights and an active, healthy lifestyle.

Come to Umbria with us and learn to cook with Truffles after truffle hunting. Hike the waterfall to see the power of the falls and all the nature aroud it. Visit wineries that have amazing wines that are less know.

Umbria has less tourism than other regions but is full of outdoor activities and a healthy lifestyle, come and experience the "green heart" of Italy.

The Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a stunning stretch of coastline in southern Italy, known for its dramatic cliffs, vibrant villages, and crystal-clear waters. Highlights include the picturesque towns of Positano, with its colorful cliffside buildings and boutique shops, and Amalfi, home to the beautiful Amalfi Cathedral. Ravello offers breathtaking views and tranquil gardens, while Praiano is ideal for a quieter experience. Visitors can explore historic churches, hike the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods), and enjoy the local cuisine featuring fresh seafood and limoncello. Boat trips to the island of Capri and visits to nearby Pompeii and Herculaneum are also popular day trips.

The Amalfi Coast is a stunning destination year-round, but visiting during the off-season (from November to March) offers a more peaceful, authentic experience. While some tourist services may be limited, the charm of the coast, its picturesque villages, and the natural beauty remain. 

Key Benefits of Visiting the Amalfi Coast in the Off-Season:

Peace and Quiet: The off-season offers tranquility, allowing you to experience the towns as locals do, without the rush of summer tourism.

Mild Weather: While it can be rainy at times, the temperatures are generally mild, especially compared to the hot summer months, making outdoor activities more comfortable.

Lower Prices: Hotels and restaurants often offer off-season rates, allowing you to experience luxury for less.

Authentic Experience: With fewer tourists, you’ll have a more intimate connection with the locals, traditions, and culture.

Visiting the Amalfi Coast in the off-season provides a slower-paced, more authentic experience, perfect for those who want to enjoy the region’s beauty, cuisine, and culture without the bustle of peak season.

Join us in a retreat to the Amalfi Coast for a relaxing retreat to see this amazing part of Italy in the less touristed off season.