Ask Us About Future Experiences Like This one! 


Travel is an experience not a destination and we can prove it

We've teamed up with the #1 Slow Travel tour operators in Tuscany to create an experience of a lifetime. Imagine tasting Chianti wines in the original castle of the family, exploring small villages with those born in the town, meeting local artisans, learning secret Tuscan recipes and cooking pizza in the villa's handmade pizza oven with a breathtaking view. Let Travel Italian Style introduce you to the Italian sweet life -- la dolce vita!

Get ready to travel Italy with the luxury of having a guide who has lived in this area, speaks Italian, and has spent years getting to know fantastic local people in Italy. Cassandra is known for her once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences and this is no exception. Your week in Italy is about learning and appreciating the Tuscan culture but also relaxing, having fun and enjoying amazing local food & wine. 


 

Slow Travel in Tuscany

1. Handcrafted and custom selected day trips through Tuscany that are exclusive to our guests. We have created special excursions that promote slow travel and local Italians with small businesses! We will be participating in private, guided tours at family run wineries, cheese farms, and artisan shops. This means we are not only getting to taste all these wonderful local specialities and learn about Italian customs, we will also be spending quality time directly with these welcoming locals. Our private villa is run by young producers who also happen to be wine experts and amazing chefs, need I say more?

2. This tour is about taking the time to learn about the Tuscan lifestyle without being so overwhelmed. We give you time during the week where you can enjoy a bike ride through the hills of Tuscany, walk to the local town nearby for a cafe, take a swim in the private pool and even time to chat with the owners about olive oil and wine. You will feel so refreshed by the end of the week, you may just want to stay longer ;)  

3. We are staying in a private, family-run villa in the heart of Chianti, just 30 minutes from Florence. More details on this wonderful residence towards the bottom of the page!

 

What we Have Planned for You:

Learn about Italian icons, pasta, and wine: With visits to pasta shops to small family run vineyards we will see inside the world of wine and food in authentic Tuscany. You will even participate in blind wine tasting nights at our villa and 3 hands on cooking classes during the week.

History off the beaten path of Florence: Discover the trendiest & most authentic part of Florence, where you still can breath the local life of Florentine people. Enjoy a relaxing walk through the cobble stone streets passing famous landmarks such as the famous Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) and even lunch at a small hidden Enoteca in Florence to experience a different side of local cuisine. 

Explore Organic Farms in Tuscany: Cheese, honey, wine: you name it we are seeing it, tasting it and touring the site then visiting nearby Tuscan villages.

Meet Local Artisans: Hidden small town shops, hand-crafted Tuscan specialities, history beyond the books.

Plus

  • A visit to the Medieval village of San Gimignano, 
  • Free time to enjoy the shops and to experience the "best gelato in the world"
  • Daily organic  breakfast and dinner made by our villa host
  • And time for YOU to read, meditate, relax and kick back "Italian style"

Meet Your Host, CEO + Italian Travel Expert:
Cassandra Santoro

For Sicilian-American Cassandra Santoro, a love of Italy started early. She moved to Florence after her father’s untimely passing from cancer and there found the true meaning of la dolce vita. Since living and working abroad, she has led countless tours, obtained dual-citizenship and started Travel Italian Style in order to share the joys of the Italian good life with others.

In addition to travel, Cassandra has also spent a decade in the wine industry and studying spirituality and enlightenment. When she is not traveling Italy, you can find her enjoying pistachio gelato, eating alici marinati or listening to Oprah & Deepka's 21-Day Meditation


Throughout the week you will also be guided by Cassandra's wonderful friends, the owners of the accommodations who happen to be certified Sommelier's, chefs, olive oil, wine producers and professional tour guides. Together we will introduce you to authentic Tuscany.


Accommodations

You will be enjoying 7 nights in a private 13th century villa in Chianti complete with a vegetable garden, a wood-burning pizza oven near the olive groves, a panoramic pool, charming, terrace and an underground wine cellar and bicycles for your personal use!

Run by two young wine and olive oil producers who have a dedication & passion to creating memorable slow travel experiences for their guests. 

Included in Your Trip

  • 7 Nights Accommodations 
  • Airport Transfers to and from Florence
  • A Host from Travel Italian Style
  • Private Local Guides for All Day Trips
  • (2) Organic Farm Visits with Tastings
  • Breakfast Everyday
  • Most Lunches & Dinners 
  •  (3) Hands on Tuscan Cooking Lessons
  • Tuscan Cashmere Experience
  • Countryside (light) Hike with Meditation
  • (2) Meals in Local Restaurants
  • (2) Winery Visits with Tastings and Lunch
  • Day Trip to Florence & San Gimignano 
  • A Travel Concierge to Assist in Booking & Monitoring Your Flights

Did you know that 2% of your purchase goes towards fulfilling a student's travel dream? Read more about our contribution to FLYTE here.


 

Ask Us About Future Experiences Like This One 

 Prices are per person based on double occupancy. Single rooms are available for an additional charge.
Please inquire if interested

 


FAQ

2015 TOUR PHOTOS:

Do we have any free time?
Yes of course! This is after all a vacation! Each evening we return back to the villa so you an relax, take a swim or even a bike ride or job in the country. Dinner is included at home everyday but you are also welcome to walk into town or even cook on your own!

Why are only “most meals” included, but not all?
Don’t worry; there will be no shortage of food on this trip! From previous trips we’ve learned:
Most of our organized meals are served Italian style, meaning they are typically very filling. We’ve purposely left some time for you to skip a meal (if full) or to enjoy something a bit lighter at your leisure.
We also understand the pressure of traveling with certain dietary restrictions and allergies and we always accommodate these in the best possible way. However, we now offer some time for you to enjoy a meal of your choice, should you choose, with no added stress.

What is the average temperature?
Temperatures range from about 65-74F.

Do I have to attend every day-trip?
Of course not! We hope you do, but you are always welcome to stay back and enjoy some 'you' time or to coordinate another trip on your own. However, please note that choosing to opt out of a day-trip does not change the overall price of the trip. :)

Can I come as a single?
Absolutely, we would love to have you! The idea of this trip to bring along your sister, friend or daughter to enjoy time together. We typically do not match up roommates but if you connect with someone else on the trip we would be happy to arrange this for you. 
While this is women's trip we will not say NO to a signifiant other that is a man. Please contact us at info@travelitalianstyle.com to speak more about this :)

What do you mean by flight concierge?
This is like having a personal assistant, but just for flights! 
Every guest will receive a flight concierge who will research and select flights based on your personal preferences and budget. They’ll assist you with the booking process (always finding the best deals on the best airlines) and following booking they’ll also monitor your flight going and returning from Italy. If there are any changes or updates, your flight concierge will be the first to know and will keep you updated along the way.

 


"Life gives you a thousand chances,

all you have to do is take one"

-Frances Mayes, Author Under the Tuscan Sun