A Taste of Tuscany - Hilltop Towns and Vineyards

Explore scored again with a wonderful to tour through the most charming parts of Tuscany. This tour ticks so many boxes, beautiful scenery and historical villages perched on hills, Informative guided tours, free time to explore further, shop or relax with a drink, and a small group that meant elements could be tailored to suit our preferences. On top of this we enjoyed a number of included 3 course meals, all with local produce and free flowing wines. No hotel meals, free evenings we'd eat out at venues with the locals. Our tour leader Antonguilio (AJ) was fabulous, making sure we had a fantastic experience in Tuscany. A great holiday trip.

A very enjoyable and interesting tour. Notwithstanding the half day visit to Livorno, which was somewhat uninspiring, the itinerary was well thought out, and fully met our expectations. We saw wonderful sights, ate delicious food, and drank lovely wines in the company of a great group of fellow travellers. The tour leader Antongiulio, was a charming young man, with a great sense of humour, who readily shared his vast knowledge on the many places that we visited. Mention must also be made to our driver, Stephane who safely drove us throughout most of the tour. Grazie Antongiulio and Stephane.

Tour was great but would leave Livorno off the itinerary. Would rather have more time and lunch in Montalcino. Bus was clean and modern but seats were far too small and uncomfortable.

The tour was great but we suggest that Livorno be dropped from the itinerary. We would have preferred to spend more time and have lunch at Montalcino. The vehicle was clean and modern but the seats were far too narrow.

We were lucky enough to be in a small tour group of 6 and were very warmly welcomed by Augusto our Explore leader who had a visual presentation with maps and an apperativo in Pisa ready on our arrival. He took the time to get an insight into what we hoped to experience during the week and gave us his background and experience which gave us confidence that we were to have a fantastic week - and that is exactly what we did! Gus made every effort to ensure our comfort at all times and that the individual interests and needs of the group were met. Daily itineraries were explained in advance and restaurant suggestions were all excellent and in tune with our preferences to have genuine Tuscan food and whenever possible get away from tourists! Gus spent several evenings with us which was a pleasure and even helped with recommendations for our onward travel. So much stunning scenery, interesting history and of course delicious food and delightful wines, made all the more delicious by being able to meet producers and visit farms/vineyards. None of which we would have experienced had we travelled without Explore. Making both gnocchi and pasta were highlights for our group along with having local guides as well as Gus to give windows into the many beautiful places we visited. To gain an understanding of both the pilgrim walk and the famous historic cycle race L’Eroica held in this Chianti region of Tuscany along with drinking the famous Chianti Classico wines was magical along with gazing at the rows of cypress trees gave the ‘Gladiator’ feel at every turn. There is clearly much more to explore in Tuscany than can be achieved in a week but this tour has definitely given us a taste for Tuscany. We would like we pass on our sincere thanks to Augusto ( Gus) for his excellent leadership. We know he is happiest on a bike but he managed the bus and our group brilliantly. His relationship with everyone we met at our many stops is testament to his excellent manners and genuine interest in people and Italy. We wish him all the very best and hope he will see this review.

This was a great trip with a thoughtful itinerary that was varied and interesting. Exceptional tour leader who brought warmth, wisdom and enthusiasm to the trip.

Trip was excellent. Tour Guide, Gus, was fantastic, very knowledgeable, great communicator, and made sure all of our needs were met. Food and wine tour could not have been better. Never really liked many wines but the tastings proved me wrong. The agricultural farms were great and the food fresh and abundant. Villages were quaint. Castle was very interesting - 34 generations living in it and continuously running a vineyard and producing wine since 1141 is unbelievable! Looking into another food tour in another country. Gave accommodations less rating because hotels were in old buildings and they made due with space available: 1) First 2 nights in Hotel Bologna, the room was very, very small and had 2 twin beds aligned in tandem against one wall - would not have fit any other way, 2) Hotel Le Cisterna, last 3 nights, walls were so thin we could hear every word people next door said.