Central Italy

The Other Tuscany. . . What is the Maremma?

If you are entranced by Tuscany, but yearn to know it beyond Florence and Chianti, we encourage you to join us in an exploration of the Maremma - we call it "the other Tuscany". Less than two hours from Rome and Florence, this area is untouched by mass tourism and offers pristine natural beauty, medieval hilltowns, wonderful foods and wines and hospitality that you will long savor.

The Other Tuscany

From the Silver Coast to Siena

Walks or hikes nearly every day offer an intimate introduction to the southernmost strip of Tuscany called the Maremma. La Costa d'Argento, or “Silver Coast”, is our starting point. Lodged in a delightful seaside hotel, we will explore the Passionisti Convent and the tiny fishing villages of this spectacular island that is barely anchored to Italy's mainland. The forested mountains of the upper Maremma offer a cool contrast during the second half of the week. Cooking classes, gourmet eating and drinking, and visits to little known Etruscan and medieval sites all await us.

Spa Tuscany

From Saturnia to the Silver Coast

This is our most luxurious trip, crafted for the discerning traveler who demands the best. We spend three nights each in Italy's top spa, the Hotel Terme di Saturnia, and Southern Tuscany's number one hotel, Il Pellicano. Each day is a restful yet invigorating mix of learning – through cooking, wine tasting, chats with local guides; and relaxing -- through a myriad of spa treatment options, a stroll under the brilliant stars over the Silver Coast, or an afternoon of undisturbed reading.

Tasting the Lost Corners of Tuscany - 7 nights

Dimora Casa Eugenia Cooking Program

Escape the hustle bustle of Florence, traveling southeast through Da Vinci's hills to the medieval hamlet of Loro Ciuffenna.  Our tiny, perfectly restored auberge offers a peaceful respite for a week of immersion into this lost corner of Tuscany. Activities include cooking with Michelin-starred chef Giuseppe and exploring artisanal cheese and olive-oil making. Strolls into the hills are available right out the hotel's front door.

Follow a Natural Tuscan Wine Road

Colline Lucchesi, Chianti and Montalcino

This is the most exciting "short break" (four-night) trip we have for the serious wine aficionado. The journey is unique because it allows intimate meetings with six boutique producers of "natural wine". This is wine produced with organic grapes and without the use of any additives during vinification. Visits will cover the Colline Lucchesi, Chianti Classico and the Montalcino area (both Rosso and Brunello di Montalcino). Our entire trip will be escorted by Jerome Van der Putt, a published author and expert in natural wine production.

Tasting the Lost Corners of Tuscany

Discover Da Vinci's Domain

Escape the hustle bustle of Florence, traveling southeast through Da Vinci's hills to the medieval hamlet of Loro Ciuffenna.  Our tiny, perfectly restored auberge offers a peaceful respite for a week of immersion into this lost corner of Tuscany. Activities include spending a day with Janet and Stefano, who produce mouth-watering olive oil, and exploring artisanal wine and salumi-making. We will venture into the tiny hilltowns of Mt. Pratomagno, as well as spend time in Arezzo, Montepulciano and the Val D'Ambra. This is the perfect sojourn for those who fell in love with this area during our super successful 2008 "Tasting the Lost Corners of Tuscany" trip -- or who want to discover that magic for the first time.

Slow Food: From Truffles to Tuscany

Piemonte -- that varied region of Italy that stretches north to Switzerland and south nearly to the Mediterranean Sea, is a sensual feast. Curiosity drives our van from town to town: Bra, Barolo and Alba in the mysteriously named "Langhe and Roero" territory of southern Piemonte. Our days: in pursuit of the mysterious white truffle; discerning the myriad expressions of the Nebbiolo grape; wandering through Italy's most innovative museum. Our evenings: feasting on "toma" (local sheep cheese), agnolotti and truffle fondue. Curiosity then pushes us to southward to Tuscany, in pursuit of the secrets of a region considered by many to be Italy's most beautiful. Won't you join us?

Comments on our Custom-Designed Journeys: I have trouble expressing how well this trip went. I've done quite a bit of traveling, and have organized numerous trips myself, and this was the best ever. Thank you for all your insight and hard work. Tom S

Tasting the Lost Corners of Tuscany was a spectacular experience, where you [got] a true sense of the Tuscany of old. The food, accommodations and company were all delightful. I really felt like we were welcome and I made some great new friends. Evelyn P

How Was Your Day in Chianti with Adagio? [I]t was really the highlight of our trip... the day ... was fantastic, even/especially for people in their early to mid twenties. A wine tasting or two, a tour of Greve, a trip to a real cheese farm, and of course the best meal of our lives. I can't imagine that someone of any age would not be interested, especially if they enjoy learning about other cultures and food. [T]his trip is appropriate for someone who is interested about learning the history and lifestyle of Tuscany/the Chianti region and has an open mind, sense of adventure, and really enjoys eating. Rachel L.