slow travel tuscany

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A "KM ZERO TOURS" CONCEPT

Living slow travel experiences in tuscany.

STRAIGHT TO THE SOURCE

From raw milk to excellent cheese: the magic hands of our producers.

TUSCANY IN A BOTTLE

From vine to wine: a process to know.

COOK IT, EAT IT

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THE MAGIC OF GRAPE HARVEST

Immerse yourself in the scent of saffron and fermenting must.

NEW OLIVE OIL, TRUFFLE & HOLY

The blessed tuscan treasures.

Ciao, Alessio & Arianna here! Would love to invite you to discover Tuscany from a different perspective, following its slow rythms, meeting local & passionate producers and being inspired by their sustainable, authentic lifestyle. Join us on this journey! Learn more..

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Don't settle by the images, nothing is better than reality!

To understand what Alessio and Arianna are about, you must understand the movement itself, as Arianna says 'we want people to truly remember this experience, meet the people we meet and have a life-changing experience.'

• Girl in Florence

I’d like to thank Arianna, Alessio for their hospitality and for sharing their passion for their culture. I’ve received no gifts or compensation for writing this post.

• Travel with G

For the visitor who wants to experience Tuscany in a real and authentic way, we can't recommend Km Zero Tours enough. Their introduction was everything, and their philosophy of “slow travel” makes every place you visit a place you want to stay longer and get to know at a deeper level.

• Lori Sorrentino, Travlinmad

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• Via Francigena

Via Francigena: Slow Travel & Hiking in Tuscany

Be it a spiritual journey or a pleasure trip to be enjoyed at a slow pace, the trails and paths of the via Francigena offer a truly unique and gratifying way to visit Tuscany, its landscape, its culture and its people while giving space to satisfying your personal goals. There are over 300 km of trails winding from the northern point of Pontremoli, towards the picturesque town of Lucca . Once only traveled by foot or horse, the options now include biking and even by car, since there a few areas where road travel has been mapped out.

This historic journey follows the hills and valleys, picturesque hamlets and mostly churches, through some of the most famous scenery of Tuscany , passing by towns with a long and rich history such as San Miniato , San Gimignano, Monteriggioni , Siena and Radicofani. However, for those looking to enjoy some of the points of interest off the beaten track, there are many to be found including little towns like Gambassi Terme, with its thermal waters. In the true sense of these roads, which were never just one but several leading in the same direction, therefore following one of the many side roads you can take time to visit places like Poggibonsi with its Imperial Fortress or Bagno Vignoni and its roman pools.

The leisurely pace , which is all up to you, allows for the opportunity to appreciate a timeless vista - the very same one that the medieval pilgrims gazed upon over a thousand years ago. Stop and visit the same abbey and spedales that welcomed the weary traveller and explore the same castles and roccas that offered them protection and comfort on this long endeavour.

As the Discover Tuscany team follows in their footsteps, we will add our experiences, suggestions and photos in the space below. We are always available for questions and inquiries at our FORUM about where to go, how to get there and where to stay.

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• Featured , Italy , Travel

Slow Travel in the Tuscany Countryside: KM Zero Tours

• September 5, 2021

If the past year has taught the world anything, it is that we all need to slow down. To “stop and smell the roses.” To linger a little longer and appreciate the small joys in life. I’ve always preferred to travel deeply. Like, really deeply. I’d rather spend 10 days in only one place, instead of one day in 10 different places. But the thing is, finding a tour company that shares this travel philosophy is an almost impossible task. In recent years, the “bucket-listing checking mentality” has paved the way for tour operators that offer jam-packed itineraries to explore just the highlights of a destination. On the other end of the spectrum, you have sustainable service providers like KM Zero Tours that are challenging traveller to slow down, stay a little longer, and – in their case – experience the art of slow travel in the Tuscany countryside.

Tuscany has been on my radar for a very long time, but there is so much to do I really didn’t know where to start planning. The Tuscany countryside is a very popular tourism destination. When you search “Tuscany” online you’re likely to see photos of the rolling hills of vineyards, winding cypress tree-lined roads, and maybe even couples driving around in suits and fancy dresses with their convertible tops down. But to quote Arianna, co-owner of KM Zero Tours and a native to the Chianti region, “you’d never see a local dressed like this, we are all just small town country people.” The Tuscan locals don’t wear suits. Instead, they are farmers, wine makers, labourers, creatives, and culinary artisans. These people share a passion for their craft, and are truly the beating heart of the “real” Tuscany.

Want to meet these inspiring locals? Keep reading to hear about my personalized experience in the Tuscany countryside.

KM Zero Tours: Slow Travel in the Tuscany Countryside

Meet your new Italian friends – Arianna and Alessio – who live locally in Chianti and own the slow travel tour company KM Zero Tours . After meeting in Bologna, the couple moved back to Arianna’s home of Tuscany and have been living locally in the Chianti region for many years. Recently, they decided to lay down more permanent roots in Chianti and bought their own villa in a tiny Tuscan hamlet, complete with an olive grove, vineyard to make their own wine, and a whole bunch of animals (including a growing number of pet dogs and pigeons).

Arianna and Alessio believe wholeheartedly in the slow travel movement – in exploring deeper, supporting the local economy, preserving the unique history of the Tuscany countryside, and sharing their special home with the world. They named their company “KM Zero” or “zero kilometres,” which reinforces their travel philosophy of eliminating the distance between the producer and consumer by buying, staying, and supporting local. 

They aren’t one of those companies that is using greenwashing to pass as a sustainable company. They practice what they preach in seemingly every aspect of their life. After spending two days with them, their passion for sustainability and responsible travel radiates.

Who doesn’t want to have their own friends in the Tuscany countryside? I know I do! While living in Chianti, Arianna and Alessio have developed a wonderful network of local friends and small business owners who share a mutual love for preserving the traditions of the Tuscan countryside – both past and present. With KM Zero Tours, they aim to take you on a journey through their home, into the homes of their friends – who welcome you with open arms and make you feel like you’re part of their family.

During our time in Tuscany, we had the pleasure of spending two full days with Arianna and Alessio exploring both Chianti and Val d’Orcia. Here are some of the highlights.

Day 1: Chianti Tuscany Slow Travel

Arianna and Alessio picked us up on a very hot August morning. Despite only communicating back-and-forth through email prior to our trip, it instantly felt like we were meeting old friends that we’d known for years. We hopped into their car and headed out into the Chianti countryside. 

We started our day in the tiny hilltop village of Montefioralle. Arianna explained the typical characteristics that many of these Chianti villages share, told stories of what life looks like for locals in the village, and showed us some of the typical village plants, trees, and crops, including capers that grew all over the walls. Suddenly, the that everything coexisted together in this small village just made sense.  After visiting a few other Chianti villages the day prior, having someone to guide us completely changed the way I viewed them. The day was off to a great start!

The great thing about KM Zero Tours is that they curate itineraries to your specific interests. Prior to the trip, I had told Arianna that I was a huge wine enthusiast and was really eager to learn more about Tuscan wine culture, so she curated a perfect day-long itinerary around this interest. 

We went to a small local farm where we enjoyed a farm tour, homemade lunch, and a wine tasting of their own certified Chianti Classico wines. We met the family who owned the property and learned about their business, including how they have had to adapt their crops overtime to meet different market demands. Specifically, Arianna explained how the iris flower used to be a main export of the region to France for perfume. However, the rise of synthetic scents halted the Tuscan iris production, which meant many farms had to begin making more wine in the 80s and 90s. In recent years, natural scents are beginning to grow in popularity again, so iris production is also increasing and we were able to see the iris harvest during our farm visit.

After the most delicious lunch of meats, cheeses, and homemade zucchini pasta sourced from the farm, we hopped back in the car and Alessio drove around the Chianti countryside. Arianna and Alessio shared more about the region including how “Super Tuscan wines” are made (and the funny of story of how they got this name). We also learned about how some vineyards plant rose bushes at the heads of the vines. This is because in the early years of wine making if there was something wrong with the grape vines they believed you would notice the first signs on the rose bushes, and some farmers have still held onto that tradition.

Both Alessio and Arianna had an incredible knowledge of the region, and their words were filled with so much passion. Our day in Chianti was full of information and stories like these, but in order to tell them all I’d have to write a book. So you’re best just to go and experience it for yourself.

After driving around the Tuscany countryside it was time to go to our second wine tasting at another small family-owned vineyard and olive oil farm. After a tour of the cellars we were able to chat more about their wine-making process, meet their adorable tailless cat Dante who insisted I give him unlimited belly rubs, and enjoy a wine tasting overlooking their gorgeous property.

Just when I thought the day could not get more perfect, Alessio and Arianna had one more surprise for us: Sunset dinner at the most beautiful local wine bar. And while we surely would have enjoyed dinner here on our own, sitting with our new local friends indulging in the most delicious smoked burrata, and hearing the story of resilience the restaurant owner made it so much more special

This wine bar called Bar DiVino has gained a lot of popularity with the locals, but it is actually quite new to the restaurant scene in Chianti. Arianna explained that the owner, who is now a close friend, lost his job a few years ago and became very worried about how he would take care of his family. His mother offered him her backyard to open a wine bar overlooking the vineyards. The only problem was, neither him or his wife had any restaurant experience. But they decided to give it a shot. Now, a couple years later, it has become wildly popular. We met the owner and I can see why it is such a great success – his spirit was contagious and made our visit here a bit extra special.

It was the perfect way to end our day with KM Zero Tours slow travelling around Chianti.

Day 2: A Dreamy Day in Val d'Orcia Tour

After spending a day in Chianti with KM Zero Tours, I was so thankful that the fun wasn’t over yet. Three days later, Alessio and Arianna arrived at the Tuscan agriturismo we were staying at to take us to the more southern region of Val d’Orcia, Tuscany.

Val d’Orcia is a region you’ve probably seen a lot of photos of. Rolling golden wheat fields and roads lined with cypress trees are characteristic of this region. It is truly breathtaking!

I always envisioned Val d’Orcia as a place where movie stars spent their summer, but as we walked together through the town of Pienza, Arianna explained to us that Val d’Orcia only started to become a popular tourism destination in the 1990s. Prior to that, it was actually home to wheat farmers, who were generally quite poor. The wheat farmers were actually a bit jealous of the more prosperous regions, like Chianti, that produced profitable products like wine.

After our walk through town, we drove outside of Pienza along winding dirt roads to Podere Il Casale , a famous organic cheese farm and winery. The successes of this farm aren’t unknown to the world, they have been featured in many global publications so I was thrilled to hear that they were close friends of KM Zero Tours.

On our tour of the farm with owner Sandra, we learned how this Swiss family moved to Val d’Orcia in 1991 before the tourism boom and bought this now-invaluable property. They were drawn to the beauty of the region and knew nothing about wine-making or cheese production, but they learned and turned the farm into a successful business and restaurant. After our tour of Podere Il Casale where we learned about cheese making and met the farm animals, we enjoyed a wine and cheese tasting of their very own products. The views from their terrace are incredible.

While we tasted the cheeses, Arianna explained that despite the many successes of Sandra and her family, the last year and half had been very difficult for their business with restrictions preventing tourists from visiting Tuscany. When they were forced to close their restaurant, they had to find ways to diversify their business model by selling more of their products locally and expanding their outdoor seating space. Now, they are back stronger than ever and excited to begin welcoming visitors again.

Knowing my love of wine, Arianna and Alessio had one very special final stop for us in Val d’Orcia: Wine tasting at an organic Brunello di Montalcino winery. As we drove down another bumpy, winding dirt road that led up to the winery, we were greeted by the owner’s dog who was so excited to see Alessio. We weren’t arriving at some stuffy internationally-owned winery to taste some pricey mass-produced Brunello. This was the beautiful home of a winemaker who was clearly passionate about his craft.

The front door of the villa opened and the winemaker’s young apprentice came outside to greet us with a big smile on his face. His passion for wine radiated as he explained that he had just moved to the Tuscany countryside from Austria to learn more about organic wine making. He enthusiastically shared about the business, and showed us around the beautiful property which completely blew me away. Afterward, we sat on the patio overlooking Abbey of Sant’Antimo in the distance and tasted the best glass of wine I had during my time in Tuscany. 

After a scenic journey back to our agriturismo, Sebastian and I said goodbye (for now) to our new Tuscan friends and reflected on the days we spent with them over dinner. After a year and of half of staying (mostly) home, it’s special experiences like this one – the ones I won’t ever forget – that remind me of exactly why I love to slow travel.

Book a Tuscany countryside tour with KM Zero Tours

The great thing about KM Zero Tours is that their packages are completely customizable to you! Whether you’re a wine-lover, culinary enthusiast, or just simply interested in learning more about Tuscan culture, there is no shortage of things to do and see in the Tuscany countryside. 

Travelling with kids in Tuscany? KM Zero Tours also enthusiastically welcomes families and will curate a special itinerary that is suitable for all ages.

Their itineraries range from Tuscany  day trips  from Florence to all-inclusive multi-day itineraries including accommodations. Imagine having two locals design your entire vacation for you, and all you have to do is show up?

You can read all about different experiences  KM Zero Tours  offers. Or get in touch with Arianna to start planning!

Can't make it to Italy? Enjoy a taste of Tuscany at home!

I understand that a trip to the Tuscany countryside isn’t always an option, especially right now. But thankfully, KM Zero Tours is making it easy for you to enjoy a taste of Tuscany at home!

There are a lot of places to buy Italian products, but it’s difficult to know where they are being sourced from. Arianna and Alessio are making it easy to support small Tuscan businesses by curating gift boxes filled with artisan products produced locally in Tuscany. Each box features a rotating assortment of seasonal products, so you can enjoy the flavours of every season in Tuscany. 

While in Chianti, we visited their shop where they put together their gift boxes, and I was blown away by the selection of local products. I wish I had more room in my suitcase to bring one of every single product home with me, but I can’t wait to order my own curated box.

Read more about ordering your own taste of Tuscany at home: KM Zero Tours gift boxes .

Looking for other Tuscany Travel Guides? More blog posts coming soon!

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Experiences , Podcast episodes , Tuscany

Episode #158: slow travel experiences in tuscany.

This article may contain compensated links. See our full disclosure here

Listen to “Slow Travel Experiences in Tuscany” on Spreaker.

When visiting Tuscany, many people only get a small taste of the glorious towns and villages, the rolling hills, and the wonderful people that make this region so very special. But the Tuscan countryside is the ideal place for slow travel experiences, to go deeper into the Tuscany culture and way of life – one which mixes artisans, producers, the changing seasons, and human connections.

At Untold Italy tours, we are excited to be working with KM Zero tours on some unique small group tours in Tuscany .  Find out more about joining us on tour in Tuscany for our Spring small group tour itinerary  and our Autumn/Fall small group tour itinerary .

What you’ll learn in this episode

• Slow travel is a different type of experience to when you travel and go to museums and major sites. Those are of course incredible experiences, but this is a really different style of travel and builds a different kind of memory
• Arianna was born and raised in the Chianti region of Tuscany, halfway between Florence and Siena. Her father is from Florence and her mother is from Siena so she was born in the middle, keeping everyone happy!
• She and her husband Alessio have been building their project, KM Zero Tours – Slow Travel Tuscany, since 2014 when they first brainstormed ideas of the kinds of experiences to craft for travelers. Some people said that it didn’t matter – you’re in Tuscany and it sells itself, but they felt that there was so much more to say about their home, their friends, their land, and the cultures and traditions that are part of daily life. The things that you can’t find in guidebooks or on Google. It’s not quick information, but it’s a deeper kind of feeling and experience that you can only get only if you live somewhere or know somebody from there
• The name of the company came from KM, meaning kilometers, as is used in Italy. The concept of KM zero is the idea of zero distance between you the traveler and the farms and locals. It’s a movement similar to farm-to-table
• It’s about not just the quality but the seasonality of the produce, and gives value to the relationships. It’s meeting the farmers, interacting, touching the soil, and understanding why a given product is made in that specific place and at that specific time of year
• Listening to the stories gives a totally different meaning to that place and you then have these wonderful stories to tell you once you’re back home and will make you feel you have a place that you’ll want to return to again and again
• When you are a tourist , you’re basically seeing places/something beautiful in front of you. You may read something about it, but you’re not connected to it. Then you have the travelers who already have a deeper kind of approach to travel – wanting to understand more but then Arianna is trying to encourage their visitors on a deeper level – to become friends with them and with all of their friends. Not just to see things, but really to experience them and to look at them the same way that Arianna and Alessio look at them. That’s their dream
• Untold founder Katy Clarke had a particularly special experience when she met up with Arianna and her team last year. Not only did they spend a whole day exploring some of the most beautiful towns deep into the Chianti countryside, but knowing her love for baby goats, Arianna arranged for them to visit a goat’s cheese farm. This had so many levels to the experience, learning how the cheese is made, tasting the delicious cheese, meeting the wonderful family that makes it and of course, petting the baby goats
• Arianna was born in one of the most famous wine regions in the world and, of course, she appreciates this of course and shares this with her guests but she also wants to show that there’s more to Chianti than just wine
• They are very close to Florence, which is known for its fine art – in the smaller towns and villages you may not get the fine art but there are so many artisans that are making these little villages come alive. Traditions that go back centuries are part of the identity of these places
• Arianna tries to select different experiences according to the different seasons. In Spring, we go to a wonderful Iris farm. The irises bloom at the end of April/beginning of May, and they are beautiful, colorful fields of flowers. The farm they visit are artisans. She makes cosmetics out of them. It’s all organic, and they farm olives there as well
• Olive oil is another big thing in the area of course. It’s wonderful all year round, but it gets extra special in the fall, especially in October
• There are also cheese artisans – goat cheese and pecorino cheese are the two main kinds of cheese – they have no cow cheese in Tuscany. It’s another wonderful hands-on experience to visit these farms, see the animals, and understand how from the same milk, you can get a huge variety of different products. You then have this cheese plate with so many different kinds of cheese – you can taste and wonder how, starting from the same milk, you get all these different tastes, colors, and textures
• At elementary school, Arianna’s teacher used to call her prezzemolino . In Italian, this means ‘little parsley’ because she was everywhere! So she loves to explore the countryside and experience all it has to offer, especially all the festivals and outdoor events. There is music, street acts like flag wavers and drummers, and everything medieval style. Food and wine are of course always a major part and often they are food festivals at a particular time of year to celebrate a seasonal product. They’re rarely listed on Google or websites. The way to find out about these things if you’re not from there is first, you might get lucky and see a flyer when you’re there or even stumble upon one – or you need to know someone like Arianna
• There’s a real difference between the countryside to the city in terms of interactions with people. In the city when they close the doors of their home it tends to shut the city out so they do that each day but when they want to do anything there is lots of things going on. In the countryside in the wintertime, it’s colder, it gets dark early, and that’s when people tend to retreat into their homes and not see many people or do much but then come the spring as it gets warmer and lighter everyone has renewed energy and they want to see people, meet new people and share with them. In the countryside, everything tends to be family-owned, with smaller accommodation, which makes a big difference to a stay
•  Katy and her family are going back next year to an agriturismo that they stayed in previously because her son made such a connection with the young man of the family there. A kid who is keen on his computer games became drawn into the process of producing balsamic vinegar by the young man’s passion and it was an important memory for him from the trip. Staying somewhere smaller and family-run is a very different experience. Find out more about this type of stay in What is an agriturismo and why you should stay in one
• One of the things that happened on one of our Untold Italy tours this year in Puglia – was that one of our guests really wanted to hug one of the beautiful, ancient, old olive trees, so our tour driver just decided to take the whole group to his own farm and not only did she get to hug one of the fantastic old trees, he welcomed everyone there, even introducing them to his donkey. When we speak to those guests now, that’s what they remember – how this man went out of his way to share his family home, his donkey, and his olive tree!
• The amount of time you spend in an agriturismo or a stay somewhere in the countryside is very different from the city. In the city, you want to optimize where you stay so you are close to as many things you want to see as possible. You don’t spend a lot of time in your accommodation. With an agriturismo, where you are staying is part of the experience and you spend much more time there. You are welcomed in by the family. At one of Arianna’s friend’s agriturismo, you are greeted by her two lovable dogs and when she shares her delicious limoncello with guests they never forget it and all want to know the recipe
• Most agriturismo require three nights in minimum stay partly because it takes a little time for people to establish those relationships. Each place’s breakfast will be a little different. There are so many personal touches
• The slower pace of these stays can somehow make you feel rejuvenated. Slowing down can really give you more energy
• Chianti is the perfect place to experience the Tuscan countryside,  even when you don’t have a huge amount of time. You are surrounded by pure countryside and a slower kind of pace, but at the same time it is in a very central location. Florence is less than 45 minutes, and Siena is less than an hour
• Some travelers misunderstand slow travel and ask if it means that they do nothing the whole day. Not at all. The approach to slow travel that KM Zero tours has is all about balance. It’s about being able to savor and absorb every experience. It’s a unique opportunity to really open your mind and to grow as a person in the experiences. To really absorb, you need a bit of downtime. Enjoy an exploring experience during the day. then to have a little downtime after – relaxing at your farmhouse agriturismo, take a refreshing walk or just sit and get to appreciate a spectacular sunset
• You don’t have to go for one type of travel over the other. We think this kind of slow travel works great when mixed with other styles of travel – getting to see beautiful sights in Florence or Rome and then you can take that to a deeper level away from the city, in those places where all that beautiful produce you’ve enjoyed in the city restaurants is created. Adding different layers within a trip is a wonderful way to have a really rich experience
• Arianna collaborates with us on our Untold Italy Tuscan tours , but if you wanted to get in touch with her she can offer all kinds of boutique tour experiences for you, find out more and see some sample itineraries at www.kmzerotours.com . For every season there are different products and different experiences that you can have with them
• Untold Italy Tours, in conjunction with KM Zero, offers a Spring small group tour itinerary and an Autumn/Fall small group tour itinerary

About our guest – Arianna Cini

Meet Arianna & Alessio, the faces and souls behind KM Zero Tours:

Arianna was born and raised in the Chianti region of Tuscany, and is deeply connected and passionate about her beautiful countryside, its people, and its traditions. She studied abroad in Russia and Australia, and graduated from the University of Bologna with a degree in Foreign Languages and Literature. In addition to Italian, Arianna speaks fluent English and Russian.

Arianna is a qualified tour guide and began her career working in international business, including wine exporting. In 2014 she and her partner Alessio Di Genova (from Abruzzo region) started  KM Zero Tours – Slow Travel Tuscany , an innovative boutique travel business focused on creating slow and cultural travel experiences aimed at discovering Tuscany from a deeper, authentic, and personal perspective.

Alessio, Arianna’s husband and partner of KM Zero Tours, is a qualified sommelier and he graduated from the University of Bologna with a degree in Agricultural, Food and Agri-environmental Sciences. After having spent 6 years working as a pastry chef in Bologna he also graduated as an official Sommelier at AIS (Association Italian Sommelier). He was born in Abruzzo but he now lives together with Arianna in San Casciano, a hilltop Chianti town.

They both can’t wait to welcome you to their home in Chianti, and to introduce you to their best friends and favorite places there. Andiamo!

You can find Arianna on these channels:

• Website: www.kmzerotours.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/kmzerotoursitaly
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/kmzerotours
• Tripadvisor:  KM Zero Tours Slow Travel, Tuscany
• Youtube: KM Zero on YouTube
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/Kmzerotours

Places mentioned in the show

• Florence – capital city of Tuscany 
• Volterra – walled hilltop city in Tuscany
• San Gimignano  – picture-perfect Tuscan village, worth adding to any  itinerary
• Siena – ancient Tuscan city south of Florence
• masseria   – is a fortified farmhouse or country house on an estate

Resources from Untold Italy

• Join one of our small group tours in Tuscany
• Discover more about the region in our Tuscany guide , in The Best Towns in Tuscany to visit and explore , get some Tuscany itinerary ideas , find the Best agriturismo in Tuscany and find some of the artisan products from the area in Unique gifts from Tuscany
• Listen: to Arianna’s other episodes – Episode #089 Harvest in Tuscany , Episode #062 Special products from Tuscany and Episode #57 Tuscany’s Chianti region . The Chianti region is, of course, famous for its wine – check out Episode #144 Sip your way through the wine bars of Florence and our Episode #13 Introduction to Italian wine to find out about other wine regions and listen to Episode #039: Exploring Florence with Corinna Cooke to learn more about the Tuscan capital. More on Tuscany in Episode #113- Spring dishes from Tuscany ,  Episode #79 Maremma – Exploring Tuscany’s undiscovered coast and Episode #60 Garfagnana – My Tuscany with Buzz Mccarthy
• How to plan a trip to Italy – our article that takes you step by step through trip planning so you can avoid our mistakes
• Italy Travel Planning – our FREE online community where you can ask questions and get inspiration for planning your trip
• Travel shop where you’ll find items mentioned in the show 

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KM Zero Tours – Slow Travel Tuscany

Via Valigondoli 54 Mercatale in Val di Pesa 50026 San Casciano V.P. FI Italy

• It’s all-inclusive, including lodging in a Tuscan renovated farmhouse with pool
• A hands-on cooking class with a talented local chef (because you cannot go back home without learning how to cook Italian Style!)
• Explore various adorable, post-card perfect villages in the region
• Visit an organic cheese farm and learn about cheese-making (with eating of course)
• Experience an olive farm and learn all about the culture behind olive oil
• It’s Italy! Wine is a must, so you’ll visit a local wine producer and be hosted for lunch
• Become acquainted with local sweets in Siena
• Witness the age-old art of silversmithing
• Attend a wood-turning workshop
• Visit a historic winery…with a wine tasting of course
• Enjoy a light hike through vineyards and olive gardens
• Taste the culture of the region through a Florentine steak
• Meet the Cashmere goats whose coat brings a little softness to our homes
• Visit an olive oil press with pairing suggestions and a tasting
• Take a bread and pizza-making class in your villa. Nothing better than freshly baked bread!
• Get lost in the beautiful towns of San Gimignano and Siena
• Take it slow and enjoy some “vino” surrounded by the green rolling hills of Chianti

Description

Who we are We are a small boutique travel company based in the beautiful Chianti region in Tuscany. We believe in slow, sustainable travel and love creating meaningful and immersive travel experiences aimed at discovering the authentic cultural and culinary heritage of our Tuscan region. We support and value the amazing craft and talent of passionate local farmers and artists, who deeply respect and love their land with its ancient flavours and deep-rooted traditions, and who are willing to share it with new visitors and friends. Our travel experiences can last from one day to the whole week and have different themes according to guests interests and needs: from organic wine tastings to cheese making lessons, from “slow food” cooking courses to local handicraft, from sustainable cashmere to olive oil tastings, not missing visits to local villages and art centers, hikes in the nature and lots of time around the table, sharing stories and experiences. What we stand for "For the visitor who wants to experience Tuscany in a real and authentic way, we can't recommend KM Zero Tours enough. We could not have seen it the way we did without them. Their introduction was everything, and their philosophy of “slow travel” makes every place you visit a place you want to stay longer and get to know at a deeper level."  Lori Sorrentino What "KM Zero Tours" means? "‘Km Zero‘ (litterally ‘no distance’) means the conscious choice to buy quality products and to consume them as close as possible to the area of their production, ensuring this way freshness, seasonality and biodiversity."  Our name refers to a "zero kilometers" relationship between the producer and you, the visitor. We would like to redefine what it means to see Italy by introducing visitors to the local community and the producers who make it all come alive. And when you buy local and experience local, the reward is a more enriching kind of travel that benefits everyone.  "There are no theatrical shows tricking tourists into the fairy tale of Tuscan love affairs, only sustainable, uncompromised and genuine stories about life in Tuscany through the eyes of people keeping up with the ancient traditions that made this region so unique. An experience that comes from the heart. When we travel, it is the people who make the difference."  Mar Pages Tuscany is calling, make 2024 the year you will visit it! A small-group escorted travel experience is waiting for you, exploring Chianti and its beautiful treasures. This is not just a trip, it’s an experience – A look into the Tuscan way of life through the flavors, history, vistas, and people of this region. A collection of unique and one-of-a-kind excursions and experiences designed to fully immerse yourself in the real culture and traditions of Tuscany. Colourful flowers in full bloom, pure soft cashmere, lots of delicious cooking, fresh cheese, and olive oil, artichokes, wine, refreshing walks in nature, local art and culture. Tuscany is all this and much more! What are you waiting for? It’s time to discover an authentic Chianti experience, and you are all invited!

NEW 2024 DATES: – Andiamo!   Tuscany 2024 Tours:

SPRING 2024: 

- March 30th-April 6, 2024* //  Easter special week

- April 6-13, 2024* //  The Living Flavours – Spring delights

-  April 27-May 4th, 2024* //  The Living Flavours – Spring delights

-  May 18-25, 2024* //  The Living Flavours – Spring delights

-  May 25-June 1st, 2024 //  The Living Flavours – Spring delights

-  June 9-16, 2024* //  Medieval festivals and vineyard dinners  

SUMMER 2024:

-  August 23-30, 2024* //  Summer Festivals & Delights

-  August 31-Sept 7th, 2024* //  Fall in Tuscany 1 –  Grape Harvest & Wine Festivals

-  Sept 7th-14th, 2024* //  Fall in Tuscany 1 –  Grape Harvest & Wine Festivals

-  Sept 15th-22nd, 2024* //  Fall in Tuscany 1 –  Grape Harvest & Wine Festivals

-  Sept 28-Oct 5th, 2024* //  Grape Harvest & Holy Wine

-  Oct 5th-12th, 2024* //  Truffles, Fields of Gold and Holy wine

-  Oct 19th-26th, 2024* //  Fall in Tuscany 2  –  New Olive Oil, Saffron and Fields of Gold

-  Nov 3th-10th, 2024* //  Fall in Tuscany 2  –  New Olive Oil, Saffron and Fields of Gold

WINTER 2024:

- Dec 1-8, 2024* //  The magic of Tuscan Winter and Christmas markets!

*It i is also possible to extend/shorten your stay for more/ fewer nights if you wish to, please inquire for more information.   And if these dates don’t work for you… It is possible to organize for you a similar itinerary also on other dates and time of the year, contact us for more information.  

Contact details for more information and reservations for our Tuscany 2024 itineraries: [email protected]

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KM Zero Tours: A Review of Slow Travel in Tuscany

• September 2, 2020

Sean and I had been putting off traveling to Tuscany. I think there was some serious fear that there was no way that it could live up to expectations. That’s why I reached out to KM Zero Tours and suggested that we work together. I figure, if I have these concerns, I’m sure other people do, too. I mean, I’m not that weird!

Disclaimer: This tour was complimentary. As always, all opinions are my own.

During the crazy Covid times when we could move around parts of Europe easily while taking precautions, we figured it was the perfect time to visit Arianna and Alessio of KM Zero Tours to see how they operate. You may know that summer of 2020 hit the tourism industry hard, so as much as we wanted to have our dream trip, we also wanted to contribute to the tourism economy, too. We stayed in Tuscany for 2 weeks total and supported as many local businesses as possible. I would always encourage you to do the same when you travel.

KM Zero Tours as a small business

One thing we didn’t want to be was a number and I wanted to be sure that if we recommend a company, that it’s really giving back to the community. You can’t get much more local than KM Zero Tours …it’s literally in their name!

Arianna and Alessio run the business themselves and have a few local guides as well for when they have more tours than the two of them can handle. Arianna grew up in Chianti and now, she and Alessio have made it their home and their business home. She’s known the people you’ll meet on their tours for many years.

They understand the value of small business and they also understand that there are visitors who want a more authentic experience in Tuscany. That’s something that big group tours with massive companies and huge buses just can’t give. But a local with great relationships throughout the region is a perfect person to create a company like this.

Your money is going directly into the area and that is part of being a responsible traveler. You can always go a step farther (as we tend to) and buy from each producer that you visit. We now have a good stock of Tuscan wine, olive oil, and honey that we can’t wait to use!

What stands out about KM Zero Tours?

We were seriously impressed, so this list might be long. Actually, let’s just make subheadings to make it easier, shall we?

This is a big deal to me. I need to be around kind people. No, not just people that aren’t mean. Actual kind people. We were taken around by Alessio and Arianna who are some of the kindest people we’ve met, but it was clear right up front that everyone they surround themselves with, are incredible people.

The activities and places they have available for you are really impressive. We had so much fun at Cucina Giuseppina, we adored Beppe and his bread-making demonstration, the wineries were amazing, food was incredible, and just everything was good. At no time did I think “this is boring” or “I wish we were doing something else”. And yeah, I’ve gotten that way on tours before.

Pacing and timing

You are never rushed. They know exactly how much time people like to have because never once, in four days, did I feel rushed. You’ll have plenty of time to do what you’d like. Remember, we were working, trying to get the right shots and such, and still were fine for time.

Maybe it’s hard to find a place with a bad view, but everywhere we went took our breath away. And since our visit was during Covid times, I made a note that we were outside almost all the time. It was nice weather to be outside with incredible views at every stop. Lunch? Great food, wine, and a great view. Cooking class? Great food, fun, wine, and a great view.

Accommodation

You get to stay in one of a couple memorable accommodations. We stayed in a farmhouse that made me so happy. I couldn’t have picked a better place if I tried. We had the most Tuscan views from our bedroom window, had a full kitchen and dining room table, and the nicest hosts. Every morning was a dream with having breakfast in the garden looking out over the hills. There was also a pool which had a great view as well. Perfection, everywhere.

Small groups

These are actually small group tours. If you book a pre-planned tour, you may have up to 10 people in them. That means two vans and enough people to make some new friends, but not too many where you stick out wherever you go. That’s my definition of a small group — not 25 people.

You can book a pre-planned tour, as I mentioned, or you can book a private tour from 3-7 days. They have some great suggested tour options, but you can amend an itinerary to fit your interests. The great thing is that you can also do a private day trip! Yep, they have a bunch of day trip options so you can have a taste of the local Tuscan experience tailored around your idea of a dream trip.

All-inclusive

This may not matter to everyone, but I’m that person that if I can pay it and forget it, then life is much easier. Because I am a control-freak and like to plan (maybe over-plan), having an all-inclusive option is really nice. We obviously bought our own souvenirs and products to take home, but all aspects of the trip were taken care of and there were no surprises! That meant a lot less stress for me.

Day trips vs multi-day experiences

What’s the difference in the day trips and the multi-day experiences? The main one is that you’ll miss out on any evening activities because you’ll be back wherever you were picked up.

Of course, if you only have a day in your itinerary to have a mini-adventure like this, then it’s a great way to have an experience that you’ll never forget in only one day.

A day trip can include a few different activities so you won’t feel deprived of options. Think about winery visits, cooking classes, farm experiences, and more. Actually, our itinerary was built out of different day trip itineraries and they were all fabulous.

The multi-day experience will have you waking up in a magical place with a tasty breakfast in a magical landscape, ending the night with limoncello and laughter, and knowing that there’s nowhere to be except wherever they take you.

Obviously, there’s just more time when you spend more than a day with the guides. That means more gorgeous hilltop towns, more meals, more chill time at the pool, and less time worrying about what’s next (like if you were on your own).

What can they improve on?

Travel-lovers, I’ve really tried to find some kind of constructive criticism here. But I can’t. There were no moments I would change. There was no situation that was upsetting or even slightly annoying.

I actually feel a bit bad. Whenever we take a tour, we are usually able to give feedback to them.

So, my advice here is that if you book with them and you have constructive feedback, please give it to them.

Would you like to travel to Tuscany with us?

Actually, we enjoyed our trip so much that we want to plan a small group tour (that means there will be max of 8 spots available!) with them in fall of 2021. If you are interested in joining us and want to learn more, fill out this Google Form for us. It helps us gauge interest, activities people would like, and you’ll be the first to know when dates and cost are announced.

Wishing you joy and travels!

Hi! I’m Jessica, an American who made Amsterdam her home in 2014. I share European gems through food and memorable experiences. Want to know more? Head to my about page or check out my YouTube channel .

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5 perfect summer days of Slow Travel in Tuscany

In this article you will find an itinerary for 5 perfect summer days of taking it easy in Tuscany. From food to wine, artisanal delicacies to beautiful animals, with the team from Km Zero Tours  . For the other articles on slow travel in Tuscany see the links at the end of this post.

Tuscany is Italy’s most romantic and beautiful region and always included in the perfect itinerary of Italy .

Widely known and famous thanks to countless movies and love stories, this undulating province south of Florence is a food and wine paradise much like its capital. You can take a cooking class in Florence , sample 3 Michelin star meals , or go on a wine tasting expedition to visit the many wineries. Or better, have a bit of everything as suggested in this itinerary.

After spending a few days in the area here is my perfect five summer days of  Slow Travel  in Tuscany enjoying  the concept that changed the way I see travel now.

Day 1: From Florence to Tuscany

Giogio Romani woodturning

If you can, I would suggest combining Tuscany with Rome, where you can stay at a luxurious and romantic hotel while you explore the city’s amazing sights and fill your senses with the best food. When you arrive in Tuscany, you will probably be looking forward to a quieter more rural life and that is exactly what these 5 days in Tuscany will be about.

You will be picked up from your accommodation in Florence and taken to your lovely B&B or summer house in Tuscany. After checking in, the first experience should be with Giorgio, a modern day Geppetto . Giorgio is a local artisan who set up shop in the Chianti region to custom make his unique creations using local olive wood and other raw wood. Bowls, boards, small objects, and everything and anything that Giorgio can imagine will be brought to life through his skilful demonstration. It was truly inspiring to see his mastery of various machines and materials. Giorgio says that he builds what the wood tells him, that it speaks to him. Incredibly, within five minutes, Giorgio made us a pretty and personalised honey dip, souvenir that I took home.

Villa Ciglioni

After Giorgio, continue to one of the most historic wineries in the Chianti Classico area, Villa del Cigliano, a stone’s throw away from Giorgio’s house. Take a private tour of this stunning Estate with the owner and host, Anna, one of the descendants of famous Italian wine surname Antinori credited with the creation of the now famous “Super-Tuscan” wines and considered one of the world’s 10 oldest businesses. Anna will take you around the Renaissance country house with the beautiful wall paintings, the fountain and the reflective pool. A treat!

But if that wasn’t special enough, you get to also tour the cellar, still making wines the traditional Chianti Classico way and housed inside the villa. End the day, of course, with a home made dinner by Anna, in their garden, with lovely Italian seasonal food and their fantastic wines. If you are lucky, her son, Niccolo, might also join.

Day 2: Cashmere goats and organic wines

Feeding little cashmere goat

One of the most special and nicest things I did in Tuscany was spending time with Nora and her crazy, fun and sweet Cashmere goats . Nora has been living in Tuscany since the 70s when she decided to come all the way from New York and started breeding cashmere goats sustainably. Did you ever wonder why cashmere is so expensive? She will show you why and also give you a chance to comb the goats if you come in the earlier part of the summer when the hair needs to be collected. With Nora, you will learn everything about the the goat’s habits, their names, the way she raises them and also how she ended up trying to help post-war Afghanistan goat herders raise genetically better goats. Fascinating stories.

She will also serve you a homemade lunch, straight from her garden, under the shaded trees. What a lovely way to hear more of her captivating stories.

Podere Erica

After a leisurely day in the countryside among goats and lovely Tuscan views, the afternoon has another Slow Food stop at Marco’s biodynamic winery , a tiny 1 hectare vineyard the young oenologist planted, harvests and produces himself with his bare hands. The wines were so great that we actually ordered a case from Singapore to ship over. His wine making techniques are quite interesting with some of the wines made from grapes that were left to soak in the skins for up to six months. Marco practices biodynamic techniques and has been trying to revive old practices using terracotta amphoras to age the wines. Interesting and tiny winery with a real heart.

In the evening, true to the philosophy of Slow Travel in Tuscany , relax and take it easy. The point of slow travel is to take it all in, to have time to admire the landscapes, to smell the flowers so the best way to enjoy it is by simply wandering around the small towns and eating at a local trattoria. Just get into any place that tickles your fancy, you’re in Italy, you can’t go wrong.

Day 3: A Tuscan feast

Sagittario gift packages

Your third day should be the one where you get in touch with the way things were when people were self-sufficient and used to make everything they needed or bought it from the neighbour. Terracotta and olive oil are two great examples and they are traditional Tuscan products too.

The day starts with a visit to a fascinating furnace/terracotta workshop in Impruneta, a very small village near Florence with awesome hill views of the city. Impruneta is known world wide for the beautiful terracotta jars and pots. The word Terracotta is made of Terra, meaning clay, and Cotta, meaning baked, so it is basically something made of cooked clay. The making of these jars is an ancient tradition that started in Impruneta in the Middle Ages.

Sagittario olive oil

Impruneta is also the location where the most beautiful couple we met, Janet and Stefano, lives and where they produce the most incredible olive oil , and that comes from someone who grew up with home made olive oil from my father’s grove!

Saggitario is an olive farm ran by Janet & Stefano, a wonderful American-Italian couple who has always been committed to producing and sharing the olive oil culture with guests from all over the world. You will be taken on an interesting visit of the farm with Janet, who moved here in the 70s and has never returned to native California, and then head to their home up in the hills above Florence, for the most amazing meal you have ever had, I promise.

Janet started selling her premium extra virgin olive oil in the States as Christmas Corporate gifts and this gave her the chance to also export the tradition of enjoying fresh seasonal oil every year as the bottles would reach American families right in time for Christmas and right after the olives had been pressed.

Amazing Florentine steak

Lunch, served in the couple’s living room and kitchen in their traditional Tuscan farm house, will be memorable. Stefano is an incredible cook and he sources every single ingredient for his Roman style feasts from each of his well known hyper local producers. The magical onions, something you would never expect from the humble vegetable, his amazing anchovies, the world renowned Florentine steak, cooked in Stefano’s wood fired brick oven in the back garden, or his amazing almond cakes can only be made better by the wines he will bring out to taste. This will be the climax of the trip. Exchange ideas, learn how to use their flavourful olive oil to finish dishes and savour a meal to remember. Janet and Stefano have countless legends, tales and anecdotes to fill the afternoon. He might even tell you how to reproduce some of these recipes home. You may only regret, when you are back, that his ingredients are not available at your local supermarket.

Return back, with a full stomach and a happy smile, and relax again at your lovely B&B or house, play cards, have a local dinner, maybe cook.

Day 4: Put your honey dip to good use

Where there is nature and there are flowers there are usually bees. Head out to an organic honey producer, where you will discover the world of Tuscan bees and their sweet product. First, you will be guided through the farm to see how each little bee keeps busy and understand the inner workings of an organic bee’s life and of their hives.

Brimming with knowledge, follow to the terrace to indulge in a delicious and healthy lunch focusing on the best honey and food pairings. Who would have thought that honey could so successfully be used with food? And I am not talking about drizzling it on tea or cakes.

In the afternoon best to go back and chill by the pool, enjoy some sun, read a book about Tuscany or about food! Or if you are heading somewhere else, you could also leave that evening, but why not stay another night and take it easy?

Things to do in Tuscany – How to make it happen

Montrogoli Holiday Home

All the visits in this itinerary around Tuscany have to be organised with Km Zero Tours , the antithesis of a tour company. The producers I visited are not businesses that have opening hours and pre-set visits, they don’t live from or for tourism, they have their businesses and their lives and they only welcome visitors with Arianna and Alessio, the sweet Tuscan couple behind Km Zero Tours. Because they are passionate about the land and their traditions and would like to share them with a few select, and lucky, guests, they have managed to forge and nurture relationships with some of the best local producers in Tuscany and can take you with them to their homes.

You can reach out to Arianna via her email [email protected] and she can help put together this itinerary or another one that is to your liking. She can include more food, more wineries or even cooking lessons. She also works with a goat cheese farm , and can organise  pasta making workshops . If you want to spend time outdoors, Arianna can organise yoga lessons on the beautiful garden, treks and walks across the incredible landscapes of Tuscany or bike rides. If you are keen to learn about old arts and culture you can learn about ceramic or jewelry making. You should spend the afternoons wandering around the towns in Tuscany like UNESCO listed Siena or even Florence . See below for some more ideas on places to see in Tuscany. A car is recommendable to be independent in the evenings if you wish to drive around the area.

What else to see and do in Tuscany

The best way to round up the trip is by staying in Km Zero’s incredibly beautiful Tuscan farm house on Montrogoli, on top of the hills, with the most breathtaking and picture perfect views of the famous Tuscan landscapes. Arianna and Alessio also live in the farm house, in a separated area so they will only be a stone’s throw away.

If you stay with them, your evenings will be spent in the garden, by their lovely pool, swinging on the hammock under the shaded cherry trees, or seeing the sun set behind the hills. You can wander among the garden or lay on the grass. You can even read a book on the stone terrace and share stories with Arianna about growing up in Tuscany and wanting to make all her dreams come true. And for dinner, join them on a pizza night, by the stone wood fired oven, in the garden, where you can make your own recipe. Alessio can also whip out a polenta evening when he will prepare and show you how to make polenta. It really is the best way to complement the trip.

The house is perfect for families or groups of friends but too large for just a couple, a great excuse to gather some friends over for the trip!

If you don’t stay with them or if you want to explore the area leisurely after the activities, Tuscany has a long list of little villages and towns where to get lost. You will need a car for that but distances are short and the landscapes divine.

Siena – Massimo Catarinella

Siena, the best known of them all and also a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the must-see. Volpaia and Monteriggioni are both Medieval walled cities of strong historical importance. Monteriggioni is even mentioned in Dante’s Divine Comedy and is a beautiful vestige of the wars between Siena and Florence in the Middle Ages. For other quaint little Tuscan Medieval towns, head to Montefioralle and Certaldo and wander their brick walled streets.

Where to stay in Tuscany

Room at Candida Bing

The best is obviously to stay with Arianna but their house is so beautiful that it is usually booked out during the summer months. Fret not. Even if you cannot stay with them, they can still show you around and set you up at a nice house elsewhere. The good thing about that is that even if your budget is modest, they can book you at one of the more affordable guest houses in some of the more quaint villages. Here are some of the recommendations on where to stay in Tuscany.

Know more Also part of this series on Slow Travel in Tuscany

Slow Travel in Tuscany: Chasing ancient Maremmane cows

Slow Travel in Tuscany: Turning wood into beautiful art

Slow travel in Tuscany: Hand made biodynamic wines in Chianti

Slow Travel in Tuscany: olive oil, the liquid gold of life

Slow Travel in Tuscany: Combing cashmere goats

Slow Travel in Tuscany: Villa del Cigliano Chianti Classico wines

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Lucca: bikes and arias

Lucca is still overshadowed by other Tuscan towns like Florence, Pisa or Siena, but if you are planning to go beyond the main sights during your Tuscan road trip, make sure you don't miss this gem. It’s worth spending a couple of nights in Lucca, but if you only have a day in the area, you can combi...

Slow travel in Tuscany

While Italy has 20 stunning regions, Under the Tuscan Sun , Stealing Beauty , Tea with Mussilini and other books and movies have made Tuscany one of Italy's most famous regions. Tuscany - or Toscana - is waiting for visitors with a great variety of landscapes and uncountable treasures. Rolling h...

Fisherman next door: your apartment in Procida

As an advocate of slow travel, I always recommend staying longer in one place and making sure the amount you spend on accommodation stays with the local community. In Procida this is quite easy, as most hotels and apartments are owned and run by local people. Although you can find wonderful hotels a...

Chiaiolella: pleasant marina with a difficult name

After arriving at Procida and settling into our apartment, we first headed to the marina with the name that is impossible to pronounce. Chiaiolella harbour is located at the southern end of the island, just opposite from Marina Grande , the main port of Procida. Although less visited than Marina...

Black and wild: beaches of Procida

I have been to many amazing beaches in my life. Thailand, New Zealand, Costa Rica and Mexico are at the top of my "favourite beach" list. And Italy, of course, with its turquoise sea and white sand or rocky beaches in Liguria, Puglia, Sardinia or Sicily. To be honest, the beaches of Procida are not...

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• Odds & Ends

Viaggi Senza Fretta

Tuscany Slow Travel

Your time therapy in rural tuscany and umbria, customized small group and individual travel.

Travel is a powerful engine of change. It broadens perspectives and opens the mind to values and ways of living that are at once unfamiliar and illuminating. At the same time the sheer number of people travelling around the world inadvertently contributes to putting our human and natural ecosystems at risk.

What can we at TUSCANY SLOW TRAVEL do to make a difference?

As a travel company in Tuscany, locally owned and operated, we are particularly aware of how important it is to maintain a community’s traditions, culture and environment. Our travel itineraries focus on different ways of reducing your carbon footprint. We’ve personally selected a number of locations and accommodation and offer cultural, enogastronomic & nature itineraries in their immediate vicinity - spend less time travelling and more time seeing!

Explore Tuscany and Umbria’s rural landscapes with Viaggi Senza Fretta – inch by inch, little by little we’ll take you there

A selection of our offers

Sarteano + Cetona (Siena), Tuscany

Walking day tour with an enogastronomic twist! »

Take a leisurely walk in the countryside - and through the ages. Begin with a visit to one of central Italy's most ancient human settlements, dating back to the Bronze age; stop at a 14th century hermitage with a beautifully frescoed church; visit the charming hamlet Cetona; taste local extra-virgin olive oil and wine; visit a Franciscan convent - all in just one, leisurely walk!

read more...

Le Crete, Valdorcia and Valdichiana (Siena), Tuscany

Watercolor classes for beginners in Tuscany »

The gentle, rolling Tuscan landscape has always inspired artists from all over the world. So why not have a go at expressing your creativity and creating your very own little marsterpiece to take home with you as a souvenir? Elizabeth, a talented British artist who has been living and working here since 1997 holds fun and informal watercolor courses for beginners that are  suitable for everyone - couples, groups of friends and families with children. She will provide you with everything you need and courses can be held either at her studio or, if you're renting a house, directly at your rented villa.

Odds & Ends

If you're looking for an easy bike trail or footpath in the hills of Tuscany , Il Sentiero della Bonifica, or Path of the Reclaimed Land, is a 62 km bike and pedestrian path which joins Arezzo to Chiusi and is suitable for anyone wishing to travel slowly, including families with children.

Ever thought of including a regenerating stop at one of Tuscany's many spa destinations during your travels? The region is full of natural hot springs or 'terme', many of which date from Roman or even Etruscan times and whose waters, originating from deep within the earth's crust, have long been associated with curative properties.

Traveling with children and wondering what you can do to make both your holiday and theirs enjoyable ? Consider paying a visit to a "fattoria didattica", a regular working farm on which you can learn about the whole production cylce as well as taste the "real thing" and know you're EATING LOCAL - at zero miles from farm to plate !!

Treat yourself, your partner, family and friends to a very special gift while on holiday this year. You're finally on vacation and ready to relax - what could be better than taking the time to learn a few basic strokes to help alleviate neck, shoulder and back tension ?

Take a Tuscan cooking course that focuses on healthy alternatives to the classic pasta and meat dishes! Learn to make the dishes that were part of the  Tuscan rural tradition before meat became an everyday commodity....

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Via Santa Lucia, 6 / 53047 Sarteano (SI)

phone_fax 0039 0578 265206 / [email protected]

p.iva 01209620523

• ISCHIA-NAPOLI- Sept 8-15
• MAREMMA TUSCANY-Sept 2024
• CILENTO/PAESTUM-Oct 13-20
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Slow Travel with Lisa

- authentic adventures in italy -.

See how Lisa is changing the way we think about travel.

Insider access. Your own interpreter. A colorful cast of Italians.

Travel like a Local - Meet a Colorful Cast of Italians!

🇮🇹   

IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO TRAVEL! 

FALL 2024 ITALIAN ADVENTURES

10-guest limit.

Your deposit saves your spot.

With Lisa, it's personal.

 "EVERY DAY WAS THE BEST DAY!"

-- Alex, Oakland, CA

( More reviews )

🇮🇹   SEPTEMBER 8-15, 2024. (6 spots left)

         NAPOLI + ISLES OF PROCIDA + ISCHIA

(Voted Best Island in the World )

           MYTHOLOGY MEETS THE MEDICINAL

       8 epic days:

2 nights Napoli, 5 nights seaside on Ischia Island

Come hike a volcano, visit an ancient castle atop a giant magma bubble,

 luxuriate in  thermal waters, take a private schooner to Procida Island,

visit the Flaming Fields (the Hamptons of the Roman Empire),

discover the pizza & passion of Napoli 

and why Napoli is Lisa's favorite Italian city.

Brand New Itinerary! 

🇮🇹   SEPTEMBER 23-30, 2024. (4 spots left)

 MAREMMA MAGIC! 

The West Country of Tuscany

8 invigorating days:

Legendary Italian Cowboys, 

Outdoor Sculpture Gardens, Renaissance Frivolity

wine tastings, Etruscan ruins, natural hot springs + so much more! 

🇮🇹   OCTOBER 13-20, 2024.  

CILENTO: INTO THE BLU 

3 nights in Ancient Paestum

4 nights seaside in pristine San Marco di Castellabate

For the traveler who seeks a deeper dive into a timeless culture. 

Greek temples, pristine seas and ancient slow-food practices.

 ALL ITINERARIES CAN BE ADAPTED TO YOUR OWN PRIVATE GROUP.

Contact [email protected]  

for more information & travel consultations.

I can help plan your trip, get you speaking Italian,  

then guide or follow you while you travel here in Italy.

Benvenuti!  

I'm professoressa Lisa, 

Italian language instructor,

 interpreter and adventurer!

Inspired by the Slow Food Movement

and my Italian students, 

I began to create authentic Italian adventures.

My motto is Go Local, Know Local.

We take the time to discover what makes a place unique. 

I want my guests remember what they did and who they met.

There is no blur of cities and monuments.

We go slow. We eat and drink slow. 

We travel well.

What makes my itineraries unique? 

It's the people you will meet and the access you have to them: 

a colorful cast of locals: special guest chefs, authors, artists, 

guides, farmers, archaeologists ...my friends.

 And they are all passionate about sharing their vibrant culture with you.

Engage, laugh, eat, drink and sing with vibrant locals

in unspeakably gorgeous natural settings, 

all off the beaten tourist track.  

Take advantage of my 30-year relationship with Italy.

Travel with someone who really knows the place

and speaks (and teaches) the language. 

I want to share with you the people and the places I love most.  

Let's make it happen!

  [email protected]

CONNECT WITH LISA:    Facebook + Instagram  

EXCITING 2024 TRAVEL: ISCHIA, NAPOLI , TUSCANY & CILENTO!

Meet lisa: your cultural guide and host, get ready to travel, your deposit saves your spot...which trip will it be, napoli + isle of ischia.

Sept. 8-15, 2024

Maremma, Tuscany

Sept. 23-30, 2024

Cilento + Paestum

Oct. 13-20, 2024

Lisa's mini-adventures to Rome & Naples!

 🇮🇹   ROME, If You Want To!  (Available year-round.)

Are you flying in or out of Rome and seek a deeper dive into the Eternal City? Contact Lisa and get ready to travel. 

ROMA: Five days/ Four nights. (Can be adapted to 3 nights)

Explore a side of the Great Beauty not found in most guide books. 

You will stay at the center of at all, with accommodations located a stone's throw from the Colosseum .  Guided explorations will render you giddy: the Underground Colosseum and City Center; Caravaggio's in situ masterpieces , movie-star fountains and piazzas, an evening in Trastevere , the majestic Pantheon , and the Talking Statues of Rome . 

Take a day trip outside Rome's ancient city walls to a fascinating and historical cemetery found alongside Porta di San Paolo, where great poets like Yeats and Keats lay. Then head west to a port town whose Roman Ruins rival those of the more famous Pompeii.  

Activities and itinerary can be adapted. Air travel and ground transport to hotel is not included.

🇮🇹      The New Neapolis.   NAPOLI!  ( Available year-round.)

You must visit Napoli-- and you must go with Lisa. Napoli can seem a bit overwhelming, especially if you don't speak Italian. So, why not let Lisa be your guide and ease you into its robust embrace? Lisa's 30-year love affair with Napoli still burns bright and will always be forever young

Lisa came to Naples to study the theatre of playwright Eduardo De Filippo . And theater is what she got! She jumped into the wild currents of the mythical city the Pompei that was never buried.

Breathtakingly beautiful, a complex menagerie of light and dark, magic, music, color and chaos, Napoli is a resilient, wild and woolly.  It seems to be all the rage these days -as Stanley Tucci , Time Magazine, CNN Travel and the New York Times come in for a whirlwind 3 day visit, then boast that they've "discovered" this 3000-year-old open air Wonderland.   

Lisa can suggest a variety of accommodations,  located in prime locations. She's eager to share some of her many favorite places, many of which the locals don't even know about: artist studios; Greco-Roman ruins- above and below ground; walks on the wild side from Napoli's highest point, back down to sea level, through narrow streets teeming with Neapolitans and a burgeoning street-art scene and open-air markets. Visit the world's only remaining example of Ancient Greece's interior decor ; the impressive in situ masterpiece by Caravaggio ; the uber authentic Sanita' District, the romantic Santa Lucia district, and on and on.

Follow Lisa on Social Media.

Bookings 🇮🇹 travel consultations 🇮🇹 italian lessons.

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Slow Travel with Lisa is a recognized State of CA Seller of Travel. License No. 2133570-40

Contact: [email protected].

- Based in San Francisco & Southern Italy, and embracing the world -

2024 Deposits: $800

($18.40 shipping)

A completed Trip Application Package will be required to participate in all STWL itineraries. 

• 10 guest limit. Your deposit saves your spot. 
• A non-refundable deposit of $800 is required to reserve your spot on each Slow Travel with Lisa 8-day itinerary.
• A 30% non-refundable deposit is required to reserve a spot on each "Add-On" option. 
• Accepted forms of payment include Venmo, Zelle, PayPal (+3.5% service fee), credit card (+2.9% service fee) personal checks payable to Slow Travel with Lisa, money-order, wire transfer (with $20 fee). Service charges may apply.
• Final trip balance is due in full ninety (90) days before trip start date.

Sign up for Newsletter to receive TRAVEL DISCOUNTS.

2024 ITINERARIES:   

🇮🇹      SEPTEMBER 8-15, 2024.

         NAPOLI + ISLE OF ISCHIA

         8 glorious days. Trip Price: $4,350.

🇮🇹      SEPTEMBER 23-30, 2024.

         MAREMMA MAGIC ! 

           THE WILD WEST of Tuscany.  

         8 invigorating days. Trip Price:   $4,995.

🇮🇹      OCTOBER 13-20, 2024.  

         PAESTUM + CILENTO

          8 epic days . Trip Price: $4,250

🇮🇹      Let's design an itinerary for your group.

Sample Payment Schedule : 

- $800 non-refundable deposit saves your spot

- Second payment of $800 due 180 days before Trip Start Date.

- Balance paid in full 90 days before the Trip Start Date.

• All Trip Prices are in US dollars and based on double-occupancy of accommodations.
• Airfare is not included in price. It is recommended that you contact [email protected] before purchasing your airline ticket(s) to minimize scheduling errors. 
• Trip deposit is non-refundable. Slow Travel with Lisa will retain trip deposit in the event of trip cancellation for any reason. 
• Please be sure to read the Terms & Conditions regarding Cancellation . 
• Contact [email protected] with any questions regarding Terms & Conditions.
• A minimum number of 8 guests is required for all STWL itineraries. A 4-guest minimum is required for each add-on option. STWL reserves the right to cancel any itinerary if minimum number of participants is not met.
• Slow Travel with Lisa reserves the right to add two additional guests to any of its itineraries for a maximum number of 12 guests. 
• All STWL itineraries are scent-free. Thank you for your consideration and for keeping us all breathing easy.
• Hotel taxes are included in price. However the daily hotel tariff is paid by participants, and ranges from 1.5 to 5 euro per night, per person, depending on local regulations. 
• Contact Lisa to learn more about her unforgettable Slow Travel Luxury Adventures scheduled for 2024 and beyond.
• Have a private itinerary with your circle of friends and family? Lisa is here year-round and ready to help you plan your adventures and to serve as your private interpreter and Logistics Coordinator as you travel.
• Study Italian online with Lisa in preparation for your travels.
• All special offers or discounts offered will be applied to Participant's final payment.

Slow Travel with Lisa is an official State of CA Seller of Travel, 

License No. 2133570-40. 

Click on the Terms page to review the Terms & Conditions, including information on Pricing & Payments, Cancellation Policies, and Travel Insurance. This information may also be found in the Itinerary.

Contact [email protected] for any additional payment details.  

Travel Insurance . Slow Travel with Lisa will require each guest to purchase a comprehensive travel insurance package in order to protect your investment and yourself as you travel.    

The Participant's insurance policy will include coverage of trip cancellation and medical insurance. A travel insurance plan that includes coverage for medical insurance including emergency medical evacuation coverage is mandatory on our tours. 

Travel insurance will minimize your risk, both financial and medical, as STWL is unable make exceptions for inclement weather, travel delays or personal emergencies. In addition to the comprehensive travel insurance policy, it is recommended that guests also purchase the Cancel for Any Reason policy. Go to TERMS PAGE for more assistance in selecting a travel insurance plan.

NOTE:  STWL may at any time revise its Itinerary, Terms and Conditions. Participants are bound by such revisions and should therefore periodically review these Terms and Conditions .

Copyright © 2017-24 Slow Travel with Lisa All Rights Reserved.

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