Italy Travel Blog

This first post on our new blog is a report on our successful spring 2008 tours to Tuscany. We had groups in both May and June, and the participants overwhelmingly responded that our trips exceeded all expectations.

The Destination: Fattoria Lavacchio is a restored Tuscan farm situated on top of a Montefiesole hill about 450 meters high, and is located only 18 km from Florence. It is an organic farm that produces wine and is one of the few remaining farms that produces olive oil in the strict Tuscan tradition.

The Farm: The Farm is approximately 200 acres with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside and valleys. Guests can stay in self contained apartments, a main lodge or an independent villa. Property amenities include a swimming pool, a poolside restaurant with lunch service, a riding academy, a resident artist and a chapel for regular services and weddings.

The Restaurant: Called Il Mulino (the windmill), the restaurant is named for the nearby completely restored windmill built according to a design by Leonardo da Vinci. The restaurant specializes in cooking locally grown organic produce, meat and poultry. Many of the vegetables and herbs used are grown on the farm.

Activities: The group itineraries were the same on both trips and included spare time for individual activities. Together we experienced Florence, Siena and San Gimignano and had a private lunch at the nearby Castello del Trebbio. We also toured the Fattoria Lavacchio winery, and afterward we enjoyed a lingering poolside lunch featuring a different wine from the farm production with each course.

For the May group, a massage on the private terrace with a panoramic view and shopping at the outlet mall occupied the ladies’ free time, while the guys walked down to the nearby fishing farm/pizzeria and played pool with the locals. A cooking class was taught by Gibo (the Chef) with the assistance of Jessica (the maitre d’) and Mimmo (the head steward). It took most of the day and ended with the group savoring the results and tapping Gibo for more cooking tips. The few who didn’t cook went horseback riding.

The ceramics class led by the famous resident artist (ceramicist), Stefano Innocenti, was a big hit for the June group. This group chose to fill their free time with day trips to Rome and to Venice.

Highlight: The secret of the success of Fattoria Lavacchio is Faye Lottero and her family and staff, whose mission is to make everyone feel like the farm is their home. Fattoria Lavacchio is recommended for singles, couples, groups and families.

Tour Info: This tour to Tuscany is available on request for groups of up to 20 people. The basic tour includes lodging at Fattoria Lavacchio with day trips to Florence, Siena and San Gimignano and a tour and lunch at the Castello del Trebbio. The home base and day trips are customizable. We can arrange historical, seasonal or activity (porcini or truffle hunting, etc) related tours to accommodate your interests. Call us to design your next trip to Tuscany.