The past few years have shown me something important about myself and how I want to feel before, during, and after a long trip – or perhaps it’s more about what I do not want to feel……I do not want to feel rushed, pressured, overwhelmed, anxious, or exhausted.

International travel is unpredictable in this regard. Delays, cancellations, lost luggage, over crowded airports, long lines, all contribute to creating the above emotional or physical conditions that can negatively impact an otherwise flawless travel experience.  Traveling in the Spring or Fall  normally means less congestion on airplanes and in airports, which can minimize some of these inconveniences.  This is why we have always scheduled our tours during the “shoulder seasons”.

We have endeavored during these past twelve years of creating the Aria Tours of Tuscany to minimize the stress during the actual tour. Guests have constantly praised us regarding how we have paced our itineraries.

Guests also like how they are freed from making decisions, from figuring out how to get from one place to another, and freed from that feeling that maybe they aren’t experiencing the best winery or restaurant after spending so much money to travel.

Since we create a custom experience for every group of 6-8 persons, we have enormous flexibility and increased opportunities to share really special places.  You simply can’t take larger groups of people to a private residence for dinner.

(I often have watched those large tour groups paraded through the streets of Florence and wonder where they go for lunch.)

We are always looking for ways to maximize joy and comfort, and minimize stress and fatigue.

This past May, instead of doing a Ladies Retreat in the Argentario on the beautiful coast of the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea in the Tuscan Maremma, we responded to three couples who wanted a Tuscany Food and Wine week in that area.  Something truly relaxing.

This area is where the Italians go. It is not a heavily touristed part of Tuscany.

It’s the land of the ancient Etruscans, whose tombs and ceremonial pathways can be explored. My ancestral roots are in this place.

The coast is dotted with stunning ports with gleaming yachts, glorious seafood restaurants, and chic boutiques.

There are fantastic wineries (we visited three of them), producing beautiful wines that reflect the terroir of this unique region.

We even experienced taking a gin-making class with a chemist!

A massage therapist is on hand and there are opportunities to play golf at a private club.

We stayed at a private villa on the sea. The owner’s wife is a chef and made our meals every evening. We had a day of relaxation to enjoy the property which is full of rose gardens and quiet spots to look out onto the sea and the island of Il Giglio. 

Dolce far Niente. “How Beautiful it is to do Nothing,” the Italians say.

There was a rhythm to the week that everyone just fell into. And there was TIME. Time to enjoy excursions to breathtaking places. Time to enjoy relaxation in the afternoons. Time to come together for long meals and meaningful conversation. Time to reflect on what’s important.

Last but not least, we pick you up in Rome, which eliminates that extra connection. Within 90 minutes, you will be relaxing at our Villa on the Sea.

See Guest Comments on this trip and a few photos from the trip.

Next Tuscany Coastal Trip is May 2027!

The ideal group size is six persons.

We will create a custom week for you. All inclusive except airfare, insurance, and gratuities.

Last Chance for FALL 2026

The Fall 2026 Aria Tours which are based near Florence are full EXCEPT for two persons (one room/double occupancy). The dates are October 31 – November 7.  This is the week when the olives are usually harvested and Tuscany’s famous extra virgin olive oil appears on your plate. The weather is normally mild and the crowds have departed.  

“Years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than the things you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor and catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain