Surrounded by lush vineyards and ancient olive groves, imagine waking up every morning to the peace and beauty of the Italian countryside. Our stunning 17th century villa near Florence is your home for several days.
Together with Alessandra Marchetti, a native Florentine and art history guide, Carol Faenzi has created a one of a kind excursion; a journey through Tuscany that most visitors do not experience.
We invite you to join us and discover what it is really like to "live" the dream of Tuscany, the world's most desired location. Whether you travel on your own, with a friend or want to put together your own group of travelers, we have designed this week with the highest of intentions: that what you will have seen, tasted, smelled, heard and touched, will forever enhance your life.
Carol Faenzi - Carol is the author of "The Stonecutter's Aria" and a public speaker, presenting programs across the United States on preserving family stories and traditions. She splits her time between Indianapolis, IN and Florence, Italy. (Pictured on left.)
Alessandra Marchetti - Alessandra, a native Florentine, is an art historian and expert on Michelangelo. She designs and leads special tour experiences for her clients which include scholars, writers and celebrities. (Pictured on right.)
"Everyone should do this, at least once." -JA, New York City
Led by Michelangelo expert, Alessandra Marchetti, whose property was once owned by the master sculptor, we visit places in Florence that will bring to life the story of the Renaissance. Besides the most famous ones (like The David in the Accademia, where we are oftentimes able to visit privately), we take you to the Archivio of Michelangelo’s poems, letters and drawings – a small private viewing room normally reserved for scholars, to see up close the originals in his very hand. Or, we might have someone with the keys to a secret library open the door to a world of exquisite illuminated manuscripts not on public view. Instead of searching for souvenir shops of questionable quality, we know the artisans who are making things the slow and genuine way – from handmade paper to leather goods. And of course, no day in Italy is complete without stopping by our favorite gelateria!
Tuscany blew me away! There was a feeling of being swept away to an enchanting place and time that was almost unbelievable. It filled me with great joy. I will never forget this trip, including the sensual, orgasmic food!
Elaine C.
The trip was magical. Carol and Alessandra attended to every detail so all I had to do was enjoy and soak up the beauty!
Deb M.
'Tour' does not begin to describe this week long adventure. I left feeling I had experienced a personal and intimate connection with Tuscany through its history and culture....not to mention its food and wine! Brava Carol and Alessandra! Madeline W.
Madeline W.
Every Aria Tour is different due to seasonal availability, but this is what never changes:
Here is a sneak-peak of the beauty that awaits you . . .
A personal message from Carol
The Aria Tour of Tuscany came out of my passion for my ancestral homeland and my desire to create travel experiences for small groups that are not based on being a tourist and seeing only the glossy surface of Italy. I have spent years in Italy and observed how most people experience it: on large tour buses, being rushed through streets, museums and restaurants by a tour guide holding an umbrella. Or, I have seen people going on their own, becoming frustrated at losing their way on the roads, inadvertently choosing a less than authentic dining experience, or learning later that their "Florentine" leather bag was really made in China.
Because of the relationships I have cultivated over many years in Italy, from chefs to winegrowers, from artisan pasta makers to olive oil producers, from archaeologists to sculptors......this excursion takes the guesswork out of spending a week in Tuscany, allowing you to enjoy every minute, whether we are taking a day trip to one of Tuscany's marvelous cities or we are simply enjoying a glass of wine while watching another spectacular sunset.
Every tour is a bit different due to seasonal availability. Plus we have quite a number of people who are repeat guests and so we are always adding new experiences! Do you have five minutes? I invite you to take a short journey with me to some of the places I have shared with people these past few years.
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