Tuscany for Beauty Seekers
The Aria Tour of Tuscany

October 20-27, 2018

Have you ever dreamed of living in an Italian villa? This is true luxury: beautiful and authentic.

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.

Traveling as a Couple

Make new friends yet enjoy free time to create lifetime memories with your favorite person. "This is the way to travel - like royalty."- William and Sheila B., Chicago

Travel with a Group

Enjoy a custom curated journey at significant cost savings for 8 to 10 persons. Contact us for this special pricing. "Our family created many special memories together!" - Shari P., Seattle

Traveling on Your Own

We take care of everything from the moment your plane lands in Florence. Make new friends, yet enjoy your private "Room with a View" at the Villa. "This tour gave me great joy"- Elaine C., Ocala

Guest Comments

  • Deb M.
    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.
    Indianapolis, IN
  • Kurt and Julie T.
    Carol shares the wealth of her personal contacts simply  not available to the average tourist.  Truly, an unforgettable experience.
    Kurt and Julie T.
    Indianapolis, IN
  • Carol O
    I have lived part time in Europe for twenty-five years and often visit Italy, but I have never seen it this way. Carol and Alessandra opened many hidden doors that gave us unforgettable experiences every day. They have created something very special.
    Carol O
    Samos, Greece
  • Madeline W
    '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
    Indianapolis
  • Joanne A
    Absolutely perfect.  Carol and Alessandra's attention to detail made every moment an exquisite experience.
    Joanne A
    Indianapolis
  • Deb M
    The Aria Tour was balm for my soul.  I was often exhilarated, awestruck and speechless. Carol and Alessandra created a journey of art, music, food and wine that has put Tuscany in my heart forever!
    Deb M
    Indianapolis
  • Rodeen P
    Every day, my daughter and I talk about our wonderful trip. We miss all of it! Thank you for allowing us to share your family story and for giving us, with the help of all your amazing friends, the trip of a lifetime. We want to return.
    Rodeen P
    Seattle, WA
  • Shari P
    The experiences, sites, unbelievably fabulous meals and the people we met made this the remarkable trip that it was. Our family created many new memories to make our hearts sing.
    Shari P
    Seattle, WA
  • Elaine C
    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
    Traverse City, Michigan
  • Deb M
    I'm still oohing and aahing over our trip to anyone who will listen. Everyone to whom I sing your praises is awestruck at what you planned for us. I’m still pinching myself
    Deb M
    Indianapolis, Indiana
  • Anne P.
    An immersion into beauty.  Carol and Alessandra exceeded our expectations every day.
    Anne P.
    Plano, TX
  • Christa P.
    The trip of a lifetime.  I will be back!
    Christa P.
    Seattle, WA
  • Dr. MS
    The time spent driving through the mountains of marble was both mystical and breathtaking. The visit to artisan studios was a life changing experience.
    Dr. MS
    Indianapolis, IN
  • Karen C.
    A once in a lifetime experience.  Carol and Alessandra are the best trip planners I have ever worked with - magical!
    Karen C.
    Charlotte, NC
  • Marian P.
    Fantastic trip... and just enough down time.
    Marian P.
    Indianapolis, IN
  • Joanne A
    The perfect way to see Italy for the first time.  It was particularly special because I got to travel with my mom.  After a few days, it felt like we were all family around the dinner table.
    Joanne A
    New York City
  • Dr. Sheila S.
    I loved every minute of this trip.  I am forever grateful for the experience.
    Dr. Sheila S.
    New York City
  • Kathy M
    This was the best food I have ever had on any trip I have ever taken in the world.
    Kathy M
    New York City
  • Sue T
    Fabulous! An unforgettable experience.
    Sue T
    Indianapolis, IN
  • Sarah M
    Carol and Alessandra's planning and organization of the week was superb. Every day was an adventure - beautiful, exciting, and inspiring!
    Sarah M
    Williamstown, MA
  • Mr and Mrs V
    Thank you for your passion and planning in putting together the trip of our lives.
    Mr and Mrs V
    Bloomington, Indiana

Meet Your Expert Guides

​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.)

Exquisitely Curated Experiences You Won't Forget

A Day in Florence Like No Other

"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!

The week we spend together is full of moments you will never forget.

Depending on the season, each day will be filled with a unique and luxurious experience. View a sampling of daily life when you travel with us:

Read More

Tour Details

Every Aria Tour is different due to seasonal availability, but this is what never changes:

  • The Tour begins and ends in Florence
  • 8 days/7nights
  • Cost is $6,900 per person, based on double occupancy
  • All inclusive except airfare
  • All meals and wine (many of them prepared by chefs in our Villa)
  • Luxury accommodations
  • A relaxing massage upon arrival
  • First class Mercedes Benz van transportation
  • Guides, lectures and all admission fees
  • Transfers to and from the Florence airport or your hotel on the days the tour begins and ends
  • Limited to ten persons
  • Group rates available for 8 - 10

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.

 
 

Whether it's your first trip or you are longing to return, I hope you will allow me to open the doors of beauty in Tuscany for you.

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