Experience the Wonders of Tuscany with a Visit to Siena, Cortona, Montepulciano and Pienza!
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Experience the stunning countryside and distinguished towns of Siena, Cortona, Montepulciano and Pienza with your private guide and sommelier. This beautiful region of Tuscany is a touchstone of art, food and culture. Dating back to the 19th century, the fully restored and full-service Villa provides the perfect backdrop for this Tuscan culinary adventure. Your "Taste of Tuscany" tour will provide many opportunities to sample some of Italy's finest wines and olive oils. You'll revel in the unforgettable art, take in breathtaking landscapes and delight in traditional Italian dishes with personal attention of the owners and managers. This celebration of Tuscany includes villa accommodations with full buffet breakfast daily, daily dinner and one lunch accompanied by local wines, two hands-on cooking classes, transfers for sightseeing, wine tours and cheese tastings. Your tour also includes round-trip transfers from Rome Fiumicino Airport.
Tuscany, Truffles, Cooking and Wine Culinary Holiday
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ItineraryAccommodationsMapFAQTestimonials
VACATION HIGHLIGHTS
Please note:
Tour inclusions can change depending upon
seasonality and weather conditions.
•Round-Trip Transfers Rome Airport
•6 Nights Deluxe Villa Accommodations
•6 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 6 Dinners with Wine
•All Land Transfers
•Arrival Prosecco, Welcome Dinner with Wine
•Pienza City Tour with Cheese Tastings
•Montepulciano Visit and Wine Tastings
•Visit and Tour Siena
•Free Day to Plan (Optional)
•Cortona Regional Wine Tour
•Tuscan Hands-On Cooking Class
•Truffle Hunt with Guide and Truffle Dog
•All Things Truffles Cooking Class
While our tours are designed as soft adventure experiences, walking, climbing stairs,
and in rare cases mild hiking may be required. If you have mobility issues, you should
speak with one of our culinary travel specialists to determine if this tour is
appropriate for your situation.
AVAILABLE DATES
This tour runs weekly throughout the season between early April and early November. Please click on the orange "Check Pricing & Dates" button above to view available departures.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Please note: Actual itineraries are subject to change due to seasonality.
Click arrows (▶) to show details
Day 1
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Transfer from Airport to VillaYour driver will meet you at the Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and transfer you via air-conditioned van to the villa. Water bottles will be available for you in the van. The screen inside the van has images related to what you will visit during your stay (Siena, Montepulciano, Pienza, Cortona). We invite you to see the information and points of interest in each place.
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Arrival Prosecco | Wine Tasting | DinnerYour arrival at the villa will be approximately 4pm. You'll be welcomed to the villa with a lovely glass of Prosecco Valdobbiandene DOCG. After you have had a chance to settle into your room, attend a wine tasting ceremony in the wine cellar lead by Aleen, a 5th level professional sommelier. Tasting three varieties of wines with Bruschetta and the villa's own olive oil will be enjoyed. The sommelier will entertain you with the facts about the growing and harvesting and production. A traditional Tuscan 4 course dinner with wine will be served in the Villa restaurant and, in good weather, on the panoramic terrace at sunset. An extra bonus is the mini-bar usage of two half-liter water bottles and two non-alcoholic canned for the first night is complimentary! Enjoy your first day in Tuscany.
Day 2
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Tuscan Breakfast | DinnerAn Italian breakfast of mixed salami and cheese platters, eggs, sausage or bacon, fresh fruits, fresh bakery items, yogurts coffee, tea and juices are served in the dining room. A traditional four-course Tuscan dinner with wine will be served in the Villa restaurant, or in good weather, on the panoramic terrace at sunset.
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Pienza City Tour | Cheese Tasting | Montepulciano Wine TastingTour of Pienza – the capital of cheese. This medieval town is the only one with a 360 degree panoramic view of the beautiful Tuscan valley. The historical center is filled with romantic street names like Via dell'Amore (Love), Via del Bacio (Kiss) and Via della Fortuna (Good Luck). Shops are filled with cheese everywhere. There is free time in Pienza to visit any of the places of interest that you saw in the van on the first day Maps are povided for the city. Restaurants with panoramic terraces and cafes line the streets. Visit the small local family business of cheese producers using raw and unpasteurized milk. Enjoy a variety of cheese tastings with a fully guided visit and explanation on the process of production in the factory. There will be time for exploring Montepulciano is the "Capital of Wine". Your guide show you around the area. The wine tasting will feature one of best brands in the area.The visit to a local wine cellar, Cantina De' Ricci, is one of the most beautiful and fascinating in the world. Please note that the access to the cellar requires many stairs as there is no elevator as the structure is very old. A walk around this medieval town with, its unique historical center provides for some of the best panoramic views of Tuscany. Most of the cellars of the historical center are free of charge. You will find wine everywhere…in the shops, restaurants and cozy cafes. Lunch is on your own and, at your leisure in this wine paradise. Dinner will be back at the Villa this evening.
Day 3
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Tuscan Breakfast | DinnerAn Italian breakfast of mixed salami and cheese platters, eggs, sausage or bacon, fresh fruits, fresh bakery items, yogurts coffee, tea and juices are served in the dining room. A traditional four-course Tuscan dinner with wine will be served in the Villa restaurant, or in good weather, on the panoramic terrace at sunset.
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Visit the Medieval City of SienaSiena is likely Italy's loveliest medieval city. Siena's heart is the central piazza known as Il Campo, known worldwide for the famous Palio run here, a horse race run around the piazza two times every summer. Movie buffs will remember it from the James Bond movie, "Quantum of Solace". The historic center of Siena has been declared by UNESCO, a World Heritage Site. Siena is famous for its cuisine, art, museums, and medieval cityscape. You'll depart the villa at 9AM and once you arrive in Siena you will have free time to visit the city with the help of the map, shop and have lunch on your own. Your guide will have plenty of personal recommendations. You will return to the villa in the late afternoon, with time to relax before dinner.
Day 4
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Tuscan Breakfast | DinnerAn Italian breakfast of mixed salami and cheese platters, eggs, sausage or bacon, fresh fruits, fresh bakery items, yogurts coffee, tea and juices are served in the dining room. A traditional four-course Tuscan dinner with wine will be served in the Villa restaurant, or in good weather, on the panoramic terrace at sunset.
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Free Day to Plan (Additional Cost)After breakfast, this day is on your own to plan. Transfers are complimentary to the railway station in Castiglion Fiorentino, should you decide to spend the day in Florence. A list of optional activities and regional destinations will be provided with your itinerary. For example, you may choose to arrange an excursion to Assisi or a lakes tour. You will organize your free day program early in the week and your hosts will help coordinate your day trip, and provide associated costs. Please review the costs, timetables for trains leaving from Castiglion Fiorentino. This Optional day trip suggestions are not included in your tour price. However, you may just choose to enjoy the fabulous views, and the Villa's pool for a day of relaxation. The swimming pool with free towels and swimming cap is provided. Lunch is one your own and dinner will be served back at the Villa. .
Day 5
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Tuscan Breakfast | DinnerAn Italian breakfast of mixed salami and cheese platters, eggs, sausage or bacon, fresh fruits, fresh bakery items, yogurts coffee, tea and juices are served in the dining room. A traditional four-course Tuscan dinner with wine will be served in the Villa restaurant, or in good weather, on the panoramic terrace at sunset.
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Cortona Regional Wine Tour | LunchEnjoy the Cortona Region with multiple wine tastings. You will visit local wineries, producing the famous "Syrah of Cortona." Enjoy wines at each producer, with a view of picturesque Tuscany landscapes, and under the guidance of a professional sommelier. This guided experience will provide interesting facts about wine production, types of grapes, and the differences between wines. You will visit Cantina Canaio, the first of the local wineries. Your guide Aleen, will lead you in tasting two Syrah and two Merlots. The tasting will be accompanied by cheese, sausage and bruschetta. Visit Cantina Valdetti where you will taste a white, a rose, a Sangiovese and a Syrah. Lunch will accompany one of your tastings after a tour of the production area and vineyards. .
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Tuscan Delights Hands-On Cooking ClassThis culinary master class will be held at the Villa, which begins with a discussion of recipes, accompanied by delicious snacks. The chef will lead you through this hands-on experience which includes a traditional Tuscan, four-course menu. Typically there will be 5 Tuscan Crostinis: red crouton, black, with sausage and stracchino, with porcini mushrooms and with tomato and garlic. The first course, ravioli with meat sauce (ragu); as a second course Quail and as a dessert the Torta della Nonna, or grandmothers cake. This evening your dinner will be the dishes you helped prepare, or observed, along with regional wine. Recipes and notes will be provided to ensure your ability to replicate these dishes when you return home.
Day 6
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Tuscan Breakfast | DinnerAn Italian breakfast of mixed salami and cheese platters, eggs, sausage or bacon, fresh fruits, fresh bakery items, yogurts coffee, tea and juices are served in the dining room. A traditional four-course Tuscan dinner with wine will be served in the Villa restaurant, or in good weather, on the panoramic terrace at sunset.
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Truffle HuntToday you will enjoy a foraging experience by joining a professional truffle picker and his dog, as you unearth the most famous gourmet mushrooms (tubers) in the world. You will also have the opportunity to visit a local truffle shop with a wide assortment of truffle products, at very good prices, should you wish some tasty souvenirs.
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Time to Relax in CortonaEnjoy a guided tour around Cortona, the most popular medieval village in Tuscany. Then you will have time to explore on your own. Here you will discover some of the best panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside, with the unforgettable atmosphere of an ancient town as your backdrop. The small shops are plentiful, and restaurants quaint and cozy. Lunch is on your own today.
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All Things Truffles Cooking Class with DinnerA culinary master chef leads this hands-on cooking class based on truffles. You will enjoy antipasti, two first-course dishes, two main course dishes and a dessert. The truffle menu consists of Cheese and Cured Meats with Truffle as appetizers. Risotto and tagliolinii with truffles as first course and the main is fillet of suckling pig with truffles and sliced beef with flaked truffle and a dessert of Crostata. You will prepare tagliolini and crostata individually and the other dishes as a team effort. Enjoy the fruits of your labor during dinner with wine.
Day 7
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Tuscan BreakfastAn Italian breakfast of mixed salami and cheese platters, eggs, sausage or bacon, fresh fruits, fresh bakery items, yogurts coffee, tea and juices are served in the dining room.
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Check-Out and DepartureYour final day comes too soon, but it is time to pack your bags along with your newly-acquired cooking skills, and travel back to the Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO). Remember, short excursion packages are often available in nearby cities or historic destinations (such as Rome). Should you desire an extension, please let your culinary travel specialist know prior to check-in. May your future travels come from sweet dreams, and create tasty memories!
Tuscan Villa
Nestled among the hills of Castiglion Fiorentino and Cortona, the Villa rests almost like a small fortress on the hilltop surrounded by age old pine trees. This 19th century hotel overlooks the magnificent Val di Chiana which separates the Tuscan and Umbrian regions of Italy, providing an enchanting and unforgettable backdrop for the ultimate Tuscan culinary getaway. Decorated in a comfortable rustic Tuscan style with elaborate poster beds and antique terracotta tiles, guest rooms offer panoramic views of the garden or pool as well as the benefits of modern conveniences. Begin each morning with a delectable breakfast served at the restaurant, where the menu incorporates fresh seasonal foods prepared in the culinary traditions of Tuscany and Italy. Unwind at the onsite bar/lounge or refresh your senses in the outdoor pool, as you revel in the charm of this hidden Tuscan paradise.
The Currency Code is listed directly after the published amount. If it states USD, then the quoted price is in United States Dollars. If it states CAD, then the quoted price is in Canadian Dollars. If it states EUR, then the quoted price is in European Union Dollars…etc. However, please note that all charges are processed in USD, and Epitourean’s Merchant Bank automatically calculates the currency conversion on the day of the charge.
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What does Double Occupancy mean?
Two persons traveling together, and staying in the same room. Tour prices are normally quoted as “per person, double occupancy” in case two people are traveling together and staying in the same room, but paying separately. The cost of the lodging is also shared by two people, thereby reducing costs. This could be a married couple, two friends or relatives.
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What is a Single Supplement?
Whenever a person travels alone, the cost of their lodging cannot be shared by another person. When tour products are priced, they are normally stated as “per person, double occupancy.” Whenever a guest occupies a room as a solo, the whole cost of the lodging must be incurred by that one individual. Tour companies accommodate this by charging a Single Supplement. Epitourean does its best to keep the single supplement as low as possible, but it is a real cost that tour companies must absorb, and must pass along to the single traveler.
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If I am a Solo Traveler, will I be paired with another person?
Epitourean never pairs a solo traveler with another person without a special request. If you book Single Occupancy, you will have a room entirely to yourself. However, should you wish to be paired with another solo traveler to save on the single supplement, you may make this request. We cannot guarantee that we can accommodate such requests, since it would take another solo traveling on the same tour for the same dates. But if requested, we will certainly try.
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Are flights included in the tour price?
No. Flights are never included in the price of our land-only tours. Epitourean does not provide air, rail or sea travel, unless expressly noted in the itinerary.
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May I give a culinary tour as a gift?
Yes. Epitourean has a special program designed specifically for this purpose. Our Gift Packages come with features such as special messages to the recipient, gift box option, gift link (without pricing), and floating dates (should you not know when the gift recipient wants to travel). Contact a Culinary Travel Specialist at 800-390-3292 or customerservice@epitourean.com to receive additional information about this unique offering.
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May we request separate beds if sharing a room?
Yes. In most cases, Epitourean can accommodate a request for two beds to be placed in one room. Just make sure to make this request in the comments section of the reservation process.
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Does each guestroom have a private bathroom?
Yes. Epitourean partners with the best lodging options in each destination, and private (en suite) bathrooms are a requirement. However, you should inquire as to the configuration of bathrooms should you have a special need. For example, some tours include accommodations in medieval villages, where either a shower or bath(but maybe not both) are present.
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Can your tours accommodate my dietary restrictions?
In almost all cases, Epitourean can accommodate dietary choices and restrictions. But we do request that you ask a Culinary Travel Specialist prior to making your reservation so that we can assess your individual situation.
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If I am unable to use a portion of the tour, can I get a partial refund?
Unfortunately, due to vendor and supplier contracts, we are unable to provide partial refunds for unused portions of any tour or tour component.
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Are Transfers included in the Itinerary?
Round-trip transfers from the airport or train station are normally included in our international tours. Transfers to the destination (for both international and domestic tours) are not included in the tour price. Please see the Sample Itinerary. If it mentions that transfers are included, then yes, transfers are included at no additional cost.
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What meals and excursions are included in the tour?
The Sample Itinerary should be your reference. If the meal or excursion is described in the Sample Itinerary, then it is included at no additional charge. For those days where it expressly notes Free time, then any optional activities you elect to participate in might have an additional cost. In addition, if the itinerary states "evening on your own," it would imply that you have the opportunity to visit a restaurant of your own choosing, and at your own expense. If you have any question about inclusions, please submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button under the price section.
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Is it possible to book pre or post tours or stays through Edible Destinations?
Yes, we often do have optional 2 and 3 night excursions that are priced separately from the tour. We can also assist with pre and post night stays in a hotel if you choose to come in early before the tour starts, or stay on after a tour ends. The price of those hotel stays are not included in the price of the tour, but we would be happy to provide a quote. Simply ask your Culinary Travel Specialist, or submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button.
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Are Guide or Host Gratuities included in the price of the tour?
Since tipping guidelines and customs vary widely between countries, we do not include gratuities in the price of the tour. Your Culinary Travel Specialist can provide you with recommendations. But the general rule is to tip modestly when you are pleased with a guide’s services, either at the end of the tour, or at the conclusion of a specialty day excursion where you will only be with that guide (or chef) on that day.
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Should we plan on any personal expenses during the tour?
All lodging, meals, transfers, classes and excursions mentioned in the Sample Itinerary and Vacation Highlights are included in the price of the tour. However, we highly recommend taking local currency for purchasing personal items, souvenirs, tipping, etc. You can either get the local currency at an airport exchange service, ATM or from your local bank prior to travel. However, you should note that many hosted destinations do not accept credit cards for personal purchases.
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Do you recommend Travel Protection?
We recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and
your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans can include
coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical and Emergency
Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay and more. For more information
on the available plans or to enroll, click on the link below or contact Travelex
Insurance Services at 800-228-9792 and reference location number 06-0248.
The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries
and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including
limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA
Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire
Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company (formerly known as Stonewall Insurance Company),
1314 Douglas Street, Suite 1400, Omaha, NE 68102. 11.17 E7N
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I wanted to follow up with you and let you know that Liz and I had an amazing time with our Rome and Tuscany trips (and have already given your info to a couple folks since we have gotten back home as they are interested in this experience). The Rome option was a very good way to experience Rome. The hotel was very nice (they actually gave us an upgraded room) and the location was excellent. We ate dinner at Alfredo alla Scrofa, the restaurant where fettuccine alfredo was created. They actually make the dish in front of you. It is a 10-15 minute walk to the restaurant from the hotel so if you have clients asking for suggestions for things to do, I would highly recommend this restaurant. But as good as the Rome trip was, it did not hold a candle to the Tuscany trip. The staff at the resort were awesome, the itinerary was excellent, the food and wine were incredible . . . to be honest we do not have enough time or a large enough vocabulary of superlatives to say how awesome it was. We highly recommend this experience to anyone and thank you so much for leading us in this direction.
Robbie and Liz - April 2024
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Thanks for making this a truly exceptional experience on all levels: location(s),food, wine, transportation, escorts, and all the people involved, including the guests.
Melanie & David - November 2022
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We had a fabulous time on this Tuscany trip. Everything went very smoothly and the weather was great. Our hosts and everyone at the Villa were really friendly and helpful and the food and wines were excellent. We really enjoyed all of the activities and the truffle hunting was successful! Mike Brown was incredibly helpful with our booking. We look forward to another adventure with Epitourean.
Adrian & Deborah - November 2022
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Wow! Now that word has been used by many to describe a number of events in ones life. I am using that word to describe the experience that my wife and I had on Tuscany Truffles Cooking and Wine adventure that we shared with a few other individuals on our venture into Tuscany. Think about a time when you and a number of total strangers all came together from all over the country to meet and be with each other for a number of days in a magical place. As you got to know each other daily, you realized that all of us were so privileged to have come together at a Villa in Tuscany and to be hosted by such an incredible assemblage of hosts to take us as a group and thoroughly enjoy all our times together. From the food, the tours, the cooking classes, and truffle gathering etc. the time together is such a memorable event in our lives. Well done, Edible Destinations.
Elsie & Mel - November 2022
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Having a reasonably small group of people,13 in all, made this all the more enjoyable. Eating gluten-free was a must for me and I couldn’t be more pleased with the attention given making sure that there were gluten-free products available for all the meals and at the wineries we visited. The staff and everybody involved with the tour were exceptional and professional.
Allen & Anita - October 2022
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Our Edible Destinations tour in Italy with fellow newly made friends exceeded our expectations. Excellent food and wine aplenty and the staff at the villa were warm and gracious meeting all our needs.
Alan & Cynthia - October 2022
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I can’t stop thinking about the fabulous adventure with Edible Destinations – the deep journey into the destination, the people we met along the way and with the active touring and fabulous fresh food and wines, learning to cook food that was fresh and from the land was incredible. I felt so amazing when I returned home and am incorporating this new way of being more sustainable with food into my everyday life. Don’t tell anyone -but with all the fabulous food and wine – I actually lost a few pounds as it was eating healthy and farm to table food.
Chris H. - October 2022
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I recently returned from my first Edible Destination package trip to Tuscany and on a scale of 1 - 10, it was a 20! The itinerary was executed flawlessly and our Villa, host and staff were first class. The food, wine and cultural experiences were unforgettable! I look forward to my next trip with Edible Destinations in 2023.
Mary J. - October 2022
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I totally enjoyed my trip with Edible Destinations! The art, history, food, and wine were amazing. The scenery was beyond expectations. I look forward to future trips.
Dianne E. - October 2022
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I just returned from a Tuscany tour with Edible Destinations which far exceeded my expectations! I expected the food to be good but the 4-course dinner every night was beyond amazing. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable not only about food but also the history of each Tuscan town. I can’t wait to book another tour with Edible Destinations!
Gifts and Gift Cards
The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries
and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including
limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA
Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire
Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company (formerly known as Stonewall Insurance Company),
1314 Douglas Street, Suite 1400, Omaha, NE 68102. 11.17 E7N
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