TUSCAN VILLA VACATION in 10 days
Join a small group of 8-15 travelers in Italy for a fantastic holiday in Tuscany. We will set up for seven nights at the modern 21st-century agriturismo resort near Volterra, Italy. This wonderful agriturismo “villa” comes complete with all the perks, such as modern rooms, WIFI, air conditioning, TV, and a private pool. This all sits smack-dab in the middle of a hilltop vineyard with broad sweeping vistas of the Tuscan countryside.
Each day we will head out to explore the sites and experiences within driving distance. Day trips include visits to Volterra, Siena, Pisa, and Lucca. But one of the joys of staying in a villa is to experience la dolce vita, the sweet life of doing nothing! So, we will have chunks of unstructured time to sit by the pool, relax, walk in the countryside vineyards and enjoy your vacation. We’ve also included a night in Florence, before and after your villa stay, to help you ease in and out of your vacation.
If you’ve been to Italy and seen the sights but were frazzled with a breakneck pace… this is the next vacation experience for you! You’ll feast on fine food, taste some wonderful wine, and experience charming villages and treasure-packed museums. My personal friends will serve as local guides welcoming you with open arms to their hometown. If you are looking for a real vacation… consider joining me in Tuscany for this vacation experience.
Your Adventure Starts Here!
| PRICE FROM | DATES | |
|---|---|---|
| $3959 + air | May 22-31, 2026 |  |
| $3959 + air | Sep 3-12, 2026 | |
Florence – 1 night
Podere Marcampo Volterra – 7 nights
Florence – 1 night
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Single Room Additional Cost ~ $575
ITINERARY
DAY 1: FLORENCE
Let’s plan to meet in our hotel lobby at 4:00 p.m. for a welcome and introductions. Then we will head out on an introductory walking tour weaving together famous squares and quaint neighborhoods. Later, we will have dinner together at a favorite restaurant. Walking: moderate. Sleep for 1 night in Florence. Dinner.
DAY 2: THE AMERICAN CEMETERY & CHIANTI REGION
We will begin the day visiting the American Cemetery in Florence and remembering the young men and women who gave their lives to liberate Italy in 1943/44. Then we’ll travel La Strada di Chianti (the Chianti road), learning about this famous Tuscan wine. Enjoy lunch at a favorite cafe on the piazza. San Gimignano, a charming tourist town, will round out our day of sightseeing. Later, we will arrive at Agriturismo Podere Marcampo, and set up for the week in our own villa resort. Driving: 3 hours. Walking: moderate. Sleep for 7 nights at Podere Marcampo. Lunch.
DAY 3: MARCAMPO & VOLTERRA
We’ll spend most of the day winding down and relaxing at Marcampo. Enjoy a walking tour of the vineyard and winery of Podere Marcampo, followed by a tasting of their award-winning and locally produced wines. You’ll have time to sunbathe at the pool, slow down, read a book, and experience la dolce vita! Mid-afternoon, let’s head into Volterra, a picture-perfect medieval hilltown, for an orientation walk followed by some free time to explore and have dinner on your own. Driving: 30 minutes. Walking: moderate.
DAY 4: SIENA
We will take a short ride to Siena to explore another facet of medieval history and grand-scale art. After an informative walking tour of the historic town center, you’ll be cut loose on the world-famous Il Campo square to enjoy the afternoon and evening on your own. We will return to Marcampo around 10:00 p.m. Driving: 2.5 hours. Walking: moderate.
DAY 5: VOLTERRA
Meet our local guide in Volterra, for a walking tour covering the historical and cultural sites in town. Later, we will visit a local enoteca wine bar for a guided lesson on Tuscan wines, including tastings! Now that you’ve learned about Volterra experience it on your own for the evening. Driving: 30 minutes. Walking: light. Antipasti provided with the wine tasting.
DAY 6: PISA & LUCCA
Today we’ll visit Lucca, a semi-undiscovered traveler’s gem. Enjoy an orientation walking tour tracing the footsteps of Puccini (Lucca’s most famous son) through the cobbled streets and past Roman-era ruins. You’ll have some free time to shop, dine and explore the impressive fortified city walls on foot or by bike. If our timing is right, we’ll arrive in Pisa about when tourists leave for the day. Explore the Field of Miracles, the Duomo, the Baptistry, and the famous leaning tower. The town of Pisa is delightful. We will give you an orientation walk through its historic central core and then cut you loose for several hours to explore on your own. Driving: 3 hours. Walking: moderate and at your pace.
DAY 7: VOLTERRA & COOKING EXPERIENCE
Cooking Lessons and mid-afternoon dining – Today, you’ll participate in a cooking lesson in the kitchen of Podere Marcampo. Once you’ve finished your kitchen work and completed the lesson, enjoy the fruits of your labor by feasting on what you’ve prepared. Driving: very little. Walking: your choice. Cooking class and Mid-afternoon dining experience, about 4 hours.
DAY 8: TOUR GUIDES’ CHOICE DESTINATIONS
Tuscany is loaded with charming hilltowns, seaside villages, and hidden Eutruscian and Roman sites. Today, join your Exploring Europe guide on an excursion visiting an off-the-beaten tourist path destination. Wherever we end up, there will be time to explore and have lunch or a snack. We’ll wrap up our villa experience with dinner at a favorite restaurant tonight. Driving: 2-3 hours. Walking: moderate. Dinner.
DAY 9: FLORENCE
After breakfast, we’ll say goodbye to our hosts at Podere Marcampo and travel to Florence. The highlight of today is a visit to experience Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the statue of David. You will have the afternoon to explore more of Florence on your own. Then, we will top off our tour with a grand farewell feast, recalling tour memories and toasting new friends. Driving: 1.5 hours. Walking: moderate. Sleep for 1 night in Florence. Dinner.
DAY 10: TOUR OVER AFTER BREAKFAST
It is simple to reach Florence’s airport or train station by taxi or bus. Your guide will be happy to assist with your post-tour travel needs, leaving you comfortable and ready for the adventures ahead. Ciao e buon viaggio!
Itinerary specifics are subject to change.
INCLUSIONS
Transportation is provided by a coach and/or minivan from your first hotel in Florence to your final hotel in Florence.
9 nights accommodation. Two nights in Florence and seven nights at Podere Marcampo outside Volterra. All rooms have private en-suite baths, hair dryers, soaps, and lotions. Enjoy free WIFI, air conditioning, flat-screen TV, and exceptional 4-star quality.
All tips and gratuities to guides, drivers, and restaurant staff.
Guaranteed Small Group consisting of 8 -15 travelers.
All breakfasts and at least five of your dinners or lunches.
Comprehensive Cooking Lesson at our villa with a Del Duca family member.
Traditional dining experiences at some of David’s personal favorite restaurants. Eating well is a priority on David’s tours and you’ll enjoy fine regional cuisine featuring the best the locale has to offer.
Home-styled and group-prepared meals at Marcampo – There are several kitchens and BBQ pits at Marcampo that are ideal for preparing simple group meals. As needed, we will stop for provisions at the local market to pick up snacks, beverages, fresh fruits, vegetables, water, cheese, and meats. Usually, everyone chips in a few euros or purchases their own snack, making for a perfect pot-luck meal at Marcampo.
Water and our choice of wine are included with several group meals. Sodas, beer, and other drinks are your responsibility.
Tours and admissions to the following attractions, experiences, and sights:
- Florence introductory walking tour.
- The American Cemetery at Florence.
- Chianti region driving tour.
- Introductory walking tours in San Gimignano, Volterra, Siena, Lucca, Pisa, and more.
- Several wine tastings and tour opportunities as noted in the itinerary.
- Guided tour of the Accademia, home of Michelangelo’s David, and historic Florence.
- and much more (itinerary specifics are subject to change)
A full-time Exploring Europe guide and local experts dedicated to bringing to life the art, history, and culture of the tour destinations.
David’s tour handouts are delivered electronically and detail each day’s historical and cultural experiences.
Free luggage tags and David’s custom-designed drawstring backpacks.
Our Unconditional Tour Price Guarantee, once locked in, will never change.
$50 Tour Alumni discount for each David McGuffin tour you’ve taken prior to this travel year.
EXCLUSIONS
TERMS & CONDITIONS
CANCELLATION POLICY
CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS:
Deposits- Deposits for tours are fully refundable for 30 days from your initial application and deposit date, unless otherwise noted. If you book a tour less than 90 days before its departure date, full payment is due immediately, and the entire tour cost becomes non-refundable after seven days. After these dates, deposits are not refundable and will be forfeited if you cancel your tour reservation.
Payments- Tour payments are due in full 90 days before your tour departure date. If you find you must cancel between 90-0 days before your tour departure, please contact us immediately. We will work with you to transfer your payments to another tour departing within 18 months. We strongly recommend that everyone purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers tour cancellations, emergency medical, and other unexpected events.
Cancellations will be effective when the written notification is received at David McGuffin›s Exploring Europe by mail, e-mail, or fax.
SIGN UP BY EMAIL OR POST
If you do not want to sign up online:
You may download a tour application and send it to us with payment.
-OR-
You may return it by:
- FAX 1-800-570-1351
- Email – info@davidmcguffin.com
- email – take a photo of the form with your smartphone and attach it to an email
- TXT – take a photo with your smartphone and TXT to 904-612-8149
KEY TO WALKING & ACTIVITY
Light – Walking done on level surfaces with some hills and elevation gains. Two miles or less of required walking during the day.
Moderate – Walking done on paved and gravel paths and cobbled city sidewalks. To enjoy the full tour experience, some uphill and downhill walking is expected, as is standing while viewing sights or museums. Four to six miles of walking per day.
Strenuous – Walking done on rugged and rocky paths and city-cobbled sidewalks. There will be steps and stairs. Up to three hours standing in museums or experience sites. Up to eight miles of walking per day.
Your Choice – No matter what your walking ability, we will help you find alternative ways to enjoy and experience all Europe has to offer. To get the most out of our tours, you should be able to operate at the light level every day with spurts of moderate and strenuous.
PRE-TOUR RESOURCES
DAVID’S AUDIO & E-PRINT PDF DESTINATION GUIDES
David has a complete PDF and Printable Guidebook for all destinations on his Essence and Best of Italy tours. You’ll also find downloadable AUDIO WALKING TOURS for Rome’s Colosseum and the Roman Forum. https://davidmcguffin.com/dg-italy/
DAVID’S VIDEO SERIES: THE BEST OF ITALY
David and his team have produced an episodic video series detailing many of the destinations on this tour itinerary. They are all neatly organized on his YouTube channel. Watch the complete series or view one episode at a time on his Best of Italy Playlist.
DAVID’S 60 SECONDS DESTINATION VIDEOS
Join David as he shares impromptu moments from his travels in Italy. Watching these short 60-second segments are a great way to experience David’s travel style and adventures. Watch David’s Explore Italy.
DAVID’S TRAVEL TALK TUESDAY ALMOST-WEEKLY BROADCAST AND VIDEO SERIES BLOG.
Every week, when David is not traveling in Europe, he presents a LIVE broadcast on Zoom and Facebook. Check it out on Tuesdays at 7:30 PM Eastern Time.
Each Travel Talk Tuesday session is recorded. Watch them here.
DAVID’S BLOG ARTICLES
David and his team have answered many travel-related questions, and they are all tucked away on his blog. But, no need to go there. Just type in a keyword in the search box at the top or bottom of this page (it’s the gray rectangle with a small magnifying glass icon), and you will get results for your query.
PLEASE SEND US AN EMAIL OR GIVE US A CALL.
We are happy to answer your travel questions and give advice and suggestions. tours@davidmcguffin.com or 800-570-1351.
Testimonials & Reviews of our ITALY Tours
The Sicily tour was incredible! After touring with David, I felt that I had truly seen all that this special island has to offer: terrific historical sights, vibrant cities, incredible museums, majestic land and seascapes, as well as a delectable cuisine. Throughout the tour David was informative, hospitable and open to suggestions and adjustments. He has a very pleasant and accommodating persona and we were fortunate to have him as our escort. The guides he hires are excellent and really enhanced our experience. The only recommendation I have is to have a guide for EVERY excursion! Our driver, Paolo, was exceptional.
I have longed to go on safari since I was a teenager! When I learned about David's explorations BEYOND Europe, I couldn't wait to secure my spot! The Serengeti Safari was the first trip on my retirement agenda! I had high expectations, and this trip EXCEEDED every one of them. David has a network of skilled professionals at every bend in the road. I highly recommend this trip for anyone hoping to experience the beauty of Tanzania, its abundant wildlife, its rich cultural heritage, and its beautiful people!
This trip truly was a trip of a lifetime. The ability to see all of the animals in their natural habitat was really something so hard to describe in words. In so many ways it seemed surreal. I have visited over 50 of our US National Parks, so being able to visit and stay inside the Serengeti National Park made the trip even more special to me. Our guides were simply outstanding. They were knowledgeable and always made sure we had the best experience possible. Our accommodations were top of the line- even our safari tents were exceptional. If going on an African Safari is on your bucket list I highly recommend traveling with David!
This was our first of what I hope are many tours with David McGuffin’s Exploring Europe. We chose The Best of Scotland and Wales in 11 Days tour from 9/24/25 - 10/4/25. Our tour guide, David Gray, made this tour very special. He is very knowledgeable about the destinations on the tour but was also very personable……which made for a very relaxing tour experience. He’s just a nice man! Our driver, Ian, has a beautiful coach and really made us comfortable. He and David make a good team. We were able to go to places that I never thought I’d see because of them. The drive through The Highlands was breathtaking and something we will never forget. All of our hotels were very comfortable and close to the town centers they were in. We really liked our travel mates which also made for a very positive experience. This tour is very well thought out and planned. There was ample free time as well. My husband and I had a very memorable trip and we highly recommend David McGuffin’s Exploring Europe.
I have traveled with David for over a quarter of a century on 22 trips soon to be 23. I’ve traveled with as few as 3 total people and as many as an entire high school marching band. No matter where the destination or the adventure David has researched it and will have all the details taken care of before you ever get there. I often joke that on his trips all I ever worry about is getting to the airport on time- he takes care of all of the rest! I highly recommend David McGuffin’s Exploring Europe— I trust him explicitly and would never consider traveling abroad with anyone else. Knowing David and his wife Charlotte is a blessing in my life and traveling with them is always a pleasure.
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