TUSCAN VILLA VACATION & ROME in 12 days
Join a small group of 6-12 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 amenities, including modern rooms, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, 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, Lucca, San Gimignano, and more. 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 through the vineyard countryside, 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.
In Florence, enjoy a guided walk of the city and a tour of the Accademia Museum, home to Michelangelo’s David. Oh, yes, we’ll also have a kick-off and closing meal together.
It is a quick train ride down to Rome, where you’ll spend two days visiting the Eternal City’s major attractions, such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museum, the Pantheon, and more.
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| $4929 + air | May 22-Jun 2, 2026 | SOLD OUT | |
| $4929 + air | Sep 3-14, 2026 | SOLD OUT | |
| $5029 + air | May 14-25, 2027 |  | |
| $5029 + air | Sept 17-28, 2027 | |
Florence – 1 night
Podere Marcampo Volterra – 7 nights
Florence – 1 night
Rome – 2 nights
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Single Room Additional Cost ~$675
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: ROME
We will take a fast train down to Rome this morning. Using David’s Colosseum audio guide, enjoy a walking tour of the Colosseo and Roman Forum. Later, we will meet for a traditional Roman dinner. Walking: moderate. Dinner. Sleep for 2 nights in Rome.
DAY 11: ROME
Join a guided tour of the Vatican Museum and St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by lunch on your own. Then enjoy an easy-paced walking tour of central Rome, visiting the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and more. You’ll have the evening to enjoy dinner on your own. Walking: strenuous.
DAY 12: TOUR OVER AFTER BREAKFAST
It is simple to reach Rome’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.
PLEASE NOTE: Visiting the Colosseum, the Vatican Museum, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica are essential elements of our tours in Rome, and we will make every effort to book these attractions for our groups. However, it may not be possible. If this is the case, we will notify you at least three weeks before your tour begins and suggest booking these destinations as individual entrances. See here for our independent booking suggestions. Thank you for understanding as we manuver the ever changing tourist crowds in Rome.
INCLUSIONS
Transportation is provided by a coach and/or minivan from your first hotel in Florence to your final hotel in Florence.
11 nights accommodation. Two nights in Florence and seven nights at Podere Marcampo outside Volterra, and 2 nights in Rome. All rooms have private en-suite baths, hair dryers, soaps, and lotions. Enjoy free WIFI, air conditioning, and exceptional quality.
All tips and gratuities to guides, drivers, and restaurant staff.
Guaranteed Small Group consisting of 8 -15 travelers.
All breakfasts and at least six 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.
- Entry into the Colosseum in Rome.
- Entry into the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chaple, and St. Peter’s Basilica.
- and much more (itinerary specifics are subject to change).
PLEASE NOTE: Visiting the Colosseum, the Vatican Museum, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica are essential elements of our tours in Rome, and we will make every effort to book these attractions for our groups. However, it may not be possible. If this is the case, we will notify you at least three weeks before your tour begins and suggest booking these destinations as individual entrances. See here for our independent booking suggestions. Thank you for understanding as we manuver the ever changing tourist crowds in Rome.
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 Scotland /Wales trip was wonderful. Scotland is so beautiful, and we loved the small towns where we stayed. Dave was a great guide and so willing to help us in whatever we needed. Ian was a great driver and so nice. His van was super comfortable. We really enjoyed getting to meet Jan and Bobby on the trip and finding out that they had known you for years. They are special people, and we hope they had an enjoyable time in London.
Thanks for doing the trip for such a small group, and I know we all felt that we were very blessed because of it.
We participated in the Best of Italy tour in June of 2026. This was our first David McGuffin tour, and certainly not our last. We were blessed to have an exceptional tour manager throughout our trip. Ilaria Mercuri was a gem! Not only did she provided insightful information about the places we visited, but she was also very flexible and accommodating to our needs and preferences. She became family! We can't imagine having this unique experience without her. Transportation between and within the cities was flawlessly arranged. We had two drivers in particular that really stood out (Angelo and Enzo). They were very personable and courteous. Each destination we visited was unique and had its own charm. Our accommodations were excellent! The dining experiences were carefully curated to showcase the local cuisine of each region. It took the pressure of "guessing" off, and enriched our experience. Our experience with the local guides began with Giulia, who was truly a wealth of knowledge, as she showed us around the Vatican. This was followed by Annie in Volterra who gave us an unbelievable historical presentation of this unique Tuscan city, culminating in a delightful wine tasting in a local tavern. Our final interaction with local guides was with Paola in Florence, who introduced us to so many incredible facts and nuances of the culture, including our first "wine window" experience. These local experts enriched our visits to this beautiful country. Every time we encountered a new location, it was definitely a "wow" moment for us. David gave us valuable information prior to and throughout our trip. This helped us prepare for what to expect on our trip. It also included important reminders to include when packing. We couldn't have asked for a better experience to commemorate our 32 wedding anniversary! Bucket list... CHECKED!!
We had an amazing time on this tour of London, Paris, and Rome! My husband, our grown daughter, and I loved the combination of guided sightseeing and free time to explore on our own.
The walking tours covered all of the must-see sites in each city, and we learned so much from the guides. A special thank you to our tour directors, Jamie and Leslie, who were absolutely wonderful. They were organized, knowledgeable, friendly, and always attentive to everyone in the group. They made the trip run smoothly and helped create such a fun, welcoming atmosphere. The local guides in each city were also excellent and shared fascinating history and stories that made every stop more meaningful.
We enjoyed delicious meals throughout the trip and appreciated having enough free time to wander, shop, and discover places on our own. We also had the pleasure of traveling with two other families, and getting to know them made the experience even more enjoyable.
The only minor disappointment was that our hotel in Paris wasn’t quite as nice as the accommodations in London and Rome. Even so, it was a small part of an otherwise fantastic experience.
This tour exceeded our expectations, and we came home with wonderful memories of three incredible cities. We would happily recommend it to anyone looking for a well-organized, enjoyable, and memorable European vacation. Thank you, Jamie and Leslie, for making our trip so special!
I can't thank David enough for an amazing trip! His knowledge of everywhere we went was terrific. He also had locals to do various tours and driving either around the island or Pompeii and Amalfi coast. The group was fun and easy going. I think that was my favorite part, we had a schedule, but we weren't over scheduled. It was a great mix of planned activities and time to explore, rest or whatever on our own. David helped to make this a fantastic trip! The best part was I didn't have to plan it or figure out how to get around. Will I use David's company, absolutely!
We took the Sicily and Amalfi/Islands tours back-to-back. Both were outstanding. Every time we saw a line of visitors with headphones following a guide with a flag on a stick we were reminded just how different the experience with David McGuffin's Exploring Europe (DMEE) is from other tours. Our travels with DMEE were very personal. The pace was comfortable and we were able to pause where we wanted to linger, plus we had plenty of time to wander about on our own.
Sicily was Italian, yet different. It seemed each city or area we visited had its own charm. The architecture, customs, people, and cuisine were so lovely. From the backstreet ristorante David knew about in Palermo to the views from Erice, the Dorian Temples in Agrigento, the passiggiata in Taormina, our Sicilian experience was outstanding!
Amalfi/Islands was very interesting too! Ischia has a beautiful castle and gardens to explore. Our group enjoyed a stunning view from the rooftop terrace, where we gathered for some relaxation time together. Procida was packed with stunning vistas, cultural uniqueness, and incredibly talented drivers, navigating the insanely narrow streets. Our favorite memory of Capri was boat ride that circled the island. Just beautiful.
The time in Sorrento included a drive along the world-famous Amalfi Coast Road…which was a great experience. But the best experience we had on the entire trip was our pizza cooking class.
Thank you DMEE for making this a truly once in a lifetime experience. If you’re thinking about a trip to Europe, you must contact DMEE! They treat you like family every step of the way! Ciao!
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