private & custom TOURS & SERVICES
TRAVEL IDEAS IN TUSCANY
TOUR OPERATOR
DO IT IN TUSCANY
LIVE | TASTE | LEARN | ENJOY COOK | DISCOVER | HAVE FUN
www.doitintuscany.net
PRIVATE TOURS & SERVICES We will take you on a marvelous itinerary through Tuscany's best known wine-making towns and cellars; you'll have the unique opportunity to get closer to places, arts, knowledge and creativity that will enchant you; you' ll fall into temptations by tours on foot or bike, you' ll explore the beauty of natural landscapes hidden away from traditional paths, you' ll immerse yourself in the cold waters of streams and lakes; you will treat yourself to a gorgeous SPA-like treatment and choose from our wellness proposals in an exclusive beauty salon or at your holiday home. We offer unique experiences in order to make your time in Tuscany an unforgettable “once in a lifetime� adventure.
LOCAL EXPERTS F O R Y O U R P R I VAT E T O U R S
US
Our deep love and knowledge of our beautiful country plus our expertise in tourism and hospitality services are at the base of our daily work. We personally create and choose every single tour, experience and service proposed in order to offer our guests unique and enchanting travel experiences.
TRAVEL IDEAS www.travelideasintuscany.com
PRIVATE TOURS & SERVICES www.doitintuscany.net
VILLAS & APARTMENTS RENTAL www.rentintuscany.it
THE COMPANY
COMPL ET E VACAT IO N P L A NNING
Travel Ideas is born from the will of providing our guests with a modern and complete vacation planning service, taking care of every single aspect on one hand: starting from booking the perfect accommodation or the possibility to enjoy some of the activities and experiences our Agency has to offer, over to the handling and resolving of any problem or issue that may arise during your stay.
CORTONA
THE ETRUSCAN GEM
Our company is based in Cortona, one of the most travelled towns in Tuscany (Italy), boasting centuries of history and offering its visitors a variety of artistic, cultural, wine and culinary attractions. Moreover, Cortona, overlooking the entire Valdichiana and situated in a strategic geographical position, is a perfect starting point to reach and discover Florence, Siena, Assisi, Rome, the Tuscan coast with its beaches or the Abetone with its ski slopes in less than 2 hours.
GET READY TO BE AMAZED
OUR TOURS
We will take you on a marvelous itinerary through Tuscany’s best known wine-making towns and cellars; you’ll have the unique opportunity to get closer to places, arts, knowledge and creativity that will enchant you; you’ll fall into temptations by tours on foot or bike, you’ll explore the beauty of natural landscapes hidden away from traditional paths, you’ll immerse yourself in the cold waters of streams and lakes; you will treat yourself to a gorgeous SPA-like treatment and choose from our wellness proposals in an exclusive beauty salon or at your holiday home. We offer unique experiences in order to make your time in Tuscany an unforgettable “once in a lifetime” adventure that will engage and satisfy all of your five senses.
OUR TOURS
GET INSPIRED
THE BEAUTY OF OUR HAMLETS AND THE MAGIC OF OUR MASTERPIECES, A GLASS OF WINE UNDER THE SUN, A BIKE RIDE IN TUSCAN HILLS, A HEARTY MEAL PREPARED BY A NONNA, THE PEOPLE YOU WILL MEET FULL OF FASCINATING STORIES, CAPTIVATING EXPERIENCES THAT LAST A LIFETIME AND LEGENDARY LANDSCAPES AWAIT YOU.
W
E OFFER PRIVATE TOURS FOR YOU AND YOUR PARTY. THE PROPOSALS YOU FIND IN THIS CATALOGUE ARE “CANVASES” THAT CAN
BE ADAPTED AND CRAFTED AT YOUR WILL; WE CAN INCLUDE A LOCAL EXPERT OR A DRIVING ESCORT, A TOURIST GUIDE FOR YOUR CITY VISITS, A PROFESSIONAL SOMMELIER THAT WILL EXPLAIN ALL THE SECRETS OF THE WINE WORLD. YOU ASK, WE ORGANIZE.
A
NY OF OUR TOUR OR SERVICE
PROPOSAL IS REALIZED WITH THE
SUPPORT OF OUR TEAM OF LOCAL EXPERTS THAT WILL PLAN & OR-
GANIZE YOUR DAY WITH US. EACH PROVIDER IS CAREFULLY SELECTED TO GRANT OUR GUESTS THE BEST EXPERIENCE EVER IN OUR TERRITORY. THROUGH PERSONALISED, AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES YOU WILL GET TO KNOW THE AREA AVOIDING MOST CROWDED AND MAINSTREAM PLACES.
P
LEASE LET US KNOW IN ADVANCE ANY SPECIAL NEED, REQUEST, ALLERGY OR IMPAIRED MOBILITY OF THE PARTICIPANTS AND WE WILL DO
OUR BEST TO ACCOMODATE THEM.
SHARE YOUR EX P ERI E NCE S I N TUSCANY: #DOITINTUSCANY
W
HY
CHOOSE A GUIDED WINE
TOUR ?
Our team of experts has selected and tested all the wineries we propose.. We choose wine estates that have a story to tell, excellent products, warm hospitality.
Moreover, our tours are not just a “tasting”. We want that our guests enjoy and discover all the special products that our rich land has to offer, but we would want you to learn the history behind this product as well.
You will never get lost in unfamiliar countryside, between unpaved roads searching for cellars which are impossible to find. We will accompany you and your group on a relaxing and charming journey. You will just need to have fun!
Whether you’re looking for an afternoon of wine tasting, an elegant lunch or dinner at a winery or a full day visiting many estates, we handle all logistical matters including planning, transportation and execution so that you and your loved ones can simply relax and enjoy yourselves.
WINE TOURS & TASTI N G S Tuscany is home to some of the most notable wines in the world. Chianti, Brunello di Montalcin, Nobile di Montepulciano and Syrah di Cortona are worldwide known for their quality, land of origin and charm. We p r o p o s e p r i va t e g u i d e d w i n e t o u r s i n ex c l u s i ve , t y p i ca l a n d a m a z i n g w i n e e s t a t e s . Yo u will have the opportunity to meet wine makers and vintners, you will satisfy your curiosity with wine experts and learn all about wine making techniques.
CORTONA, home of Syrah
FULL or HALF DAY
Cortona is located in one of the most fertile and f lourishing areas of Tuscany for grape growing and winemaking. Under the "Cortona DOC certification" a wide range of red, white and dessert wines are produced.
Here, the vine-growing and wine-making tradition can be traced back to the Etruscan period. Soils and a particularly suited for vine-growing micro climate have encouraged farmers to invest in this territory in the past and over the years the Cortona DOC has become an important player on national and international level. The wines produced are an authentic expression of the territory and in recent times the production is focused on Syrah, a grape variety which is the symbol of Cortona terroir.
Old Barrels from Tuscan wine estate
MONTEPULCIANO and its Nobile
FULL or HALF DAY
Beautiful Montepulciano is known worldwide for its wonderful red wines. Having gained the DOCG status in 1981, the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano acquired worldwide fame. Not by chance, the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a unique mix of “noble” terroir, history and tradition. Our wine tour will take you on a journey through this charming Tuscan town and into the best wineries producing Rosso and Nobile di Montepulciano, where you will be able to taste and discover some of the very best vintage year wines.
for those who travel in Tuscany. Distinctive wine tours with emphasis on wine education. Choice of wineries
“
“
Indulging in Tuscan wine is a "do it"
tailored to your group’s wine pref-
erences. Tours for first-time visitors and wine enthusiasts alike
M O N TA L C I N O , B R U N E L L O ’ S H O M E L A N D
FULL DAY
Our wine tour will take you on a journey through the streets of this lovely Tuscan town and into the cellars of the ver y best Brunello producers, where you will be able to taste and buy some of the very best vintages.
Montalcino is home to the famous Brunello di Montalcino, the result of years of wine-making experience and tenacious passion; a wine that is lovingly aged in the cellars before it is presented to the world. The Rosso di Montalcino and the Brunello, some of the best Italian wines, are legends renewed with each bottle. NICE TO KNOW Brunello, a diminutive of bruno, which means brown, is the name that was given locally to what was believed to be an individual grape variety grown in Montalcino.
Tuscan vineyards
V E R N A C C I A AT S . G I M I G N A N O
FULL DAY
San Gimignano seen from the surrounding valley reveals all its beauty, with its medieval architecture and towers that rise above of all others buildings, built centuries ago to symbolize wealth and power. This Unesco heritage since 1990 offers its visitors a step back in time and an immersion in flavors and perfumes, with its most famous gelato shop, its Saffron and mostly the Vernaccia. The Vernaccia di San Gimignano in fact is considered one of the oldest wines of Italy. It is produced with grapes of the indigenous variety, typical of this area situated on the Siena hills. The history of this white wine is tied hand in glove with the origins of the city of San Gimignano, a town that saw its moment of maximum splendor in the Middle Ages.
“
“
The people of the Mediterranean began to emerge from barbarism
when they learnt to cultivate the olive and the vine. Thucydides, Greek Historian, 5th century BCE.
O U R P R I VA T E T O U R S I N C L U D E : TRANSPORT IN A PRIVATE, AIR-CONDITIONED CAR OR MINIVAN WITH ENGLISH SPEAKING DRIVER PICK-UP AND DROP-OFF DIRECTLY AT YOUR ACCOMMODATION LUNCH, GUIDED VISITS OF DIFFERENT WINE ESTATES, TASTING OF WINES PRODUCED ON SITE AND OTHER TYPICAL LOCAL PRODUCTS.
“In wine there is truth,” Pliny the Elder, Roman general and writer
CHIANTI, HISTORY IN A GLASS Th e i co n i c C h i a n t i a r e a , ex t e n d i n g roughly over the two main city provinces of Florence and Siena, is characterized by a combination of almost perfect weather and soil that produces a precious wine considered one of the best wines around the world.
Chianti Classico refers to the oldest and most genuine area in the Chianti region, that includes several municipalities, a land of unique beauty and charm. You will remain breathless wandering through the gentle Tuscan hills amongst the vineyards and fields of olive trees where the colors and the aromas will stimulate your senses. Our journey will take you from high-tech farms to those that have remained loyal to the traditional “governo alla Toscana� technique, an unforgettable immersion in one of the most appreciated wine regions.
Full day private guided tour
T
here are times when a fresh start is necessary or simply times when a new idea, nurtured by passion, wants to be born. Leaving it all and dedicating your time to
grow vines from which you will then create your own wine, seems to be the path that you want to travel. Tuscany, is the place to start.
Together we will create your personal program tailored to your specific interests. You can learn about the different appellations in Central Italy, the influences that can be found in different kind of wines, the microclimate and the terroir, practices of growing and managing vines. Depending on the aspect you want to concentrate on more: planting, growing, blending, bottling, tasting or promoting. Our team of experts will follow your learning process that will not only be theoretical: Hands-on experiences, cellar visits, meeting with vintners, wine makers, oenologists, will be almost a daily routine. They will share with you their knowledge and wisdom in an exciting and highly educational path.
To enhance your comprehension of the wine world, you will also meet chefs and sommeliers that will introduce you to the art of pairing wines and food and serving and presenting the
You will enjoy your private accommodation and a 24/ support from our English speaking staff.
Tuscany - Vineyards
wine at table.
WINE MASTER If you are dreaming of leaving it all and you feel ready for a fresh start in one of the most intriguing global businesses then here we can create a program that will change your life.
Pecorino di Pienza: this unique sheep’s milk cheese gets its name from the ancient city of Pienza, located just a few miles from Montepulciano.
TASTE TUSCANY UNIQUE FLAVORS
OUR FOOD TOURS
TUSCANY | UMBRIA
Discovering a country through its typical products is one of the most charming ways. During the days you will spend with us, you’ll have the opportunity to visit and compare various kind of wineries, farmers, producers, artisan shops and taste their products each one with its own personality, tradition, production and story. We will take you on an unforgettable journey getting to know Tuscan and Umbrian excellences. EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL TASTING Olive Oil in Tuscany has always been the base of every meal and recipe and it is considered the best in the world. Its flavor and taste vary depending on the land on which it is grown, so you can recognize and find many differences from one area to the other. During the tour you will be guided through the whole process of oliveoil-making: from the olive to the oil in an authentic olive mill. We will show you the ancient tradition of the cold press step by step. You will learn how to taste and recognize true Tuscan extra-virgin olive oil and how to use it in your kitchen. The tasting will include olive oils (all cold-pressed, extra-virgin ) from all over the Valdichiana area. The tasting will also be accompanied by a selection of local food and wine.
TRUFFLE
HUNTING
AND
TAST-
ING
related to truffles. Then enjoy tasting your findings in a delicious meal and combine the unique flavor of truffle with selected Tuscan wines.
TASTING
DINNER
WITH
CINTA
SENESE D.O.P. PRODUCTS AND CRAFT BEER The Cinta Senese D.O.P. is produced in a farm in Borgonuovo, near Cortona. It is a particular ancient breed of pigs which gets its name from the hills of Siena and it is thought to have been reared by the Romans. It is considered a very prestigious meat with unique dietetic and organoleptic properties, low cholesterol and Omega 3. Craft Beer: the home brewed beer is produced by expert hands: an “overthe-top” mosaic of tastes, flavors and colors. Reserve now your special dinner in a fantastic location in Cortona.
CHEESE TASTING
GET THESE AND
Live the magic experience of a truffle hunting walk in Cortona and the Tuscan hills and forests guided by local experts and dogs! During the demonstration of truffle hunting, your guide will give you all the explanation of the features, history, tradition and legends
Experience the character of Tuscan cheeses from Pecorino, ricotta or blue cheese with a special selection of wines. You will find out how cheese is made and will be able to tell the difference between various kinds of cheese and how they have to be cut and combined.
YOUR
INSPIRED
BY
PROPOSALS ASK
US
FOR
CUSTOMIZED
TOUR, THESE EXPERIENCES CAN BE COMBINED.
COOKING EXPERIE N C E S
TUSCAN COOKING
Carefully selected chefs and food experts will guide you during your unique cooking experience using traditional and seasonal fresh ingredients.
TRADITIONAL COOKING CLASS
COOKING & TASTING IN WINERY
Immersed in Tuscany’s green nature and surrounded by
Wine Tasting and Pairing while attending a 5 course hands
fields of olive trees, in a place with panoramic views or in the
-on Cooking Class in the amazing scenery of a Tuscan win-
chef’s kitchen in an authentic historic building in city center.
ery! Learn the secrets of handmade pasta and ragù, go pick
This are the settings where you will rediscover the flavors
your vegetables in the family garden, understand how pair-
and the magic of traditional Tuscan cuisine.
ing wine and food in a class that will give you cooking and
You will be flanked by a professional chef who will guide you
tasting tips that you will use from now on.
with his wisdom in preparing a complete 5 course meal that
The day consists in a 5 course hands-on Tuscan cooking
you will prepare and decorate supported by the chef and
class and guided wine tasting in the meantime.
then taste and eat accompanied by local quality wines.
After the class, while waiting for the food to be cooked, you will visit the cellars and vineyards guided by the wine maker.
Grocery shopping with the chef can be organized before the
An aperitif and you will be ready for lunch!
tour! SEAFOOD or PIZZA-MAKING CLASSES ARE ALSO POSSIBLE
.
For those who are curious about unusual or specific aspects of Italian and Tuscan cooking we offer monothematic classes:
Food Photography Class | Artisan Gelato Making | Italian Cocktails Lesson | Pizza Making | Hand Made Pasta | Cakes and Cookies | Seafood Cooking Class | Food and Wine Pairing | Cheese Making | Game Meat Class | Etruscan Cooking Class
FOOD & WINE SEJOURS
COOK&TASTE Choose to spend a week immersed in the green heart of Italy, living in a fabulous private villa or in a cozy and modern apartment in town, dedicating your days to tasting and discovering new and old flavors and visiting amazing places. This lush experience is designed to be as educational as it is entertaining. Together with our local chefs you will understand how to choose the best fresh and seasonal ingredients, understanding their quality and diversity and best use in the kitchen for each of them. You will have the opportunity to
NO PRESSURE TO JOIN THE GROUP OR FOLLOW THE SCHEDULE ON SPECIFIC OUTINGS, YOU ALWAYS HAVE THE CHOICE TO FOLLOW YOUR OWN INSPIRATION FOR THE DAY.
take lessons both from an authentic Tuscan “Mamma” and a professional and qualified Chef. Your palate will be pleased during our wine tours, in which you’ll taste some of the finest wines in the world and will learn how to pair them with food.
We organize, you cook, eat and taste You can choose to join this fantastic retreat with your party
cooking classes, Tuscan wine and cheese tastings, visits to
or by yourself, you can decide to join a group or not.
open-air fruit and vegetable markets or olive oil mills, cultur-
Together with you we will assemble your week in order to
al and culinary tours to local sites of interest, chef at home
create the best experience ever. The programs main focus is
for two nights, dinners in top restaurants and eateries of the
showing you in a relaxed and entertaining way all the differ-
area, transfer service with private van, local English speaking
ent shades of one of the most culinary-acclaimed countries
tour planner at your disposal for any need or request you
in the world. Sojourns are weekly and may include: thematic
may have and accommodation.
Accommodation can be chosen following your need and wish. Food & Wine Tuscan or Umbrian sojourn can be organized all year round. This enhances the possibility to approach different and seasonal raw foods, vegetables, fruits and biological products in general. Think about artichokes in winter, wild asparagus in spring, fresh red tomatoes and basil in summer or chestnuts in October.
Yo u r s e n s e s w i l l b e p l e a s e d w h i l e learning the alchemy of gastronomy. In the art of decorating dishes and setting the table your hands will grow faster day by day. Quality ingredients and simple execution will become your rule! THE SEJOUR CAN INCLUDE: ROUND TRIP TRANSPORTATION FROM MAIN AIRPORTS, LODGING, COOKING CLASSES, DAILY TRIPS TO FARMS, WINE CELLARS, MARKETS, DINNERS IN SELECTED PLACES, ENGLISH SPEAKING ASSISTANT.
Contact us for any information you may need: INFO@DOITINTUSCANY.NET
WWW.TRAVELIDEASINTUSCANY.COM
WWW.CORTONAWINEANDFOOD.COM
WWW.DOITINTUSCANY.NET
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES Recreational cyclists or expert mountain bikers will fall in love with Tuscan and Umbrian riding trails, tracks and off - road paths. Lovers of uncommon ways of sightseeing will be amazed by a hot air balloon flight. Horseback riding tours or walking trips will capture those who dream of getting back to nature and enjoy the peace and harmony of the country.
HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT
Experience an uncommon Tuscany, standing in a basket thousands of feet up in the air, looking down at forests, vineyards and historic towns. A Hot Air Balloon Tour is something you and your loved ones will never forget. Then let us serve you a glass or two of Prosecco and a breakfast to remember with fresh pastries made that same morning by our local bakery or a picnic after the flight..
BIKE TOURS & ITINERARIES
Choose to spend some time cycling Tuscan or Umbrian roads and discovering undiscovered spots. Our bike tours also include all the best our land has to offer: architecture, history, culture, food and wine and simply good times... We prefer starting the experience with some tour orientation, bike fitting and a short warm-up. Together we will create a perfect itinerary that will answer to all of your wishes.
WA L K I N G | T R E K K I N G & H O R S E R I D I N G We propose walks on foot or horseback for all fitness levels and knowledge on truly uncommon and amazing unpaved roads. Most walks are of moderate difficulty and are usually 3/4 hours in duration. A tasty break, a BBQ or a wine tasting may be included upon request..
Tuscany - Florence
LIVE TUSCANY AT I T S B E S T
CITY TOURS
CENTRAL ITALY
Central Italy is a magnificent territory rich in art, hamlets, stunning count r y s i d e s , s p e c t a c u l a r p a n o ra m a s . E x p l o r e a n d l i ve i t by r e n t i n g a Ve s p a o r a vintage car, a bike or even a boat on Lake Trasimeno. For those who prefer a more relaxed trip, our local guides will drive you to marvelous destinations.
EXPLORE
TUSCANY
sights and help you plan the rest of your visit. We will focus on your preferences and interests to create the perfect visit
Discover the real Tuscany: hamlets, villages, churches, landscapes and natural beauties hidden away from traditional paths. Fall into temptation by tours on foot or bike, explore
to Tuscan or Umbrian cities.
LAKE ESCAPE - Trasimeno, Umbria
the beauty of natural landscapes, immerse yourself in the cool waters of streams and lakes.
Trasimeno Lake, surrounded by hills, vineyards and olive trees, small hamlets and isolated castles, is the largest stretch
GUIDED CITY TOURS
of inland water in central Italy and the fourth largest lake in the country. The lake’s shores run softly down to the water
Moving around in Italy is not so easy. To profit of most of
level so as you walk along, you can discover small beautiful
your time, think about a guided tour to the main Tuscan and
beaches. Lake Trasimeno supports a precious ecosystem,
Umbrian cities.
rich in biodiversity both of animal and plant life.
Visit vibrant, historic city centers that combine modernity and
The Lake has three Islands: Maggiore (the only inhabited
proud traditions, live the cities as only an inhabitant can and
one), Minore and Polvese.
learn the stories behind the factual information that mainstream tours or printed guides provide. Your own private guide will bring the cities to life with facts and personal in-
S t u f f yo u r eye s w i t h wo n d e r, l i ve a s i f yo u ’ d d r o p
“
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dead in ten seconds. See the world. It’s more fantastic than any dream made or paid for in factories
P R I VAT E SERVICES
Surprise your family by hiring a chef at your holiday villa o r a s k f o r a f o o d c a t e r i n g f o r y o u r s p e c i a l p a r t y, m a k e a gift to your loved ones and book a professional mass a g e a t y o u r a c c o m m o d a t i o n , r e l a x w i t h d a i l y Yo g a o r P i lates lessons in your private garden. Learn Italian while p r e p a r i n g t h a t s p e c i a l d i s h w i t h yo u r p e r s o n a l t e a c h e r.
TUSCAN COOKING AT YOUR VILLA Choose to spend a special night at your holiday villa and hire a Private Chef for an unforgettable culinary experience. Our proposals vary from a traditional Tuscan meal, that echoes Nonna’s way of cooking to a modern more sophisticated and unusual one. Seafood Dinners as well as Pizza Nights are also possible.
PERSONAL LESSONS From Italian language and culture class, to private Yoga or Pilates. But also cooking, painting, photographing directly at your accommodation.
SERVICES Babysitting for your kids or hair stylist and beautician for you, housekeeping in order to enjoy complete relax during your holidays, a dog sitter while you are taking a visit around Tuscany. We are able to answer any of your needs.
PRIVATE CONCERTS Imagine a gorgeous sunset, a polished guitar and your loved ones. This perfect scenario can become reality and you can live the emotions of the music only playing for you.
V E H I C L E S R E N TA L
Rent it or book a tour
Daily, multiple days and weekly rental. Customized itineraries, experiences and guided tours all around Cortona, Valdichiana, Valdorcia, Chianti, Trasimeno Lake and Umbria.
Vespa Mountain Bikes E-bikes Cars Vintage Cars
Private Villas & Apartments R ental T live
uscany at its best
Our team has personally selected for you different properties in most beautiful areas of Tuscany and Umbria, able to make of your holiday an unforgettable and rewarding experience. We offer a modern, comprehensive planning and organization of your holiday, taking care of every single aspect: from the booking of an accommodation that suits you to the organization of experiences, activities and services, supporting you with competence, passion, professionalism and a highly qualified concierge service throughout your stay.
PRIVATE VILLAS & APARTMENTS RENTAL
VACATION IDEAS & PLANNING
www.rentintuscany.it
www.travelideasintuscany.com
THE TEAM Cortona, Piazza Garibaldi
ANGEL A | FEDERIC A | K IRSTEN
HOW TO BOOK Feel free to contact us directly and send us your request or idea and we will get back to you in less than 24 hours.
Email: info@doitintuscany.net Tel: (+39) 0575 60 19 66
TUSCANY U A L A N D TO DISCOVER
DO IT IN TUSCANY private tours
& services
A BRAND OF
TRAVEL IDEAS IN TUSCANY VICOLO DEL PRECIPIZIO 2/A 52044 CORTONA-AR ITALY PHONE: +39 0575 601966 MAIL: INFO@DOITINTUSCANY.NET
www.doitintuscany.net