Treasures of Tuscany - Women Only tour.
Another success story as we hear from our travellers that have just returned from a magical tour through Tuscany. Read what they have to say.
Welcome home from your Travel Leader!
I just want to say how much I enjoyed travelling with all of you. I feel blessed to have had such a great group of women on my first trip. Thanks for being you and for making this trip so much fun for me! Nanette S, Toronto ON
The trip was everything I had hoped for and more. I just loved both the medieval towns and cities in Chianti and the many charms of Florence.
I had no idea of how beautiful the countryside would be and I cannot say enough about Tuscany as a whole.
It would not be a complete affirmation of the trip without including Nanette's contribution. She was a wonderfully organized and patient travel escort and her personal touch throughout the ten days, right up to the group photo with space for notes to each of our fellow travellers, created a truly memorable experience.
Raphaele, too, was an incredible asset. What an amazing guide!
Many thanks, too, for all your input and guidance in organizing for the trip., Debbie.
Looking forward to the next adventure.
Leslie King City, ON
Hi Debbie
Well I"m sure you will be hearing this from everyone - but it was an absolutely fabulous trip and I think it was unanimous that it exceeded everyone's expectations! Nanette was wonderful - so easy-going and good with everyone and well organized. Loved her. The group was a very collegial one - everyone got along so well. together. The tour guide Raffaele was outstanding.
It's hard to know how anyone could make it better but some of the suggestions were:
- eliminate Arrezzo from the tour (big city, not great shopping etc.)
- have 2 wine tasting experiences instead of 3 (although you probably won't get agreement on which 2 were the best).
- that would free up one day - and this is where you may have different opinions - on my side the extra day could be spent in Florence so that everyone could have a day at the Cinqeterra....
But these are small points. Overall I loved it all. If I had to pick one highlight - it was the lunch at the agri-tourisimo. Outstanding!! And the first morning in San Giamgnano.
Susan N Toronto, ON
Susan N Toronto, ON
I had such a marvelous time, Nannette was the best, always caring and concerned about us. I will definably travel with you again.
Cheryl H Stonewall, MB
It was the most amazing experience of my life....and much much more than I could ever have imagined!!!!!.....I can't wait to get back there......
I would have liked to have spent much more time in Cortona.....2 hours were just not enough to take it all in....I could have stayed there at least a couple of days ..... Next time I would like to see Cortona and Positano, and the Amalfi Coast....
I loved the Agritourismo's very very much....I like the countryside and Medieval villages much much more than Florence.....
Ciao.....Deborah L Mississauga, ON
It was the most amazing experience of my life....and much much more than I could ever have imagined!!!!!.....I can't wait to get back there......
I would have liked to have spent much more time in Cortona.....2 hours were just not enough to take it all in....I could have stayed there at least a couple of days ..... Next time I would like to see Cortona and Positano, and the Amalfi Coast....
I loved the Agritourismo's very very much....I like the countryside and Medieval villages much much more than Florence.....
Ciao.....Deborah L Mississauga, ON
I wanted to let you know that I arrived home safe and sound this afternoon. I had a great time in Rome - despite being ripped off by a cab driver from the Termini to the hotel. I didn't let that stop me and made the most of my time in Rome. I think the bottom of my feet are bruised from all the walking. It is an easy city to get lost in.
The trip was more than I had expected and Nanette was an amazing leader. She is super organized and has a charm about her that brings out the best in people. I am sure you already knew that. When you are talking with your Agent in Italy please pass on that Raeffelo was an amazing guide. For such a young guy he sure was informative and patient. Between him and Pierro (the driver) they made the trip that much more enjoyable.
Thanks again.... it was a great time.
Elizabeth G Brampton, ON
You had asked for feedback on our Tuscany trip. - Well, basically it was absolutely fabulous- enough said.
Perfect weather, congenial group. great guide and driver (Rafaelle and Piero)
As you know, Nanette is a personal friend, and therefore I am trying to be very objective in assessing her first trip as a Group leader, - so here goes
- she was very upfront with everyone about it being her first trip and asking for their feedback
- excellent at problem solving (problem with one of the rooms on checking in), and in dealing with the different personalities that you are going to get with any group
- her enthusiasm, positive attitude and empathy with the group was infectious
- she gives the impression that she can take care of anything that comes up - really important for some of the group travelling alone for the first time
- she was always "on" - cared very much about the group and ensuring that everyone was included and having a good time
- made a point of sitting on the bus, or getting into conversation with every person on an individual basis
- came up with some really unique ideas for group bonding and making memories that we will never forget.
- she had asked the group for opinions on the content of the tour - what we liked - what we would want changed - so I won't detail these again - I know she has passed them on to you.
The only downside is that I would expect to have someone of her calibre on every trip I take in the future - and she has set the standard very high!
Again - thank you for arranging such a wonderful trip. I know some of the women are talking about Provence next year - I would love to be included.
Patricia L Toronto, ON
Thanks again.... it was a great time.
Elizabeth G Brampton, ON
You had asked for feedback on our Tuscany trip. - Well, basically it was absolutely fabulous- enough said.
Perfect weather, congenial group. great guide and driver (Rafaelle and Piero)
As you know, Nanette is a personal friend, and therefore I am trying to be very objective in assessing her first trip as a Group leader, - so here goes
- she was very upfront with everyone about it being her first trip and asking for their feedback
- excellent at problem solving (problem with one of the rooms on checking in), and in dealing with the different personalities that you are going to get with any group
- her enthusiasm, positive attitude and empathy with the group was infectious
- she gives the impression that she can take care of anything that comes up - really important for some of the group travelling alone for the first time
- she was always "on" - cared very much about the group and ensuring that everyone was included and having a good time
- made a point of sitting on the bus, or getting into conversation with every person on an individual basis
- came up with some really unique ideas for group bonding and making memories that we will never forget.
- she had asked the group for opinions on the content of the tour - what we liked - what we would want changed - so I won't detail these again - I know she has passed them on to you.
The only downside is that I would expect to have someone of her calibre on every trip I take in the future - and she has set the standard very high!
Again - thank you for arranging such a wonderful trip. I know some of the women are talking about Provence next year - I would love to be included.
Patricia L Toronto, ON
