Queer Inclusive Tuscany

Day 1: Florence

You’ll check into our city-chic hotel at your leisure where you’ll find some Stellavision surprises waiting for you. Then we’re kicking things off in high style - with an aperitivo at the best cocktail spot in town (only Italian liquors behind this bar!) This is your first introduction to the celebrated Italian tradition of the aperitivo hour, but far from your last. And it’s not just about booze - throughout the trip you can expect regional snacks, meats and cheeses to pair with your classic cocktail, prosecco or refreshing mocktail. Welcome. Over a dinner featuring traditional Florentine fare you’ll get to know our small group, Tour Guide and Photographer. Then the night is yours - but we’re furnishing you with the Stellavision guide to choose-your-own-adventure: our favorite evening walks and nighttime vistas as well as underground cocktail spots and wine bars.

Day 2: Florence

When you think Firenze, you gotta think Renaissance. And when you wanna see Renaissance art - this is the place. We’re headed to the famous Uffizi gallery this morning for a choose-your-own-adventure. If you’re the type of traveler to catch vibes, see history and move on - WE RESPECT THAT. If you want to devote twenty minutes to examining Botticelli brushstrokes? WE RESPECT THAT. So - we’re furnishing you with a bespoke Stellavision guide to some of the classics, some queer allusions and you can decide how to spend your time in one of the world’s greatest art galleries before we reconvene for a casual street-food lunch. This afternoon we’re linking up with Francesco who runs one of Rome’s most important contemporary art galleries. He’ll be offering up some queer-centric Florentine history on our bespoke guided walking-tour around the historic center. After hotel rest & relax moment, we’re heading out for a stylish dinner in one of the city’s most modern & chic spots.

Day 3: Tuscany

This morning we’re complimenting yesterday’s Renaissance history with something a little more modern! We couldn’t bring you to Florence without indulging in a little fashion, right? Local legacy brands like Ferragamo and Gucci boast museums alongside their flagship stores and we’ll spend an hour or two ensconsed in the last century’s stories and this century’s style. (If you prefer to take the time to indulge in some personal retail therapy, you have our sartorial blessing!) Following a delicious osteria lunch, we’re boarding our bus and heading into Tuscany. A quick-ish trip later we reach our home base for the rest of the week: a sprawling creative agriturismo, a property that fuses old world charm and rolling hills with modern sensibilities and curation. There will be plenty of downtime along the way to enjoy the stunning spaces throughout the property (more on that tomorrow…) and after some relaxation time to let the Tuscan air permeate, we’ll meet back up for a delicious dinner together.

Day 4: Tuscany

Today is for relaxing. Enjoy a mellow morning start before we assemble to learn one of Italy’s most beautiful languages: pasta-making. Take care! You will be making your own delicious lunch (with plenty of pro oversight of course). Expert chefs will guide our group through some classic shapes and techniques before we get to feast on the fruit of our labors. The afternoon is yours to indulge as you see fit: perhaps the pool and wood-burning hottub are calling you? Or maybe you’ll haed over to explore the vineyard and farm. There are ample hiking trails with bikes to borrow if you want to cycle the estate. Visit the sculpture garden, vegetable garden (orto) and bunny hutch in the woods or curl up with a book in the lounge - the library has shelves of vintage reads! The games room features a piano and pool table, there is a serene meditation space adjacent to a yoga studio and today is about unwinding and indulging in the stunning surrounds. And then, of course we’ll be feeding you another decadent dinner… red or white pairing tonight do you think? After dinner we’re hosting a (yes, queer!) movie screening.

Day 5: Siena & San Gim.

After yesterday’s decompression day, today is all about exploring. We’re hopping onto a bus this morning and heading straight for Siena where, after a coffee break in one of the country’s most famous piazzas (hint: it’s round!) we’ll be meeting up with our guide Sezgi who will be showing us around the UNESCO-listed town and highlighting some specific underground Queer history in the countryside. Then,a small drive takes us towards the walled, medieval town of San Gimignano, famous for its many towers, historical center and surprisingly robust modern art presence. Before we explore though - well we wouldn’t bring you to Tuscany without partaking in that classic Italian activity: the wine tasting. We’ll visit a fifth generation winery that boasts unmatched views of the countryside. After a hearty lunch (and plenty of vino) we’ll tour the property and taste the last harvest’s (or the more aged) vintages. Dessert is in San Gimignano proper - we’re going to an award-winning gelateria. After a full day’s exploration, we’re headed home to our Villa.

Day 6: Tuscany

Yesterday we inspired your mind with history and your tastebuds with vino. Today, we hope to activate your creative spirit. After our delicious breakfast we will be joined by Betty to get ‘inkspired’ with a calligraphy workshop. Famous throughout Italy, you will soon recognize her handwriting and have the opportunity to learn from the master! Perhaps you’ll pen some of the thoughts that have emerged here in Italy? If that creativity worked up an appetite, we have an al fresco picnic for lunch but that is only the first of today’s outdoor dining experiences. The afternoon is yours. Have you visited the bunnies yet? Do you want to do a few more laps (or sunbed lays) by the pool? Whatever you pick, soak up the atmosphere of the Tuscan countryside. It is extraordinary. Tonight is our last cena (dinner) together so we’re getting a lil bit fancy with it! Don your dapper duds and meet us under the Tuscan…well, moon, for a final-night feast!

Day 7: Florence

This morning we’re bidding the fondest farewell to the Villa and returning to Florence. The drive isn’t too long but we know the memories will last a very, VERY long time. Before we say our final arrivederci, we’re sitting down to lunch together in Florence when we get to town so we can recount the fun, swap the gossip and revel in our time spent together.

With a drop-off point in central Florence this afternoon (approx 2pm), the tour will end. But from hotel recommendations and Stellavision rates to more tips to explore Firenze or beyond, we’re here to finesse your final day/s in Italy. Until next time, we’ll leave you with an effusive Italian goodbye: Ciao amici, ciao amori, tanti baci!!!

Post-Tour FYI:

Our tour is 6 nights and 7 days. We will be traveling back to Florence from Tuscany on Day 7 of the tour. There will be a drop off point in central Florence on Friday afternoon, at which point the tour will come to a (sniff) close.

We expect to arrive back midday and then have planned a lunch. We want to ensure your flight turnaround is not rushed, even if we hit a little traffic en route. If you need to skip lunch, of course that is fine. But please consider the timing when you book your return flights.

You may want to consider booking a departing flight on the following day (Saturday) or beyond. We’re here to help with your post-tour logistics, booking a hotel for Friday (night 7) or a Covid-test. Let us know what you need and we’re here to assist (gratis, obviously) but please note - any post-tour fees are not included in the price.