private tours in tuscanny

I booked several day trips with Roberto last spring for 8 folks. See his listing under "guides" in RS Tuscany book. While I didn't care for Roberto's personality, he did a GREAT job with our tours. We were able to go into an Etruscan tomb that is normally only accessible to museum personnel. He has friends all over Tuscany as he grew up there. He is very fluent in English as he lived in US for awhile and is married to an American. I loved the day we spent in the countryside touring two very old churches and then having lunch in a truck stop that had linen tableclothes, napkins and an incredible steak lunch. He's a bit cocky, doesn't like much American food and is extremely proud of being an Italian and all things Italian. Its worth it to overlook his quirks (we all have some) to see the countryside through his eyes. E-mail me if you have any questions re Roberto and his tours. He's on the internet, but look up his address in the RS book.

Thanks for responding. Sounds like a great guide but don't know if I want to spend a full day or two with someone who's difficult. Maybe there's another tour operator who's easier to take???

try Mariano Fiorentino at [email protected] He is an excellent private guide and driver and his rates are more than fair. Very easy to get along with and he is a real gentleman.

Greg

Thanks for the advice. Lyn

If you are going to have a car I would do the traveling on your own. It is easy to drive the country, hill town roads of Tuscana area. The Italian drivers are crazy but just let them do their thing. We stayed at a B&B near Cortona, Casa Portagioia, actually considered in Castiglion Florentino. But only about 15 minutes to Cortona. Terry and Marcello the hosts are great. Terry is English and very helpful. The accomidations are wonderful. Terry mapped us out a day's drive through hill country that was great, even made wine tour arrangements. Suggested where to stop and what to see. It was wondeeruf. Then we also took a day trip out to Siena and Volterra (which I really recommend). And then on our way to Rome we went to Assisi which was real nice. Then drove to Rome airport. Save you money for the good food and gilato.

Thanks so much! Was renting the car very expensive? :Lyn