I am interested in feedback from those of you that have taken the 14 Day Best of Europe Tour. What were the village accommodations like outside of Florence? Were there any interesting sites to see within walking distance of the accommodation? What were the food options that were offered. If you know the name of the accommodation that you stayed at, I would be interested in looking it up,
On our 17 Day best of Italy tour, we stayed at the Alta Rocca Wine Resort near Orvieto. It was very nice.
We took this tour in 2019. Outside of Florence we stayed at an agritourismo. It was not within walking distance of anything. We were actually awakened in the morning by roosters. It was billed as a ‘vacation from your vacation’ and it was scenic and relaxing. We had some extra free time upon arrival and there was a pool. You could also take a walk around the farm and there was a cooking demonstration and Happy Hour. We were bussed to and from Florence the following day. Dinner both nights was provided on-site and it was delicious (Tuscan style, roasted meat, pesto, etc). But there really would have been no other options if the food wasn’t to your liking.
Unfortunately I can’t remember the name of the place.
During my best of Europe in 21 days we stayed at a similar location outside of Florence with dining on location. The food was excellent. One evening the group meal included boar which was outstanding. The overall experience was quite relaxing. Transportation by bus was required for getting around. On my Best of Italy in 16 days we stayed in Florence in the midst of everything. It was quite enjoyable as well. I don’t remember the names of the locations.
Could you clarify which tour you are referring to, please. The Best of Europe 21 day tour or the Village Italy 14 day tour?
We just finished the Village Italy 14 day tour and you don’t do Florence.
It is the 14 Day Best of Europe Tour that starts in Rome and finishes in Paris.
I took this tour back in 2015 and we stayed at an agriturismo called 'Villa Il Crocicchio'. Sadly according to Google Maps it's permanently closed; so nowadays the tour will be staying at different location. It's in the rural area surrounded by olive plantation; I went for a stroll in the late afternoon and really enjoyed the relaxing ambiance. We had pasta cooking demo before the dinner; they accommodated my vegetarian diet and foods were delicious.
After the dinner a duos band (two young Italian singers) performed a bunch of rock & roll oldies; most of us ended up dancing along which was a lot of fun. Since we enjoyed the experience so much our fabulous tour guide Dave invited them back the next night. Not sure if this is something standard for other tour groups.
I considered this to be the highlight of the whole tour :)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/YHNbCjj35HEuqZgV9
Edit:
I might add that this is a great tour that gives one a good samples of different cultures and cuisines. When I took Best of Italy in 17 days tour; while I enjoyed the tour but at time I got burnout from so many cathedral/museum visits and Italian foods.
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