Strada Toscana is a boutique, small group tour company that creates retreats, workshops and tours based at private villas in Italy. 

To host a workshop or retreat with us, you simply contact us so we can explain in detail how it all works.  

We provide private ground transportation with either a van and mini-bus service. Our  professional drivers are excellent and have been driving for us for years. 

Our booking process is easy and secure! Simply go to our Booking Page, select your trip, complete the online booking form and choose your payment option. Once your deposit is received, we’ll automatically charge your credit card for subsequent payments, based on your payment selection.

Our prices are listed in US dollars.

Convenient installment payment plan options are offered for a limited time leading up to trip start dates. When you complete your booking form, the payment plan options for that trip will appear at the end of the form.

Italian culture is inseparably entwined with its food, which is why we carefully hand select meals and menus for each day of your trip experience that include the very best regional dishes made of fresh, locally grown ingredients – most often organic. Our guests rave about the meals!

Of course! Every included lunch and dinner is accompanied by regional wine.

Breakfasts include pastries, cheeses, yogurts, eggs, breads and fresh fruit. Gluten free items are also available, along with juices, teas, cappuccino and espresso. 

We recommend comfortable, casual clothing that includes breathable fabrics and items that you can layer. Although formal attire is not necessary, we request smart casual at dinners. No shorts or workout attire at dinners, please.

Versatile, comfortable shoes or sandals that can be worn for either sightseeing or dining are ideal. We recommend traveling with 2-3 pairs of shoes, as it’s often helpful to alternate the shoes you wear throughout the trip for optimum comfort.

Less is definitely more when it comes to packing for Italy. We know first hand how challenging it can be to know what to bring – or not to bring – on an international trip, but just the same, we highly recommend that you travel light. Planning to wear outfits more than once and bringing luggage that is easy for you to handle on your own is very wise.

Tips are uncommon in Italy, and are never expected in restaurants (where usually a service fee is included the bill). However, we do find that many of our guests like to leave a tip for those who have taken exceptionally good care of them throughout the trip. This includes villa staff, guides and drivers – per your discretion.

Yes! We highly recommend that you obtain travel insurance. If you must cancel your participation in a Strada Toscana workshop, retreat or trip for any reason whatsoever – including health reasons for yourself or a family member at home – cancellation fees as stated in our Terms and Conditions will apply. Travel Insurance – specifically trip cancellation insurance – can cover some or all of these expenses.

If you miss a specified group pick-up and transfer due to a delayed, cancelled or missed flight or for any reason whatsoever, you are responsible for arranging and paying for your own transportation to the tour venue. Travel insurance – specifically trip cancellation or trip interruption insurance – can cover some of all of these expenses.

Terms and coverages vary depending on the specific insurance carrier. Carefully check the specified terms and coverages before purchasing your policy. Some insurance carries require that you purchase a policy with 7 days of placing a deposit on a tour, retreat or workshop. Our recommendation is to consult with a travel agent – particularly if he or she is already booking your flight for you – for particulars and prices.

Yes! In order to charge your smart phone, tablet or other device while traveling in Italy, you will need an electrical adapter for Italian outlets. Electrical adapters allow North American style prongs to be accepted in European outlets. This should not be confused with an electrical voltage converter – which is NOT needed for charging devices.

If you will be traveling with a curling iron, hair dryer, hair straightener, electric razor, etc., be sure the device has a dual switch to change from 110 voltage to 220 (European) voltage.

Yes! All major credit cards can be used in Italy. But be sure to notify your bank and/or credit card company before traveling otherwise your attempted charges or withdrawals will likely be viewed as fraudulent and your card can be blocked. Note that sometimes small shops or restaurants (particularly in small towns) do not accept credit cards.

The best, safest and most cost effective way to obtain euros for your trip is to withdrawal euros from an ATM machine (called a Bancomat) AFTER you arrive in Italy. 

Keep in mind that you will likely be charged a fee by your bank (usually $3 – $5) each time you withdraw money, and there will probably be a limit on the amount that you can withdraw at a given time (ask your bank), but the fee to convert dollars to euros before your trip is usually much more costly.

Just be sure to notify your bank ahead of time that you’ll be using your ATM card in Italy – or your card will likely be blocked as a security precaution.

Yes, there is always walking, but how much depends on the specific trip. Be sure to check your itinerary for specifics.

In general, we recommend getting in condition by regularly walking on hills and/or stairs before you arrive in Italy. Medieval villages have steep avenues, and you will certainly encounter hard cobblestones and uneven pavement. Proper walking shoes and attire is a must.

Our trips are designed for active travelers. They are not recommended for those with walking difficulties, breathing issues or any health-related condition that would severely limit trip participation and/or impede or inconvenience the rest of the group.

Yes. All Strada Toscana tours are non-smoking.

Yes. A valid passport is required to travel to Italy. If you do not have a passport, we recommend that you apply for one as soon as possible. If your passport expires within 6 months of the tour start date, be sure to renew as soon as possible at your nearest passport office.

It’s also advised to have passport replacement forms printed and packed in your luggage, along with passport photos, in the unlikely event that your passport is lost during your trip, Although it takes a bit of time to get these things in order, it will save you a lot of time and aggravation during your trip.

On behalf of every guest who travel with us, Strada Toscana makes a donation to a local restoration or preservation project. It is our commitment to help preserve the very culture that we are so generously allowed to enjoy.