Kelsey Ebner
Foreign to Domestic
Cindy & Kelsey, Exploring Tuscany & Umbria - Sept 2025
Sep 7, 2025 to Sep 14, 2025
Italy
Cindy & Kelsey, Exploring Tuscany & Umbria - September 2025
Tour Overview
- Castello di Spaltenna (4 Nights).
- Welcome Dinner at L'Osteria Restaurant.
- Cooking Class at Badia a Coltibuono .
- Afternoon free to relax, enjoy pool at the property.
- Aperitivo on Castello di Spaltenna Terrace.
- Terracotta Workshop Visit & Lunch at local Trattoria.
- Afternoon & Evening at Leisure.
- Full Day Visit to Siena, with 2 Hour City Tour. Free time for lunch.
- 3 Course Dinner at Certosa di Maggiano.
- Check out & transfer to Perugia
- Pecorino Cheese Farm Tour & Lunch.
- Check into Sina Brufani (3 Nights).
- Perugia Artisan Production.
- Afternoon in Perugia on Own.
- Aperitivo & Dinner at La Prosciutteria.
- Special visit to Deruta, tour Ceramic shop with an artist.
- Spello Olive Oil Mill Visit & Lunch.
Itinerary
We have not included the arrival or departure transfers for this tour, this way you can decide if you would like to travel here from Rome, Florence, whatever city you decide to fly into. We will assist with your transfers for an added cost, depending on the destination.
Florence is the nearest city to Castello Spaltenna - 1 hour north from the property. Siena is the other city that is nearby (40 mins away), but it is south of the hotel and not near an airport.
Castello di Spaltenna: Check-in Sep 7th / Check-out Sep 11th / Duration: 4 Nights.
There are places in Tuscany where time seems to have stopped.
Places full of history but familiar at the same time. Places that, once discovered, you would never wish to leave. Castello di Spaltenna, a charming hotel situated in Gaiole in Chianti, is one of these places.
Daily breakfast will be included with your stay.
Welcome Dinner at L'Osteria Restaurant.
Get ready for a wonderful 3 Course Dinner- Tuscan focused dishes of course! Appetizer, main and dessert. Waters and coffee included in the meal. Any wine drinkers that evening, we can order a couple of bottles to share around the table.
Monday, September 8th:
10.00 am – 10.15 am Private transfer from Castello di Spaltenna to Badia a Coltibuono.
10.30 am – 3.00 pm Embark on a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the art of classical regional Italian cuisine at Coltibuono's family kitchen. This hands-on experience invites you to collaboratively prepare a full menu using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. From crafting fresh pasta with flavorful sauces to baking schiacciata (Tuscan focaccia) and cantucci biscuits, you'll delve into the heart of Tuscan culinary traditions.
Following the cooking session, savor your creations in an exquisite dining room setting. Additionally, indulge in a guided tour of the property, a historic former abbey dating back to 1501. Explore its frescoed rooms, serene courtyards, and breathtaking gardens, offering a glimpse into centuries of Italian heritage and beauty.
3.00 pm – 3.15 pm Private transfer back to Castello di Spaltenna.
Inclusions:
- 3x Private transfer with Mercedes V Class and English-Speaking driver at disposal for 5 hours.
- Private visit of the estate, cellars and gardens.
- Private cooking class and lunch with the prepared dishes.
- Aperitivo (dry snacks, cracks, chips, olives and simple bruschetta) and wine.
Free Time to Enjoy the Property - bring your bathing suit if you'd like to enjoy the beautiful pool!
Trust me, you'll want to enjoy your evenings here on the terrace of the hotel, looking at the views of the Tuscan hills in front of you! It's stunning.
Tuesday, September 9th:
Terracotta Workshop Visit and Lunch.10.00 am – 11.00 am Private transfer from Castello di Spaltenna to Antica Fornace Mariani, a Terracotta Lab in Impruneta.
11.00 am – 12.00 pm Uncover the marvels of local tradition during a visit to a terracotta producer in Impruneta. The main factor in the local economy since the 14th century, Impruneta “cotto” has become a symbol of Italian culture. For hundreds of years, Impruneta has been making a wide variety of objects, including the tiles of the Duomo in Florence!
This family-owned laboratory produces original Terracotta masterpieces since 1914!
The visit consists of a brief explanation of what is this family history. The staff will explain you the entire production process, while seeing the production area, of drying and cooking. The staff will unveil you all the techniques and all the secrets of the trade.
12.00 pm – 12.30 pm Private transfer to the restaurant.
12.30 pm 3 Course Lunch at a restaurant set in the Chianti Hills!
2.30 pm – 3.00 pm Private transfer back to Castello di Spaltenna.
Inclusions:
- 3x Private transfer with Mercedes V Class and English-Speaking driver at disposal for 5 hours.
- Private visit of Terracotta laboratory.
- Lunch (appetizer, main course, dessert, water and coffee).
- Some may decide to enjoy the hotel pool or spa for the afternoon.
- For those that want to explore more, we can offer to organize an afternoon of wine tasting or visiting another nearby town.
If you decide to stay on property, you will have 2 restaurants that you can dine at. The fine dining is an excellent experience!
Wednesday, September 10th:
Siena Visit and Evening at Certosa di Maggiano.9.45 am – 10.30 am Meet the driver at your hotel and private transfer to Siena.
10.30 am – 1.00 pm Begin your guided exploration with a leisurely stroll through the town with your private guide- a local! Starting at Piazza del Campo, where you'll find the striking Palazzo Pubblico and its iconic Torre del Mangia. Marvel at the grandeur of the Cathedral at Piazza del Duomo.
A highlight awaits at Palazzo Sansedoni, an exquisite example of 14th-century private architecture. Explore its rich history, Sienese design influence, and commanding position overlooking Piazza del Campo and Via Francigena. Ascend to the terrace for panoramic city views.
You'll also have leisure time to enjoy lunch on your own (we have lots of suggestions!) and shopping, fully immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this historic city.
4.30 pm – 5.00 pm Private transfer to Certosa di Maggiano, a hotel and restaurant where we will spend a special evening all together!
7.00 pm We will enjoy 3 Course Dinner Menu.
Once finished, private transfer back to Hotel (about 20 minutes).
Inclusions:
- 3x Private transfer with Mercedes V Class and English-Speaking driver at disposal for 13 hours.
- Private English-speaking guide at disposal for 2.5 hours.
- Palazzo Sansedoni visit.
- Welcome drink at Certosa di Maggiano.
- 3-courses dinner with water and coffee included at Certosa di Maggiano.
Thursday, September 11th:
9.30 am – 10.30 am Meet the driver at your hotel and private transfer to Montepulciano.
10.30 am – 12.30 pm Montepulciano is a quintessential Tuscan medieval village renowned for its picturesque green landscapes, fortified castle walls, and acclaimed wines, notably the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Here you will have ample leisure time to explore the town's charming streets, ancient architecture, and rich cultural heritage. Explore on your own.
12.30 pm – 1.00 pm Private transfer to a close farmhouse in Pienza area, where the famous pecorino cheese is produced.
1.00 pm – 5.30 pm For cheese enthusiasts eager to explore the art of traditional Pecorino production, delve into an authentic experience with the owner and master cheesemaker at Casale Ulisse. Over four hours, Odysseus will guide you through the entire process—from the stables and fermentation to maturation. Witness the initial stages, such as the first salting, and have your questions answered by Odysseus himself. Conclude your experience with a delightful three-course menu.
5.30 pm – 7.00 pm Transfer to your accommodation in Perugia, Sina Brufani.
Evening at leisure.
Inclusions:
- 3x Private transfer with Mercedes V Class and English-Speaking driver from Tuscany Countryside to Perugia with stop in Montepulciano & farmhouse.
- Private tour of the farm, cheese demo & lunch.
Sina Brufani: Check-in Sep 11th / Check-out Sep 14th / Duration: 3 Nights.
The Sina Brufani, which opened in 1884, was the first and is still the only luxury 5-star hotel dominating historic downtown Perugia, with sweeping views of Umbria’s green valleys Located in the heart of the medieval city close to the Cathedral, the Fontana Maggiore fountain, the National Gallery and Corso Vannucci with its elegant shops, the Sina Brufani is the perfect starting point from which to set out and explore Umbria.
The hidden gem of the Sina Brufani is the stunning wellness area which has a swimming pool under medieval vaults. This has a lighted transparent foundation that reveals the ruins of an ancient Etruscan settlement dating back to over 3,000 years ago.
Friday, September 12th:
Artisan Visit in Perugia & Visit to Palazzo dei Priori
We will meet our local guide at the lobby. We will walk to the Brozzetti’s laboratory. 20 minute walk- bring good shoes for the cobblestones & steps!
10.30 am – 11.30 am In the fascinating and unique context of the Church of San Francesco delle Donne in Perugia, the memory of ancient weaving techniques is preserved, with which even today are created timeless fabrics that bring with them the history of art and the Umbrian territory. Here you can admire in operation ancient looms of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries!
The guided tour of the workshop takes about 60 minutes, during which the history of the Umbrian textile tradition is narrated, and you witness all the stages of processing, with practical demonstration of hand weaving on original looms of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. It's so stunning to witness in person!
Then we will walk back with our guide to the center of the town and visit a must see place for a quick peak and intro inside. Somewhere that most visitors pass right by and don't go into.
Then you're free to enjoy lunch on own. Don't worry, Kelsey will give you plenty of suggestions!
Inclusions:
- Tour of textiles atelier.
- Private English-speaking guide at disposal for 2.5 hours.
- Sala dei Notari visit.
- Aperitivo & light dinner.
Enjoy the afternoon exploring Perugia on your own!
There's a reason that Kelsey keeps coming back to stunning Perugia. She doesn't call places "hidden gems" often, but she knows this truly is one!
There's plenty to explore in this hilltop town. And if you felt like you wanted to fit one more place into your trip, Kelsey can help organize a taxi to take you to the famous town of Assisi for the afternoon, which is only 30 minutes away. You could even go there for dinner and come back later, that's very easy and a nice place to experience!
7.00 PM Aperitivo and light dinner time at La Prosciutteria.
One of our favorites in Perugia!
Saturday, September 13th:
Ceramic Lab Visit in Deruta and Spello Oil Mill Visit.
10.00 am – 10.30 am Meet our local guide for the day, in the lobby at the hotel. Private transfer from the hotel to Deruta town.
10.30 am – 11.30 am Experience the artistry behind creating exquisite ceramic items begins with a visit to the pottery wheeler's workshop. Here, you'll witness the turning process and initial firing, set in a charming and authentic workshop reminiscent of those from half a century ago.
Next, at the pottery shop, the owner will guide you through the intricate processes of painting and glazing, showcasing the painter at work. You'll gain insight into the final stages of ceramic production, including the second firing of these beautiful objects.
11.30 am – 12.00 pm Private transfer to Spello olive oil mill.
Inclusions:
- 3x Private transfer with Mercedes V Class and English-Speaking driver at disposal
-
Visit of Deruta ceramic laboratory.
Olive Oil Mill Visit & Lunch.
12.00 pm – 2.00 pm In Umbria, in the green heart of Italy, between the coasts of Mount Subasio, within the sub-area to a protected designation of origin of Assisi-Spoleto hills rise the green foliage of the olive groves. You will visit the oil mill and will discover the phases of processing and production of olive oil “extra-vergine”.
The tour will end with a complete lunch and extra-vergine oil tasting.
2.00 pm – 2.45 pm Private transfer back to Sina Brufani.
7.30 PM Farewell 3-courses dinner at local restaurant- one of Kelsey's favorites!
We'll meet on the hotel terrace for a last "salute!" with a glass of wine or Prosecco, then walk to this little locale that Kelsey loves taking here travelers to!
Sunday, September 14th:
Talk to us about adding a transfer or train ticket to your next stop! (Not included in the pricing).
But can be added! We can add train tickets to Florence or whatever your next stop is on your trip. Or you can get a private driver to take you to your next city.
TOTAL PRICE PER PERSON: 5900 EURO shared room basis (2 people per room)
*Please note that we do not match up our travelers with other guests from the trip to share a room. Either you can invite a friend to share your room with or upgrade & enjoy your own room for the week!
SUPPLEMENT FOR SINGLE USE ROOM: 1320 EURO. Your total trip cost if you would like to treat yourself to pay for your own room for the tour would be 7220 EURO
More Specifics
Nearest airports to the first & last hotel: We suggest flying into Florence, Italy - this is the nearest airport to the hotel in Tuscany. If you plan to fly in earlier and enjoy other places, you can fly into Milan, Venice or Rome. Then for your departure, we suggest traveling to either Rome or Florence for one extra night and flying home from either airport the next day.
If we want to add more nights, can Foreign to Domestic help? We would love for you to enjoy more time in Italy and we would be happy to assist in organize any pre or post nights that you'd like to add to your trip plans. Let's discuss your options!
How much free time do these trips include? Although some scheduled free time is included on our tours, most days are planned with activities for everyone to enjoy together. We try to leave free time in the afternoons and evenings. We do not want this to feel like a busy trip for you, so we kept that in mind while selecting day to day plans.
Dietary restrictions? We are happy to accommodate most food allergies. The hotels, restaurants & our guides will do their best to accommodate vegetarians, pescatarians, gluten & dairy free clients. This tour is not suitable for vegans.
Tour Pacing & Mobility? No hiking or biking included on this tour. We will keep things at a nice, leisurely pace. We will be on walking tours that can be from 2 hour to 3.5 hours long & you must be able to walk well on cobblestone/uneven streets, flights of stairs, moving your own luggage.
Flights - We have an Airteam that can work on your flights for a ticketing fee of $85 per person. Hotels - If you need a hotel booked for before the tour starts, we partner with excellent 4 & 5 Star Hotels throughout Italy. Or you can add an additional night at our tour hotels, feel free to ask us for a rate. Activities & Tours - We work with both private, local guides and also group tour companies. If you want to add more experiences to your trip plans we are ready to add more fun plans to your itinerary! Private Transfers - Wherever you are traveling from, we can organize a private driver to pick you up from the airport to bring you to the countryside in Tuscany. Train Tickets - Let us help book your train tickets for you if you need them for your trip!
Exclusions
The following are not included:
- International flights - these can be added for an extra cost.
- Meals not specified in the itinerary.
- Arrival and departure transfers- these can be added for an extra cost.
- Personal expenses such as souvenirs and gifts.
- Room service and minibar charges.
- City taxes or local tourist fees.
- Optional excursions or activities not included in the tour.
- Travel insurance (required for any of our group tours).
- Laundry and dry-cleaning services.
- Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff (unless stated otherwise). A tipping guide will be shared with you before the tour.
Please Read This Section Carefully
Once you confirm your room by submitting your form, Kelsey from Foreign to Domestic will contact you via email to provide the payment link. Please submit your deposit promptly upon receipt of the link. Failure to do so within one day may result in your spot being offered to another client on our waiting list. We must promptly secure hotel accommodations for our group and cannot hold rooms indefinitely. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
When you proceed to check out, you will notice that the system displays a charge of $0.01. Please be assured that this is not the final charge amount. Our system does not allow checkouts at $0.00, but rest assured, no payment will be processed at this stage. Bliss Travel will send you a deposit payment link separately to complete your deposit amount. Please proceed with the next steps as instructed. Thank you for your understanding.
Pricing and Availability are subject to change and cannot be guaranteed until a 30% deposit has been made. Deluxe Italy (our partner in Italy), will be the business charging your card for the tour. Deluxe Italy requires 30% for a deposit and the balance will be due no later than 50 days prior to client's arrival either by bank wire or by credit card. The deposit is not refundable in any case, even though the minimum number of participants to the tour is not reached.
Price quotations will be provided by DELUXE ITALY INC. in Euro. For payment of both deposit and balance, DELUXE ITALY INC. will send a Stripe payment link for payment via credit card. Together with such payment link and/or wire instructions, DELUXE ITALY INC. shall communicate the official up-to-date EURO (EUR) to US DOLLAR (USD) exchange rate as provided and applied by the Bank of Italy. The EUR to USD exchange rate applied by DELUXE ITALY INC. will be equal to: the official up-to-date EUR to USD exchange rate provided by the Bank of Italy, increased by USD 0.05 (for example: assuming an official EUR to USD exchange rate of 1 EUR = 1.08 USD, the exchange rate applied by DELUXE ITALY INC. will be 1 EUR = 1.13 USD).
TRIP INSURANCE IS NOT INCLUDED, BUT IS REQUIRED. Once you’ve booked your spot on the tour, Foreign to Domestic will send you a trip insurance quote. You must show proof of your trip insurance before the final payment is made.
We kindly request that all clients sign our Terms and Cancellation Agreement prior to submitting a deposit for their chosen trip. This document outlines important policies and expectations, which we believe are essential for both parties to fully understand and agree upon. You will be sent this document for your signature by Foreign to Domestic after signing up for the tour.
Cancellations must be made in writing via email, directly to Kelsey at Foreign to Domestic.
Available Packages
Double Occupancy - 2 People
Unavailable as of
December 24, 2024
$0.01
Deposit: $0.01 per person
Solo Occupancy
Unavailable as of
December 10, 2024
Starting At: $0.01
Deposit: $0.01 per person
1 Room, Single Occupancy: Select this option if you are a solo traveler booking a room for yourself. Please note there is a single supplement fee to book your own room.