wellness & culinary retreat

• All activities, food and beverages not listed under the itinerary
• Personal purchases or meals during free time
• All items of a personal nature and anything not expressly stated as included
• Airfare to/from your arrival city and departure city
• Personal taxi transport to the airport outside of scheduled group transport.
• Train ticket to allocated city/village where our driver will pick you up and bring you to the villa.
• Personal expenses & items
• Personal, medical or trip cancellation insurance (required)
• Alcoholic beverages and personal snacks.
• Meals and beverages at restaurants other than what is included in the itinerary.
• Tips and gratuities.
• Taxi transport and entrance fees for any private, individual trips.
• Souvenirs, phone calls, spa services, taxis, laundry, etc.

• $7,795 USD Per Person, Double Occupancy

• Make your non-refundable deposit of $1000 USD when you sign up for the retreat to secure your spot.
• 50% of your balance is due by January 10, 2025.
• Your remaining balance is due by April 1st, 2025.
• Payments can be made via cash, check, Zelle.

• Any cancellation will result in a total loss of the $1000 USD deposit. Cancellations made within 90 days before the trip will result in a loss of 50% of the trip price. Any cancellation made within 30 days of the trip departure will result in a total loss of funds. We reserve the right to cancel the trip if it is not meeting the trip minimum. (If we do so, you will be refunded in full.)

  • Should the exchange rate vary more than 5%, the price will be subject to change. Trip cancellation insurance is a must if you want to join the retreat.
  • If we find that the trip is not a good fit for you, we reserve the right to cancel your reservation, in which case your payments will be fully refunded.

• Yes. All retreat participants are required to have travel and health insurance.
• After signing up to join our retreat we will be send a list of Travel recommendations which will include recommended travel insurance, traveling tips & apps to use.

Physical Activities & Pace

• This is a medium physical activity-level retreat. You can expect to be on the move on a regular basis throughout the course of the retreat.
• We’ll be walking often on uneven cobblestone streets, hilly paths, stairs with no railings, and all the charming, ancient terrain Italy is famous for. You don’t need to be a triathlete, but comfortable walking for extended periods is key. Our day trips to Florence, Pienza & Montepulciano are the most physically demanding, with lots of walking through the historic streets.
• Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance.
• Retreat/Trip Directors who accompanies your group are unable to provide special mobility or luggage handling assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group enjoys a smooth and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
• This tour moves at a reasonable pace to avoid missing scheduled stops. The rest of the group cannot miss any scheduled activities because of the needs of an individual.
• Due to the pace and physical activity level of this tour, mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers will be difficult to use and are not recommended.
• Climate Considerations
• Poolside, anyone? We want you to have a beautiful, comfortable experience at your own pace so if you feel like you would rather relax at the villa and skip any excursion that is absolutely fine.
• If you have mobility concerns or tour pace questions, please send a message to our Customer Experience Team. We’re here to help

• Transportation from/to allocated pickup point are included. (we will give your all the information about this on your discovery call with us.) All other transfers (train, airport transfers, taxis etc.) from airport to allocated pick up location is your responsibility. We will supply you with a list of recommendations and travel tips in your sign up package.
• When you arrive at your appointed pick up location, an “Around My Tuscan Table” Retreat representative will be waiting for you with an “Around My Tuscan Table” sign or a sign with your name(s). If you don’t see a representative immediately, please be patient and stay in the pick up location. They may be assisting another traveler who has also just arrived and will be back shortly.

• Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on transportation vans.
• Some airlines may impose additional charges if you exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
• Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights.
• Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
• Travelers must manage their own luggage throughout retreat.

• You will use the Euro on this retreat.
• Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
• We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
• You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
• International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
• Plan ahead and bring cash to tip your tour director, local guides, and bus drivers. We also recommend keeping coins in the local currency on hand, as some public bathrooms may charge a fee for use.

• In order to enter Italy, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
• We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
• Beginning in 2026, U.S. and Canadian passport holders must register for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to enter many European countries.
• Passport holders from over 60 visa-exempt countries (including the U.S. and Canada) will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to visit 30 European countries. That means that even if you’ve previously traveled to any of these European countries without a visa, starting in 2026, you’ll need to get ETIAS authorization to visit them again. If you’re traveling to multiple countries with this requirement, you only need to complete the form once. All Go Ahead travelers are responsible for obtaining their own ETIAS travel authorization before departure. For more details, please visit our Help Center.
• If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

• Wifi is available in the Villa.
• There is no Wifi on any of the transportation vehicles .
• Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
• Once your are registered for the retreat we will send you a list of recommended mobile apps that you may find useful while traveling, like: train transport, maps, translation etc.

• Each day is thoughtfully planned to make the most of your time in Tuscany—whether it’s a wellness workshop, visiting an historic village, or a pasta making class in the countryside. Out of respect for the group, we kindly ask that all guests are ready on time each day.
• We stick to a schedule so we don’t miss reservations, guides, or that golden light on the olive groves.
• We promise to give gentle reminders… but we also can’t hold up the whole group—so please consider punctuality part of the adventure.
• Tour Directors who accompanies your group are unable to provide special mobility or luggage handling assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group enjoys a smooth and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
• This tour moves at a reasonable pace to avoid missing scheduled stops. The rest of the group cannot miss any scheduled activities because of the needs of an individual.
• Due to the pace and physical activity level of this tour, mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers will be difficult to use and are not recommended.
• Climate Considerations
• Poolside, anyone? We want you to have a beautiful, comfortable experience at your own pace so if you feel like you would rather relax at the villa and skip any excursion that is absolutely fine.
• If you have mobility concerns or tour pace questions, please send a message to our Customer Experience Team. We’re here to help!

• Most transportation on this tour is by private van/bus. Private vans or busses may have steps required to board and often do not provide access to ramps or lifts.
• All transportation to excursions are included.
• Transportation from/to allocated pickup point are included. (we will give your all the information about this on your discovery call with us.)

• We will provide a packing list closer to travel dates with suggested attire and useful gadgets. The trip is very casual, so as long as you are comfortable, you will be fine.
• We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
• A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
• It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis). I always carry a scarf with me to cover my shoulders if needed.

• We recommend packing a reusable water bottle to cut down on single use plastic waste.
• We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
• In case of emergencies, we also recommend packing your medical insurance card in your carry-on.

• Each day in Tuscany is designed to flow smoothly—whether we’re exploring whitewashed hill towns, tasting olive oil at a family estate, or watching the sun set over the Tuscan Hills.
• If you’d rather skip an activity and unwind at the Villa, that’s totally fine—just give us a heads-up in advance so we can plan accordingly.
• To keep things running smoothly and respect our local hosts, please be punctual. You’ll get a friendly nudge if needed, but the group can’t wait forever. And missing out on wine, burrata, and village magic? That’s not the kind of story you’ll want to tell later.

• All meals served at the Villa will be made with local sourced ingredients and all the pasta, sourdough bread and ingredients will be free of gluten. We thoughtfully select the meals for the group, so you can simply relax and enjoy.
• Every dish is chosen with care, giving you a true taste of Tuscany’s most beloved flavors—from traditional to rustic countryside specialties. We work closely with local chefs and restaurants to curate a delicious journey through the region, highlighting seasonal ingredients and traditional recipes.
• We encourage guests to come with open minds (and open appetites!). Italian meals are crafted with balance and intention and what you will find is a beautiful expression of the region’s culinary soul, one course at a time.
• All you have to do is bring your curiosity—and maybe a little room for dessert.

• At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
• We recommend tipping the equivalent of $10USD to $12USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $4USD per person per day for your driver.
• If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
• Tips can only be paid in cash.
• Tipping in restaurants: It is not custom to tip in Italy when eating at a restaurant but leaving 1 Euro is at your own discretion.

• At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at cdc.gov.
• If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies, please notify us at your first discovery call with us so we can access if we would be able to accommodate you.
• If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
• The water is safe to drink throughout your tour unless posted otherwise.

• When you travel with “Around my Tuscan Table – Retreats”, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.
• Travel, when done responsibly, can have an enormous socioeconomic impact on communities. To maximize your impact, eat at locally owned restaurants and shop at small businesses. Ask your Tour Director to point out restaurants they recommend.
• Prepare for your trip: Be aware of monetary norms such as tipping and negotiating in a market; learn about the destination’s forms of etiquette; and take some time to learn a few words in the local language.
• When interacting with locals, make sure to ask people for permission before you take their picture, and approach cultural differences with empathy and an open mind.
• Go Ahead Tours encourages travelers to limit their waste while on the road, especially single-use plastics. You can cut back on generating plastic waste by packing your own toiletries, using electronic documents, and bringing a reusable water bottle and shopping bag. If you need to use plastics or paper, please recycle.