Tuscany

                                         “Tap Into Your Terrific”                                          in Tuscany

                                                                                   September 4 – 14

                                                                                                                           2017

“Italy is a dream that keeps returning for the rest of your life.” Anna Akhmatova

Dining Room view at Le Boscarrece

Discover Yourself in Tuscany

It is said that Tuscany captures the beauty of Italy in its entirety. It is the birthplace of the Italian language, Michelangelo, Leonardo da’ Vinci, Botticelli, and Catherine de’ Medici. When they speak about beautiful landscapes and scenery, perhaps that’s where the word “breathtaking” originated. Tuscany is all you have ever imagined Italy to be … devastatingly gorgeous, home to the finest in arts, fashion, cuisine and of course the most divine value of the Italian way of life  …                        La Dolce Vita.

Tuscany is known as the ‘Garden of Italy’ with it’s magnificent and luscious rolling green hills, unique coastal lines, vineyards, olive trees, fields of sunflowers … The incredible breathtaking views, the aromas, the food and wine, the people, the language, the history, art, culture and traditions, all contribute to Tuscany’s unique charm. What an ideal place to spend 11 glorious days and nights ~ There’s Something About Tuscany

Florence Sunset

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” ~ C.S. Lewis

You Will Love This Trip if…

You are a Baby Boomer Woman who enjoys life to the fullest.

You need to recharge.

You want the best in travel and the finer things in life.

You enjoy being with a group of fun loving women.

You dream of experiencing a place like no other …                                       Tuscany.

Enjoying time, with Umbria in the background

Imagine being totally immersed for eleven days during our Annual  “Tap Into Your Terrific” Tuscany Experience

There is a tremendous difference between just visiting and actually ‘experiencing’ a destination.  This is what makes our trips so special. They are up close, transformational and provide just the perfect amount of personal reflection and inspiration. (We are not talking “woo-woo” here).

Something special happens when women get together. When you combine this with travel to one of the most beautiful and peaceful places on earth, it becomes magical.   Besides the camaraderie, the insanely delicious food, wine, sites and shopping, you will be pampered in a luxurious experience and immersed into the Italian experience in a way that’s meant to touch your heart and soul.

“I have been on many wonderful getaways … this one has climbed to the top as my favorite. A shining STAR. “

Lisa Belding, Jersey Girl and World Traveler

If you’d like to see Lisa’s full testimonial ~ click here

“It’s been a wonderful trip that I’d like to extend, even while I’m looking forward to being home in a few days. Thank you for the positive, trusting atmosphere you’ve created among virtual strangers and please plan more trips in the future!”

Lorraine Rendleman, Designer and Traveler

Susanna ~ owner of Le Boscarrecce ~besides being just delightful, is an Amazing Cook and Storyteller Extraordinaire

“Tuscany is extra special because it wraps it’s arms around you in a way that is both relaxing and energizing in it’s beauty.”

Click Here if You Are Ready to Join Us

About Holli, Your Hostess

Asissi in Umbria, Italy

Umbria, Italy in the Background

Ciao,  My name is Holli. I’m a baby boomer, have two amazing grown-up children, and the husband is with an X – but that’s a story for another time.

Outside of my personal life, I’m a businesswoman, speaker and author, and work part time as a designer (don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t re-create yourself in your sunset years). When I’m not doing those activities I focus much of my attention on inspiring people, and women in particular.

The Tuscany trip is about being with a small group of baby boomer women (not more than 12 including me).  It’s about sharing a special experience in one of the beautiful places on earth, and it’s also about being with women, friendship, stories … I know you know what I mean.

I organize this trip and I’m your hostess. I’m not a travel agent or a travel company. ‘Tap into your Terrific’ in Tuscany is a personalized luxury experience without the regiment of a commercial tour.

A picture is worth a thousand words and the picture below is one of many from last year’s trip. It’s just us ‘girls’ relaxing in front of one of the best Gelato places in Florence. Let me also share some thoughts from Lee with you:

Opt-in for The Daily Dip

We can always make time for some Gelato

 

“What a great experience. Tuscany! The hotel and meals were warm and inviting but, by far, the people add richness like a mosaic pattern of colorful yarn. Through new friends and experiences I felt happy. But certainly I can’t leave out the beautiful landscapes, quaint villages, historical sites, shopping, wine, food and meals. This gave text to the patterns. The combination provided me with the most unforgettable experience and an awareness of self. Because sometimes being alone doesn’t mean being alone. … One of the best trips ever!!!”

“Home now but dreaming of our fantastic holiday in the Tuscan hills at La Boscarecce. A perfect blend of beauty and comfort. I am so pleased that Holli worked so hard to find the perfect place …..the most magical holiday anywhere.”

​Lee Pencek, World Traveler

If you’d like to see Lee’s full testimonial ~ click here

 

If you are looking for a very special experience and want to learn more or are ready to join us, please click here and email me your information.

You know what they say … Life is short … buy the shoes … eat the dessert … take the Trip…

Learn More about Holli and the Women’s Inner Circle

The Delights to Tap into All Your Senses ...

Memorable Day Trips

Florence where you’ll visit Florence Accademia to see Michelangelo’s ‘David’, the Uffizi Gallery for works by da Vinci, Raphael and Boticelli, explore Florence Duomo with its stunning dome, and enjoy a guided walking tour of the city. Privileged access to all sites is included.

No trip to Tuscany is complete without a trip to Siena, the birthplace of the beloved Italian Saint Catherine. This beautiful city made of brown Siena-colored bricks (so that’s how they named the color), its jumble of narrow streets and delightful squares, the medieval towers that make such a spectacular skyline, its spectacular cathedral, the tall and trim Torre del Mangia, all together create an enticing atmosphere almost like stepping back in time.

San Gimignano is a small medieval town in Tuscany that has a splendid skyline made up of 13 towers. Wander up and down the streets of one of the loveliest Tuscan towns ~ sight see, shop and you can enjoy a lunch of mouth-watering Tuscan food.

Tour in the green Umbria area and visit Assisi. Man has been living in this region for at least 200,000 years since the Paleolithic age and this is evident in the many archeological finds of the territory.

Experience the charm and beauty of the five villages of Cinque Terre ~ (Monterosso, Vernazza, Cornaglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore) each village is unique in it’s own special way.  Inaccessible until fairly recently, the Cinque Terre have kept the charm that make them so special. Hiking is a favorite activity among the locals and tourists alike.

A Favorite stop is Monteriggioni. This is one of the best known and classic walled towns in Tuscany.

Lucca known for its well-preserved Renaissance walls encircling its historic city center, and its cobblestone streets emanating charm that will delight you.

Some places just need to be a pleasant surprise!

Incredible Experiences

Wine and Food tastings with the sommelier at local wineries. This is wonderful because some of the best Wine in the World is produced in Tuscany. One of our Wine tasting takes place at the Emanuela Tamburini Farm which includes a tasting of  Brunello wine, and they also prepare an authentic home cooked Italian lunch for us. You will be able to taste 6 or 7 different wines and spend time with the family members who are wonderful people. This is a a very warm hearted experience.

Introduction to the Italian Language by none other than Sara, Susanne’s daughter. This is truly an enjoyable experience and so much fun to learn what it was really like growing up with Susanna as her mother.

Private cooking lessons at the Villa where Susanna teaches some of her tips and tricks, and shares some of her favorite Italian recipes.

You will enjoy a culinary adventure at the vibrant market of Sant’Ambrogio, hands- down, Florence’s most authentic local food market. Most Florence food tours won’t take you here but we consider it important to show you how the locals really live and eat. You’ll get into the hustle and bustle of the market, chat with vendors, get a behind the scenes view, private tastings, and learn how Italians choose only the best, freshest ingredients for their meals. We’ll also enjoy some wine and the ever favorite gelato.

Olive Oil tasting, and Cheese tasting in combination with another, you guessed it, wine tasting with Swan who is also a sommelier. You will learn from Swan how to choose the wine according to the food you are eating. This is a different experience from the other wine tastings. You will also be amazed at the vast differences in the olive oils.

A Luxury Experience with Chocolate.

Stories, from Susanna that will make you laugh, and crave more.

If you’re a shop ’til you drop kind of girl, no worries ~ we’ve got you covered. As you can imagine, there is an abundance of wonderful shops to delight even the most seasoned shoppers.

On the other hand, if the thought of perusing shop after shop chills you, there is a never ending supply of historical sites for you to see.

Down time for you to relax, unwind and savor the peace and beauty of the Tuscan Hills.

Please humor me a moment to talk about the cuisine. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that Italian food is beyond incredibly delicious ~ perfect for vegetarians and meat eaters alike. The food is made fresh daily from local ingredients, and our dinners are slow, multi-course relaxing affairs with candlelight, storytelling and magic.

Enjoying different varieties of fresh homemade pasta each night is a treat that goes beyond words. 

“Everything you see I owe to pasta.” ~ Sophia Loren

 Oh, and the Gelato … Yes, the Gelato … What can I say? You’ll have to join us in savoring the best places in each town.

 

 

Mouthwatering Ravioli prepared in our cooking class

Zucchini Flowers, a wonderful delicacy. I asked Susanna to teach us how to prepare this dish and she lovingly did

Pici, Tuscan Spaghetti. Susanna taught us how to make this from scratch

What’s Included

Transportation to and from the Florence airport.

All Overnight Accomodations ~ How great not to be unpacking and re-packing. Like a cruise but even better!

Daily breakfast and dinner, including wine with dinner.

Lunches during market tour, cooking class and wine tasting tours.

All cultural experiences and private tours listed.

Opt-in for The Daily Dip

Italian bread, olive oil and cheese ~ a staple at our dinners

Opt-in for The Daily Dip

Leisurely nightly dinners

What’s Not Included

Airfare.

Items of a personal nature.

Lunches not specified in the itinerary.

Other alcoholic drinks.

Any additional tours.

Inner-city bus, metro, train or boat transportation outside those specifically listed in the trip package.

 

Flights:

Please Plan on arriving into The Florence Airport on September 4 and depart September 14, 2017 after breakfast. We’ll have two airport pick-ups for the group arriving on September 4 (TBA). If you are not arriving in time to be on those transports we can help you arrange your own taxi to the hotel (at your own cost).

“Life offers you a thousand chances … all you have to do is take one.” Frances Mayes ~ Under the Tuscan Sun

Imagine having meaningful, inspirational and fun conversations overlooking the Tuscan Hills, eating authentic Italian Cuisine cooked especially for you, all while staying at a ’boutique hotel’ chosen specifically for it’s warmth and ability to nourish your mind, body and soul. We’ll be waiting for you ~ September 4 – 14th!

Register Here

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people will be traveling together on this trip?

The maximum number of participants is 10.

Are Single Rooms Available?

Yes, single rooms are available on a first-come, first served basis. There will be an additional fee ~ see below.

What is the Pricing and Cancellation Policy?

$4136.00 – $4726.00 depending on double or single occupancy.                                                           Cancellation policy is as follows: If cancellation occurs 120 (May 7, 2017) or more days before departure there will be no loss of deposit. Any cancellation made between 90-119 days before departure (June 7 – May 7, 2017) will result in a total loss of your $500 USD deposit. Any cancellation received in writing from 60-89 days before departure (July 7 – June 7, 2017) will result in a loss of 50% of the trip price. Any cancellation between 59 days and 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, your deposit is refunded).

How do I pay?

Once accepted, you will be directed to a page to remit payment. You can pay by check or credit card.

When is the balance of the fee due?

The balance of your payment is due 90 days (June 7) before the beginning of our trip.

What are the accommodations like?

Le Boscarecce Country Inn is a 200 year old farmhouse that has been completely restored in 1996. It has been called “a jewel in the countryside,” and is situated on a splendid panoramic hill; the sun setting over the Apennines is something you will want to put in your memory book. You can Learn More Here

     The farm has been restructured respecting the typical Tuscan style, transformed into a charming Country Inn on the Valdelsa Hills near Castelfiorentino where you will find the Museum BEGO with the frescoes of Benozzo Gozzoli. The hotel consists of 14 rooms, each named after famous literary or historical female figures furnished with antic furniture and ceramics full of color.

Should I get travel insurance?

I recommend that you obtain travel insurance for canceled flights, transportation delays, lost baggage and emergency medical situations. As we get a little closer to our trip, I will send you some information and recommendations.

How will I know what to pack and bring with me – or what to leave at home?

I will be in close contact with you throughout the months leading up to the trip and will keep you posted about packing and other details.

I Would love a way to be in touch with other participants before the tour. Is this possible?

Absolutely! Stay tuned for more information. I will also be arranging a special get together either in person, for those that live close, or over the internet. A surprise is in store.

Can I extend my stay?

Absolutely! I’m happy to help you make the very most of your trip to Italy. If you’d like to spend a few days in Rome, or other Italian cities, before your departure, my team and I can offer suggestions for hotels, tours and transportation. We can also help you with your booking if desired.

“You may have the Universe if I may have Italy.” Verdi

10 nights and 11 days of total immersion in the magnificence of Tuscany. Unwind from the daily grind of the 21st century, and embark on this rejuvenating adventure.                              

Rediscover your Terrific under the Tuscan Sun

Let’s Talk

Click the Button Below ~

I’m So Ready for Tuscany

954 600 -0183
The Villages, Florida

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