Another Italy question

canucknyc · Post by **canucknyc** » Thu Mar 25, 2010 8:44 am

I've been put in charge of booking a wine tour while we're in Florence (for 4 adults).

We're looking for a tour guide to drive us, but not a big group bus like in Napa (do they even do that in Tuscany?) Just the 4 of us and a guide, spending a leisurely day in wine country. Does anyone have any recommendations?

Maryanne · Post by **Maryanne** » Thu Mar 25, 2010 9:12 am

A friend with really exquisite taste has used this woman twice, I believe, with high recommendations:

http://www.paulinepriore.com/

Post by **Anthony** » Thu Mar 25, 2010 5:21 pm

This is a good question that gets asked over and over again on some of the Italy forums I visit. I like the looks of the link that was left, although I have never heard of the person before.

Not sure if there are budgetary constraints, but private tours like that can be the most expensive way to do this. Depending on where you are staying, many hotels can arrange this for you by just asking at the desk (I was just here http://www.casaemma.com/ talking about this with someone there - there was a guy driving a Mercedes with just three women on the tour when I stopped in to buy some wine).

I have come across this site http://tuscantrails.com/ and it looks good - but I have no personal knowledge of it. Popular on TripAdvisor.

If I had a decent car I would take you! I can certainly recommend some spots to stop if you eventually find a driver that is open to suggestions.

Terry · Post by **Terry** » Thu Mar 25, 2010 9:46 pm

We inquired with our hotel folks. Where are you staying in Florence? We ended up renting a car and doing our own tour. We found that to be actually cheaper than a driver for hire and relatively easy to navigate with a GPS. I recommend Verrazzano as a tour. Very organized and very good luncheon with tastings. A drive up to Lamole is priceless at sunset.

P.S. Anthony...purchase a minivan. There is some money to be made on these "for hire" tours. Not that you don't have enough to do.

Post by **Anthony** » Fri Mar 26, 2010 3:43 am

Terry wrote:P.S. Anthony...purchase a minivan.

Don't think it hasn't crossed my mind!

canucknyc · Post by **canucknyc** » Fri Mar 26, 2010 10:56 am

C'mon Anthony! You have til mid-May - buy yourself a van

I think having you as our guide would be a riot.

Terry - we rented an apartment close to the Duomo. No front desk to help us out with this one

canucknyc · Post by **canucknyc** » Sun Mar 28, 2010 11:28 am

We got one quote - for a full day (10 hours), with driver, is around 350 Euro. That's for our party of 4 adults. Doesn't seem unreasonable to me.

Anthony - how about we rent a car, but you drive it?

Nic in KC · Post by **Nic in KC** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 3:57 pm

We drove ourselves around Tuscany the last time we were there. It was wonderful and easy driving. However, after reading a ton of trip reports on days with a driver who knows the area, I think we would book one day with a driver on our next trip to just fully relax! I don't think the price you were quoted sounds bad!

Enjoy your trip, it's an amazing area!

waterguy · Post by **waterguy** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 4:15 pm

This is who we used alecamma@hotmail.com
His name is Alesandro had a great time he does it on his days off he is a cop in real life but loves to share the tuscany contry you can read my trip report here.
http://virgin-islands-on-line.com/forum ... ight=italy

usvi-on-line

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Another Italy question

Another Italy question