More Oxygen in the Room

Tuscany in October offers a landscape transitioning from summer’s warmth to autumn’s muted tones, with vineyards and olive groves taking on shades of gold and rust. The weather is generally mild to fresh, making it comfortable for exploring both countryside and cities without the intensity of summer’s heat.

The region’s harvest season is in full swing, with grape-picking in early October and olive harvesting later in the month, offering opportunities to witness traditional agricultural practices. Seasonal foods such as mushrooms, chestnuts, and truffles appear on local menus, and small festivals celebrate these autumnal ingredients.

The region is quieter than in peak tourist months, allowing for a more relaxed appreciation of art, history, and architecture. In the countryside, rolling hills and cypress-lined roads are framed by soft light, creating an atmosphere well suited for unhurried walks, wonderful photographs and scenic drives.

CNH Tours Takes its "Slow Tourism" Tradition to Tuscany

Following up on our "Provence Discovery" trip (Sept/Oct 2025), we've transposed our slow, versatile approach to travel to nearby Tuscany.  You'll join a small (14 guests) group adventure and explore three contrasting areas of this fabled Italian region. With 5 nights in three comfortable private rural hotels, for a total of 15 nights, our retreat takes you to explore a different Tuscany, away from the crowds to reconnect with the countryside and the most authentic traditions of the region. 

Each day, we arrange problem-free day explorations in the region surroundings of each villa, whether it's about interacting with local hosts, enjoying gentle hikes, exploring local markets, partaking in culinary experiences and wine tasting, or visiting charming villages and historic sites.

Our slow-paced itinerary allows enough free time to feel the vibe of each corner of Tuscany, exploring at your own pace and taking home long-lasting memories of the region's natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

 

Located in the cenral and western regions of the northern end of the Italian peninsula, Tuscany's landscape is defined by rolling hills, the Apennine Mountains, and a scenic coastline. The region is home to historic cities like Florence, Siena, and Pisa, as well as renowned wine regions such as Chianti, Brunello and Montepulciano. Its rich cultural heritage, artistic legacy, and picturesque countryside make it one of Italy’s most iconic regions.

 

 

REGION 1: Western Tuscany

Western Tuscany is a diverse landscape of coastline, rolling hills, and medieval villages. Historic waterfronts and vibrant seafood culture on the coast and inland, you'll encounter rugged terrain with the forested hills of the Val di Cecina surrounding Sassetta, a small village known for its thermal baths and tranquil atmosphere. The surrounding countryside is dotted with vineyards, olive groves, and cypress-lined roads, offering a mix of coastal and inland Tuscan charm.  

 

REGION 2: Siena

The region around Siena in central Tuscany is characterized by rolling hills, vineyards, and medieval villages. Vinci, the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci, is surrounded by olive groves and Chianti vineyards. As you travel south, you pass through the Chianti wine region, known for its picturesque landscapes and historic towns like Greve, Radda, and Castellina in Chianti. Further south, Siena emerges with its well-preserved medieval center, famous for the Piazza del Campo and the Palio horse race. The surrounding countryside includes the Crete Senesi, with its striking clay hills, and the Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO-listed landscape of cypress-lined roads, golden fields, and historic villages like Pienza and Montalcino.

REGION 3:  Lucca / Florence 

The region between Florence, Lucca, and Pisa in northern Tuscany is a blend of cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and historic towns. Florence, the Renaissance capital, is known for its art, architecture, and the Arno River running through its heart. To the west, Lucca is a charming, well-preserved city encircled by Renaissance walls, with cobbled streets and medieval towers.The surrounding areas include the rolling hills of the Florentine countryside, the olive groves and vineyards of Montecarlo, and the wetlands of the Migliarino-San Rossore Park near the coast, offering a mix of history, nature, and tradition.

 

 

 

Tenuta La Bandita

Located in the village of Sassetta, on the mid-western side of Tuscany and not far from the Mediterranean Coast, this less-visited part of Tuscany is in a short driving distance from Bolgheri known for award-winning wines. Other local attractions include an archeological mining park, medieval villages, an olive oil mill and a geothermal site.

 

 Villa Di Sotto

In the heart of the Chianti wine region, this villa is only a 30-minute drive, from Siena where we visit the impressive Cathedral and gain access to a museum of one of the city districts competing in the annual horse race, known as Palio. Around the villa we visit a historic wineries set in a medieval castle, learn about honey production and enjoy one of the hiking trails with stunning views over the rolling hills.

Il Piastrino

This rustic but charming restored farmhouse is located on the outskirt of Vinci, the village that gave the name to Leonardo Da Vinci. We visit a historic Medici’s villa, the offbeat town of Pistoia and its nurseries, Lucca and the nearby WWII bunkers, and hiking on top of the hill of Artimino. The last day is yours to relax with an optional day trip to a renowned spa with natural hot springs.

 

 

Here are a very few suggestions to get you started in preparation for your trip.  We've provided ideas for novels, non-fiction and guide books. If you have a favourite that's not on this list, please share it with us. 

Reading List for a Visitor to Tuscany

 

Fiction

"A Room with a View" – E.M. Forster (1908)
A classic novel about a young Englishwoman discovering love and independence in Florence and the Tuscan countryside.

"Under the Tuscan Sun" – Frances Mayes (1996)
A memoir-style novel about an American woman who buys and restores a villa in Tuscany, immersing herself in its beauty and culture.

"The Birth of Venus" – Sarah Dunant (2003)
A historical novel set in Renaissance Florence, following a young woman’s passion for art and forbidden love during the time of the Medici.

"In the Name of the Family" – Sarah Dunant (2017)
A gripping historical novel about the rise of the Borgia family, set partly in Florence during Machiavelli’s time.

"A Thousand Days in Tuscany" – Marlena de Blasi (2004)
A romantic memoir-like novel about an American woman and her Italian husband settling into rural Tuscan life.

“Roma” - Steven Saylor (2007)
A sweeping historical novel tracing the rise of Rome from its mythical origins to the early Republic. Etruria (Tuscany’s ancient name) features prominently, exploring the influence of the Etruscans on early Rome.

"The Etruscan" – Mika Waltari (1956)
This novel is a rich, evocative tale set during the height of the Etruscan civilization. It follows a young man who is drawn into the politics, culture, and religious mysteries of the Etruscans as they come into contact with early Rome.

 

Non-Fiction

"The Stones of Florence" – Mary McCarthy (1959)
A beautifully written exploration of Florence’s history, architecture, and art.

"Brunelleschi’s Dome" – Ross King (2000)
The story of how Filippo Brunelleschi designed and built Florence’s famous cathedral dome, a marvel of Renaissance engineering.

"The House of Medici: Its Rise and Fall" – Christopher Hibbert (1974)
A compelling history of Florence’s most powerful family and their influence on Renaissance Europe.

"Tuscany: The Beautiful Cookbook" – Lorenza De’ Medici (1988)
A collection of traditional Tuscan recipes accompanied by stunning photography of the region.

"The Florentine: The True Story of a Murder in Renaissance Italy" – Catherine Fletcher (2022)
A fascinating historical true crime book set in 16th-century Florence.

"Leonardo da Vinci: The Biography" – Serge Bramly (1991)
This biography offers a detailed look at da Vinci’s life and work, analyzing his major accomplishments, from his iconic paintings like the Mona Lisa to his inventions and notebooks. Bramly also explores the historical context in which da Vinci lived and worked, giving a nuanced portrait of the Renaissance polymath.

"The Medici: The Dynasty That Shaped the Renaissance" – Tim Parks (2019)
A detailed and richly illustrated guide to the Medici family’s history, this book takes readers through the rise and fall of the family, focusing on their patronage of the arts, their banking empire, and their lasting influence on the cultural and political landscape of Italy and Europe.

 "The Etruscans - A Very Short Introduction" - Christopher Smith (2014)
From around 900 to 400 BC, the Etruscans (occupying much of the region now known as Tuscany) were the most innovative, powerful, wealthy, and creative people in Italy. Their archaeological record is both substantial and fascinating, including tomb paintings, sculpture, jewellery, and art. In this Very Short Introduction, Christopher Smith explores Etruscan history, culture, language, and customs.
 

Guide Books

"Rick Steves Florence & Tuscany" – Rick Steves (Latest Edition)
A practical and engaging guide for exploring Florence and Tuscany with insightful recommendations.

"Lonely Planet Tuscany & Florence" – Lonely Planet (Latest Edition)
A comprehensive travel guide with cultural insights, detailed maps, and recommendations for travelers.

"The Most Beautiful Villages of Tuscany" – James Bentley (1995)
A visually stunning book showcasing Tuscany’s most picturesque villages and countryside.

"Tuscany: A Cultural History" – Alexandra Lawrence (2022)
A deep dive into the history, art, and culture of Tuscany, perfect for those who want to understand the region beyond the tourist sites.

RATES

Published voyage rates are quoted in US dollars and are based on passengers sharing accommodations. Once a deposit is received, your rate is locked in. 

RESERVATIONS

To confirm a booking a US$950 deposit per person required. A second deposit of US$2,325 / person will be due on 5 January 2026.  The final payment is due on 5 August 2026. Within 90 days of departure, full payment is required to confirm your booking.

CANCELLATIONS / PAYMENTS

The 1st deposit is 50% reimbursable in case of cancellation before 20 September 2025.  Other payments are not reimbursable once the deadline for that payment has passed. In cases where payment is late, we reserve the right to treat the booking as canceled by you.  All payments may be made via cheque, direct deposit, wire transfer or credit card (a credit card transaction fee is applied - see your invoice for details).  Consider acquiring appropriate cancellation insurance.  

ELIGIBILITY / PHYSICAL FITNESS

Our trip will have you spending several hours a day on your feet on a regular basis - walking and exploring.  You will have regular opportunities for the most part to sit down at a local café, in public benches, on our mini-bus and more.  The trip also includes a few optional moderate hikes through footpaths that will be usually well-worn, but on occasion may be over loose rocks / roots. These will not be longer than 5kms/3miles. If you feel that a walking stick would be useful, do not hesitate to bring one.  Your tour leader reserve the right to deny a guest participation in an activity if he/she feels that the guest would be at undue risk to him/herself or to others. 

COVID / COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

CNH Tours strongly urges its guests to be fully vaccinated for any common communicable diseases such as COVID and the flu.  Should you come down with symptoms of such diseases in the two weeks prior to the trip date, we ask that you inform us and keep us posted on the situation.  Should you come down with such symptoms while on the trip. we will require that you see a doctor (at your expense) for an examination.  Your tour leader will help to arrange a visit.  

INSURANCE

All CNH Tours guests on this trip will benefit from a US$200,000 emergency medical evacuation coverage.  Any additional insurance, such as emergency medical to cover medical costs related to accidents or sudden illness while on the trip is recommended.  You may also want to consider acquiring trip cancellation / interruption insurance, which would reimburse all or part of your trip costs under certain circumstances.  There are other insurance products sold by travel insurance providers that you may want to consider.  

ITINERARY CHANGES

The itinerary as described on this website is indicative. The daily order of visits and the order in which we visit the regions indicated may change.  While the intention is to visit the sites explicitly mentioned in the indicative itinerary (along with many others not listed), circumstances such as extreme weather events, labour strife etc. may make that impossible.  In such circumstances, the tour leader will be responsible for making alternative arrangements. In the event of such a change no refunds or price adjustments are possible. Placement of a booking with CNH Tours amounts to an acknowledgement that itinerary changes are possible.

TRIP START AND END POINTS

Our trip starts and ends at our country inns.  You will be responsible for arriving at the starting point indicated in your itinerary, and for making your way back to an airport or train station at the end of the itinerary.  While you can make these arrangements independently, if you prefer, CNH Tours can assist in booking a private transport for you.  We will be reaching out to you several weeks prior to the trip start date to make such arrangements should you require them.

VOYAGE CANCELLATION

In the unlikely event that a trip is cancelled by CNH Tours for any reason, CNH Tour's liability will be limited to the payments it will have received by the participants.  This will not include any costs assumed by our guests that are not invoiced by us (for example, airfare).  

TRANSFERABILITY

Should you not be able to join our trip for any reason, you may transfer the trip to another person, subject to CNH Tours approval and any payments made on your part will be credited to the other person's account.  No additional cost will be incurred.  

TRIP LANGUAGE

Our trip will be conducted in English. Our tour leader and local guides are fluently bilingual (English/Italian).  

AUTHORITY

All guests are subject to instructions or regulations given by the tour leader / guide. 

SMOKING

Smoking is not allowed inside any of the villas nor in the transport.

RESPONSIBILITY

CNH Tours, the tour leader and participating local service providers shall not be held liable for (A) any damage to, or loss of, property or injury to, or death of, persons occasioned directly or indirectly by an act or omission of any other provider, including but not limited to any defect in any vehicle operated or provided by such other provider; and (B) any loss or damage due to delay, cancellation, or disruption in any manner caused by the laws, regulations, acts or failures to act, demands, orders, or interpositions of any government or any subdivision or agent thereof, or by acts of God, strikes, fire, flood, war, rebellion, terrorism, insurrection, sickness, quarantine, epidemics, theft, or any other cause(s) beyond their control. The participant waives any claim against CNH Tours or its service providers for any such loss, damage, injury, or death. 

By participating on a CNH Tours trip, the participant acknowledges these terms and conditions and certifies that he/she does not have any mental, physical, or other condition or disability that would create a hazard for him/herself or other participants. CNH Tours and its designated representatives reserve the right in their sole discretion to accept, decline to accept, or remove any participant from a voyage or daily activity.  CNH Tours and its representatives / tour leader / service providers reserve the right, without penalty, to make changes in the published itinerary whenever, in their judgment, conditions warrant, or if they deem it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of participants. The tour leader has the right to restrict the activities of any guest whose behaviour results in a loss of enjoyment or the safety of other guests. 

Neither CNH Tours, nor its service providers shall be liable for any air carrier’s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a non – refundable ticket to or from the participant’s departure city. Baggage and personal effects are at all times the sole responsibility of the participant.

 

Terms and Conditions subject to change. 14 March 2025