FAQs about Toscana Privata

This FAQ page is designed to answer some basic questions about Toscana Privata and planning a trip to Tuscany.

For more details and to start planning your trip to Tuscany, you can start the process on our contact page.

  • Toscana Privata specializes in the design of bespoke, highly immersive, private itineraries and experiences for wine enthusiasts and collectors wanting to explore and enjoy the top tier of Tuscany’s wine country. We cater exclusively to serious wine enthusiasts who come from all over the world looking to deepen their knowledge around the wines of Tuscany.

  • Our fully comprehensive, white-glove service includes, at a minimum: the design of an entirely bespoke itinerary; guidance on, and booking of, all accommodations; provision of dedicated chauffeurs for your entire itinerary in top of the range, latest model Mercedes vehicles; a personalized dining program including the management of all restaurant reservations and organization of private dining experiences; VIP meet and greet at private air terminals and all major airports; and 24/7 support from a dedicated member of our team for the duration of your itinerary. Additional services can include the provision of private chefs, sommeliers, butlers, nannies, singers and musicians and whatever additional staffing you might need during your trip. We are quite used to receiving all kinds of special, one-off requests and we can almost always make them happen.

  • Yes. While the itineraries we design are very much focused on the wines of Tuscany, we can organize non-wine related experiences including food, art and history. Please note that we do not offer these as stand-alone experiences, but in addition to a wine-focused itinerary.

  • Absolutely. The majority of each itinerary we design will be in and around the vineyards of Tuscany, however many of our clients like to enjoy a few days in Rome and/or Florence at the beginning and/or end of their trip. We therefore take care of all the planning in Rome and Florence as well.

  • To initiate the process, submit your name and email address on the contact page. You will then be redirected to an intake form to complete. Upon submission of the intake form, our team will carefully evaluate your responses to ensure we can meet your unique needs. If accepted, we will contact you to schedule a consultation call.

  • The consultation call provides an invaluable opportunity to discuss your trip in more detail so we can start planning your custom itinerary.

  • We have spent an unquantifiable amount of time identifying, visiting and staying at the most luxurious hotels and private accommodations in Tuscany. Only a select few properties meet the standards we expect of true luxury accommodations. For the hotels and private accommodations we choose to work with, we have established direct relationships with the sales and management teams to ensure our clients receive the very best personalized treatment throughout their stay.

  • We specialize in designing multi-day itineraries which average 7-10 days, and we have a minimum requirement of 3 days. We do not organize day tours.

  • We prefer to handle all aspects of trip planning, including the booking and management of the accommodations as this ensure a seamless experience for our clients. In some cases, we may be able to plan an itinerary if the client has already booked their accommodations. This is something we will consider before committing to offering our services.

  • On approval of the itinerary, a non-refundable 30% deposit is required to confirm the itinerary.

  • The remaining balance is due 90 days priorto the start of the itinerary.

  • Your itinerary will be presented along with the global cost. Aside from the accommodations, It is not possible to provide an itemized breakdown of costs.

FAQs about Tuscany

  • Tuscany is a region in central Italy, known for its picturesque landscapes, rich history, and cultural heritage. It is bordered by Liguria to the northwest, Emilia-Romagna to the north, Umbria to the east, and Lazio to the southeast. The capital of Tuscany is Florence (Firenze in Italian), which is also the largest city in the region.

  • Tuscany is famous for its picturesque countryside, historic cities including Florence and Siena, Renaissance art and architecture, and the world-renowned wines of Chianti, Montalcino and Bolgheri.

  • Tuscany has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Spring and fall are generally pleasant with moderate temperatures, making them ideal times to visit.

  • You should allow a minimum of 5 days to experience the region of Tuscany. On average, our clients stay in Tuscany for 7-10 days. At a minimum, you should plan for three full touring days to explore the areas of Chianti and Montalcino and Bolgheri. A 7–10-day itinerary will allow you to really get to know the region and also provide you with sufficient time for rest and relaxation. A 10–14-day itinerary will allow you to explore all corners of the region, including the cities of Florence and Siena. We often plan itineraries which start and/or end in Florence and Rome so you can enjoy both cities during your time in Italy as well as the vineyards of Tuscany.

  • Tuscany is one of Italy’s largest regions by area, spanning approximately 23,000 square kilometers (8,900 square miles). Driving from one part of Tuscany to another can easily take 3 hours which is why we recommend spending several days exploring the region.  

  • It is very important to book all of your wine tours and tastings before you arrive to avoid disappointment. The majority of wineries in Tuscany which accept visitors, especially the very best ones, do so by appointment only. Appointments for visits and tastings should ideally be booked 3-9 months ahead of time. All of the wineries worth visiting get fully booked from May to October.

  • Planning a trip to a large, complex and diverse wine region such as Tuscany can be complicated and very time consuming if you do not have a good understanding of the geography of the region and the right contacts at the wineries. We highly recommend working with experts such as us at Toscana Privata to plan a seamless and memorable itinerary.

  • While there is a year-round schedule of events and things to do, the region is most vibrant between March and November. Peak season runs from May to October and it is especially important to make reservations well in advance for accommodations, tours and tastings and dining during this time. Tuscany enjoys a temperate climate with mild winters and hot summers. The best weather is anytime between May and September. The highest temperatures are typically in July and August.

  • While it’s not necessary to speak Italian, knowing a few basic phrases can be helpful and is appreciated by locals. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but learning some Italian greetings and phrases can enhance your experience. All members of the Toscana Privata team, including our drivers, and all of our partners including the winery teams and private guides, speak English fluently.

  • Tuscany is a very popular destination, so it is prudent to book everything well in advance to avoid disappointment. A minimum three-month lead time is advised, with 6-9 months being ideal. The best wineries, hotels and private villas, and restaurants are usually fully booked during high season.

  • We highly recommend having a driver for all touring days, especially those involving wine. Toscana Privata has a team of professional English-speaking drivers with brand new, top of the range Mercedes vehicles which are provided for all touring days and transfers. For larger groups, a Mercedes Sprinter or coach can be organized. Please note that we do not organize self-drive itineraries.

  • Tuscany is accessible by air and by train

    By air: The main airports in Tuscany are Florence Amerigo Vespucci and Pisa International Airport (Galileo Galilei). Travelers coming from further afield can fly into Rome or Milan.

    By train: Tuscany is well-connected by train, with major cities like Florence, Pisa, and Siena accessible from other parts of Italy.

  • Tuscany is renowned for its exceptional wines, including:

    Chianti Classico: A red wine made primarily from Sangiovese grapes, known for its bright acidity and red fruit flavors.

    Brunello di Montalcino: A prestigious red wine made from 100% Sangiovese grapes, aged for several years before release.

    Vino Nobile di Montepulciano: A high-quality red wine made from Prugnolo Gentile (a clone of Sangiovese) grapes.

    Super Tuscans: Innovative blends that often include international grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, known for their bold flavors and aging potential.

    Vernaccia di San Gimignano: A crisp and refreshing white wine from the medieval town of San Gimignano.