Experiences and Tours- Out of the Box Florence - Recensioni 4

Yesterday was a day I'd been dreaming of for literally decades and actively planning for 9 months. I'm fairly well travelled and not normally a tour taker, but I wanted to treat my adult children, one girlfriend and my boyfriend to a special day where everything was taken care of for us. I would normally balk at the expense and just figure out how to do it myself, but I'm so glad I pulled the trigger on this tour. It was one of those rare days where my high expectations were dramatically exceeded. Communication with our guide leading up to the tour was seamless. Stefano was prompt in responding and willing to make changes to the trip if necessary to accommodate various needs. He was ready and waiting with an immaculate van on our tour date and adeptly navigated extra traffic due to Tour de France preparation. He was friendly and chatty along the way, pointing out various sights and feeding our curiosity about all we passed. The tour itself was nothing short of magnificent, but certainly not for the faint of heart. It was physically demanding, but we had been well prepared for exactly how long and how difficult in terms of elevation gained and lost. The stairs are no joke, but with that said, every step is worth the effort with the views given in return. Each village has its own unique charm and the well worn path in between is equally enchanting. Our guide shared just the right amount of information along the way, giving us time to rest but keeping us on schedule without pressure. The highlight of the day was a lunch at a family owned restaurant featuring fish caught that morning and a rotating menu determined by the catch. The setting was rustic and ethereal, the service warm and impeccable and the food was nothing short of remarkable. We were a party of 5 and each of us felt it was one of the top 3 meals in our life just based on the food. In combination with the setting, the effort in getting there and the overall experience, it was the best meal of our lives. With healthy carbs coursing through our veins, the rest of the hike was entirely manageable and we blazed easily to Vernazza for a perfectly refreshing and well deserved dip in the Mediterranean. This was like swimming in a coffee table photo book, but better. Colorful boats, frolicking children, clear deep teal water, bright buoys, throngs of happy tourists, lively village and ancient structures to gaze at from the cool clean water. Pure heaven. We grabbed gelato before boarding the boat to return us to our starting point. Every penny spent was worth it. All we had to do was show up. Everything else was taken care of and we were in our own beautiful bubble all day. Our guide felt like a member of our family by the end of the day. We loved watching him greet vendors and friends throughout the day, a clear sign of his knowledge and love for the area. He spoke of the many people he has trained along the route and I'd trust anyone under his tutelage. This tour was a slam dunk day we will never forget - one of the top 5 experiences of my 54 years on the planet.

Your review sounds enthusiastic and positive. Here's a slightly refined version for clarity and flow:

I highly recommend Stefano if you want to have a wonderful trip with an outstanding local guide! I felt so lucky to have a guide like Stefano. You can feel his hospitality, positive energy, and deep knowledge of the area. He brings great vibes, just like an old friend. You will thoroughly enjoy your time with him. We had a fantastic hiking day trip along the beautiful views in Monterosso al Mare! Hope to see you again, Stefano!

Lorenzo took our family of 3 on an unforgettable hike in Penzano (Chianti region). We couldn’t have asked for a more kind, thorough and attentive guide. He was quite knowledgeable of the region, and all the local flora. We even tasted a few herbs and berries along the way. Happening upon some olive pickers, Lorenzo explained the harvesting process and coordinated us observing on the spot. The 2 smaller wineries we visited were our favorites- so hospitable and a home cooked meal! Not to mention outstanding wine! Do yourself a favor,and book this tour! Grazie mille, Lorenzo for a fabulous day!

If you read the other reviews, two things will become apparent immediately:
1) the hikes Stefano offers are unique and memorable
2) Stefano is a great guy
I'm happy to say that both of these things are true. Stefano's love for this part of Tuscany is infectious, and it was a real privilege to spend the morning hiking through woods and across fields with him. The scenery, with the views back over Florence, is spetacular. But Stefano may be the real treasure. He's so welcoming, funny and knowledgeable that you feel like you've known him your whole life.

Don't miss an opportunity to make an Out of the Box Florence tour part of your vacation. Stefano is more than happy to create an itinerary that works for you or your group. Florence holds many treasures. This one is special.