What does Heaven on Earth include? Start with natural beauty: clean refreshing air, a beautiful mountaintop vista and a dazzling night sky. The food has to be good: freshly picked, local - all with a pedigree that does not include anything artificial or processed. Accommodation - warm, comfortable, charming. You want to be with people who can engage in lively conversation - or respect your need for some peace or solitude. Top it off with freely flowing local wine - what more could you ask for?*

Tasty Tuscany is such a place. In fact, I can't remember a holiday as relaxing or restorative. Hosts Patrizia and Paulo have created a magical retreat with something for everyone. Do you like cooking? Patrizia will teach you some her family recipes and Tuscan cooking techniques which I guarantee will change the way you cook at home. Do you prefer to find interesting, out of the way places to explore and discover? Get in the van - Paulo will introduce you to places and people that aren't in the guide books. Lunch under the wisteria, an afternoon swim in the mountaintop pool, a nap in the cypress grove....every day offers moments of restoration which linger long after you return home.

In addition to the wonderful amentities, food and excursions, the genuis of this vacation is that its all inclusive. The very reasonable rates include meals, wine, excursions and transfers to and from the airport or train station. So, once you arrive, there is nothing to worry about except which novel you want to read next - and whether your next glass is red? or white?

*(True - paradise would also be calorie-free. I can't guarantee this for everyone - but I was amazed to return home from this holiday to find out I had not gained any weight - this place truly IS magic!)

This was the most effortless and wonderful holiday we ever had - or could imagine. All we had to do was make our way to Pisa (easy flights!) where we were picked up and from then on we just picked our menus, our wine (we had picked our excursions earlier) and we kicked back and enjoyed the scenery and tastes of tuscany. Our hosts were charming with excellent English. They gave guidance but we still had privacy. The cooking lessons were fun and easy, our room was spacious and the view to die for.
I would go back in a heartbeat. I am sure I will. Go if you possibly can.

"Who would want to eat a tomatoe grown under a light bulb? It has no story to tell. We need to eat food that has a story." (Quote from host Patrizia.) From stepping off the train in Pisa where Paolo was waiting to whisk us into the countryside, to getting back on it one week later, we had to concern ourselves with nothing but what recipe to learn and what wine to drink. Patrizia and Paolo have created an oasis on a hilltop from which the Tuscan olive-covered hills can be watched, sunsets enjoyed and daytrips on foot or car planned. We ate together in a gorgeous dining room or on the patio overlooking the hills. Patrizia and Paolo are special people who made the week a warm
and personal experience. Their English was superb; afternoon cooking classes were well organized, entertaining and flexible to our needs; daily excursions were well planned (even these meals were included with our weekly rate); our tour guide in Florence was a graduate in history; wine flowed as needed (also included with our weekly rate); the home was generous in size, quiet and beautifully decorated; and, the pool was refreshing. Our rate covered everything except souvenirs
and specialty beverages. We truly had to think of nothing if we wished not to...a very high value experience.