Antonio 🙌🏼 (aka Tuscany Tony)
Our tour was fantastic! We had Antonio as our guide, who was knowledgeable, friendly, and brought great energy to the experience. The day began in Rome, where we met at the train station (arrive at least 30 minutes early) and took a high-speed train to Florence. Upon arrival, Antonio welcomed us and provided headsets for better hearing. We explored the streets of Florence, learning a lot along the way, and had time to shop and wander around Piazza Della Signoria, where we saw the House of Gucci, a replica of Michelangelo’s David, and enjoyed a delicious panini at Dal Vinaio.
Next, we boarded a comfortable, air-conditioned Mercedes van for a one-hour ride to Fugnano Winery. There, we sampled wines and local cuisine while learning about the winemaking process. Our winery guide, a passionate and knowledgeable expert from San Diego, led a brief tour. We enjoyed appetizers (bruschetta, cheese, balsamic vinegar, bread), followed by pasta and dessert.
The final stop was San Gimignano, which my wife and I found to be the highlight of the tour. The stunning scenery was unlike anything else in the region. We had an hour to explore, try some gelato, and browse the local shops. It was much less crowded than Rome, so there were no long lines. Overall, the tour involved a moderate amount of walking.