Tuscany Archives - Italy Travel Planner | Consultant | Once In a Lifetime Travel

Italian Foodie Gift Boxes that Give Back

Andi Brown — Fri, 20 Nov 2020 17:50:10 +0000

We all miss travel right now and many of us have had to cancel or postpone special trips. Some of us are battling more serious issues. All of us are affected. I keep reminding myself that our world situation will not last forever, but damn it sometimes it feels like forever.

In the space between now and travel, my friends in Italy have created something beautiful for us.

They have redirected their passion and talent for showing guests their authentic Italy through guided tours into incredible locally sourced foodie gift boxes delivered to your door. This project takes things one step further. In addition to giving us back a piece of what we lost this year, they are creating work and income for their local producers. Each item in these stunning boxes has a story and a person behind it. When you open your olive oil, you are holding the doors open for the Emanuele and the Prunetti family to continue make their prized EVOO as they have done for over 160 years. Bite into a cantucci and discover a Tuscan tradition from the bakery of Beppe, one of the most cherished members of the local community.

This is nothing short of genius. A win-win for us and for them.

Residents of the USA and Canada click here to order

** I am not receiving any commission or kick-backs on your orders. My purpose is to help promote my dear friends at KM Zero Tours while they creatively navigate through these wild times. **

Read more about this project directly from Arianna and Alessio by clicking here.

[See image gallery at www.onceinalifetimetravel.com]

Who we are:

Once in a Lifetime Travel is a passionately run company focused on mindful and fearless travel through authentic experiences and connections. We feature small, fully

guided group tours to Italy for women

. Our

Italian travel consultant

services feature focused itinerary reviews and detailed

Italy travel planning.

Go Travel, and Travel Fearless.

Andi Brown, Once in a Lifetime Travel

The post Italian Foodie Gift Boxes that Give Back appeared first on Italy Travel Planner | Consultant | Once In a Lifetime Travel.

2019 Foodie and Women’s Small Group Tours to Italy Announced

Andi Brown — Thu, 03 Jan 2019 01:41:36 +0000

We can hardly contain ourselves. 2019 is going to be a fantastic year for our small group tours. We have added several new tours including our trademark Bliss Tours for women. Don’t you think it is about time to do something for you?

Tuscany Bliss Small Group Tours for Women

Our Bliss Tours are created for women with goal of nourishing your body and soul while completely spoiling you in every way possible. There is nothing more incredible than traveling with a small group of women, building each other up and reminding each other how amazing the female spirit is. Add a beautiful stone farmhouse manor nestled in a gorgeous Tuscan setting and you have magic.

Spring Tour: May 8-15, 2019

Fall Tour: September 9-16, 2019

Full Details Here.

Tuscany Small Group Tours for Foodies

Live the sweet life of a Tuscan foodie. This small-group week long tour for men, women, singles and couples is fully escorted and all inclusive. You will want for nothing, ending each night with a full and satisfied belly each night. Each day you will follow your nose through Tuscany, encountering incredible food around every corner. Your temporary home is tranquilly nestled in the vineyards of Chianti, where you will find the perfect balance between authentic and traditional experiences, yet still have time for yourself.

Spring Tour: April 30-May 7, 2019

Fall Tour: September 23-30, 2019 with October Tour on availability.

Full Details Here.

Southern Bliss Small Group Tours for Women

Our Bliss Tours for women head south for an unforgettable experience. Guests will discover an Italy Undisturbed, with opportunities to visit special places in Basilicata and Puglia, meet local artisans, musicians and people while indulging in organic, zero kilometer, farm to table food.

Summer Tour: June 3-9, 2019.

Full Details Here.

Time to rejuvenate, explore and indulge. Time to find yourself.

Who we are:

Once in a Lifetime Travel is a passionately run company focused on mindful and fearless travel through authentic experiences and connections. We feature small, fully

guided group tours to Italy for women

. Our

Italian travel consultant

services feature focused itinerary reviews and detailed

Italy travel planning.

Go Travel, and Travel Fearless.

The post 2019 Foodie and Women’s Small Group Tours to Italy Announced appeared first on Italy Travel Planner | Consultant | Once In a Lifetime Travel.

Saltimbocca Regrets in Tuscany

Andi Brown — Sun, 18 Nov 2018 22:29:33 +0000

Saltimbocca. Jumps in the mouth.

The names give to some Italian dishes could not be more fitting. Saltimbocca is one of them.

This dish highlights another talent that Italians have. The ability to create a prefect recipe using only a few, simple ingredients.

While I love a challenging recipe now and then, I truly fell accomplished when I’ve hit the mark with only a handful of items.

As I was savoring my lunch in the hills of Tuscany with Raffaella Cova (an incredible chef and master Instagramer), I noticed I was being watched closely. With only a few pieces of the saltimbocca left on the serving tray and my host in the other room plating dessert, I suddenly became self conscious about seconds.

All I could think of was shoving everything in my face and licking that plate. Every molecule in my body was screaming for more. More. MORE.

Frozen, I left them there.

To this day, this remains one of my biggest regrets and my mouth waters every time I think of this lunch.

Link to Lunch with Raffaella.

Raffaella’s beautiful IG account.

Who we are:

Once in a Lifetime Travel is a passionately run company focused on mindful and fearless travel through authentic experiences and connections. We feature small, fully

guided group tours to Italy for women

. Our

Italian travel consultant

services feature focused itinerary reviews and detailed

Italy travel planning.

Go Travel, and Travel Fearless.

The post Saltimbocca Regrets in Tuscany appeared first on Italy Travel Planner | Consultant | Once In a Lifetime Travel.

How to Survive When Your Parents Get Too Frisky in Tuscany

Andi Brown — Thu, 15 Nov 2018 22:06:08 +0000

The story is short and sweet today. Is it TMI? Probably.

I am almost 45 years old and I still get grossed out when my parents show too much PDA.

Several years ago, in our favorite trattoria in our favorite hill town, my parents had a little too much of the house wine. They were getting frisky. We hug and say I Love You constantly in my family, so affection isn’t shocking to me.

French kissing like I’m invisible is.

I made them promise not to give me nightmares that night as I tried to focus intently on my second plate of Tuscan sausage. Or was it my third plate? The salsiccia at Trattoria Dardano in Cortona is to die for. The meat is perfectly cooked, served simply and without frills on a little plate. A mandatory side for our family regardless of what we are eating (or drinking). Which, in my parents case, was quite a lot that night.

Buon Appetito,
Andi

Who we are:

Once in a Lifetime Travel is a passionately run company focused on mindful and fearless travel through authentic experiences and connections. We feature small, fully

guided group tours to Italy for women

. Our

Italian travel consultant

services feature focused itinerary reviews and detailed

Italy travel planning.

Go Travel, and Travel Fearless.

The post How to Survive When Your Parents Get Too Frisky in Tuscany appeared first on Italy Travel Planner | Consultant | Once In a Lifetime Travel.

You Need Some Bolognese in Your Life

Andi Brown — Sun, 11 Nov 2018 12:10:06 +0000

I’m starving just sitting down to write this.
Years ago, I had the luck of spending a day cooking with Alessandra making her incredible Bolognese sauce.

“This is not an Under the Tuscan Sun Experience.” (her words)

Nope. It sure wasn’t.

We gathered in her home, around her personal kitchen to learn the art of Tuscan cooking while her TV belted out Talking Heads videos in the background.

We learned about the careful sourcing of the beef we would be using. Did you know that the butcher not only lists the farm the meat comes from but also the animal?

We listened to her views on politics and the recent exoneration of Amanda Knox. Alessandra and I exchanged stories of heartbreak and hopeful healing.

She was quizzed about the ins and outs of a bidet.

And the bolognese simmered on.

The aroma filled the room and mingled with our stories.

Ale’s recipe is a frequent star on my menu at home, the delicious scent mixing with the laughter, stories and sometimes tears of my family.

Un baci,
Andi

Link to Alessandra’s cooking class.

The post You Need Some Bolognese in Your Life appeared first on Italy Travel Planner | Consultant | Once In a Lifetime Travel.

Tuscany Bliss | 2017 Group Tours for Women

Andi Brown — Sun, 11 Dec 2016 15:43:36 +0000

I am incredibly excited to announce that our fully guided and all-inclusive 2017 tours for women: Tuscany Bliss. This is a labor of love and collaboration with the passionate and talented couple, Arianna and Alessio of KM Zero Tours.

Time to rejuvenate, explore, connect and indulge. Time to find yourself.

Small Group Tour Details

Our small-group fully escorted week long tour.

Click here to contact us for a booking.

Every day is special.

During this unique Tuscan adventure you will immerse yourself in all things Italy.

Our small group consists of no more than 10 guests which means you will discover Italy intimately and without feeling like just another tourist.

Click here for the daily itinerary and details.

Fully Guided All-Inclusive Small Group Tour for Women

Price: $3600 USD* per person
*Please note that this price is based on double occupancy
**Minimum of 4 guests, maximum 10 guests

Group Tour to Italy Includes:

fully escorted and all-inclusive tour.
All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
7-night accommodation in Tuscany country home
All transportation and tours
All cooking classes and tastings
A comprehensive travel binder with information on pre-travel, packing, Italian culture and regional details
Complete travel planning assistance, including help with airfare booking

Not included: Airfare to and from Florence International Airport (Peretola) is not included.

Highlights of the Tour:

• 8 days/7 nights – Fully inclusive (all accommodations, meals, transfers, excursions and activities)
• Accommodation in a beautiful country home in the Chianti region 
• Spend an unforgettable day hunting and eating delicious fresh truffles 
• Watch local artisans as they share their passion for their craft
• Indulge yourself in delicious olive oil and in the best Tuscan recipes with the legendary Janet and Stefano, olive oil experts and amazing chefs 
• Hands-on culinary experience of the ancient tradition of pizza making 
• Enjoy a professional cooking class with the Slow Food Chef Veronica, learning how to create authentic Tuscan specialties 
• Taste the unique Vernaccia di San Gimignano, the only DOCG white wine in Tuscany 
• Discover how artisanal pasta is made 
• Take inspiring walks in the nature, smelling fresh air and enjoying unforgettable vistas with a good glass of wine in your hand
• Experience unique dinner events like group pizza, polenta and Florentine Steak parties under the Tuscan stars 
• Explore vineyards and out of the way places in the beautiful Tuscan countryside
• Get lost in the beautiful San Gimignano 
• Discover the authentic side of Florence  often overlooked by tourists
• Explore the stunning Chianti Medieval villages Montefioralle and San Donato 
• Slow down and enjoy Italy’s “Dolce Vita” in the green Chianti hills 
• Small group sizes of only up to 10 guests

Who we are:

Once in a Lifetime Travel is a passionately run company focused on mindful and fearless travel through authentic experiences and connections. We feature small, fully

guided group tours to Italy for women

. Our

Italian travel consultant

services feature focused itinerary reviews and detailed

Italy travel planning.

Go Travel, and Travel Fearless.

Andi Brown, Once in a Lifetime Travel

The post Tuscany Bliss | 2017 Group Tours for Women appeared first on Italy Travel Planner | Consultant | Once In a Lifetime Travel.

Top Ten | Travel Memories With My Dad In Italy

Andi Brown — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 15:33:11 +0000

My dad is my great friend and to the disbelief of my old high school self, I have come to realize we are actually quite alike in personality.

Except at some crucial moments when we are traveling.

Over the last few years I have taught my dad the beauty and art of savoring the moment and throwing schedules to the wind. My dad has reminded me that patience with family and a perfect packing job make for a better vacation. Here is my list of favorite travel moments with him. Some good, some bad and some utterly embarrassing. Hey dad, this is pay back for grilling my boyfriends in the living room before they could date me.

10. My parents met me in Rome after a cruise. This was their first time ever in my favorite city on the planet and I couldn’t wait to make the introductions. One of the first things I taught my dad was how to cross the busy streets; walk out with confidence while maintaining eye contact and never hesitating. At his first lesson, I told him to stay close and do what I did. When we got to the other side of the street he turned to my mom and said, “Our daughter has balls of steel!”

9. I have driven a stick shift most of my life and usually have no problem, but on one particular day I was trying to get up a steep gravel road in our excessively weighted down sardine box of a rental. I stalled half way up and couldn’t get the momentum back. My dad saved the day, maneuvering that sorry car up the hill with gravel flying and smoke trailing behind us. I am sure our hosts were wondering what they had gotten into watching our approach from above.

8. Speaking of that cracker jack box of a rental, I had accidentally reserved an economy sized car instead of a compact. Doesn’t sound too bad, right? Not unless you want to take your luggage with you. I stood in front of the car and fought back tears. There was no way we were going to fit four adults, one child with her car seat and our luggage. Then my dad started putting stuff together like a real-life game of Tetris. The ride wasn’t the most luxurious but we didn’t have to leave anyone behind. I know for a fact I could not have done that without him.

Well, hello again

7. My dad has an uncanny sense of direction, maybe it was all the Boy Scout trips of his youth. You can blind fold him, drop him in the middle of nowhere and before you can say Bear Grylls he will have found his way home. Except in Italy. For some reason his internal compass goes awry and I’m not sure if he would be able to find his head if it wasn’t attached. Of course, we didn’t discover this until one fateful night in Rome when my dad was leading the charge toward the Spanish Steps. Instead, we found ourselves repeatedly visiting the Column of Marcus Aurelius. My dad commented that he didn’t realize Rome had so many relief style columns; I commented that I didn’t realize my dad knew how to read a map upside down. Not the best night for the two of us.

6. The issues with directions didn’t end there. Originally, my dad was to be my co-pilot and right hand man in the car. Nothing was farther from the truth and the tension came to a breaking point near Milan as I was demanding to know which exit to take for Lake Como. He was utterly frozen and I was less than kind. My mom decided to chirp in from the back seat (where her sole job was to entertain my daughter) and ‘help’ which only infuriated both of us more. My dad balled up the map and threw it in her face, telling her where she could put it. Mind you, this all happen in front of my four year old and the version found here is toned down for the sake of my readers. The event made a lasting impression on my daughter, and to this day she will ask me to reenact the day Papa threw that map at Nana.

5. For the most part though, travel with my dad has been bonding. One of my favorite things to do with him is go for a morning cappuccino and then spend the rest of the day popping in and out of little cafes for our espresso fixes when my mom isn’t looking.

4. Another great memory is cooking together with my dad after shopping in the morning markets. Sometimes we would make nothing more than cheese and meat platters, other times we would go all out. Once my dad made us steaks cooked over a centuries old hearth in a little villa in Tuscany while I put together a simple Carbonara. Perfection.

3. On that first trip to Rome, I took my dad into the Roman Forum. I can’t explain how touching it was to look over and see him bent down on one knee and weeping over the site of Caesar’s cremation. I knew then he wasn’t the average tourist.

2. His love for Italy and travel in general started on that first trip and then blossomed even further when he returned two years later. Watching him grow to appreciate and love the people and lifestyle of Italy was amazing.

Pants removal not required.

1. I made sure my parents both traveled with their money belts containing everything of value safely tucked beneath the pants and safe from the fingers of pick-pockets. They were instructed on the importance of use and what they should keep stowed inside. What I forgot to mention, because the thought never ever even occurred to me, is that you do not need to remove your pants to access your money belt. Yes, that’s right. I happened to walk into the lobby of our hotel and found my dad in the corner with his pants around his thighs trying to pull a credit card out of his money belt.

Sorry dad, but this one was too good not to share.

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The post Top Ten | Travel Memories With My Dad In Italy appeared first on Italy Travel Planner | Consultant | Once In a Lifetime Travel.