How it got started
After a well-received and successful ElbaNostra trial trip I put together in autumn 2020, I then met and showed around with pleasure the last European visitors in my home town of Florence, until the restrictions became tighter and the museums and monuments were shut down again.
That was when it dawned on me that the area where I have lived for over 20 years is an ideal destination close to home, wonderful hilly countryside with a wide choice of marked and unmarked hiking trails, in the immediate vicinity of Florence. A lucky discovery!
With enthusiasm and focus I have walked all the paths within 20 km of my house, admiring the wonderful landscape of hills, mountains and valleys. I have glimpsed stone farmhouses that have remained unchanged, medieval castles, and villages with their Romanesque country churches, called pievi in Italian. I have crossed hidden bridges in the woods, walked past wonderful historic villas, through olive groves and vineyards, in the woods with their autumn colors, and along quiet streams, allowing myself to be enchanted by the fragrance of the evergreen shrubs and plants known as Mediterranean maquis.
All this had always been there, right outside my door, with the city of Florence visible down in the valley. I had always known and appreciated it, but have now, with time on my hands, discovered a new potential, an alternative when closures necessitate new ideas.
In the past years I have guided travelers from all over the world through Florence and to other well-known areas of Tuscany, without even realizing that the most beautiful landscape is around the city itself, and that it is easily accessible on foot.
Now that I have thoroughly explored this fascinating area, really close to Florence, I would like to share its beauty with people like you looking for authentic wonderful places to experience. I would love to show you my local countryside of Villamagna in the municipality of Bagno a Ripoli, where you’d stay in a private apartment of Agriturismo Villa Violeta, a recently renovated farmhouse in the countryside. Being close by, I could devote more time to you. You’d be able to stroll to my home before or after walks and excursions where I’d invite you to relax in my living room, cook together in my kitchen, or eat in my garden while enjoying views of Florence. Truly experiencing an authentic homey Tuscan lifestyle.
Every day I will walk with you through the surrounding hills, pausing at the most beautiful places, stopping at a bottega for a snack or a typical trattoria for a lunch of local dishes.
It’s also possible to spend one of your days visiting Florence with me where I can show you its wealth of significant sites. Or if you’re already familiar with the city we can always explore its lesser known corners.
Another one of your days you could visit a historic winery off the beaten path, tasting their wines as well as local delicacies. One of your evenings I’d like you to dine with a Florentine family in a private home.
At my home I offer an apericena in the vineyard and even a cooking class with Tuscan dishes.
This specialized kind of trip and accommodation is meant for people who like to travel individually, experiencing the local culture, at a relaxing pace. My aim is to impart a sense of serenity, a feeling of belonging, absorbing the atmosphere effortlessly.
