A taste of Tuscany

Experience regional delicacies and culinary delights
While Learning to make traditional Roman and Tuscan dishes
at our villa in San Gimignano.

July 15-22, 2023

Visit charming Tuscan hill towns, learn to make cheese, and enjoy wine and olive oil tastings. 

Tasty Tuscan traditions where history meets cuisine. 

When you arrive, please meet Christian at the bnb:

Relais & Maison Grand Tour (Via Santa Reparata, 21, 50129 Firenze FI).

You can drop your bags off with her and then meet up with Shawnie in the city for a walking tour until it’s time to depart for our villa!

Immersed in the vineyards and olive groves around the historic center of Colle val D'Elsa, on the promontory of a hill, Villa L'Elsa dominates the valley, with its typical Tuscan style,

The villa is delicate and traditional but at the same time equipped with every modern comfort.
The built-in kitchen with the huge hob and the island that will make you want to cook to embrace the Tuscan culture.

A large living room opens onto a huge terrace where at sunset you can enjoy an aperitif in front of an incredible panorama that opens onto the Val d'Elsa and Mount Amiata.
In the backyard, the swimming pool (6’ in the center) with its whirlpool will cool you in the summer and soothe sore muscles from traveling. Pamper yourself in the spa, with the sauna and enjoy a purifying herbal tea.

Villa L’Elsa has 4 levels connected by a central internal staircase that can sleep up to 13 guests.

The rooms on the first and second floors have air conditioning. The bedrooms on the ground floor are equipped with fans, but both thanks to the position and the walls are often cool.

TRAVEL DETAILS

Meet our Guide and chef:

REGISTRATION FORM

PLEASE TYPE CAREFULLY! INACCURATE INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN TRAVEL DELAYS AND/OR CHANGE FEES.

(Please submit one registration form per household -max 2 people per registration form)

F.A.Q.

Will I enjoy this experience if I have dietary restrictions?

Most likely, Yes!
While there may be some dishes that you won’t be able to enjoy, there are almost always other recipes that will cater to your needs.

Vegetarian/Nut allergies: will not be an issue (we can work around this)
Gluten Free: This may be a concern with some dishes, but we may be able to work around this using gluten-free pasta and dough.
Dairy Free: This may be a concern with some dishes, but there will often be alternatives.
Vegan: So sorry, this tour will NOT be a good fit for you.

*Note: No price-reduction will be made for not participating in activities, tastings or meals.

WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE IN Florence?

We suggest arriving in Florence morning or midday. (definitely before 3pm)

This way, you won’t miss the welcome dinner on the first night (or the transfer to our villa in San Gimignano), even if you are slightly delayed.

Is airport transportation included?

No.
Members of the group may be arriving at different times, so we have left this part of the travel up to you.

On our first day, we are all meeting in the city of Florence. Taking a taxi to our meeting location is your responsibility,
On our departure day, though, we will have a transfer north to Florence (from San Gimignano). Depending on your departure time, we may be able to take you to the airport. This is not guaranteed, though. We will work with you to ensure your departure is as smooth as possible.

If you would like us to arrange private transportation for you to/from the airport, we can absolutely assist!
There will be an additional fee for this service.

Can Zone Travel arrange my flight?

Absolutely!

We can assist with booking your flights, but please note that we have an additional fee for this service.
Often times, it is more affordable to book your own airfare (especially if you have points or miles).

DO I HAVE TO WEAR MY MASK THE WHOLE TIME?

At this time, No.

When you are on your own, please follow all local laws-ask your guide if you are unsure about each city's current COVID19 Mask policy.

IS BREAKFAST INCLUDED?

Yes!

We will have light breakfast foods available in our villa, daily.

Can I pay by Zelle?

Yes!

We started taking Zelle payments last month and we found this to be a fast and FREE way to pay!
For those who don’t know what Zelle is… it is very much like a wire transfer (but it is not a wire transfer).

Everyone’s bank is different, though, so you may want to call/go in to your local bank and ask to have the maximum amount available to transfer every day.

Example: Some banks only allow $500/day transfer. Other banks will allow $1200/day.

Always be careful when making payments through Zelle to people that you do not know. There is no protection guarantee provided and you cannot reverse the fee.

The Pros for using Zelle:

• It is FREE (no processing fees)!

• It is instantaneous (funds will go directly to Zone Travel- so this is the absolute fastest way to make a payment)

The Cons for using Zelle:

• Every bank is different when it comes to maximum amount available to be transferred every day. So, this may mean that you need to make multiple payments to Zone Travel, multiple days in a row.

• It does require an app download onto your phone, and you need to set up your account with your bank information.

Can I pay by check?

Yes!

If you would like to avoid the 4%processing fees, you may pay by check.
It is very important that you pay in advance of the deadlines and allow ample time for delivery.

You can make checks payable to “Zone Travel”

Please mail your checks (allowing 3-5 business days for delivery - PRIOR to deadline) to:
Zone Travel
PO Box 12052
Columbus, OH 43212

Payments received after the deadline could result in cancelation of your reservation or increased fees.

Pricing details

price Per Person: 

$3783- Double occupancy
$4983- Single occupancy

(no triple or quad occupancy is available at this time)
*All pricing & availability is subject to change until completed through the booking process. If your vacation package includes airfare, baggage fees may be an additional cost. For international travel, a passport book is required. Most locations require at least 6 months before expiration on your passport, as well as 2 blank visa pages. Please make sure to have the correct and updated documents if applicable. If you have a criminal background, you are responsible for knowing the travel restrictions pertaining to the offense.
**Prices based on a minimum of 8 people traveling.

INCLUDED IN THE QUOTE

• Ground Transportation

  • Ground Transportation listed in the itinerary above

• Villa accommodations

  • Villa L’Elsa

• Meals

  • Breakfast daily

    • light breakfast foods (pastries, fruit, coffee, tea and juices)

  • (4) Lunches

  • (7) Dinners

• Tours and Tastings

  • listed in the itinerary above

NOT INCLUDED

• Incidental charges 

• International/Domestic flights

• Airport Transportation

• Services NOT mentioned in package and those referred to as “Added Cost”

• 4% processing fee per payment (if paying w/credit card)

• Local taxis (that are not listed in the itinerary)

• All meals/beverages (unless specifically listed as “included” in the itinerary)

• Tips

  • Local guides and drivers (recommended at least $5/pp/day)

  • Guide/Chef (recommended at least $100/pp)

• Optional Travel Insurance *DUE AT TIME OF BOOKING- PLEASE REVIEW THE DETAILS OF EACH PLAN THOROUGHLY

  • Basic (starting at $64)

    • Please Note: This plan does NOT include epidemic or pandemic-related illness, individually-ordered quarantine, and denied boarding.

  • Cancel for Anytime (starting at $118)

    • Please Note: Under certain conditions, covered reasons for some benefits of this plan include epidemic or pandemic-related illness, individually-ordered quarantine, and denied boarding.

  • Other insurance options are available, if you have questions or want more coverage options, please let us know at time of booking.

SUGGESTED PAYMENT SCHEDULE

There are three payment options available to you. 
*Payment schedule does not include insurance costs. Insurance is due with initial payment. 

Option 1: Full payment (plus insurance)- due upon receipt.
(Most affordable overall)

*Please keep in mind, a 4% processing fee will be charged at time of payment if paying with credit card. (this has not been included in the costs.)

Option 2: Monthly payments
Payments will be split between the remaining months prior to payment deadline (April 1, 2023)


(There will be a one time $50 fee per person, in addition to a 10% admin fee per payment for this delayed payment option)
NOTE: If you choose the Cancel Anytime insurance, it will be due with your first payment. If you choose Basic insurance, you can choose to add that payment on at any time prior to departure of your trip; however, please note that you will not be covered for any changes or cancelations until you purchase this policy. It is illegal to purchase insurance with the knowledge and intent that you will be changing or canceling your trip.)

*Please keep in mind, a 4% processing fee will be charged at time of payment if paying with credit card. (this has not been included in the costs.)

REGISTRATION 

• A completed registration form (one per household -max 2 people per registration form)

  • If you have more than 2 people from the same household going on this trip, please fill out multiple forms, as the maximum per form is 2 people.

FINAL PAYMENT

• Payments not received on time will result in reservation cancellation without refund.

• Additional bookings after the final payment deadline may result in higher prices, less availability and additional administrative fees.

• Fee amounts imposed are at the discretion of Zone Travel.

CANCELLATION

Cancellation in writing must be received by Zone Travel 60 days prior to departure for appropriate refund on the land tour cost minus the following fees:

• Commissions and Travel insurance are non-refundable.

Zone Travel LLC and its cooperative destination incur unrecoverable charges preparing for your trip therefore, no refunds if cancellations occur less than 60 days before departure. Cancellations more than 60 days prior to departure are based on individual group bookings per the outlined confirmation document you receive.

We sell a variety of travel related products from different suppliers and service providers ("Suppliers"). Each Supplier has its own terms and condition that are applicable to your particular arrangements in addition to our general terms and conditions, and you should make sure you understand them.

Zone Travel is acting as intermediary or a "Booking Agent" for products and services that are not directly supplied by us (e.g., air carriage and ground transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, tours, cruises, etc.). We are not a co-vendor of such products and services. You will be entering into a separate contract with such Suppliers in connection with such products and services.

By making payments to Zone Travel for this trip you are agreeing to all Terms and Conditions listed on the Zone Travel website.

Vendor Cancel policy: Each vendor has their own policies, which we have to apply. This information may vary and is listed in full detail on the contract signed for each vendor.

WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Travel Insurance

TRAVEL INSURANCE - AVAILABLE FOR ALL USA CITIZENS - DUE WITH INITIAL PAYMENT

Zone Travel LLC strongly suggests purchasing Trip Cancellation insurance. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider as most U.S. medical coverage will not cover you outside of the country.

Insurance costs are based on the total package cost, including air taxes and charges listed under "Included."

Approximate amounts can be given at time of reservation in order to purchase the appropriate amount of insurance.

BASIC PLAN:

The Basic Plan is so affordable you can have your fun and protect it too - all while staying within your budget. The plan has a wide-variety of covered reasons for trip cancellation and interruption, and it can also include coverage for existing medical conditions so you can book your trip with complete confidence.
Please Note: This plan does NOT include epidemic or pandemic-related illness, individually-ordered quarantine, and denied boarding.

Trip Cancellation: Trip Cost

Trip Interruption: Trip Cost

Emergency Medical/Dental Coverage: $10,000.00

Emergency Medical Transportation: $50,000.00

Baggage Coverage: $500.00

Baggage Delay: $200.00

Travel Delay: $300.00

24-Hour Hotline Assistance: Included

CANCEL ANYTIME: 
(NY RESIDENTS-PLEASE ENQUIRE ABOUT SIMILAR OPTIONS)

The Cancel Anytime Plan gives you the extra flexibility of knowing you can cancel your trip for almost any unforeseen reason that the Classic plan does not already cover at 100% and receive 80% of your non-refundable trip costs back. It includes benefits like trip cancellation protection, primary emergency medical benefits, 24-hour travel assistance, and more. This plan also has SmartBenefitsSM that can pay you proactively and simplify your claims process with no receipts required. Under certain conditions, covered reasons for some benefits of this plan include epidemic or pandemic-related illness, individually-ordered quarantine, and denied boarding.
Please note: This plan must be purchased within 14 days of your initial trip deposit and must cover the full non-refundable trip cost ($10,000 maximum). You could also be eligible for pre-existing condition exclusion waiver if all requirements are met (please refer to plan documents for details).
Important information about this plan: Plan charge includes costs of insurance benefits and assistance services. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, your plan excludes losses due to that condition unless you qualify for a waiver under the terms of your plan. See Plan and Pricing Details for more information.

Trip Cancellation: Trip Cost

Trip Interruption: Trip Cost

Emergency Medical/Dental Coverage: $25,000.00

Emergency Medical Transportation: $500,000.00

Baggage Coverage: $1,000.00

Baggage Delay: $300.00

Change Fee Coverage: $500.00

Loyalty Program Redeposit Fee Coverage: $500.00

Travel Delay: $800.00

24 Hour Hotline Assistance Plus: Included