Dear valued guest,
Thank you very much for choosing Keyrow Tours, a family company specializing in small group travel for over 20 years.
Our aim is to provide a unique and authentic experience of Italy, that exceeds personal hopes and expectations. We believe that we achieve that goal by focusing on immersive cultural experiences, such as local food and wine tastings, hands-on cooking classes, guided tours of historical sites, and interactions with locals. Of course we visit the main attractions on all of our trips, but we especially love to explore off-the-beaten-path places that capture the essence of Italy and our imagination.
Thank you again for choosing Keyrow Tours. We are delighted to host this extraordinary trip with you. Our time together will be recreational, educational, and experiential…with memories to last a lifetime. Please contact us with any questions, and know that we remain at your service. "Andiamo!" ("Let's Go!").
With kind regards,
Paolo C. Carman, Founder
Centrally located historic hotels (double room occupancy)
All ground and sea transportation
to museums and special events such as cooking classes and wine tastings
Daily
daily exquisite traditional main meals with local wine
with your personal Keyrow host
optional
“What is the fatal charm of Italy? What do we find there that can be found nowhere else? I believe it is a certain permission to be human, which other places, other countries, lost long ago.”
Erica Jong
Your home in the Tuscan hills is surrounded by olive orchards and vineyards. Complete with a swimming pool, private chef and butler... this is a perfect short getaway or launching point to explore more of Italy on your own!
In conjunction with Uniworld Travel (Endicott, NY), Keyrow Tours is pleased to make all flight arrangements, including primary flights originating from anywhere in the United States and international flights. We will depart from a major international airport located on the east coast of the United States [usually JFK (NY) or Philadelphia (PA)] and fly into Florence, Italy with one international layover. Transportation to and from your primary airport of departure is each person’s responsibility.
Paolo Carman is the founder, owner and director of Keyrow Tours, a family-run company which offers creative excursions for intimate sized groups.
Paolo has earned post-graduate degrees in Spirituality and Canon Law from the University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome (Italy). Having worked for the Vatican's Scavi Office for over 25 years, he shared the extraordinary archeological excavations beneath St. Peter's Basilica with guests from all over the world. Paolo has traveled extensively through 27 countries on 5 continents, and is now thrilled to pass on his love of history, cuisine and culture by hosting Keyrow guests in regions throughout Italy. He makes his home in a Central NY farmhouse dating back to the Civil War, along with his wife, Heather, the kitten gang and a host of native wildlife. Facilitating a powerful and transformational experience for Keyrow guests is a continuation of his lifelong commitment to serving others.
“Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow”
– Anita Desai
After passport control and collecting our luggage, private minivans will carry us to our private Tuscan villa…
3 minivans... included
Because our rooms will not be ready this early, we will travel from the airport directly to lunch at a neighboring winery. Nothing better that hitting the ground running with a little wine tasting! :)
Appetizer: Vegetable flan with a light cheese sauce
First course: Ricotta and spinach gnudi pasta with butter and sage, topped with cheese shavings
Dessert: Chocolate cake
We are delighted to welcome you to the rolling hills and enchanting countryside of Tuscany, where life’s simple pleasures are celebrated with elegance and style.
Our home for this unforgettable journey is a luxurious private villa, Villa di Paolo perfectly situated in a peaceful and secluded setting. This villa will be our sanctuary as we explore, unwind, and immerse ourselves in the timeless beauty of Tuscany.
The villa’s estate comprises two thoughtfully designed structures:
Please note that room assignments are made randomly, though we strive to keep families and friends close together. All accommodations at the villa are designed to provide comfort, privacy, and a restful retreat after our days exploring Tuscany’s treasures.
Welcome to the glorious hills and countryside of the Tuscany Region, where simple pleasures are elevated to an art form. Our home for the next six nights is a beautiful private Tuscan villa, situated in a charming and secluded setting. Our villa will be an oasis as we explore, celebrate and enjoy the bounty of Tuscany.
These are some images of our actual villa...
DINNER AT THE VILLA
“Traveling forces you to lose sight of all the familiar comforts of home. Nothing is yours except the essential things – air, sleep, dreams, the sea, the sky – all things tending towards the eternal or what we imagine of it.”
Cesare Pavese
BREAKFAST AT THE VILLA
The historic center of Siena has been declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site. It is one of the nation's most visited attractions, and is famous for its cuisine, art, museums, medieval cityscape and the Palio, a horse race that is held twice a year.
Siena, like other Tuscan hill towns, was first settled in the time of the Etruscans (c. 900– 400 BC).
According to local legend, Siena was founded by Senius and Aschius, two sons of Remus and thus the nephews of Romulus, after whom Rome was named. Legend has it that after their father was murdered by Romulus, they fled Rome, taking with them the statue of the she-wolf suckling the infants and appropriating that symbol for the town.
The most famous daughter of this important medieval city is Saint Catherine of Siena: a medieval mystic, poet and feminist-figure of her time. We will learn about Saint Catherine over lunch… and why she referred to God as an “inebriated lover.” Cheers!
HAPPY HOUR/DINNER AT THE VILLA
“To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the most pleasant sensations in the world. You are surrounded by adventure”
– Freya Stark
BREAKFAST AT THE VILLA
Guide, Tickets and gratuity included.
MEETING POINT: Piazza Republica at the Hotel Savoy
Adriana (Adri) Faust Bianchi was born to American and Italian parents in Florence, Italy. Early in her in career, she taught English and Italian for extended periods of time in Sweden and in Great Britain, where she feels very much at home. Adri has worked extensively in the luxury travel industry. She currently resides in Florence, and operates a successful business as a licensed tour guide in the Tuscan region, welcoming visitors from all over the world. A proud mother of two young adult daughters, Adri's passions include travel, hiking, horses, photography, Renaissance art and her beloved city of Florence. Adri has worked for Keyrow Tours for over a decade, making the enchanted vistas of Florence come alive for Keyrow guests. She looks forward to expanding her role to include hosting new adventures beyond the Tuscan sun.
Ponte Vecchio, translated, means “The Old Bridge.” This historic bridge that crosses the Arno River is laden with gold and diamond shops. Conveniently located just around the corner from our hotel, shoppers…this one’s for you!
This is Florence’s central square. See the Palazzo Signoria (Florence’s City Hall since the reign of the Medici’s), the outdoor Loggia contains ancient Roman, Greek and Renaissance statuary, including Celini’s famous bronze of Persius holding Medusa’s severed head.
Built in the Middle Ages, the original architects left it uncompleted in a sheer act of faith: a large hole in its roof awaited a dome long before the technology existed to span such a distance. No Problema! Brunelleschi’s dome eventually completed the structure, becoming Michelangelo’s model for St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican and the model for the future U.S. Capitol.
Enjoy incredible Renaissance artwork including Michelangelo’s monolithic statue of David and his famous series of “Prisoners” designed for Pope Julius II’s tomb in Rome
TICKETS WILL APPEAR HERE:
Where are we going for dinner? "Follow Paolo!"
Take a day to unwind and embrace the tranquility of our Tuscan villa. Stroll through the picturesque countryside, where centuries-old olive groves and vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see, evoking the agricultural traditions of the region. Enjoy the villa’s luxurious amenities—lounge by the pool or simply find a quiet spot to savor a good book and a glass of local vino. This is a day to recharge and fully immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Tuscany.
70 euros per hour to be pre-paid directly to Paolo.
My name is Elisa and I am 30 years old. I was born and raised in Florence, with two lovely parents and a younger sister. You may have met my mom Adri, your guide in Florence! As a baker and pastry cook, experience in high level restaurants and hotels has taught me to be determined to learn and discover more. Join me (and my passion for food), all in the comfort of my own kitchen.. Together we will make biscotti!!!
Price dependent on participants
In the glorious hills and countryside of the Tuscany Region, simple pleasures are elevated to an art form. This afternoon we cook with a local chef and celebrate the bounty of Tuscany!
“A journey is best measured in friends, not in miles”
– Tim Cahill
BREAKFAST AT THE VILLA
The Medieval and Renaissance village of Montepulciano is one of the most attractive hills towns in Tuscany. It is built on the ridge of Monte Poliziano, and its main street stretches for 11.5 kilometers from the Porta al Prato to the Piazza Grande at the top of the hill. The cathedral was built in 1619, and the castle of Montepulciano was first mentioned as a fortified center in the year 715. Of course Montepulciano is famous for not just one, but two excellent wines: Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Rosso di Montepulciano. For those who partake in the fruit of the vine, you will have the opportunity to try both!
Bruschetta Selection
Pici pasta with Garlic
Pork Loin with Baked Potatoes
Cantucci and Vino Santo
Tasting of 3 wines: Rosso di Montepulciano, Nobile di Montepulciano, Riserva
Nestled between the towns of Montepulciano and Montalcino, this small village was rebuilt by Pope Pius II who was born there, as the ideal Renaissance city and as a retreat for the Pope from Rome. It produces some of the best Pecorino cheese in the world which we will sample! Pienza is known for its annual Pecorino tossing contest. Pass the Pecorino, per favore!
Lunch was huge today!
The chef will leave soup and salad for you to prepare for yourselves... We will kindly clean up afterwards.
Just outside Florence, we will offer our respects to over 4,000 American service men and women who paid the ultimate price during the Second World War.
Explore this quaint Tuscan village
Tenuta Torciano has been producing wine and olive oil since 1720, a tradition passed down through generations of the Giachi family. With its panoramic views of rolling hillsides, vineyards, and olive groves, this estate offers an idyllic setting. A family member will guide us through the art of wine making and the science of wine tasting and pairing. Enjoy a sumptuous luncheon featuring local, organic ingredients, offering a true taste of Tuscany’s culinary heritage. Buon appetito...
San Gimignano is known as the “Manhattan of Tuscany” because of its many medieval towers that look like skyscrapers from a distance. 15 minutes from Tenuta Torciano, this is a charming town. Visit its central square, stroll into numerous shops, or dare to walk into the Medieval Torture Museum…we will have about two hours to enjoy this gem in the heart of Tuscany. Sample some wild boar meat while you’re here!
“As with circling round of turrets, Monteriggioni crowns his walls; E’en thus the shore, encompassing the abyss, Was turreted with giants, half their length Uprearing, horrible, whom Jove from heaven Yet threatens, when his muttering thunder rolls.”
Dante Alighieri, Hell, canto XXXI, lines 40-45
BREAKFAST AT THE VILLA
Pisa is a legendary city and one of the most famous in this region of Italy. Located on the western coast of Italy, Pisa is only 20 minutes from the Ligurian Sea and has great transport links to Florence, Livorno and La Spezia.
During the 11th century and onwards Pisa rose to prominence and became one of the major maritime republics of Italy. During the Middle Ages Pisa was involved in various battles and played an important role in the wars and feuds. Today the city still maintains its ports and this accounts for much of its economy. Enjoy historic buildings such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa as well as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta…
Pisa is a legendary city and one of the most famous in this region of Italy. Located on the western coast of Italy, Pisa is only 20 minutes from the Ligurian Sea and has great transport links to Florence, Livorno and La Spezia.
During the 11th century and onwards Pisa rose to prominence and became one of the major maritime republics of Italy. During the Middle Ages Pisa was involved in various battles and played an important role in the wars and feuds. Today the city still maintains its ports and this accounts for much of its economy. Enjoy historic buildings such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa as well as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta…
Lucca is one of the cities most loved all of Tuscany. Located on a plain at the foot of the Apuan Alps and is less than half an hour from the coast of Versilia. Since it isn't a hilltop village, it is ideal for anyone with mobility issues as well as for anyone wishing to take a break from climbing…
Most of the attractions in Lucca today show its ancient history: from traces of the Roman amphiteater that can be seen in the shape of the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, to the various towers and villas from the 12th to 16th centuries.
The walls that surrounded the old town were maintained eventually lost their military importance… but today serve as a scenic pedestrian promenade, today one of Lucca's main attractions.
HAPPY HOUR AND DINNER AT THE VILLA
BREAKFAST AT THE VILLA
For those returning home to the USA, we wish you safe travels!
We may explore flying out of Florence, but it will not be direct. There will be one international connecting flight. Options will be discussed.
