This is the best aspect of our job: consolidating our friendship with you.
Here are some of the testimonials we collected from our guests who stayed with us ...

This is an email we received on 23rd August 2010 from Heike, who looked for a last minute accommodation in Tuscany during her last holidays:

Liebe Arianna,

heute ist mein erster Tag wieder im Büro und ich möchte mich noch einmal ganz herzlich für Ihre Unterstützung bei meiner Rundreise durch die Toskana bedanken. Ich komme bestimmt bald wieder und werde das nächste Mal bereits im voraus planen. Die Gegend um Suvereto hat mir auch sehr gut gefallen. Vielleicht gibt es dort auch eine Unterkunft mit Pferden, am liebsten Westernpferden.

Wir sind bei unserer Reise noch bis Pomorance gekommen und dann über das Voltera Tal wieder zurück ans Meer.

Also liebe Arianna nochmals vielen Dank für Ihre Hilfe und bis bald

Heike

This is an email we received on 7th July 2010 from Laurie, a teacher who took her class to Tuscany for a weekly cultural tour to all historical towns:

Hi Massimo,
Just a quick note to let you know how much we all loved our trip.
Mainly thanks to you. When anyone asks Paul how the trip was all he talks about is "Massimo"! Everything was GREAT, Tatiana's, Angy's, the tours, the food, the cooking lesson, the bus. I will have to write this on Arianna and Friends facebook page!
The trip home went smoothly and we returned to a heat wave here. So between jet lag and the heat it's been a hard adjustment being back home. I've been going through my photos and will send some to you soon. Of course I wish I had taken al lot more....It was a trip the kids and I will never forget.
Hope all is well in Peccioli!
Talk soon, Laurie

Laurie and her students visited
our organic cheese farm »

This is an email we received on 15th June 2010 from Ellen and Lex, who spent a relaxing week in Tuscany learning Italian with Massimo:

Buena sera Massimo,

Come va?

This time in English as I've been that busy as well.
I also have been too busy to realise time is flying indeed, but so it is.
Thank you for the invoices.
Furthermore : we had an interesting time with you and are glad to have met with you.
Our training has been a success and we are now in the proces of self studying based upon NL-IT and vica versa. We have been talking about a follow up course with you next year and will come back in due time.

Well Ellen and me wanted to thank you once again, we wish you all the best and we'll be in touch

Cordiali saluti della Olandese

Lex & Ellen

PS: Next time (not tomorrow but soon!!) my email will be in Italian

Ellen and Lex took some private lessons of Italian at their farm in Tuscany »

This is an email we received on 7th June 2010 from Elisa, who took 50 girls on a school trip to one of our farms for an exciting cooking class with focus on pasta making:

Dear Arianna,

Thank you so much for the fantastic day you provided for the girls last week. It really was the highlight of their trip, one girl texted home that day and said 'this is the best day of my life'. You can't ask for more praise than that.
Lots of the girls were saying that as soon as they got home they were going to make pasta and tiramasu! They were impressed!

If I can do anything for you in terms of reccommendations please let me know. When we return in two years I will be asking you to provide the same if that is ok.

Thank you again. Everything about the day was so professional and so fantastic.

Love

Elisa x

Elisa and her groups visited did a cooking class at our organic cheese farm »

This is an email we received on 1st June 2010 from Gianna, who spent a week in Tuscany with her beautiful family:

Dear Arianna, Massimo, and friends!

You were a great help in making our trip a success! We really appreciated the last minute accommodation arrangements. And the whole group had a great time with the olive oil and dairy tour and then the market tour and cooking class. We learned a lot about tuscan food and wine, had great fun, and ate wonderful, local food. Rafael already made the mushroom bruschetta are we are looking forward to trying to replicate the carciofi risotto and veal in chianti.

Mille Grazie e Ciao,
Gianna

Gianna booked a private cooking class delivered to her villa by us »


Gianna and her family visited our organic cheese farm »

This is an email sent to us on 28th May 2010 by Stefanie and Thorsten, a nice German couple who experienced our cooking class with Arianna:

Liebe Arianna,

unser Aufenthalt bei euch hat uns sehr gut gefallen! Leider gingen die paar Tage wieder viel zu schnell vorbei…
Im Anhang - wie versprochen - die Fotos von unserem gemeinsamen Kochabend.

Viele Grüße - auch an Ester,
Steffi und Thorsten

Stefanie and Thorsten did a cooking class at the farm with us »

This is an email sent to us on 25th May 2010 by Thomas from Germany, die who did 2 cooking classes and a cheese tasting tour with Massimo in Spring:

Hallo Massimo,

endlich komme ich mal dazu Dir ein paar Zeilen zu schreiben.

Nochmals vielen Dank für die schönen Tage in der Toskana!
Ihr habt das wirklich sehr gut organisiert!
Inzwischen habe ich auch ein paar Bilder bei Facebook eingestellt.
Zum Wochenende habe ich den Dinkelsalat mit Gambas und das kaffeefreie Tiramisu nachgekocht. Die Schüsseln waren wie ausgeleckt, es muß also gut geschmeckt haben! Mal sehen was ich als nächstes versuche...

Viele Grüße auch an Esther,
Thomas

Thomas experienced a cooking class at the farm with us »

This is an email sent to us on 27th April 2010 by Davide, who spent a weekend in Tuscany and booked a breathtaking quad excursion in the woods:

Buongiorno, devo ringraziarla perl lo splendido week end che mi ha fatto passare.
L'agriturismo era confortevole, la camera molto spaziosa e confortevole e le indicazioni per raggiungerlo molto precise.
Le terme a villa borri sono state molto rilassanti e suggestive.
Del tour in quad che dire... SPETTACOLO! Ci siamo divertiti come due bambini al parco giochi, Marco è una persona squisita, gentilissimo e molto competente, torneremo sicuramente.
L'unica cosa, se posso darvi un consiglio, nelle indicazioni per raggiungere il quad tour potreste precisare che quando si trova sulla sinistra un cartello con indicato quad tours ecc... si è giunti a destinazione, bisogna quindi parcheggiare a bordo strada ed entrare dal cancello a piedi. Lo dico perchè io prima di chiamere Marco e farmelo spiegare mi sono infilato un po' in tutte le case del vicinato...
Grazie ancora e speriamo di risentirci presto per un nuovo week end di relax ed avventura.
Davide

See further details about our quad excursions in Tuscany »

This is an email sent to us on 19th April 2010 by Sapnoti and her husband, a very nice young couple from India who shared two cooking lessons with Massimo:

Dear Massimo,

Karthik and I want to thank you and the whole family at Giuseppe's for the wonderful time we had in Italy. We cant stop talking about the trip to all our friends. We have already started trying to cook some simple pasta and later we hope to cook gnocchi and ravioli. Thanks to you and Carla for making the classes so enjoyable. It was a pleasure spending time with both of you.

Please thank Giuseppe for letting us stay at the farmhouse. We felt quite pampered during our stay there. And a big thanks to Pedro for being such a lovely escort. We enjoyed travelling around Tuscany on the vespa. You told us so much about the history and culture of Tuscany that we almost felt like locals. After your recommendations and directions from Giuseppe we successfully made it to many more towns than we had planned. Karthik and I agree that San Gimignano is our favourite town in Tuscany. Of course, the fantastic ice-cream may be affecting our judgement :-)

I attach a few pictures that we had taken during our trip. The first few are of the cooking classes. The next is of Karthik with his new love, the vespa. The second last is of Pedro trying to chew Karthik's shoes. And the last one of me in Volterra.

Although we dont have any immediate plans, but we do know that this was not our last trip to Italy. Thanks again

Ciao,
Sapnoti & Karthik

Sapnoti & Karthnik did a cooking class at the farm with us »

This is an email sent to us on 15th April 2010 by Alessandra, who spent a lovely weekend in one of our farmstays near Volterra:

Salve Consuelo

scuse per il ritardo nella risposta.
Siamo stati molto bene, l'accoglienza fantastica, persone gentili, educate e allo stesso tempo 'alla mano'. CI siamo sentiti subito a casa. Il cibo di 'personalità forte' era di primissima qualità, porzioni abbondanti - io ho dovuto chiedere di diminuire le mie porzioni poiché non riuscivo proprio a finire tutte le portate e volevo assaggiare tutto.
Noi abbiamo scelto il vino della casa, che dire scende come succo di frutta e non lascia traccia il giorno dopo *meraviglioso*

L'azienda agricola dov'è situato il palazzo che ospita le stanze è molto bella, viene da ripetere ancora accogliente.
Per ciò che volevamo io ed il mio compagno il fatto di essere sotto scarsa copertura di telefono e internet era un vantaggio, una situazione voluta.

La camera a noi assegnata, daltronde come tutto il resto, molto curata nei particolari. Il fatto di essere strutturata per poter accogliere le persone con necesssità particolari ci ha un po spiazzati con gli spazi (tipo non siamo più abituati a doccia aperta o ad alcuni spazi tanto vuoti), ma questo non ci ha rovinato il soggiorno.

Il meteo non è stato molto gentile, e neanche questo è riuscito a rovinare il nostro soggiorno.

Io spero di tornarci presto, sempre in bassa stagione quando si può avere tante chiacchiere con i gestori, veramente simpatici.

Un saluto
Alessandra

See further details of the property Federica »

This is an email sent to us on 4th April 2010 by Massimo and Roberta, who spent their Easter holidays in our property Maria Teresa:

Buonasera,vorremmo ringraziarvi per averci fatto trascorrere una pasqua bellissima all'agriturismo di Maria Teresa. Un posto meraviglioso e un atmosfera molto romantica.
Grazie ancora e a presto.Massimo e Roberta

See further details of the property Maria Teresa »

This is an email sent to us on 22nd February 2010 by Romina, who spent a romantic weekend in one of our agriturismos with her boyfriend:

COMPLIMENTI PER LA SCELTA DELL'AGRITURISMO. MOLTO BELLO IL POSTO E LORO SONO MOLTO ACCOGLIENTI ED IL MANGIARE E' SPETTACOLARE! :) SIAMO STATI MOLTO BENE!

This is an email we received on 1st February 2010 from Sarah and Steven, who spent a day with us in a truffle hunting excursion and in a cooking class:

Hi Arianna and Massimo,

We came to Italy in December and did a cooking class with Licia at her home and also did the truffle hunting too.
We have arrived home and I just wanted to say a HUGE thank you for the experience. It truly was fabulous. We had a great time and have told everyone about it.
I was wondering if you would be able to send us some pictures of our cooking class? We love to have some for our album.
Also, I seem to have missed a note in our cooking class - do you know how much water you are supposed to put in to make your own pasta? It's 200g of flour etc etc… but how much water?
Thank you again and we hope you use your services again in the future if we travel to Italy again.

Kind regards,

Sarah and Steven
Queensland, Australia

Sarah and Steven experienced a cooking class at Licia's house with us »

Sarah and Steven enjoyed our truffle hunting tour in the Pisan Hills »

This is an email we received on 10th January 2010 from Peter and Samantha, who booked a day excursion on Vespa scooter throughout Tuscany on their cruiseship stop at Livorno port:

Arianna,

I wanted to thank you again for the wonderful experience my wife and I had in Tuscany in October 2009. The tour you and your fantastic staff arranged for us during our brief stay in tuscany was memorable and unforgettable.
We were picked up and driven to Pontadera (Home of Vespa) for a tour of the Vespa Museum and then jumped on our vespa to tour the countryside of Tuscany on our own (with a little help from your laminated directions).
I want you to know that that day was the absolute highlight of our entire Mediteranean cruise and one day which will be with us both forever.
I look forward to our next visit to your beautiful part of the world and I guarentee that I will be in contact with you and your staff as soon as arrangements are made to travel.
I will not hesitate to recommend you and your tours to all of my friends and work collegues as it was a wonderful experience for us both.
Regards and best wishes,

Peter and Samantha
Sydney
Australia

These are two emails we received on 7th and 14th January 2010 from Stacey and Marty, who booked an olive oil, cheese & salami tasting tour in Tuscany with us:

Hello and Happy New Year!

This note is to thank Massimo for a WONDERFUL morning and afternoon at the olive oil factory and organic cheese fam near Volterra! We had a great time and I cannot stop thinking about what a wonderful experience it was. We enjoyed every minute of it and feel like we got a true slice of Tuscany while we were with you. I hope you will call us if you are ever visiting Philadelphia!

Best Regards for a Happy & Prosperous New Year!

Stacey & Marty
Bristol, PA, USA

-----

Hi! Thanks for your note.

We keep telling stories of our experience on the farm! It was so memorable. And the olive oil we purchased as gifts for friends is receiving rave reviews!

We'd love to take you to dinner in Philadelphia, so do let us know when you plan to be in the US.

Buon Anno to you too!
Stacey

Stacey and Martin met us for a private olive oil, cheese
and salami tasting tour in the area of Volterra»

This is an email we received on 5th November 2009 from Leslie, who stayed in our agriturismo Elisa and experienced a half-day cooking class at the farm with us:

Hello Conseulo.
We had a wonderful time at the Agriturismo Elisa. Our apartment was amazing and very roomy for four people. It was the most comfortable place we stayed in Europe. We enjoyed visiting the hill towns of Volterra, San Gimignano and Lucca. The highlight of our trip was the cooking class with Chef Carla and translator Massimo. They were both very warm and welcoming, and the dinner we made was wonderful. I will recommend your services to my friends, family.... and anyone I know who plans to visit Italy!

Massimo promised to send us recipes of the dishes we made, if we contacted him through Arianna and Friends. Could you please forward my email address to him, so that we can receive the recipes? Thank you so much.

Leslie

Leslie experienced a cooking class at Elisa's farmhouse with us »

Leslie and her group of friends booked a holiday at Elisa's through us »

This is a letter sent to Arianna on 19th October 2009 from Merete and Johan from Norway, who organized a student exchange program of a month in Tuscany with us. The project was part of the Leonardo da Vinci European Program. The best students of a Norwegian culinary school were invited to practice in excellent restaurants of Tuscany.

GRAZIE

TUSEN TAKK - THANK YOU VERY MUCH

Thank you very much for taking part in this project. Would not have been possible without you!

Your way of "thinking ahead" and finding solutions before things become a problem - makes everything seem so easy - BUT just want you to know that we know it takes experience and skills and the right attitude to work like you do.

Your friendliness - your working capacity - your organizing skills - YOU - made this a wonderful experience for both us and the students!

Looking forward to working with you in the future - and seeing you in Norway in 2010

Kind regards
The Norwegian project team

Merete & Johan
International coordinator Head of Department Restaurant Trades

This is an email we received on 17th October 2009 from Signe and Anders, who stayed in Pisa and took a half-day wine tasting tour to the Pisan hills with us:

Hi Arianna and friends,
We want to thank you for a fantastic wine tour last week! Massimo was a excellent guide with a lot of knowledge about the vineyards we were visiting, and very pleasant to speak with:)
You will definately be recommended to everyone we know who wants to go to Tuscany, and we ourselves is concidering a holiday on a vineyard for the next time we are going.
We hope to keep in touch.
Best regards,
Signe & Anders from Denmark

This is an email we received on 17th October 2009 from Lynne, who booked accommodation in Tuscany trough us:

Hi Arianna,
We enjoyed our stay at Il Seminario very much, Paolo was an excellent host and did everything he could to make our stay comfortable. Our room was exceptionally clean and comfortable
Kind Regards
Lynne

This is an email we received on 17th October 2009 from Nicoletta, who took a holiday package with us for her father and his lover:

Ciao a tutte, sono Nicoletta e volevo ringraziarVi per la gentile collaborazione con il viaggio organizzato a mio padre e la sua compagna.
Sono stati davvero molto bene e gli è piaciuto tutto. Mi hanno fatto tanti complimenti che giro ovviamente a voi.

Vi ringrazio molto per l'attenzione cordiali saluti.
Nicoletta

This is a comment on TRIP ADVISOR that we received on 12th October 2009:

We booked a tour with Arianna and Friends to do a cooking class with our teenage son and my wife and stayed at Il Selvino. The entire experience was exceptional, the room was clean and spacious, the large pool amongst the pine trees was exceptional as was the overall setting. However more than that the family that runs Il Selvino were the wonderful. The cooking experience with Esther and Arianna was a tremendous experience. Our son wants to be a chef so this was a part of the holiday he was really looking forward to but we all had a wonder ful time, learned lots and shared a wonderful experience with people who genuinely cared about your trip.
The farm house served as a good base for exploring the area - Volterra, Lucca, wineries, and even the highly anticlimactic Piza. Great mornings of exploring and then afternoons in the pool with some local wine.
if you are going to Tuscany take the time and stay at Il Selvino

Read this comment on TRIP ADVISOR»

This is an email we received on 1st October 2009 from Judy, who booked a holiday all over Italy through us:

Dear Consuelo,
We had a wonderful time. The accommodations were great. It was a trip of a lifetime. Thank you so much for all your help. I hope we can come back again soon.
Thanks again,

Judy

This is an email we received on 1st September 2009 from Tracy, after doing a cooking class with her friends in our kitchen

Hello Arianna,
Here are the photos we promised. Thanks again for everything and let us know if you are ever in Stuttgart!
Tracy and Friends

Tracy and her 3 friends did
a Tuscany cooking class with us »

This is an email we received on 25th August 2009 from Laurie and John, who booked a cooking holiday in Tuscany with us

Hi Arianna!
It was a wonderful surprise to see your name in my email inbox!
We just finished a 5 day river float through a wilderness area! Now it's back to regular life and work!
Hello Carla!
We would love to come to Tuscany again, I still have all the brochures on my desk.
Hope that all is well, and be sure that we will be in touch the next time we come - and hopefully soon!
Laurie and John

Laurie and John took a cooking class with us »

This is an email we received on 19th August 2009 from Cindy and Kristian, who spent their holidays in one of our B&Bs

Thank You, we are well and had a great time in Tuscany. We definitely like to try to come again, hopefully easter next year and we'll definetly book via you. As said before, you saved our vacation! I have recommended both You and susanne and Massimo to others, so you might get some more Norwegian or Dutch custumers....
Thanx again!
Cindy and Kristian

Cindy and Kristian stayed at Massimo»

This is an email we received on 13th August 2009 from Michelle from France, who spent her holidays in our property Gervasio

Bonjour

Nous avons passé un très très bon séjour à San Gervasio et avons beaucoup aimé la Toscane .
Tout s'est très bien passé .
Merci .

Michelle

Michelle stayed at Gervasio »

This is an email we received on 30th July 2009 from Mike from the US: we organized a dinner with our cook at his private villa:

Massimo - Thanks again for all your help during our stay in Tuscany. The trip was fabulous and we appreciated your guidance throughout the visit. We enjoyed the tour of the cheese farm, the lunch afterwards, and exploring Volterra.

Now, if only we could emulate the crostini with tomatoes, red onion, celery, etc. back here in the U.S!! If not, I guess we'll have to return to Italy soon.

-Mike

This is an email we received on 28th July 2009 from Sharon from the US, who spent a week in Giuseppe's agriturismo doing a lot of our activities:

Arianna, thank you! I hope, by now, that you and the team have recovered from the Bocelli concert!

I'm sorry not to have written back before now, but we have been very busy putting life and the businesses back in order upon our return.

We had the best, best time, and I have already begun giving out your business cards to friends and acquaintances who have inquired. We all feel that we got to know the area of Tuscany rather well during our stay, and could not have thought of a way to make the trip better.

No vacation will ever quite be the same, as my standards have now changed because of Arianna and Friend's great offering of activities.

Although the family cannot agree on any ONE activity we felt was our favorite, we all agree that the San Minato day of chocolate, Lee's bio-dynamic winery, and the truffle-hunting was probably our most memorable day as a whole.

Thank you, again, for helping me to be a hero within the family. If you or your team are ever in Southern California, you'll always have a place to stay.

Please give our heartfelt greeting to Massimo and the rest!
XO
Sharon

This is an email we received on 28th July 2009 from Jane from USA, who met us after the concert of Andrea Bocelli in Lajatico:

Max,

Thank you for helping us last week. The stay at Grotta Giusti was very nice and restful. . Beautiful grounds and house.
I am thinking about coming back next year to Teatro del Silzenio. There was a small hotel just down the street from Mandriola that has a restaurant it was on the road to Volterra. I had dinner there too. the name of the hotel restaurant was something like ..........darra. That might be a good place for me to stay next year. I want to stay in that area for a week at least. I want to spend more time in Volterra. I am interested in Etruscan art.
I would stay at Mandriola too if the price was right for just one person . I would stay there for one week.

Thank you again you were a big help to me and very friendly.

Jane

This is an email we received on 24th July 2009 from Laurence from Canada, who did a 10 day holiday in Italy with our organization:

Sorry for the delay. I have not had Internet access until now. I just want to say THANK YOU for everything from reselling the tickets to making last minute arrangements for our ride from Rome to Florence and accommodations here in Florence. We are having a great time in Florence. And thank you for making the reservations for Uffizi and Dell'Accademia for us. It was a real time saver not having to queue up.
In regards to the credit of 81 Euro, would you be able to credit my credit card? If not, then just keep it as credit until we return to Italy. Thanks again for everything!

Cheers,
Laurence

This is an email we received on 14th July 2009 from Elena from Moscow, who spent 2 months in one of our villas and arranged a pizza class with us:

Hello, Massimo!
Thanks a lot for wonderful photos and words. We miss all of you too. I'm going to write a letter to Franko, it's a pity that he can not use the computer...we could communicate easier and more often. We will be happy to meet you in Moscow if you will have an occasion to come here. Please let us know in advance about your arrival and we will think where to go together and what places to show. 2 months has passed very quickly, but we've got used to your perfect food, beautiful nature and wonderful people. We've printed some photos and look at them regulary, and when I go to the supermarket i look for everything Italian - today I've found Italian flour tipo 00 and Mozzarella di buffalo. Unfortunately the assortment is not much various here, me and Julia really miss Coop and Conad. Even when we follow the original recipy while cooking something Italian here - it's not as tasty as it was in Villa Amalia. Next weekend we will meet with Julia and her family for a barbeque in their summer house, we will drink Franciacorta Ca' del Bosco Brut, watch the photos and listen to Italian music, bought during the vacation. Unfortunately I can not continue my language study right now because most of Italian teachers have a vacation until september, but I hope to improve my knowledge and next summer I'll be able to speak and to write in Italian fluently. Thanks a lot for everything!!!

Elena & friends

Elena spent two months in the
property Amalia »

This is an email we received on 13th July 2009 from Frank and Inge who arranged a baby sitter service with us:

Dear Arianna and Friends,

I would like to thank you for arranging the babysitter Ciara (I am not sure how to spell her name) for our Annabel.
We are very happy it was possible in such short notice!

Frank & Inge

Frank and Inge booked a baby sitter in Tuscany with us »

This is an email we received on 3rd July 2009 from Jana and Roddrick on their honeymoon in Tuscany and doing a truffle hunting tour and a pastry class with us:

Massimo,

Here are the pictures we promised! We had the most amazing time on this whole-day tour with you. We thank you for custom-making this tour to fit all the things we wanted to do! It was simply amazing and we had more fun than we knew what to do with! I know we went to bed smiling and talking about it for many days afterwards. Every part of it was memorable, fun and perfect! If we are ever fortunate enough to come back to Italy, we are certainly booking with you guys and spending more time in that region. I have recommended you guys to my friends who are planning their trip to Italy in March. I know you will give them the same spectacular treatment that you did us! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for making our honeymoon memorable and exciting! Hugs to Massimo and all our Italian friends we met along the way!

Sincerely,
Roddrick & Jana

Jana and Roddrick did a pastry class experience in Tuscany »

This is an email we received on 24th June 2009 from Andrea, who spent a cooking holiday with her family at Alessandro's farm:

Hi Arianna,

Thank you again for a wonderful evening! My family and I agree that your class was one of the highlight of our trip. Both you and Ester were so good with the children (and the adults). Once I get over my jetlag we're going to get going on making some pizzas and pastries.

Thanks again,
Andrea
Hugh
Harry
Linda
Cameron
And Colin

The family of Andrea stayed in the property Alessandro »

This is an email we received on 24th June 2009 from Petra and Margitta, who took Italian lessons and tasted delicious wines while staying at Giuseppe's farm:

Hallo Ihr Zwei,
alles Liebe aus Deutschland und ein dickes Dankeschön für die herrlichen Tage in der Toskana.
Wir sind gut erholt wieder zu Hause gelandet und kommen gern wieder.
Die ganze Organisation war super, Ihr seit toll und das Kochen mit Carla Klasse.
Liebe Grüße an das herrliche Landhaus und Tizianna und Guiseppe.
Wir bleiben in Kontakt und wenn Ihr mal ein Bett zum schlafen braucht, ruft einfach an.
Wir freuen uns auf ein nächstes Treffen und versuchen bis dahin der Sprache mächtig zu werden.
Gruß Petra und Margitta

This is an email we received on 8th June 2009 from Beatrice from Italy, who booked a quad excursion with us in Tuscany:

Ciao Consuelo,
a nome mio e di tutti i miei amici ti ringrazio per il bellissimo week-end che ci hai organizzato!Veramente complimenti per l'efficienza, nonostante l'imprevisto del tempo!Abbiamo poi visitato S.Gimignano la sera stessa e martedì Volterra, dove abbiamo assistito alle manifestazioni del Palio del Cero, bellissimo!Siamo stati proprio fortunati!Quad promossi al 200%: ci siamo divertiti come pazzi e sicuramente ripeteremo l'esperienza! Visto che per arrivare a Lucca ci abbiamo impiegato poco più di un'ora magari ci torneremo anche in giornata.
[...]
GRAZIE ANCORA DI TUTTO!
Beatrice

This is an email we received on 1st June 09 from Ernesto, experiencing a cooking holiday with us:

Dear Massimo

I would like to thank you and Carla for your patience and for your good instructions on preparing real Tuscany meals. As soon as I try to execute at home what I learned with you both, I will report the results to you.
We had a nice trip back home and now is time to go back to work.

Obrigado e saudações desde o Brasil
Ernesto

Ernesto and his wife stayed in the property Giuseppe »
Ernesto did a cooking class experience »

This is an email we received on 22nd May 09 from Jennifer and Kris who met us for a truffle hunting tour:

Dear Massimo,

Thank you for what was definitely the highlight of our trip to Florence. Kris and I had such a fantastic time truffle hunting with you, Riccardo, Stella and Nebbia. It was such an unforgettable, unique experience, and Monica and Riccardo couldn't have been nicer.

I told my travel agent what a fantastic experience it was using Arianna & Friends and that I absolutely recommend your trips. Kris and I have already decided that when we go back to Italy, we want to spend the entire time just taking your tours! Not only did we have a fantastic time in San Miniato, but we truly enjoyed talking with you in the car on the way there and back - we learned so much from you and had so much fun!

As promised, here are some of the pictures we took that day.

Again, thank you for your amazing hospitality and kindness. We'll definitely call you before our next trip and can't wait to use Arianna and Friends again.

Jennifer and Kris

Jennifer and Kris enjoyed our truffle hunting tour in San Miniato »

This is an email we received on 20th May 09 from Philippe and Brigitte. They went on a wine tasting tour guided by Karine:

Karine, pour les belles explications lors de la dégustation et la parfaite organisation de notre séjour à Fabbiano

Philippe et Brigitte

Philippe and Brigitte took a wine tasting tour »

This is an email we received on 12th May 2009 from Anja, who booked her cooking holiday package with us:

Hallo liebe Ariana,

leider sind wir zurück in Deutschland! Das Wetter ist gar nicht schön....
Wir haben uns sehr wohl gefühlt und Ihre aufmerksame und liebenswerte Art sehr zu schätzen gewusst.
Besonders haben wir "unsere" Köchin Ester ins Herz geschlossen!
Es waren wunderbare Tage in der schönen Toscana und wir kommen sicher noch einmal wieder.
Vielen Dank, ciao
Anja

Anja and her mother stayed in the property Alessandro »

This is an email we received on 5th May 09 from Roberto, coming to Tuscany for the 1st May Long Break:

Bunogiorno karine,
se non avessi avuto la linea guasta le avrei già scritto io per ringraziarla del week-end che ha programmato per noi: davvero tutto puntuale, rilassante e ben organizzato. Non ci sembra di poter muovere delle critiche negative riguardo a nessuno dei servizi da voi prenotati per noi...davvero tutto molto confortevole.

Non mancherò di ricontattarvi qualora dovessi decidere di ritornare nella magnifica Toscana!!

A presto e grazie di tutto,

Roberto

This is an email we received on 7th May 2009 from Gabi and Helmut from Berlin, who spent a day with Massimo in a wine tour:

Hallo Arianna + Massimo,

auf diesem Weg herzlichen Dank für die sehr gute Vorbereitung und sachkundige und individuelle Begleitung bei unserer eintägigen Tour durch die Toskana. Die informationen auf den beiden Weingütern waren für uns sehr interessant, besonders haben uns aber das Engagement und Energie der Winzuer beindruckt, das Erbe zu pflegen und leckere Weine so zu produzieren, dass sie ihre Herkunft nicht verleugnen.
Es war eine Kurzreise, die aber auch dem Gaumen, den Augen und Sinnen sehr viel bot und uns rundrum gefallen hat. Da auch noch das Wetter sehr gut mitspielte, war es perfekt und für meine Frau und mich ein unvergesslicher Tag.

Viele Grüße Gabi und Helmut

Gabi and Helmut took our wine tasting tour »

This is an email we received on 3rd May 09 from Chuck, spending a week in our Maurizio farm and doing a cooking class and a truffle hunting tour with Massimo:

Massimo:
Great to hear from you, we meant to write back earlier but got caught up with work and 2 days turned into 2 weeks before we knew it. We wanted to thanks you for a great time, and hope to see you when you come up this way, or next year if we get back to Tuscany. Thanks much for the pictures from the cooking class, it really helped our pasta skills.
Lucca was very nice, but we did have the worst Pizza in Italy there, however the town was really nice, and no problems parking outside the walls. Your plan for Florence was perfect, we had no problems using the train, and it let up out right near everything we wanted to see. We didn't know that you had to stamp your ticket before you get in the train, but the conductor who checked our ticket was very nice and did not give us a fine.
I have included some pictures from the Truffle hunt, not the best but a good memory. Our visit to San Gimigano was also very nice, we bought an entire Pizza and had a picnic after walking through the town for several hours.

Again, thanks much for making our visit to Tuscany very enjoyable and we hope to see you again, either in Tuscany or here in Germany.

Chuck

This is an email we received on 21st April 09 from Karin, spending one day with us at the organic cheese farm:

Hi Arianna,

Hope the sun is shining in Tuscany, and that you are fine!
We all have had a nice program at the farm.
Again I would like to thank you for your kind welcome.
And the lunch with the beautiful table presenting all the delicious
cheese, I liked very much. (long tables, nice people and nice food!!!!)
Whatmore do we need?
So, I hope you are able to send me the recipy of the "spelt" salade.
I hope you like the foto which I have attached. Here in Holland, the weather is nice and we are enjoying spring-
time. Although I always want to go to Italy.
Next time, when we are in the neighbourhood, I let will you know.

with kind regards,

Karin

This is an email we received on 15th April 09 from Cindy and Kristian
after staying at Massimo's for their Easter Break:

We like to thank you so much for all your efforts and work you did for making our vacation a succes! It's good that someone that knows the country can take care of you! Not everybody at the canceled flight was that lucky!
We had a great time in Tuscany and all the problems we had the first day where quickly forgotten after we smelled the Tuscan air! Massimo is a nice place to stay and explore Tuscany and they are very nice. We will definitely reccomend both you as the B&B to our Tuscany loving friends and we might see you next year!

BR
Cindy and Kristian from Norway

Silvia stayed at Massimo »

This is an email we received on 14th April 09 from Laurie and Chris who took part in our cooking class with Arianna at Elisa's:

Hi Arianna!

It was wonderful to meet you, and THANK YOU arranging an incredible time for us in Italy. Everything was wonderful, the cooking lesson so much fun and so informative. I have eaten mushroom crostini about 5 times since I have been home, and just bought semolina flour for pasta. Now I just need Carla.

I included a few pictures, and there are a couple more coming next email.

We heard about the earthquake a couple days after we returned from Italy, I realize that it didn't strike Tuscany. But I do hope that your family and friends are safe and not in harms way.

Arianna, thank you again. We will be back! Probably not for a year, but I will be in touch again.

Ciao,
Laurie and Chris

Laurie took a cooking lesson at Elisa»

This is an email we received on 14th April 09 from Veronica
after staying at Alessio's for their Easter Break:

Gent.ma Arianna&friends
la presente solo per fare a voi i complimenti per il servizio efficiente e per la vostra disponibilità e serietà! Appena tornata da Chianni, splendida struttura con splendida gente!!
Continuate cosi', spero di poter usufruire presto dei vostri servizi..grazie ancora,
Veronica

Silvia stayed at Alessio »

This is an email we received on 14th April 09 from Silvia
after staying at Maurizio's for their Easter Break:

Grazie infinite è stato davvero un bel fine settimana l'agriturismo era carino e la Signora che ci ha ospitato a dir poco squisita, il pranzo di Pasqua era eccellente e la struttura tutta per noi...che dire...Perfetto.
Grazie e a presto!

Silvia stayed at Maurizio »

This is an email we received on 14th April 09 from Claudia
after staying at Alessio for their Easter Break:

buongiorno, il nostro week end è andato benissimo, ci siamo trattenuti anche per la pasquetta. Il servizio è stato ottimo e l'hotel veramente molto bello. Grazie e complimenti per il servizio svolto con grande efficienza e puntualità. A presto e auguri anche a voi.
cordiali
saluti Claudia

Claudia stayed at Alessio »

This is an email we received on 24th March 09 from Marla, spendig her spring holidays with her friend Jan:

Hi Arianna!

I have to thank you again for the wonderful trip you arranged for Jan and I! It was perfect in every way! We enjoyed the cooking class so much and Carla was such a joy to meet. I'll write more later, but just wanted you to know the rest of our trip was great; the hotels in Fiorenze and Pisa were very nice also.
Love,
Marla

Marla stayed at Giuseppe »

This is an email we received on 26nd February 09 from Claudia, spendig her Valentine's day with her boy at the property Nicola:

Gentile Consuelo,
abbiamo trascorso un piacevolissimo fine settimana immersi nella meravigliosa campagna toscana; il sig.Nicola ci ha accolti cordialmente e con la più assoluta disponibilità. Ottima cena e bella atmosfera. Indimenticabile la passeggiata a cavallo e la simpatia della guida Michele.
Grazie a voi.
Saluti Claudia

Claudia, Italy

Claudia stayed at Nicola »

This is an email we received on 16th February 09 from Valentina & Franco from Italy, spending their Valentine's day at Alessio:

Buonasera,
volevo cominciare inanzitutto con il ringraziarVi veramente tanto per il pacchetto che ho acquisito da Voi per san valentino a chianni presso le vecchie cantine. E' veramente un posto bellissimo,accogliente, ed elegante ma allo stesso tempo semplice. E' stato molto rilassante il centro benessere e cena e colazione erano favolose con cibo e vino buono e in grande quantità e la camera era molto molto carina e spaziosa.

Valentina e Franco from Pistoia - Italy

Franco and Valentina stayed at Alessio »

This is an email we received on 3rd January 09 from Roberta, who spent the New Year Holidays at Clara's:

Ciao Massimo,auguri per il uovo anno,
volevo ringraziarti siamo stati davvero bene ad Alica, la casa era perfetta,
grazie ancora per la precisione e la disponibilità
sperando di poter beneficare della vostra agenzia.
Roberta

Roberta and her friends stayed at Clara »

This is an email we received on 20th December 09 from Masao and Atsuko from Japan, joining Massimo in a full day olive oil tour through the best Tuscan mills:

Hi Mashimo,

I hope you are well.
It was a great pleasure to meet you on 10th. Atsuko and I really enjoyed the tour in Tuscany becasue of your perfect guidance. Grazie di cuore!
Atsuko and I have just come back to Japan last night. Since we left Tuscany, we went to Sicily(We rent a car and visited a olive mill and a olive grove in Trapani.. It was informative.),Paris, Chicago, and San Francisco.

Thank you again, and I look forward to seeing you again soon!

Masao - Japan

This is an email we received on 16th February 09 from Marco from Florence, spending his Valentine's day with his girlfriend in Tuscany with us:

Buongiorno,
vorrei ringraziarvi per il bellissimo soggiorno che ho passato per san valentino.
la struttura è bellissima e super accogliente grazie ancora anche a nome della mia ragazza

Marco - Firenze - Italy

This is an email we received on 29th October 08 from Robert from the USA:

Arianna
We wanted to thank your staff for organizing a terrific day out visiting two wineries and lunch on Monday 13 October.
We had a great time and Karine in particular was wonderful with information about the region, buildings and the wineries.
I can't remember the drivers name, but please extend our thanks, he was smooth and careful.
A great day for me and my family

Regards
Robert and family

This is an email we received on 22nd September 08 from Udo and Grudun from Germany:

Liebe Arianne,

wir möchten uns für den tollen Kochkurs bei Il Selvino ganz herzlich bedanken. Das war unser Urlaubshighlight. Danke auch für die Flasche Olivenöl. Wir haben uns insgesamt sehr wohl gefühlt und freuen uns darüber. Unser Familie und unseren Freunden haben wir von dem Kochen, Essen und Wein, von der Landschaft, den Menschen und der Lebensart viel vorgeschwärmt.
Bitte grüßen Sie auch Marisa ganz herzlich von uns.
Unsere Einladung an Sie gilt, wir würden uns sehr über Ihren Besuch bei uns in Bremen freuen. Bei uns im Haus bieten wir Ihnen eine kostenlose Unterkunft für ein Wochenende und wir nehmen uns Zeit, Ihnen Bremen und Umgebung zu zeigen.

Wir hoffen sehr auf ein Wiedersehen.
liebe Grüße

Udo Bernshausen und Gudrun Kiewitt

Udo e Gudrun stayed at Alessandro »

This is an email we received on 26th August 08 from Zoe and Zack from the USA:

Hi Arianna & Massimo,
Zach and I wanted to send you an extremely belated thank you for all of your help during our stay in Tuscany. Although we travelled throughout Northern Italy during our trip, we agree that Tuscany and Fattoria Fibbiano were the best part! We enjoyed meeting and getting to know both of you and we adored Carla and had great fun partaking in the cooking classes. You are both so knowledgeable about the area and directed us to many small towns and unique places, enabling us to feel kind of like locals (although our Italian was limited!)

Of course it doesn't hurt that we got engaged in Tuscany as well!
Besides our memories of the amazing trip, we will always be able to tell the story of how we got engaged in a Tuscan vineyard. Everyone thinks Zach was very romantic! We have a few pictures that we I will be sending shortly--if I can figure out Zach's computer. Please let us know that you received them and thank you, thank you, THANK YOU again for helping to make our trip memorable beyond belief. Although we do not have any immediate plans, it was definitely not our last trip to Italia and we cannot wait to return!'

Zach & Zoe

From the top:

The cooking class

Romantic (and successful) walk in the vineyard

Leaving from Fibbiano on a rented moped

Zoe & Zack stayed
at Giuseppe »

This is an email we received on 21st August 08 from Nadia from Italy:

Gent.ma sign. Karine
La ringrazio per l' invio della prima fattura e mi spiace di non averla incontrata lì al Borgo.
La informo che abbiamo trascorso una meravigliosa settimana al Borgo Colleoli. Il tempo è stato clemente e le passeggiate a cavallo ci hanno rigenerato.
Spero di poter ripetere la stessa esperienza con le nostre bimbe la prossima settimana da sabato 23 agosto a sabato 30 agosto. Ci hanno già confermato la prenotazione per lo stesso appartamento.
Devo pero' ammettere una piccola delusione per l'inaspettata chiusura dell'
enoteca all'interno del borgo.
La cordialità ,la professionalità e l' ottima cucina del personale del ristorante " I secoli" hanno sicuramente compensato questa carenza.

Arrivederci a presto e buona giornata!

Nadia stayed at Borgo di Colleoli »

This is an email we received on 21st August 08 from Jen and Bob from the USA:

Dear Massimo & Arianna,

No worries about the gifts!
I'm sorry we did not get to see you one last time Massimo and I'm even more sorry that we were not able to come to your party! We were really honored that you invited us and would have really loved to come!
We just want to make sure that you know we really enjoyed our 7 Night Dinner is Ready Package - it really exceeded our expectations! Our trip to Italy would have felt superfificial without this part of the trip. The location of Selvino was lovely and a perfect place to relax in between our trips to Rome and Forence. It was also centrally located, which made it perfect for exploring Tuscany. We also learned so much about the Tuscan cuisine and culture during the cooking lessons, they were perfect! Marissa & Esther are just perfect and so much fun. One of the best parts was meeting the both of you - it was fun and interesting to learn about life in Italy from your perspectives. We are amazed that you have put together this company at a young age and are reccommending you whenever we can!

Honestly, if you ever need a place to stay in Chicago, please contact us through e-mail or phone.
Take Care,

Jen and Bob

Jen and Bob stayed at Alessandro »

This is an email we received on 4th August 08 from Herbert from the UK:

Hello Arianna & Massimo,
On behalf of Joanna and myself I would like to thank you very much for all your help in organising the Bocelli concert & trip. Allow me to say it went like clockwork and we had a great time.
In case there is another concert next year please let us know.

Regards and thank you
Herbert

This is an email we received on 4th August 08 from Julie from the UK:

Thank you for arranging an excellent visit for us when we came to see Andrea Bocelli.
The Vecchie Cantine hotel was truely beautiful and you service was excellent.

Thank you again, we will definately be back!!!!
Julie

Julie stayed at Alessio »

This is an email we received on 2nd August 08 from Patrik and Dawne from the UK:

Arianna a very special thank you for all the effort you and your team put in to make our short break in Tuscany it was so enjoyable and memorable. We will certainly be returning possibly even sooner, as, on our return to England some friends gave us a present of 50 vines in a not too distant vine yard and we are discussing whether to return for the harvest in October

Plase put on on you mailing list for promotions etc and if planning to visit England please let us know aswe would love you to stay with us

Arivedeci

Patrick & Dawne

This is an email we received on 28th July 08 from Rafael from the Dominican Republic:

Estimado Massimo,

Muchas gracias por todo, la estadia en Terriciola fue excelente, el concierto estuvo espectacular,los asientos no pudieron estar mejor.De verdad quiero felicitarlos por su servicio,quedamos encantados y esperamos volver el año siguiente pero con mas amigos que quieren unirse a nosotros.

Nuevamente gracias por todo, quedamos enamorados de Toscana, nos vemos el proximo año!!!!

Saludos,

Rafael

This is an email we received on 27th July 08 from Judy and Jeff from the UK:

Dear Arianna & Mossimo

I just wanted to say what a fantastic time we had in Tuscany everything was wonderful accomodation, people, and what an exceptional night we had at the concert the memory will stay with me forever.
You all did a great job the organisation was brillant, thank you for all the information you sent us and also maps etc waiting for us when we arrived.
Well done to all your team, we have recommended you to several people we spoke to during our stay and also at the airport, hope you get lots more enquiries.
We will definately be back to a beautiful part of the world.

With grateful regards

Judy and Jeff
XX

Judy and Jeff stayed at Giovanna »

This is an email we received on 26th July 08 from Pauline from France:

Bonjour Karine,
c'est plutot moi qui vous remercie pour votre patience et je suis sincèrement navrée pour le désagrement du paiement...
je suis contente que vous l'aillez reçu le plutot possible...et je vous remercie ainsi que Arianne et Massimo pour l'accueil chaleureux. Et promis dès que je pourrais revenir en toscane je n'hésiterai pas à contacter votre agence ou à le recommander à des proches...
En tous les cas, merci et passer le coucou et le merci à vos collègues. Et bien de bonnes choses à votre agence...
A bientot.

Pauline stayed at Alessio »

This is an email we received on 22nd July 08 from Doris and Wolfgang from Austria:

Liebe Arianna,
lieber Massimo

schwer begeistert sehen wir uns gerade die Fotos von unserem Traumurlaub bei Euch
in der Toscana an. Das es etwas gedauert hat, um Euch zu schreiben, hat leider in der
vielen Arbeit seinen Grund. Sie hat uns schon erwartet.
Wir möchten uns bei Euch beiden noch einmal für diesen wunderschönen Urlaub bedanken.
(Danke auch für Euer Abschiedgeschenk. Wein bereits getrunken, Olivenöl bereits in Einsatz)
Wir sind mit so vielen positiven Eindrücken nach Hause gekommen, dass wir bereits einigen Freunden Euere Adresse mitteilen mussten.
Wenn wir uns als Referenzkunden zur Verfügung stehen dürfen, machen wir das gerne.
Ich hoffe, wir sehen uns bald wieder und wünschen Euch noch viel Spaß (der Erfolg kommt bei Euch sowieso) und Leidenschaft für Euere super Geschäftsidee.

Liebe Grüße aus Salzburg wünschen Euch

Doris und Wolfgang (Austria)

From the top:

Doris during a painting class in the Fibbiano olive grove with Marina, the artist, and Massimo

Wolfgang with Arianna and the cook Carla during the cooking class in Fibbiano

Dinner at Selvino farm all together

This is an email we received on 22nd July 08 from Dean and Wendy from the UK:

Buonesera Massimo & Arianna,

Having now safely returned home - I thought I'd send you a brief note just to say that it was a pleasure dealing with you over the last few weeks and also very briefly, with Arianna on Sunday night. The wine went down perfectly at our meal in the hotel and the welcome pack was a really nice touch. With your help, this turned out to be the perfect birthday surprise for Wendy - she was actually crying with happiness at the concert (I was also crying but at the thought of my bank balance!!). Our 'luck' with the trains and buses continued until we left!! We also met Dave and Christine at the Le Torri hotel and spent ages swapping Italian stories / experiences. You will be pleased to hear that they spoke very highly of you. As we know many people and also enjoy tourism websites, we'll be recommending you to all the 'Tuscanites' out there.

Grazie,

Dean & Wendy

Dean & Wendy stayed at Raffaella »

This is an email we received on 22nd July 08 from Samantha from the UK:

Massimo,

Just a little note to thank you and tell you how much we enjoyed our trip to Tuscany. The organisation was spot on, the transfers were all on time, the drivers were very friendly. We really liked the Hotel Grand San Marco, the staff were very helpful and the resort was a welcome break from the faster pace in the city. The tickets for the concert were perfect and we had a great view of Andrea. My only very small point in terms of feedback was that the Astoria Hotel was really a little tired, I think they are undergoing renovation too, probably more of a three star but the room was very clean and the location central, I booked the trip in a bit of a rush and probably should have considered a higher grade hotel but that is probably just my preference. Thank you so much for your help in organizing, I have already recommended your services to others and would not hesitate to contact you again for my next trip to Tuscany.
Very best regards,

Samantha

Samantha stayed at Spa Hotel »

This is an email we received on 7th July 08 from Mary from the UK:

Good Morning Massimo,

[...]

I have attached the photograph of the day you took us to the Martelli pasta factory. We are all still talking about our day with you ...... it was very enjoyable!

[...]

Kindest regards, Mary

Mary and her friends visited the Pasta Factory in Lari »

This is an email we received on 18th June 08 from Mario from Australia:

Arianna

Just a quick note to say thanks, we really enjoyed our stay at Selvino and my wife thoroughly enjoyed the cooking classes.
We got back yesterday and already she is talking about trying some of the dishes out.
We enjoyed Tuscany and thought it was a beautiful place and will certainly be returning there again
Best wishes for you business, i think you are off to a great start and we will certainly be recommending you to friends

kind regards
Mario (Australia)

Mario and his wife stayed at Alessandro »

This is an email we received on 11th June 08 from Josephine from the USA:

Arianna,

This is to thank you for the wonderful service you provided us during our stay in Montelopio.

You and the drivers were a delight to work with. You and they were so patient with our often changed plans. The drivers frequently went out of the way to show us special sites and panoramic views during the excursions. They were excellent drivers, very polite and considerate.
We will certainly recommend your services to any friends travelling in the area.

Sincerely, Josephine (USA)

This is an email we received on 9th June 08 from Renae from the UK:

Hi Arianna,

I wanted [...] to thank you again for a wonderful evening. Everyone had a great time and we all agreed it was educational as well as enjoyable. Paolo was great and very generous in opening his home to us. Alessandra was lovely and a gracious host. And a special thanks to you for your kind hospitality and professionalism.
I look forward to being able to recommend your services, and will look forward to being in touch in the future. Nicola has promised to send some photos to you by email when she returns home, as I didn't have my camera at the villa.

Many thanks again and best of luck.

Kind regards,
Renae (UK)

This is an email we received on 1st June 08 from Birgit:

-- Hallo Massimo,

nochmals ganz ganz herzlichen Dank für die Organisation des Kochkurses.
Es hat mir viel Spaß gemacht es war interessant und aufregend. Und alles hat so wunderbar geschmeckt und war auch liebevoll angerichtet.
Heute haben wir meine Eltern eingeladen und gleich einen Teil des Menüs zubereitet. Es ist gut gelungen und hat allen geschmeckt.
Eine gute Zeit,
herzliche Grüße aus Bayern und im Anhang ein paar Bilder

Birgit and Peter (Germany)

From the top:

The cook Carla with Birgit ...

and with Peter


Birgit & Peter stayed
at Elisa »

This is an email we received on 28th May 08 from Rasha, after having a tour with Arianna:

Hi Arianna i miss you so much we always talk about you and how sweet you are, we cant forget the tour you arrange it for us,it was really nice and you are really friendly.
I send picture for you maybe you will need it.
every body say hi to you,please be in tuch..

Rasha from Kuwait

This is an email we received on 28th May 08 from Anu and Harry, after having our dinner service in their private villa:

Hi Massimo,
Thank you for a lovely evening. It was the best way to start our holiday. My parents were thrilled and talked about the evening many times during our stay. We will recommend you to our friends who decide to come to Tuscany! We voted for the best food we had in Italy and you won by a mile.

We were going to come and visit you at your office a few times, but the office was closed.
Thanks for all your tips. We drove around a lot and saw many beatiful places. The rain didn´t bother us in such lovely sceneries.

I will send you pictures as soon as I´ll get them on to my computer.

We would love to stay in touch.

Yours, Anu&Harri

From the top:

Massimo explaining a recipe.

The cook Carla and Massimo preparing the dinner.

The family of Anu listening to the features of the wines

This is an email we received on 27th May 08 from Emma and her family:

Hello Massimo!
...
Many thanks again for our wonderful Tuscan holiday. We all had a fantastic time enjoying delicious food and wine amid some of the most beautiful scenery. Our cooking classes with Carla served as a delightful highlight to our short brake and we have enjoyed showing off our newly learnt skills to all our friends. It was a pleasure to meet and get to know so many of the local characters sipping wine under the Tuscan stars!
Each of us has recommended La Mia Toscana to our friends and family and we all very much hope to return. Thanks again for making my Dad's 60th Birthday gift such a meorable and happy time.
I have attached some of the pictures which you are welcome to use. My Dad will be in contact shortly with some more.

Kind Regards,

Emma (UK)

From the top:

All the family at work

Making ravioli stuffe with rucola and Swiss chard

Emma's parents and their ingredients

Emma and her family stayed
at Giuseppe »

See the complete photo album »

This is an email we received on 25th May 08 from Petra and Michael:

Hallo Arianna, Massimo, Marisa, Alessandro und Silvana,

viele Liebe Grüße aus Bonn und nochmals vielen Dank für die gute Betreuung und den tollen Service. Es war für uns ein wirklich unvergeßliches Erlebnis, der direkte Kontakt mit der toskanischen Kultur durch das gelungene Kocherlebnis wie die selbstgemachten traditionellen Pasta, gegrilltes oder auch fritiertes Gemüse und viele weitere Rezepte. Aber das beste daran ist, dass die Pasta und auch die Crostinis jetzt zu Hause genau so gut schmecken wie bei Euch. Ganz herzliches Dankeschön geht an die Küchenfee: Marisa, ohne die wir die speziellen Tipps und Tricks nie kennen gelernt hätten.

Gerne könnt Ihr dieses Lob auf Eurer Hompage veröffentlichen.

Viele Liebe Grüße
Michael &Petra (Germany)

From the top:

Marisa among vegetables

Michael and Arianna

Marisa, Massimo and Petra

Petra und Michael stayed
at Alessandro »

This is an email we received on 22nd May 2008 from Pete:

Hi Arianna,

I'm sorry it has taken a little time to get back to you. Things back at work have been a little crazy. The trip was absolutely magical. Although it rained a little during our horseback riding excursion, it couldnt damper our experience. The villa at Pieve-de-Pitti was gorgeous, and everything worked out perfectly. Thank you so much for making this such a wonderful experience.

Thank you again,
Pete (USA)

Pete stayed at Caterina »

This is an email we received on 2nd January 2008 from Jacob:

Arianna,

I wanted to pass on a thanks for everything that was put together. We had an excellent time. I've already passed along the info about you to some others who were considering visiting Italy within the next year or so. In addition, I've included some of the pics that I took while I was down there. You're welcome to use them however you like. Once again, thanks.

Jacob (USA)

Jacob and Annie visiting Tuscany from 18th to 23rd December 2007. On the right, the delicious dinner after the cooking class. At the top, the visit to the cheese farm with a stop in the sheepfold to see the newborn lambs

Annie and Jacob stayed
at Giuseppe »

This is an email we received on 25th November 07 from Sandy, Andi, Lin and Ann:

Massimo- We wanted to share with you how much we enjoyed the cooking class with you and Luana. It was one of the highlights of our trip. I haven't even begun to put my pictures together, but once I do (probably after the holidays are over), I will sent you copies of what I took). May your holidays be the best. Thanks again for making our Italy trip so very memorable. Always,

Sandy and Andi (Rita and Lin too) (USA).

Sandy, Andi, Lin and Rita toasting with the cook Luana (on the right at her sink!) on 18th October 2007. The cooking class and the fantastic dinner with some excellent Morellino di Scansano red wine.

Sandy, Andi, Lin and rita stayed at Talli Country House »

This in an email we received on 1st December 2007 from Jill:

Dear Tatiana
Thank you so much for the recipes we are very excited to be able to try our hand at Tuscan cooking! Especially with our Italian friends who have a restaurant. We so enjoyed learning about it and thought you were excellent.
We wish you well with your Florence studies and wondered if you would like to come and visit us in Oxfordshire next year? We would love to have you to stay and show you around Oxford, Warwick and Stratford where Shakespeare our famous playwriter/poet comes from. We won't be able to visit Tuscany again until November but hope to extend our cookery skills again and also our Italian!
Do let us know if you can fit us into your busy schedule

Best wishes

Jill (UK)

This is an email we received in November 07 from Virginia & Franco:

Dear Arianna, Tatiana e Massimo,
I am sending this message in English so that I do not run the risk of expressing
myself poorly with my limited Italian.
Thank you so much for arranging our stay at Montalto and for the tours to Vinci and
Peccioli. We got a better insight on the area and it's history than if we had tried
it on our own. Rest assured that we will reccomend your organization to friends that
plan to visit your area. Attached are photos we took and we hope that you enjoy them
as much as we do. They will always be reminders of a great visit to Toscana. Until
our next visit ciao and mille grazie.

Franco e Virginia (Canada e Italia)

These are two emails we received in August 2007 from Steve and Tina and from Annette and Xavier who took a cooking class together:

Hello Tatiana,
We will keep good memories of our stay in Italy, and honestly what we prefered the most was that evening at the kitchen with you and the cook. We already advised all our friends that if one day they go to Tuscany they should send you an email first. We will write our review on most popular travelers websites as soon as we are finished with the new house, and we will also send you all our pictures from the cooking class.
Best regards.

Steve and Tina (Canada)

Chère Tatiana,
Le cours de cuisine et le repas lors de la soirée partagée avec nos amis canadiens furent des moments très agréables, sympathiques et très conviviaux.
Encore un grand merci.

Annette et Xavier (Belgium)

This is an email we received on 18th August 2007 from Anne and Charlotte:

Bonjour Tatiana,

Charlotte et moi avait beaucoup aimée notre semaine à Fibbiano.
Votre organisation était parfaite et l'accueil très chaleureux et
personnalisé. L'endroit est parfait pour se reposer mais aussi comme
base pour visiter les villes et les sites historique.
Le cours de cuisine était super et le resultat delicieux. J'ai
déjà fait quelques recettes depuis je suis rentrée ! Ce que nous
avons particulairement aimer c'était vraiment typique de la Toscane.
Merci pour tout !

Anne et Charlotte (Suisse)

This is an email we received on 14th August 2007 from Lisa:

Arianna and Massimo,

I just wanted to write and let you know how much we enjoyed our tour with your
company. It was wonderful. We really enjoyed Massimo's company and his information
about the area. We loved our time in Tuscany and hope to return again soon. We'll
be sure to recommend your services to others who are traveling your way.

Thank you again and keep up the good work!

All my best,

Lisa (USA)

This is an email we received on 4th August 2007 from Donna:

Hi Arianna!

We just arrived home a couple of days ago - to Connecticut, and to Montreal. We can't thank you enough for arranging our fabulous stay in Tuscany at the Casolare Luggiano! It was so beautiful there and the Lippi family was very warm and friendly! Katyusha was so helpful - everything was "non problema!".
We had such a fine time with you and Carla during the cooking class! I can still taste the homemade pasta and that wonderful chicken.
I will send some pictures for you, when I can find the ones I'm looking for.
My daughter and I LOVED the pool! She chose one day to skip our trip to Sienna and stay at the pool with her book. She was happy!
We will recommend your service to others traveling to Italy, and if I can ever get my husband to go, I would love to return to Casolare Luggiano. (I've been enjoying my bottle of wine from there the last two evenings!).
Thank you again for such a fine time!

Warmest regards,

Donna (Canada)

This is an email we received on 21st June 2007 from Icy:

Hello Arianna and Massimo,

Both Florence and I had an extremely great time at the lovely wineries and
wooking class. I've been to several countries before where I've had guides
but I think Massimo is the best one I've ever met. He escorted us back to
Florence from the last winery on our itinerary even when it took him a much
longer time to get home! He is genuinely a really really nice person and
took time to explain to us all our questions. He also has a great knowledge of Italy. We both really enjoyed spending a memorable day with him. I looked into several other Tuscan winery/cooking tours and I am really glad that I went wth Arianna and Friends. :)

- Icy (NYC) and Florence (Hong Kong)

This is an email we received on 28th May 2007 from Enn & Rita:

Hello Massimo,
first of all, we would like to thank you for interesting evening, we really enjoyed it. (..)
we were very satisfied with our visit to Tuscany and we might travel again next year.
I send you some photos from our visit and it's no problem for us, if you would like to post them on your website.

(..) Thank you again and also please forward our regards to Arianna.

Enn & Rita (Esthonia)

This is an email we received on 29th April 2007 from Siegi and Volker:

Guten Tag Arianna,

wir hatten einen tollen Urlaub und sind gut zurückgefahren.
Es hat uns so gut gefallen, dass wir spontan im September wieder kommen werden.
Heute haben wir mit Freunden gesprochen und diese werden mit in die Toscana kommen!!
Viele, viele Grüße an Alessandro, Ester und Marissa.

Siegi und Volker (Germany)

This is an email we received on 28th April 07 from Corinne:

Ciao Adrianna!

I've just gone through my pictures from my camera and I think I've finally
organized all of them! It's still unbeleiveable how picturesque our entire
stay was with you. I especially loved the ceramics class! Please tell
Valentina that I've recieved many complements on my necklace! I really hope
that I'll have the opportunity to do that again someday.We have been telling everyone how informative you were and interesting to
listen to. It was a nice educational change from my architectural schooling
in Rome, and I wish that my teachers could hold my attention as well as you
did! Bravo! We have decided that another trip to Tuscany is a must, and
this time we will bring my dad and my sister. I can't wait to show them
around to all of the interesting little towns we discovered. Good Luck to
you and "your Friends" with your new business! Hope to see you again!

Thanks again for a great first time in Tuscana!
Corinne :)

A testimonial by Danielle & Peter Yango from New York, in Tuscany on their honeymoon in 2006.

Arianna was a wonderful guide through the history of Tuscany and our cooking class. The day was filled with a variety of learning experiences. From wine tasting to Tuscan cuisine, we were treated like royalty troughout the entire day. We highly recommend!
Thank you (Multo Grazie) Arianne, Giuseppe and Carla

This in an email we received on 19th October 2006 by Yuchi from Taipei

Ciao Arianna!

Bene, gracie! Good to hear from you! I meant to send you an e-mail earlier but has been inundated with work since I got back to Taipei (How I wish that I was back in Tuscany!)
And yes, I had such a wonderful time in Terricciola thanks to your arrangement and the hospitality of IL Selvino. Please do convey my thanks to Alessandro, Ester, and Marisa.
I think I could probably manage to make the yummy Walnut cake by myself.., am sure that I will someday and I will send you a picture as evidence!
My colleagues and friends have been very envious of me after hearing about my experience in Tuscany, and even more so after seeing my photos. I do hope to return to Tuscany in the future for a longer stay (perhaps more cooking lessons and olives picking..) And thank you so much for your warm welcome and kind assistance, which has made my trip an unforgettable one! I shall keep in touch.

ciao, Arianna!
Yuchi