Flourish Tuscany
Whether its joining FLOURISH TUSCANY on a fabulous adventures, or purchasing the FLOURISH TUSCANY TRAVEL GUIDE for planning a trip on your own, you will discover ours is a travel experience unlike any other in the industry.
Your trip is designed to be savored away from the chaos of typical tourist traps. Although there is a suggested itinerary, each booking is custom designed with Kim prior to your group's arrival. This flexibility is the reason why many clients return for a second, and even third trip with Flourish.
Exploring Tuscany is like digging in the sand. One can never be finished.
Kimberly S. Whitaker
Flourish Tuscany, Experience Italy with Kim Whitaker
Flourish Tuscany, Experience Italy with Kim Whitaker
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Now booking Spring and Fall with very limited spots left!
Download the full details here!
About
In the summer of 2018, a dear friend invited me on an 8-day tour of Tuscany. It changed my life forever.
As a life-long student of art and design, culinary arts and photography, this trip was a pivotal moment for me. As the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence and Tuscany’s artistic legacy is second to none.
Awe-inspiring masterpieces. Cypress-covered hills and winding roads leading to walled medieval towns, packed with ancient architecture and traditions still inhabited. Hand-painted frescoes dating back to the Middle Ages. Marble and alabaster structures which defy all sense of possibility. Exploring the very caves of Carrara from which Michelangelo’s marble statue of David was extracted. Scarlet-red poppies dotting the hillsides winding up to stone fortresses filled with priceless Etruscan art and paintings. Ruby-red Chianti. Pungent pecorino cheese. Buttery prosciutto and Parma. Centuries-old lessons in the home of an Italian with pillow-like hand-rolled pastas which melt in your mouth. Sunrise hot-air-balloon over Tuscany leaving you floating in-between reality and a dream…
I have done the groundwork. I have traveled the paths...slept in the beds...driven the winding roads...tasted the fare...and yes, enjoyed the wine! I have secured valuable relationships with shop owners, artisans, painters, musicians, restauranteurs, and inn keepers which will make this journey a dream-come-true for you, as it has been for the many clients who have joined me; some, now for a second and even a third time.
I have now also written the book. “Finding the Pieces” is now available on Amazon, B&N and at a store near you. I am currently working on book 2. Who knows, you may become a part of my next adventure!











Accomodations
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FAQ's
What dates are available?
Click here to download the available Spring and Fall dates!
The spaces will be reserved upon receipt of deposits. First come, first served.
If your preferred space is already booked, I will contact you to give you other options. Please list your first and second preference. Feel free to call or email me with any questions. Several have also requested two weeks, if this is your desire, please let me know ASAP and I will provide a quote.
How do I sign up?
Your space will be secured upon receipt of deposit of $2,325.00 per person which is NON-REFUNDABLE. NOTE: Although the deposit is non-refundable, it is reusable for ONE YEAR in the event of a necessary cancellation.Please do NOT make your airfare reservations without first sending it to me for scheduling approval. Once you have secured a date, I will send my recommendations for travel to and from Florence.
Where do we stay?
Agriturismo dall’ Annita al Poggio alle Lame is located just south of Florence in Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, and is a small, organic farm producing award-winning Chianti and olive oil products. This family- run farm, owned by Riccardo, Paola and Francesco Paolella, has been in their family for over 5 generations. In the spring of 2018 when I turned on to this tucked away, beautiful vineyard-laden lane in Chianti, I knew this was “home.” Ricardo and Paola’s hospitality goes above and beyond and before you depart, you will feel like family! These precious people and farm are what makes this experience authentic, comfortable, AND magical. Although the farm is in a rural setting, it is centrally located to every town on our itinerary.
In 2016, they completed renovations on the ancient barn adjacent to their home and Agriturismo Annita (named for Paola’s mother) was born. While its original exterior features remained, the interior apartments are graciously designed and decorated in the Tuscan style with antiques that have been in Paola’s family for well over a century. The fully air-conditioned Belvedere guest apartment has two queen bed rooms and a sleeper sofa in the living area. Each bedroom has its own bathroom with a shower and a washing machine. A common space for dining and gathering is centrally located in the apartment with a well-appointed and fully-stocked kitchen. The apartment has its own private entrance. The farm is stunning and morning walks/runs are a dream. The property also has a lovely pool which, weather -permitting will be available to you during your stay. Two other apartments also offer guest residents an option, one, a single bed and bath, the other a two-bedroom/one bath handicap equipped room.
During your stay, you will enjoy an authentic five-course Tuscan dinner on the 15-foot table which has occupied the same space for over five generations. Of course, your stay would not be complete without a wine-tasting in the Cantina/ Museo di Annita. You will enjoy sipping some of the best organic Chianti wine and olive oil produced in the region while looking at relics from the farm dating back to the 1700’s.
A video of the property can be found on their website www.agriturismoannita.it Although it is a nice representation, it doesn’t do justice to the real thing. It also does not convey the relationships which will be formed with your host family.
Price of package and what is included
2024 Cost
$4,650.00 Per Person PRICE BASED ON A 4-PERSON GROUP.
If you prefer only two guests, or single bedrooms, it can be made for an additional fee.
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
8 days/ 7 NIGHTS accommodation at Poggio alle Lame Agriturismo Annita
Sunset or Cantina wine tasting at Annita
Guide, driver, booking and ALL transportation costs while in Italy (Car rental,
parking, gas, tram via tickets into Firenze, tolls and fees) *This is excluding farm
transfer from station or airport.
2 Authentic Italian Dinners. 1 @ Annita & 1 @ a local restaurant.
Pasta Class and Dinner; 3-hour pasta making cooking class OR Pizza making
class
Advanced-Reserved tickets to 2 Museums of your choice: Medici Chapel,
Accademia (David), Uffizi Gallery or The Duomo in Siena
Guest provisions: Fully stocked kitchen and basket with coffee, bread, olive oil,
wine, breakfast items, insulated thermos, fans and umbrellas for use while
traveling with me.
Photography services will be provided and you will be given a folder from your
week. For an extra fee, a book can be created for you at the end of the season.
PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
Airfare/train or private driver to and from the farm (contact me for
recommendations)
Extra wine and alcoholic beverages; Food and beverage not listed above
Extra added venues/excursions of your choosing not listed above
Shipping and extra travel accommodations can be provided at an extra fee.
A transportation charge to and from farm. (APPX $100 per group)*
15 tourist tax per person to be paid in cash to Paola upon arrival.
Travel insurance is NOT included, but strongly encouraged
Your space is secured with a deposit of $2,325.00 USD per person and is due upon
booking.
The final balance is due no later than 120 days prior to tour commencement. Payment
methods include Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, checks and Zelle. Booking deposit
and final balance are non-refundable. Travel insurance is strongly recommended and
should include Trip Cancellation, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Baggage, and Accident
and Medical Insurance. There are many insurance plans which allow you to "Cancel for any
Reason.” Suggested and competitive travel insurance companies are: insuremytrip.com.
allianztravelinsurance.com and AAA.
Cancellation Policy
You will receive a full refund of your deposit if FLOURISH, LLC must cancel
your tour.
Should you need to cancel up to 120 days prior to your tour commencement
date, your full deposit may be applied to a future tour commencing within
12 months of your canceled tour.
If you cancel your tour between 119 and zero days prior to tour
commencement, there will be no credits or refunds by FLOURISH, LLC. You
will need to follow the conditions set forth in your travel insurance policy.
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Responsibility Statement and Liability Disclaimer
FLOURISH LLC and its owner does not own or operate any entity which
provides, or is to provide, goods or services to any Flourish tour, including
accommodations, vehicles, meals, activities, or other services. Because
Flourish does not exercise any control over the personnel, equipment, or
operations of these suppliers, Flourish is not liable for any negligent or
willful act or failure to act of any such third person, or of any other third
party.
Flourish is not responsible for losses, injury, damages, or expenses of any
kind due to illness, pandemics, endemics, weather, strikes, hostilities, wars,
terrorist acts, acts of nature, local laws, or other such causes.
Flourish is not responsible for any baggage or personal effects of any
individual participating in any tour.
If in the unlikely event that Flourish must cancel a tour, the entire amount paid
by the traveler will be refundable or carried as a credit toward another
Flourish tour within 12 months of the canceled tour. Flourish will have no
additional obligations, including costs or fees related to the issuance
and/or cancellation of airline tickets or other travel reservations. This
includes delays, cancellations, and any non-refundable expenses.
Individual travelers are responsible for purchasing a travel insurance policy
that will cover certain trip cancellations and interruptions, emergency
medical evacuation, loss of luggage or personal effects, and other such
coverage. Flourish strongly encourages all guests to purchase travel
insurance.