we know....
There are so many good things about this area of Italy that we simply can’t choose our favourite aspect of this holiday: the completely unique accommodation, your professional and incredibly friendly host Simone, the delicious Tuscan cuisine served in the local restaurants in Vinci, the exciting range and beautiful setting of the activities, the close vicinity to Lucca, Florence and Pisa for visits during your free day and finally the outdoor swimming pool with the best view in the world... just to name a few.
We take full advantage of the Tuscan landscape here with your activities including rock climbing, orienteering, canyoning, an introduction to caving and cycling through the countryside. We also tap into the local knowledge here to host a highly successful pizza making night and wine tasting for the grown-ups!
you know....
“We were delighted with our holiday. All the activities were enjoyable. The food was also really great. I loved this holiday & would recommend it. Simone is the best guide/host I have ever met; a lovely man, helpful, knowledgeable and incredibly hard working”. Amelia Smith - July 2010
Suitable for
Families with children aged 9 years and over (please note that this does not preclude younger children but participation in the activities will be at the discretion of our instructors).
saturday - arrival and welcome
You are welcome to arrive at the apartments any time after 2pm and you are free to settle in and enjoy the swimming pool before a welcome meal this evening.
sunday - orienteering adventure day
Setting off from the farmhouse the families will compete as teams. Along the orienteering route you will be set challenges and tasks to complete before rendezvousing at the farmhouse for a delicious lunch.You will have the afternoon free to relax before a delightful evening meal at a local restaurant with wine tasting for the adults.
monday - rock climbing
There are two possible sites for rock climbing and Simone will choose the most suitable depending on the group’s ability and the weather. All equipment is provided and the group will take it in turns to climb with the guide’s assistance and encouragement helping along the way. This afternoon we suggest driving to the nearby cities of Volterra or Lucca. Both cities have a rich and fascinating history and we highly recommend a visit.
tuesday - cave and cascade adventure
This is the only destination where we are able to feature caving and it’s one of the highlights of your week here. You will walk, climb and abseil into the heart of Tuscany in the La Tana Che Urla caves. Along the route you will discover two underground waterfalls. On the way back to the farmhouse you will stop to sample one of the most famous attractions in Tuscany – a trip to the ice- cream parlour.
wednesday - free day
The choice is yours today. Head off and explore one of the nearby cities by car or train, relax by the pool or ask Simone about some additional activities which can be booked locally. That is of course, if you are able to tear yourself away from one of the best placed swimming pools we have ever come across!
thursday - canyoning
This is a wonderful family friendly canyon with some jumps, slides and abseils. There is always an easier option if you don’t fancy the larger jumps but nothing beats the rush when you challenge yourself and conquer an obstacle. There’s also a great sense of pride in watching your family members do the same.
friday - cycling
Many holidays are set up in this part of the world simply for the fantastic cycling options available. This is a wonderful final activity and allows you to explore the beautiful scenery of Tuscany, off the beaten track. This evening you will have your most delicious activity – pizza making! Everyone will make their choice of pizza before cooking it in the traditional outdoor pizza oven. Then comes the best part; the tasting!
saturday - depart or extend your stay
It’s time to leave your new home here in Tuscany and either extend your holiday or start your journey home.
Would you like this holiday tailor made especially for your friends and family?
If you have a group of at least 4 people then please contact one of our travel experts to discuss the options of a private or tailor made programme.
Available
Limited places
On request
Pricing Notes
Prices include all activities. If you do not wish to take part in one or more activities please let us know at time of booking as this may reduce the price.
Getting there
This is a self-drive holiday and clients will require a car during their stay. If you prefer to fly to Italy we can arrange flights and car hire on your behalf.
Our base for this wonderful family activity holiday is in Tuscany steeped in local traditions, cultures and is just 700m from the birth place of Leonardo Da Vinci and the stunning town of Vinci.
The 13th century farmhouse we use as our accommodation has been lovingly transformed into apartments as part of an Agriturismo project whilst still retaining a genuine Tuscan 'feel'. Accommodation is strictly limited in the area which allows careful management of tourism in terms of numbers.
Our local partner Simone is pioneering the development of the local economy through tourism and by only working with companies who share his policies on the environment and cultural preservation.
Throughout the week guests are encouraged to try the local flavours. Through pizza making lessons, olive oil tasting and Italian cookery lessons families will learn about the fantastic local dishes and help to preserve the traditional recipes.
Guests are encouraged to interact with the local community and use the local shops to purchase produce throughout the week. The purchasing of local products spreads the benefits of tourism throughout the wider community.