Review By John H. - Parker, CO - US (June 2024)
Best Vacation In Tuscany
Extremely easy to set up this vacation with CDV. Very professional. No ambiguity. I really felt that the value provided was worth more than I paid. It was fantastic. It was a family atmosphere.
| Written By: | John H. |
| Rating: | |
| Location: | Parker - CO - US |
| Review Source: | Website |
| Type of Traveler: | Solo Traveler |
| Itinerary: | Chianti Tuscany |
Full Review
On the recommendation of a good friend who had vacationed with CDV multiple times, I decided to take the trip to Chianti/Florence. It was one of the best destinations I have ever visited. Setting up my trip was very easy with the highly detailed Web Site and guidance provided. CDV communicated in a prompt and professional manner through all phases of the process.
When I arrived in FLR, my guide, Lorenzo, hit me with a text and let me know where to meet him. From the very first minute, he was fantastic. I'm not fluent in Italian, so his near-native fluency in English was great. I felt I was hanging out with a guy from my college cohort.
Our hotel in Radda was excellent, and the staff was beyond wonderful. I felt safe, happy and well taken care of during my week there. Lorenzo was an expert guide and managed our small group very well. I loved all of the activities, especially those centered around cooking and wine. Every venue we visited was a new treat for the mind and palate. I found the Tuscan people very open, honest, friendly, and willing to share their culture and history with our group. Our chef instructor, Simonetta, was an absolute blast, and a gracious host of her time and acumen. The same can be said for our other chef instructor, Patricia, who graciously hosted us at her lovely farm/restaurant.
The wineries and restaurants we visited were nothing short of exceptional. The hospitality extended to us was world class. The tour guides who walked us through Siena and Florence were highly educated with Art History Degrees, and English language skills that exceed a large portion of the U.S. population. They were an absolute expert repository of Italian history.
The BBQ event after our day in Florence was something I'll never forget.
I would be remiss if I did not recognize our professional driver, John Franco, who skillfully navigated us around on roads that were more like narrow sidewalks in some places. He ensured we arrived safely. After hours, he was an absolutely wonderful person to hang out and associate with.
CDV does not provide the cookie cutter "group vacation." Not even close. I'd describe it as a free flow road trip experience. If you're willing to open up with your group and really appreciate another culture, then you'll love your trip with CDV.
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| Sample Photo from this Itinerary |