TRAVEL WITH RICCIO

Travel, Eat, and Indulge Like a Local

About The Experience

This is small group travel exclusively for women, making it perfect for friend groups, mothers, daughters, and sisters. But if you have a different group or a specific experience in mind, I can customize the trip to suit your needs with a minimum person requirement of 5.

Come with me on an off the beaten path, unique travel experience in the heart of the Italian Renaissance - Florence. Having spent a great deal of time in Florence since the age of 20, I have recently begun to offer personalized tours of this beautiful city I know so well and love so much. We will explore its endless hidden gems, including private palazzos and gardens, as well as its incredible array of local wines and regional foods. We will delve into the vibrant culture and history of Florence's four distinct neighborhoods, the Medici, Michelangelo, Florentine founding fashion families and more. I will also arrange private shopping experiences at my favorite artisan shops to highlight the quality of goods still being produced by small artisans and designers.

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2024 Experiences

May 17-23, 2024

October 4-10, 2024

The cost of this experience is $7,800.

Scheduled trips are for a maximum of 7.

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What's Included?

6 nights single occupancy in a boutique hotel
Rooftop welcome cocktails and Wine at meals
4 dinners and 4 lunches (2 dinners and two lunches on your own)
All professional guides, tips, experiences & transportation as it applies to the itinerary

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What's Not Included

Airfare to and from Florence
Trip Insurance
2 dinners/2 lunches on your own
Extra alcohol

Testimonials

"Florence with Belinda is not to be missed! She curates the best of the best - from shopping to churches to food markets to palaces to ancient burial sites. What fun to be in such a beautiful, historic city with such an amazing group of women!"

- JBC

"A new look at an old city! So much fun with friends old and new enjoying all it has to offer."

- HA

"It was EPIC! I have absolutely no complaints and I grew to love Florence and friends through this incredible experience. Belinda is THE BEST!"

- AP

Your knowledge and experience navigating Florence is priceless. I do not think I could have seen and learned as much in one area without your guidance. You truly know Florence! I thought the itinerary was well thought out and every place we toured, shopped, and ate was over the top! I know we would not have experienced the fine foods and wines that the locals enjoy without your lead. I can't say enough about the local areas and restaurants we experienced on this trip.
--MD

Wow what a wonderful experience to visit Florence with an expert! I am so grateful to have been a part of one of your trips and would love to go back soon. Thank you making my first time in Italy unforgettable!
--TO

Riccio Travel provided a one of a kind unique experience. Her choice of guides and their knowledge cannot be matched. Everything from the daily excursions, the shopping experiences and the meals were distinctive.

What You Can Expect

SIGHTS

SIGHTS

"Not much was really invented during the Renaissance, if you don't count modern civilization" - P. J. O'Rourke

Discover hidden gems, including but not limited to:

Renaissance churches, private palazzos and gardens
Learn about local wines and regional foods
Immerse yourself in the culture and history of Florence's famed four neighborhoods.
Learn about the Medici, Michelangelo, Florence's founding fashion families and more
Enjoy private shopping experiences at local artisan shops experiencing the quality of goods produced by generational artisans
We will take a day trip to explore Florence's environs
We are professionally guided by Florence's best art historians and city guides

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EATS

EATS

"Life is a combination of magic and pasta"
- Federico Fellini

What better way to get to know a culture than through its food? We will explore what Tuscan food means, sample extraordinary wines from the region and experience some of Florence's most iconic eateries. Italians truly live to eat and so shall we!

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STAYS

STAYS

"I have a view, I have a view"
- A Room with a View, E.M. Forster

We make our home in the Oltrarno district of Florence. "Oltrarno" translates to "beyond the Arno" and is found across the river. It is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city and for over 100s of years has been home to artisans and "real" Florentines alike. It is a lively mix of Renaissance palazzos and trendy galleries, restaurants and boutique shops.

We stay in a small, charming boutique hotel that was once a childhood home of a dear friend and in the same palazzo where famed English poets, Elizabeth and Robert Browning lived.

Single occupancy. Breakfast included. Honor bar.

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