Small Group Tours

Countryside adventures for travellers who want to escape from crowded cities and join a small group to enjoy the hidden rural culture of Italy. Food and family are the way into this inner sanctum. If you’re also interested in fibres and textiles, you’ll find tours specially designed for you. Whatever your interests, you learn with Italian farmers and artisans who welcome you to their workshops and homes. They’re eager to exchange views and enrich their knowledge and yours. As we explore together, you'll discover the heritage of the countryside tucked away behind unmarked doors in beautiful remote places. You'll be surprised and enchanted. Dinner will never be the same again. You'll carry the experience and beauty of rural Italy home with you to enrich your own life. (Very small group: maximum 10 people; no large coaches, no guides waving umbrellas)

Celebrating Sardinia

2027: April 9–18

If you want to be part of a six-centuries old celebration, come to Sardinia for the feast of their patron Saint Antioco. After the costumes and music, we explore the rich culinary heritage of a nation of shepherds and fishermen.

Edible Emilia Exposed

NEW TOUR
2027: April 11–18

This is a myth-busting tour for foodies. Abandon yourself to eight days dedicated to Emilia-Romagna's iconic products: Mortadella di Bologna, Prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano Reggiano, balsamic vinegar of Modena and many more. But, these won't be the versions you find in Italian delis near you. You'll visit the small family producers whose products radiate generations of skill and, that most precious of all commodities, time.

Tastes & Textiles:
Woad & Wool

2027: May 7–17

Enter the gate to the inner sanctum of Renaissance Italy: woad, ancient fruit, Piero della Francesca, fulled and napped wool, grilled ravioli, handwoven fine linen.

Tastes & Textiles: Hanging by a Thread

2027: May 22–31

Come soon or the former thriving textile tradition of Lucca will have completely disappeared. At least mamma is still cooking in the kitchen.

Tastes & Textiles: Carpet Weavers of Sardinia

2027: June 12–22

Meet and weave with the few remaining carpet weavers in Sardinia. During a hands-on natural dyeing workshop and three carpet weaving workshops, you will have quality time with the artisans.

Tastes & Textiles:
Wine to Dye For

2027: September 7–17

Meet the inspiring young people who are rejuvenating traditional crafts from textiles to water-marked paper and baskets. They're enthusiastic to use local ingredients to create variations on their regional dishes.

Tuscan Heritage

2027: October 9–18

Hop aboard our time machine for a journey into Tuscany’s past. Experience the flavours of the Tuscan countryside from Sansepolcro to Lucca.

Tastes & Textiles:
Sea Silk in Sardinia

Giants of Sardinia

2027: September 16–21

A 5-night extension to our Wine to Dye For tour. We’re going in search of the truth about byssus or sea silk, the dark brown beard of the giant mollusc Pinna nobilis. Meet the weavers and eat traditional Sardinian cuisine.

2027: September 25–October 2

The Bronze Age stone giants from Mont’e Prama are the wonder of Sardinia. Nearby we’ve found some giants of another kind: smaller in stature but brave and bold when defending their traditional food.

Autumn in Tuscany

2026: November 6–16
2027: November 5–15

Wake up your nose with the fragrance of roasting chestnuts, grassy new olive oil and musky white truffles.