1. Tell us a little bit about your most recent Untour?
Our most recent Untour trip was to Tuscany. We spent two weeks in an apartment at the beautiful Le Chiuse vineyard near Montalcino. It was so informative to see first hand the operation of a multi-generational family-owned vineyard. We took numerous day trips in our car to nearby hill towns, ancient cathedrals and monasteries and to the larger city of Siena. Every day included scenic views, delectable dining discoveries and enjoyable encounters with engaging residents and fellow travelers.
2. Why did you choose to go there?
We’ve longed to return to Italy since our first visit in 1998. We were drawn back by Italy‘s natural beauty, the “joie de vivre” spirit of the Italian people and last, but not least, the savory foods and wines of Italy. We can say without reservation that our two week Untour stay in Tuscany enabled us to experience each of those attractions in a way that we will always cherish.
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| Le Chiuse 2—where they stayed in Tuscany |
3. What is your favorite UnTours memory?
We have a three-way tie for our favorite UnTours memory: dining at I Poggioli restaurant in nearby Buonconvento, Sandee’s cooking class from Maria at Le Chiuse Vineyard, and our visit to the village of Pienza with its charming shops and panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside.
4. How is taking an Untour different from other ways of travelling?
The greatest difference between an Untour trip and other ways of traveling is experiencing the country more as a resident than as a tourist. We love shopping in the markets and bakeries just as local residents do. We love being immersed in a smaller village for the richness it provides in understanding the culture and everyday life of the host country.
We enjoy unpacking our bags once for the entire stay instead of multiple times as required by traditional travel. We love the option of choosing each day if we will venture out or if we will relax in the comfort of our Untour apartment or house. Most of all, we love that two weeks in one location gives us the opportunity to know our host family and other local residents in a way that’s not possible on a brief visit or when staying in a hotel.
5. If you could describe an Untour in just three words, what would they be?
LESS IS MORE!