Written and Photographed UnFluencer, Riley Chervinski
I’ve stayed in all kinds of places while traveling (charming B&Bs, budget hotels, luxury chains) but the UnTours 8-day Tuscany Food & Wine Tour was the first time where staying put actually felt like part of the trip itself.
During our week in Tuscany in May, we stayed at Angela, a lovingly restored farmhouse apartment located just outside the small town of Torrenieri. Tucked into the rolling hills and surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, “coming home” quickly became one of our favorite parts of the trip.
A Place That Feels Like Home
The Angela apartment was rustic and charming, with terracotta floors, wood-beamed ceilings, and a big kitchen we used daily. We left the windows open during the day to let in the breeze, and at night it was so dark and quiet you could hear the crickets. There were no elevators or lobby noise, just the hum of the countryside.
We made breakfast at home, picked up fresh fruit, cheese, and cured meats from the local grocer, and enjoyed slow evenings with wine on the terrace. It didn’t feel like a place to crash between outings—it felt like we lived there, even just for a week.
Supporting Community-Based Travel
UnTours’ accommodations are carefully selected to support local hosts and promote community-based tourism. Many are part of working farms or vineyards, and some even offer extras like tastings, cooking classes, and tours.
Angela and her husband Alessandro, who run the apartment, were lovely. They didn’t speak much English, but that made it feel even more authentic. They were always nearby tending to the property or offering a warm wave hello.
This kind of stay helps reduce pressure on tourist-heavy cities and gives travelers a chance to experience the rhythm of rural life. You’re not part of a crowd—you’re part of the neighborhood.
The Perfect Base for Exploring Tuscany
Staying outside the big cities meant we avoided the bustle and the crowds, but still had easy access to towns like Siena, Montalcino, and Montepulciano. Our apartment was just a few minutes from a delicious farm-to-table restaurant and within walking distance to a foraging and cooking class we loved.
Each day, we returned to a quiet home base to unwind. Some nights we cooked simple meals, others we just relaxed with a glass of local wine and watched the sun set behind the hills.
Travel That Slows You Down in the Best Way
Shoulder season—May and October—is a perfect time to go. The hills are green, the weather is warm, and the villages feel calm and open. We never felt rushed or crowded. It was the kind of travel that slows you down in all the right ways.
And with UnTours handling the logistics, from the car rental to the welcome groceries and on-the-ground support, we were free to focus on the good stuff: eating, drinking, exploring, and soaking it all in.
If You Go
All UnTours Tuscany Food & Wine stays include:
- A private farmhouse or vineyard apartment
- A rental car with unlimited mileage
- Welcome groceries on arrival
- Access to a local UnGuide (ours was Tracy—she was fantastic!)
- Activities like a truffle hunt, cooking class, and wine tasting
For us, the UnTour experience turned accommodation into something much more than a place to sleep. It became a highlight of the journey—a peaceful, personal way to connect with Tuscany beyond the postcard.
Learn more about the Tuscany Food & Wine UnTour here and all of our UnTours in Tuscany here.