Dear valued guest,
Thank you very much for choosing Keyrow Tours, a family company specializing in small group travel for over 20 years.
Our aim is to provide a unique and authentic experience of Italy, that exceeds personal hopes and expectations. We believe that we achieve that goal by focusing on immersive cultural experiences, such as local food and wine tastings, hands-on cooking classes, guided tours of historical sites, and interactions with locals. Of course we will visit the main attractions on each of our trips, but we especially love to explore off-the-beaten-path places that truly capture the essence of Italy and our imagination.
Grazie! Thank you again for choosing Keyrow Tours. Our time together will be recreational, educational, and experiential…with memories to last a lifetime.
Contact us with your questions, and know that we remain at your service.
"Andiamo!" ("Let's Go!")
With kind regards,
Paolo C. Carman, Founder
Keyrow Tours coordinates the ambiance and the magic of travel. However, YOU are the travelers soaking in the experience. You become the experts!
Each evening, a few guests will be asked to present a brief reflection: there is no right or wrong with your reflection.
This could be something simple like sharing what your favorite observation was from earlier in the day. Previous Keyrow travelers have read passages from books, shared prior travel memories, created custom poems, and offered personal thoughts on their life's journey…the possibilities are endless!
VAT Basics
Think of VAT like a discount on items you can take home: clothes, books, etc. (not dinners or hotels). Rates vary by country, usually around 20%, and can depend on spending minimums and the type of item.
All EU countries, plus Switzerland, Norway, and Turkey, allow international tourists to claim VAT. Participation depends on the retailer, though most tourist-oriented stores do.
How to Shop for VAT
Bring your passport (or a photo of it).
The retailer will write your passport number on a VAT document, which you’ll show to customs when leaving Europe. Save your purchase receipt as extra proof.
Mail the stamped form back to the shop within three months to get your refund. Some merchants reimburse your card on the spot, some after receiving the form, and some at the airport.
How to Claim VAT at Customs
Customs offices are usually before airport security. Go there before checking bags.
You may need to show the purchased items.
Customs will validate your documents so you can mail them right there, using the provided postage-free envelope.
International ports, train stations, and border crossings also have customs offices. Allow plenty of time to avoid rushing.
Shopping in Multiple Countries
Outside the EU (Switzerland, Norway, Turkey): get forms stamped at each exit.
Within the EU: get forms stamped at the final departure country.
The cultural etiquette and modesty standards for visiting churches in Europe includes not carrying backpacks or large purses, not wearing sleeveless tops, and not wearing shorts or dresses that do not cover the knees. Sleeveless tops may be covered with a lightweight scarf.
Plan ahead:
Pack an appropriate clothing option like trousers or skirts that cover the knees and tops that cover the shoulders for days we may enter a church.
Bring a cover-up:
If you're unsure, bring a shawl or scarf to cover your shoulders and/or knees when you enter the attractions.
Consider the heat:
While it's hot, please know that the dress codes remains strict.
Drivers:
Tips are included
Guides:
Tips are already included
Hotels (housekeeping):
Tipping is not expected in Italian hospitality. If you wish to do so, 1-2euros per day is very generous
Restaurants (waitstaff):
Meals with a tour director are included. Tips for meals on your own are not.
- Standard restaurant/Coffee bar-Round up to the nearest euro or leave a euro or two
- Fine Dining-10% is plenty
Centrally located historic hotels (double room occupancy)
All ground and sea transportation
to museums and special events such as cooking classes and wine tastings
Daily
daily exquisite traditional main meals with local wine
with your personal Keyrow host
optional
“What is the fatal charm of Italy? What do we find there that can be found nowhere else? I believe it is a certain permission to be human, which other places, other countries, lost long ago.”
~ Erica Jong
In conjunction with Uni-World/Jetaway Travel, Keyrow Tours is pleased to make all flight arrangements, including primary flights originating from anywhere in the United States and international flights. We will depart from a major international airport located on the east coast of the United States [usually JFK (NY) or Philadelphia (PA)] and fly into Florence, Italy with one international layover. Transportation to and from your primary airport of departure is each person’s responsibility.
Cody Long has been a business owner, chef, and provider of high-end travel concierge services for many years. She is drawn to epicurean traditions, regional flavors, interesting folklore, indigenous scenic beauty and communities gathered around a table. Cody has lived in Scotland & Ireland and visited much of Europe, developing local friendships over many a meal shared and a glass raised.
To learn more about Cody, visit: The Rucksack Foodie
“A journey is best measured in friends, not in miles”
– Tim Cahill
Welcome to Naples, a city where ancient history meets modern life. Derived from the Greek Neapolis, meaning "New City," Naples has roots stretching back over 2,800 years. After collecting your luggage, your group will journey by private minibus to a hotel steeped in history, located on the Bay of Naples. Nearby stands the legendary Castel dell’Ovo, built on the ancient site where Naples was first settled around 600 BC, offering breathtaking views of Mount Vesuvius and the shimmering sea.
There will be 2 stops en route to Positano:
STOP #1: You do not need to get out of the car, but your luggage will be turned over to my porters who will get everything to your hotel rooms. Please be willing to give the porters as much as possible, since it is a 30 minute stroll to the hotel with hills and stairs. If you have fragile items (computers, etc.), you may want to carry those personally. YOU MAY TIP THE PORTERS AT THE FRONT DESK OF THE HOTEL UPON ARRIVAL
STOP #2: The gas station.
REMEMBER WHERE THIS GAS STATION IS LOCATED BECAUSE IT WILL BE YOUR PICK UP POINT AT THE END OF YOUR TIME IN POSITANO.
THE 30 MINUTE STROLL TO THE HOTEL:
First 15 Minutes: Exit the gas station and turn left, walking downhill. The road will bend 90 degrees to the left. At this "elbow" cross the road, where the village becomes an "Only Pedestrian" walking area (no cars). Walk downhill toward the sea. There are a couple of ways that you can take, and they are all equal. Just walk downhill until you reach the sea.
FROM THE SEA:
Second 15 Minutes:
Facing the sea, turn RIGHT. At the end of the walkway, walk up a few stairs and turn left toward the sea. At "Covo Saracini Restaurant" you will see a paved path that hugs the cliff along the water. Follow that path. Half is a gentle uphill, half is a gentle downhill. Pass through a tunnel and arrive at Hotel Pupetto.
The Amalfi Coastline winds its way along scenic cliffs, following the Mediterranean Sea. For many, this is “Paradiso in Terra” or “Paradise on Earth!” Enjoy the panoramic views… Our hotel in Positano is an absolute treat: a beachside resort on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Stroll the winding roads of Positano. Take a walk on the beach. There are great ceramic shops, clothing, and opportunities for hiking. Positano is not a place to be “busy” seeing things. It is a place to relax and allow nature’s beauty to touch us in positive and happy ways. Don’t forget to try a little limoncello along the way!
Keyrow Tours coordinates the ambiance and the magic of travel. However, YOU are the travelers soaking in the experience. You become the experts!
Each evening, a few guests will be asked to present a brief reflection: there is no right or wrong with your reflection.
This could be something simple like sharing what your favorite observation was from earlier in the day. Previous Keyrow travelers have read passages from books, shared prior travel memories, created custom poems, and offered personal thoughts on their life's journey…the possibilities are endless!
Today after breakfast, we depart by private minibus for the city of Ravello. This resort town set 365 meters above the Tyrrhenian Sea along the Amalfi Coast, and is home to iconic cliffside gardens. The 13th-century, Moorish-style Villa Rufolo offers far-reaching views from its terraced gardens, and hosts indoor and outdoor concerts during the popular summertime Ravello Music Festival. Ravello is magical: breathtaking cliff top views of the sea, cute shops, and delicious things to taste…
Lunch on your own but we have a reservation
Learn how locals create limoncello, and enjoy a few samples along the way…
"Life for the Italians was what it was, no more and no less, an interlude between meals."
~ Abraham Verghese in "Cutting for Stone”
Enjoy a day on the Mediterranean Sea! A private chartered boat will take us from Positano along the southern coastline, providing breathtaking views along the way. Take a swim off the boat along the way…the water will be perfect!
Our small group will disembark to explore the enchanting “Grotto Smeraldo,” or Emerald Grotto, a natural cave carved into the Amalfi Coast’s rugged cliffs. Inside, a smaller boat will guide us through the grotto’s serene waters. As sunlight filters through an underwater opening, it transforms the water into a mesmerizing display of emerald-blue light, a phenomenon first discovered by local fishermen in the 1930s. This magical experience offers a unique glimpse into the natural wonders of the Mediterranean Sea...
*Disembarking is dependent upon sea conditions.
Dine like the locals at this family-run restaurant that is only accessible by private boat! As our boat is too large to dock, smaller boats will pick us up to bring us to shore. While the restaurant features local seafood (and is usually filled with local fishermen!), it offers everything edible from both land and sea. Personally, I have never seen English-speaking tourists dining here, as few tourists have a private boat for a day…
After lunch we will boat to the City of Amalfi. Enjoy free time to explore this beautiful medieval seaside village with it’s beautiful cathedral… the final resting place of the Apostle Saint Andrew. Amalfi has cute shops and café’s. Enjoy a gelato and watch the world go by…
Free evening to enjoy the great outdoors, walk the beach, and explore this little slice of paradise. Enjoy your time on the Mediterranean Sea.
Keyrow Tours coordinates the ambiance and the magic of travel. However, YOU are the travelers soaking in the experience. You become the experts!
Each evening, a few guests will be asked to present a brief reflection: there is no right or wrong with your reflection.
This could be something simple like sharing what your favorite observation was from earlier in the day. Previous Keyrow travelers have read passages from books, shared prior travel memories, created custom poems, and offered personal thoughts on their life's journey…the possibilities are endless!
“Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life.”
~ Jack Kerouac
From the hotel, follow the footpath to the village. In the center of downtown Positano, take the stairs up to the main church and keep going uphill...all within the pedestrian area. Once you arrive to the road where cars are allowed, follow the road to the left to the gas station.
Buongiorno, everyone! My name is Ludovica, I am an archaeologist and a licensed Tourist Guide for Campania Region. I am proudly Neapolitan! I grew up in Naples with a burning passion for archaeology, history and the natural beauties of my city and its surrounding region. After years of working in archaeological excavations, my need to share what I discovered finally won... and I have been a full-time guide since 2009. Welcome to the spirit and history of my magical land!
Lunch is on your own but we have a group reservation.
My name is Rossella, I was born in Rome, and I love this wonderful city! My passion for Roman art and history started when I was a child and over the years I nurtured my passion by reading and studying art history in school. After my university studies, I spent time in London where I discovered how much I enjoy working with people from different cultural backgrounds. Upon returning to Rome, I turned my passion for art history and my love for working with people, into a job!. As an licensed Roman tour guide, I can't wait to share the Enteral City of Rome with you...
Our group will start the day with a visit to Campo dei Fiori, a lively market square whose name means “Field of Flowers,” a nod to its medieval past when it was a meadow. Now a bustling daily farmer’s market just a five-minute walk from our hotel, it brims with vibrant stalls offering fresh vegetables, fruits, cheeses, meats, and fish. Relax at a café with a real cappuccino, soaking in the lively atmosphere of a square that has been a hub of Roman life since the Renaissance.
We’ll step into Piazza Navona, one of Rome’s most magnificent squares, built on the site of the ancient Stadium of Domitian in the 1st century AD. Its elongated shape reflects its origins as a chariot racing track. Today, it is adorned with Bernini’s famous Fountain of Four Rivers and brims with artisans, gelato shops, restaurants, and street performers, capturing the vibrant and romantic spirit of Rome.
Welcome to the Church of San Luigi Francese, a stunning 16th-century church dedicated to St. Louis of France. Inside, we’ll admire three priceless Caravaggio paintings that depict dramatic and vivid scenes from the life of St. Matthew, considered masterpieces of Baroque art.
Our small group will marvel at the Pantheon, the best-preserved monument of ancient Rome, originally completed by Emperor Hadrian in 126 AD. This architectural wonder, famed for its massive dome and oculus, was a temple dedicated to all Roman gods before being consecrated as a Christian basilica in 609 AD. Its ingenious design, with a dome still considered one of the largest unsupported structures in the world, continues to inspire awe centuries later.
Keyrow Tours coordinates the ambiance and the magic of travel. However, YOU are the travelers soaking in the experience. You become the experts!
Each evening, a few guests will be asked to present a brief reflection: there is no right or wrong with your reflection.
This could be something simple like sharing what your favorite observation was from earlier in the day. Previous Keyrow travelers have read passages from books, shared prior travel memories, created custom poems, and offered personal thoughts on their life's journey…the possibilities are endless!
“The Mediterranean has the color of mackerel, changeable I mean. You don’t always know if it is green or violet. You can’t even say it’s blue because the next moment the changing reflection has taken on a tint of rose or gray.”
~ Vincent Van Gogh
My name is Rossella, I was born in Rome, and I love this wonderful city! My passion for Roman art and history started when I was a child and over the years I nurtured my passion by reading and studying art history in school. After my university studies, I spent time in London where I discovered how much I enjoy working with people from different cultural backgrounds. Upon returning to Rome, I turned my passion for art history and my love for working with people, into a job!. As an licensed Roman tour guide, I can't wait to share the Enteral City of Rome with you...
Journey through the heart of ancient Rome, as we explore the Roman Forum, once the bustling center of political and social life. We’ll then step into the Colosseum, the greatest and bloodiest monument of its time. Built in the 2nd century AD, this iconic amphitheater seated 50,000 spectators who gathered to witness gladiatorial combat and battles with wild beasts from across the Roman Empire.
We’ll uncover layers of history at the Basilica of San Clemente, an archaeological marvel. This 12th-century church stands atop a 9th-century church, which itself rests on a 4th-century church, all built over 1st-century Roman apartment buildings and a pagan Mithraic temple. The tour will reveal stunning mosaic artwork and a fascinating glimpse into Rome’s multi-layered past.
Rome’s most famous fountain, the Trevi, is a Baroque masterpiece completed in 1762 by architect Nicola Salvi and adorned with sculptures symbolizing the taming of water. Tradition calls for tossing “three coins in the fountain”—a ritual said to ensure a return to Rome, spark a new romance, and bring about good fortune. Sounds like the best three cents one could ever spend!
Each day, around €3,000 of loose change ends up in the Trevi Fountain, or about €1.5 million each year. All proceeds are used for social projects: The homeless, the sick, soup kitchens, and assisting people living in poverty.
Keyrow Tours coordinates the ambiance and the magic of travel. However, YOU are the travelers soaking in the experience. You become the experts!
Each evening, a few guests will be asked to present a brief reflection: there is no right or wrong with your reflection.
This could be something simple like sharing what your favorite observation was from earlier in the day. Previous Keyrow travelers have read passages from books, shared prior travel memories, created custom poems, and offered personal thoughts on their life's journey…the possibilities are endless!
"Poetry doesn't belong to those who write it; it belongs to those who need it.”
- Mario Ruoppolo in Il Postino
My name is Rossella, I was born in Rome, and I love this wonderful city! My passion for Roman art and history started when I was a child and over the years I nurtured my passion by reading and studying art history in school. After my university studies, I spent time in London where I discovered how much I enjoy working with people from different cultural backgrounds. Upon returning to Rome, I turned my passion for art history and my love for working with people, into a job!. As an licensed Roman tour guide, I can't wait to share the Enteral City of Rome with you...
Our small group will enjoy exclusive access to the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel, bypassing the daunting public entrance line that often stretches for hours. Within the Vatican Museum, founded by Pope Julius II in 1506, we’ll explore one of the world’s most significant collections of art, spanning centuries of history and culture. The highlight of our visit will be the Sistine Chapel, adorned with Michelangelo’s iconic ceiling frescoes, completed between 1508 and 1512, depicting scenes from Genesis, including the famous "Creation of Adam."
St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the most iconic and historically significant churches in the world. Originally commissioned by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century, the basilica was later transformed during the Renaissance by Michelangelo, Bramante, and Bernini. Inside, we’ll admire Michelangelo’s Pieta, a stunning marble sculpture created in his early twenties, alongside numerous other masterpieces. This sacred site also houses the body of Pope John XXIII and the tombs of many Popes, offering a profound glimpse into centuries of spiritual and artistic history.
Keyrow Tours coordinates the ambiance and the magic of travel. However, YOU are the travelers soaking in the experience. You become the experts!
Each evening, a few guests will be asked to present a brief reflection: there is no right or wrong with your reflection.
This could be something simple like sharing what your favorite observation was from earlier in the day. Previous Keyrow travelers have read passages from books, shared prior travel memories, created custom poems, and offered personal thoughts on their life's journey…the possibilities are endless!
“Eternity. It is the sea mingled with the sun.”
- Arthur Rimbaud
Bologna is the capital city of the Emilia-Romagna Region: a cosmopolitan college town with rich history, art, cuisine, music, and culture. It was one of the first settlements in Italy dating back to at least one millennium before Jesus… first settled by the Etruscans, then the Celts, and then the Romans. By the Middle Ages it was home to the oldest university in the world; the University of Bologna was founded in 1088 and today hosts thousands of students who enrich the social and cultural life of the city. Famous for its towers and lengthy porticoes, Bologna has a well-preserved historical center. It is also one of the wealthiest cities in Italy, often ranking as one of the top cities in terms of quality of life in the country.
Time to unpack and get settled
Piazza Maggiore Bologna’s primary outdoor plaza was built in the 13th century as a place where people gathered and the market was held. The piazza continues to serve this function as the preferred meeting place of the Bolognese who gather in the shadow of the statue of Neptune with the Basilica of San Petronio (dedicated to the city’s patron saint) in the background. Piazza Maggiore is surrounded by the most important buildings of the medieval city. The oldest is Palazzo del Podestà, dating back to 1200 as the palace of government. Opposite this building is the famous unfinished facade of the Basilica of San Petronio: an example of Italian Gothic architecture begun at the end of the 14th century and never completed. In or around the neighborhood of Piazza Maggiore we will also visit:
A.) The Basilica San Petronio
B.) The Fountain of Neptune
C.) The University of Bologna’s “Anatomical Theater” Dedicated to the study of anatomy… offering public autopsies in the 17th century!
D.) Santa Maria della Vita Visit what the locals call “The Screaming Marys”….the largest collection of terracotta sculptures of the Italian Renaissance depicting the death of Jesus.
E.) The Two Leaning Towers of Bologna
Keyrow Tours coordinates the ambiance and the magic of travel. However, YOU are the travelers soaking in the experience. You become the experts!
Each evening, a few guests will be asked to present a brief reflection: there is no right or wrong with your reflection.
This could be something simple like sharing what your favorite observation was from earlier in the day. Previous Keyrow travelers have read passages from books, shared prior travel memories, created custom poems, and offered personal thoughts on their life's journey…the possibilities are endless!
"Life for the Italians was what it was, no more and no less, an interlude between meals."
Abraham Verghese in "Cutting for Stone"
With a private coach we will leave Bologna and visit a famous Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Farm. During our visit we will discover the various steps in the production of this world famous cheese, and in the farm’s aging rooms we will sample some of its products.
From the cheese farm we will travel to a private Traditional Balsamic Vinegar Production located in an amazing villa where we will taste 12, 25, 30 and 45 year old vinegars. The original traditional product (Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale), made from a reduction of cooked white Trebbiano grape juice and not a vinegar in the usual sense, has been made in Modena and Reggio Emilia since the Middle Ages; the production of balsamic vinegar is mentioned in a document dated 1046. Today, traditional balsamic vinegar is highly valued by chefs and gourmet food lovers. The word balsamico (from Latin balsamum, and from the Greek balsamon) means "balsam-like" in the sense of "restorative" or "curative”.
Keyrow Tours coordinates the ambiance and the magic of travel. However, YOU are the travelers soaking in the experience. You become the experts!
Each evening, a few guests will be asked to present a brief reflection: there is no right or wrong with your reflection.
This could be something simple like sharing what your favorite observation was from earlier in the day. Previous Keyrow travelers have read passages from books, shared prior travel memories, created custom poems, and offered personal thoughts on their life's journey…the possibilities are endless!
“Traveling allows you to become so many different versions of yourself”
– Unknown
We are delighted to welcome you to the rolling hills and enchanting countryside of Tuscany, where life’s simple pleasures are celebrated with elegance and style.
Our home for this unforgettable journey is a luxurious private villa perfectly situated in a peaceful and secluded setting. This villa will be our sanctuary as we explore, unwind, and immerse ourselves in the timeless beauty of Tuscany.
The villa’s estate comprises three thoughtfully designed structures:
Please note that room assignments are made randomly, though we strive to keep families and friends close together. All accommodations at the villa are designed to provide comfort, privacy, and a restful retreat after our days exploring Tuscany’s treasures.
Welcome to the glorious hills and countryside of the Tuscany Region, where simple pleasures are elevated to an art form. Our home for the next five nights is a beautiful private Tuscan villa, situated in a charming and secluded setting. Our villa will be an oasis as we explore, celebrate and enjoy the heart and bounty of Tuscany.
Keyrow Tours coordinates the ambiance and the magic of travel. However, YOU are the travelers soaking in the experience. You become the experts!
Each evening, a few guests will be asked to present a brief reflection: there is no right or wrong with your reflection.
This could be something simple like sharing what your favorite observation was from earlier in the day. Previous Keyrow travelers have read passages from books, shared prior travel memories, created custom poems, and offered personal thoughts on their life's journey…the possibilities are endless!
“As with circling round of turrets, Monteriggioni crowns his walls; E’en thus the shore, encompassing the abyss, Was turreted with giants, half their length Uprearing, horrible, whom Jove from heaven Yet threatens, when his muttering thunder rolls.”
~ Dante Alighieri, Hell, canto XXXI, lines 40-45
Monteriggioni is located in the Province of Siena. The town is architecturally and culturally significant: As a medieval walled town, it is referenced in Dante Aligheri’s Divine Comedy. Monteriggioni was built by the Sienese in 1214-1219 as a front line in their wars against Florence. Its circular walls are crowned with fourteen towers. Standing frozen in time, this little gem is a real showcase of medieval architecture and life.
Tenuta Torciano is about 30 minutes away, and has been producing wine and olive oil since 1720. Featuring panoramic views with hillsides, vineyards, and olive groves, Tenuta Torciano has been in the Giachi family since its inception. Pierluigi, the vineyard owner, will offer us an in depth explanation of his wines, how they are made, and the science of wine tasting and wine pairing. His mother will prepare an incredible luncheon for us using local, organic foods. Bravissima!!!
Keyrow Tours coordinates the ambiance and the magic of travel. However, YOU are the travelers soaking in the experience. You become the experts!
Each evening, a few guests will be asked to present a brief reflection: there is no right or wrong with your reflection.
This could be something simple like sharing what your favorite observation was from earlier in the day. Previous Keyrow travelers have read passages from books, shared prior travel memories, created custom poems, and offered personal thoughts on their life's journey…the possibilities are endless!
“To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the most pleasant sensations in the world. You are surrounded by adventure”
– Freya Stark
The Medieval and Renaissance village of Montepulciano is one of the most attractive hills towns in Tuscany. It is built on the ridge of Monte Poliziano, and its main street stretches for 11.5 kilometers from the Porta al Prato to the Piazza Grande at the top of the hill. The cathedral was built in 1619, and the castle of Montepulciano was first mentioned as a fortified center in the year 715. Of course Montepulciano is famous for not just one, but two excellent wines: Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Rosso di Montepulciano. For those who partake in the fruit of the vine, you will have the opportunity to try both!
Nestled between the towns of Montepulciano and Montalcino, this small village was rebuilt by Pope Pius II who was born there, as the ideal Renaissance city and as a retreat for the Pope from Rome. It produces some of the best Pecorino cheese in the world which we will sample! Pienza is known for its annual Pecorino tossing contest. Pass the Pecorino, per favore!
Keyrow Tours coordinates the ambiance and the magic of travel. However, YOU are the travelers soaking in the experience. You become the experts!
Each evening, a few guests will be asked to present a brief reflection: there is no right or wrong with your reflection.
This could be something simple like sharing what your favorite observation was from earlier in the day. Previous Keyrow travelers have read passages from books, shared prior travel memories, created custom poems, and offered personal thoughts on their life's journey…the possibilities are endless!
“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough”
– Mae West
Adriana (Adri) Faust Bianchi was born to American and Italian parents in Florence, Italy. Early in her in career, she taught English and Italian for extended periods of time in Sweden and in Great Britain, where she feels very much at home. Adri has worked extensively in the luxury travel industry. She currently resides in Florence, and operates a successful business as a licensed tour guide in the Tuscan region, welcoming visitors from all over the world. A proud mother of two young adult daughters, Adri's passions include travel, hiking, horses, photography, Renaissance art and her beloved city of Florence. Adri has worked for Keyrow Tours for over a decade, making the enchanted vistas of Florence come alive for Keyrow guests. Adri also serves as a tour director for Keyrow Tours, hosting several trips each year on adventures even beyond the Tuscan sun.
The Ponte Vecchio, or “Old Bridge,” is one of Florence’s most iconic landmarks and a symbol of the city’s enduring charm. Spanning the Arno River, this historic bridge dates back to 1345 and is renowned as the only Florentine bridge to survive World War II, allegedly spared by direct order of Hitler. Once home to butchers and tanners, the bridge was transformed in the 16th century by Duke Ferdinand I, who replaced the workshops with luxurious gold and jewelry shops—a tradition that continues today.
Conveniently located just steps from our hotel, the Ponte Vecchio offers not only a shopper’s paradise but also a stunning view of the Arno, making it a must-visit for both history enthusiasts and treasure seekers alike!
Piazza Signoria, Florence’s central square, has been the city’s political and cultural heart since the 14th century. The square witnessed pivotal moments in history, including the rise of the Medici family and the infamous Bonfire of the Vanities in 1497, when religious zealots destroyed art and luxury goods under the influence of the preacher Savonarola.
The Palazzo Vecchio, originally built in 1299, stands as a testament to Florence’s power during the Renaissance and has been the seat of government since Medici rule. The Loggia dei Lanzi, an open-air gallery, features sculptures spanning centuries, including Benvenuto Cellini’s bronze masterpiece of Perseus holding Medusa’s severed head, a work commissioned by Duke Cosimo I in the 16th century to symbolize his triumph over tyranny.
The Accademia Museum houses some of the most extraordinary works of Renaissance art, offering a window into Florence’s golden age. Its centerpiece, Michelangelo’s David, was carved from a single block of marble between 1501 and 1504 and originally intended to adorn the rooftop of the Florence Cathedral. The statue instead became a symbol of Florentine independence and was placed in Piazza Signoria before being moved indoors for preservation. Visitors will also encounter Michelangelo’s Prisoners, unfinished sculptures intended for Pope Julius II’s tomb, which illustrate the artist’s belief in "liberating the figure" from the stone. The museum provides a deeper understanding of the genius and innovation that flourished during the Renaissance.
Join us for an afternoon cooking class where we’ll learn to prepare traditional Tuscan dishes using fresh, local ingredients. Guided by a skilled chef, this hands-on experience will immerse us in the flavors and techniques that have defined Tuscan cuisine for centuries.
Keyrow Tours coordinates the ambiance and the magic of travel. However, YOU are the travelers soaking in the experience. You become the experts!
Each evening, a few guests will be asked to present a brief reflection: there is no right or wrong with your reflection.
This could be something simple like sharing what your favorite observation was from earlier in the day. Previous Keyrow travelers have read passages from books, shared prior travel memories, created custom poems, and offered personal thoughts on their life's journey…the possibilities are endless!
“Traveling forces you to lose sight of all the familiar comforts of home. Nothing is yours except the essential things – air, sleep, dreams, the sea, the sky – all things tending towards the eternal or what we imagine of it.”
~ Cesare Pavese
The historic center of Siena has been declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site. It is one of the nation's most visited attractions, and is famous for its cuisine, art, museums, medieval cityscape and the Palio, a horse race that is held twice a year.
Siena, like other Tuscan hill towns, was first settled in the time of the Etruscans (c. 900–400 BC).
According to local legend, Siena was founded by Senius and Aschius, two sons of Remus and thus the nephews of Romulus, after whom Rome was named. Legend has it that after their father was murdered by Romulus, they fled Rome, taking with them the statue of the she-wolf suckling the infants and appropriating that symbol for the town.
The most famous daughter of this important medieval city is Saint Catherine of Siena: a medieval mystic, poet and feminist-figure of her time. We will learn about Saint Catherine over lunch… and why she referred to God as an “inebriated lover.” Cheers!
My name is Costanza, and I will serve as your local city guide today. I was born in Siena and raised in a nearby village in the Tuscan countryside. I have a degree in Natural Sciences and have lived in Siena all my life, except one year that I spent in England where I was doing a research in a National Park.
Siena is so rich in history and traditions that I decided to further my education by studying art history and archaeology. I love to talk about every aspect of this place that I call "my home": its nature, art, history, local traditions, cuisine and good wines. Shall we explore it all together?
Keyrow Tours coordinates the ambiance and the magic of travel. However, YOU are the travelers soaking in the experience. You become the experts!
Each evening, a few guests will be asked to present a brief reflection: there is no right or wrong with your reflection.
This could be something simple like sharing what your favorite observation was from earlier in the day. Previous Keyrow travelers have read passages from books, shared prior travel memories, created custom poems, and offered personal thoughts on their life's journey…the possibilities are endless!
“Open my heart and you will see,
graved inside of it, Italy.”
~ Robert Browning
Expect one international layover. There are no direct flights.
