Walkabout Florence Tours — Local services in Florence

Mixed Experience on a Tuscany Wine Tour – Beautiful Locations, but Let Down by the Host

We recently joined a wine tour from Florence that had great potential, but the experience was unfortunately overshadowed by our host, Fabian. The properties visited were stunning, the wine was excellent, and the bus itself was top-notch—modern, spacious, well air-conditioned, and very comfortable. The driver also deserves a special mention for being professional and calm throughout.

However, the overall organization and tone of the tour left much to be desired. The initial assembly was chaotic, with unclear instructions and unnecessary confusion. From the outset, Fabian, the guide, introduced himself with false names like “Jessica” or “Tom Cruise” and refused to share his real name or answer any questions—no matter how practical or necessary (such as asking if we’d be walking a lot or whether sunscreen was needed). Instead of engaging with individuals, he spoke only at the group, often in a dismissive or patronizing tone, and discouraged guests from speaking to him directly. Intolerance and allergies mentioned to him were challenged and clearly dismissed.

There were repeated delays—particularly at the start—and instead of taking responsibility, Fabian blamed the group and continued to rush us at every stop. At one point, the entire group was moved from shade into direct sun while we waited over 25 minutes for a delayed bus. And then 2 non-booked guests boarded, another 10 minutes wasted to sort it out.

While Fabian did share some historical facts and spoke with a certain enthusiasm, many of his jokes were off-color or inappropriate (e.g., waving to a colleague and calling them his “ex-wife”). It was disappointing, especially given the beauty of the locations. For instance, the first winery was absolutely breathtaking, and our local guide, Alessandra, was knowledgeable and welcoming. Unfortunately, Fabian hurried us through it, cutting short what could’ve been a more immersive visit.

The second winery, located at the end of a bumpy off-road drive, was equally charming, with delicious food and fragrant wines. But again, the guide’s constant time pressure detracted from the experience.

To top it off, the return to Florence felt rushed and uncomfortable, with Fabian urging us to leave 5-star reviews—not because we had a 5-star experience, but because “he has a mortgage” and the company “employs people with children.” He also warned us against being “keyboard warriors,” which felt manipulative and unprofessional.

In summary: • ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ for the bus, driver, and winery staff • ⭐⭐ for the organization and guide behavior

If this tour had a different host or better training and structure, it could easily be a 5-star experience. The beauty of Tuscany and the quality of the wine deserve it. But in its current form, the pressure and attitude from the guide unfortunately spoiled what should have been a relaxing and...

We had Olivia as our guide and Enrico as our driver and they were fantastic! Driving a big bus in Italy down the country roads is not easy! Enrico had the bus ready to go after every stop with water (1€/ea) and very cool AC which is absolutely needed in July! Olivia was informative, friendly, funny, and kind, she ensured everyone was well taken care of and explained important details like departure times and meeting places so we all stayed on track, because it’s a long 12 hour day but absolutely amazing! She also sweetly offered her knowledge of Florence for people wishing to get restaurant/shopping advice and sightseeing places in Florence. The tour itself was also a great way to see a lot of Tuscany in a short amount of time and without the worry of taking trains and checking schedules! In Siena we had a local tour guide give us a detailed tour with focus on the significance of the town and its history. She was clearly knowledgeable and popular as there were many locals saying hello to her and even the police played a prank on her by pretending to run the group over! She was also very funny and sweet, making sure we could all see and hear her!

The local organic farm for lunch was delicious and plentiful, you leave full of pasta, bread, meats and cheeses! They also bring full bottles of wine for tasting, four different varieties they make, all organic, and explained each one. We were seated outside on their lovely deck under umbrellas but be warned it was very hot this time of year and the shade offered little relief for me and I felt waaay too hot and not well by the end. Back on the bus we were able to cool down and I felt better. The next town was San Gimignano which is so cool with it’s medieval towers and walls, there we had free time to wander around and take great pictures! From there the longer drive to Pisa was great for a nap and time to cool off. Olivia made sure to keep us informed with cool bits of history but also gave us time to rest in between places. Pisa in the evening was lovely, bit of a breeze as the sun went down, the tower was an easy climb, the stairs aren’t a tight spiral or steep so it doesn’t feel like you’re spinning, but watch your step as there is the famous LEAN to contend with and some very worn stairs near the very top. The view from the top was great!

All in all this tour is a lot of walking, but at a slow pace with lots of uphill walking since most of the places are built on hills. It’s absolutely worth the price for the convenience, the all-inclusive options like lunch and tower climb, as well as the amazing guide and driver! Thank you Olivia...

We recently had the pleasure of an unforgettable tour through the enchanting Chianti vineyards, and it was an experience that exceeded all our expectations, thanks to our incredible tour guide, Sara, and the exceptional driving skills of Nando.

From the moment we embarked on our journey, Sara's passion for the region and her extensive knowledge about the vineyards and wines truly enriched our experience. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and she effortlessly engaged us with fascinating stories and insights about Chianti's history and wine-making traditions. It was evident that she deeply cared about making our tour special, and she succeeded in every way.

Nando, our driver, was nothing short of remarkable. Navigating the winding roads of Chianti with ease, he ensured our comfort and safety throughout the trip. His professional driving skills allowed us to relax and fully enjoy the scenic beauty of the region.

The highlight of our tour was, undoubtedly, the visits to the vineyards. Each stop was thoughtfully selected, offering us a unique glimpse into the world of Chianti wines. The warmth and generosity of the vineyard hosts were truly heartwarming. We had the opportunity to taste some of the most exquisite wines, each sip a testament to the region's rich wine-making heritage.

Our lunch was an extraordinary culinary delight. The homemade pasta with truffles was simply the best we have ever tasted. The freshness of the ingredients and the mastery in preparation made every bite a memorable experience. The hospitality we received at the eateries was incredible, reflecting a true spirit of generosity that made us feel welcomed and cherished.

In terms of value for money, this tour was exceptional. The comprehensive experience, coupled with the high quality of wine and food, made it worth every penny. It was a perfect blend of culture, cuisine, and camaraderie, and we left with our hearts full and our spirits lifted for the entire day.

A huge thank you to Sara and Nando for making this tour an extraordinary adventure. If you're looking to explore the Chianti region and indulge in its finest offerings, this tour is an absolute must. Highly recommended!

Ana and Darryl...