Italy 10-Day Slowcation

$2,900 – Trip cost per person (See below for inclusions and exclusions.)

A down payment of half the trip cost is needed to secure a spot on the trip. The other half is due 75 days before the trip start date.

*$300 of the down payment serves as an administration fee and is non-refundable. You can see our cancellation policy HERE.

I’m a single traveler. Will I be charged a single supplement?

Many villas located in the Italian countryside do not have rooms with 2 beds and this villa is no exception. The single supplement fee for this trip is $350.* If you would like your own room, the additional supplement can be purchased at check-out. We have made the single supplement as affordable as possible as many of our customers are solo travelers.

*There is no single supplement for rooms #1, 2, and 3 in the villa and room #3 in the casa due to their smaller size. Please see the ‘Rooms’ tab for more information about them. All rooms are on a first-come, first-served basis. We do not offer roommate pairing on this trip.

*If you are 2 people sharing a room, you can pick any room and you will not have to pay any upgrade fee. 

What is included :

  • 9 nights accommodation (double occupancy) in a private villa
  • Slowcation leader
  • Villa transfer from Rome*
  • Breakfast served daily
  • 4 lunches, 2 dinners
  • Activities as noted on the itinerary
  • Daily evening shuttle from villa to town

What is not included :

  • International airport drop-off
  • International flights
  • Most lunches & dinners
  • Optional activities
  • Gratuities
  • Souvenirs
  • Supplementary insurance

  1. Physical requirements

    This trip requires a low level of physical fitness. Some Italian towns are situated in elevated areas, requiring some walking uphill and downhill. Additionally, the villa where you will stay is approximately 15 – 20 minutes on foot from the nearest town.

    To participate in this trip you should be able to: 

    • Walk 1 – 2 miles throughout the day, up and down stairs, and over unpaved or cobblestone surfaces with and without an incline.
    • Be comfortable on your feet for up to 4 hours walking and standing, both indoors and outdoors, in all weather conditions.
    • Carry your luggage on a gravel path from the van to the villa and carry it up 1 – 2 flights of stairs to your room.
    • Get in and out of a van without assistance.

    Accommodation

    You will stay in an authentic Italian villa that is very comfortable and well-equipped for your slowcation. Expect things to be different than what you’re used to back home and remember that it’s all a part of traveling and experiencing new places! (For example, the water pressure, bed and pillows firmness, AC temperature might not be the same as back home, the Wifi may be spotty, slow, or even unavailable in certain parts of the villa, etc.) Additionally, since you will be sharing a villa with other travelers, please keep the common areas clean and respect the quiet hours.

    Smile policy

    We welcome all kinds of travelers on our tours and the group dynamic of each trip is different but also part of what makes the trip so amazing. You will need to treat everyone in the group as well as the locals with respect and kindness.

    Free time

    Our slowcations are designed for the semi-independent traveler. If you choose not to participate in the optional activities provided during your free time, you will be responsible for organizing your own schedule. Your slowcation leader can offer advice on local suggestions and help with taxis or private transportation bookings if you provide sufficient notice. However, please note that your slowcation leader cannot make reservations for extra activities on your behalf. 

    Slowcation Leader

    Finally, your slowcation leader’s role is to help you have an unforgettable experience. He/she will answer questions, offer advice about transportation, and give suggestions about what to do. He/she will always try to go above and beyond to help you have an amazing trip but is not your personal assistant. Travelers must exercise a certain level of self-sufficiency and independence on our slowcations. We also suggest tipping those who went out of their way to help you, especially your slowcation leader who will be with you every day throughout the entire trip. Finally, you will need to come with an open mind and adventurous spirit in order to have the trip of a lifetime!

  2. During the first few days of your slowcation, some activities and meals are included in the trip cost. This is a great chance to help you get to know your fellow travelers and get familiarized with your new surroundings.

    During the remaining days of your slowcation, you can choose what you want to do. There will be recommended things to do during your free time as well as optional activities that you can sign up for. Whether it is planning events, hosting dinners, or organizing excursions with your fellow travelers; the choice is yours!

    Find out more about how our slowcations work by clicking here: HOW IT WORKS.

  3. During your slowcation, you will have a few free days and there will be a list of suggested things to do in the area, tips to get around, and optional activities that you can sign up for.*

    Città della Pieve has plenty of monuments and landmarks with beautiful architecture that has retained its original charm over the centuries. Many past travelers have found Città della Pieve to be their favorite town during their stay and have enjoyed spending time getting to know the locals. If you would like to read up on different activities and landmarks in Città della Pieve, click the following link: Città della Pieve Information Page.

    The optional activities* that you can sign up for on this trip are a truffle hunting and farm-to-table lunch experience and a visit to Bagni San Filippo hot springs. If you don’t want to participate in these activities, you’re welcome to make your own plans. 

    We also suggest spending a day in Florence, Siena, or Orvieto which are easily accessible by train. Your slowcation leader can offer advice on transportation with sufficient notice. If you’re interested in visiting towns that are not accessible by train, we recommend booking a tour online to avoid the hassle of logistics or booking private transportation through your slowcation leader. 

    Lastly, one of the joys of being in such a beautiful villa is experiencing Italian life by cooking together, having an aperitivo at sunset, or sitting by the pool with an Aperol Spritz! It’s up to you to organize family dinners or any other event you wish to do together. 

    *All optional activities are at your own expense.

  4. Città della Pieve is the closest town to the villa and it takes approximately 15 – 20 minutes by foot to get there.

    Below are some of the cities closest to the villa and the time it takes to get there by car:

    • Orvieto: 30 minutes
    • Arezzo: 45 minutes
    • Perugia: 45 minutes
    • Siena: 1 hour
    • Montalcino: 1 hour
    • Cortona: 1 hour
    • Rome: 2 hours
    • Florence: 2 hours

    Certain destinations are easily accessible by train while others require private transportation. The closest train station to the villa is Chiusi which is a 15-minute taxi ride from the villa. With sufficient advance notice, your slowcation leader can offer advice on transportation.

  5. The villa is located just outside of the town of Città della Pieve. It is a wonderful place to relax and we are usually the only tourists in town! It is a 15 to 20-minute walk from the villa into town. When going into town, there is a gradual incline for about 5 minutes and then, it flattens out. Therefore, getting from the villa to town and back requires walking just a little over 1 km over occasionally unpaved or cobblestone surfaces. 

    NOTE: We offer a free shuttle from the villa into town at dinnertime every day.

    Città Della Pieve is a charming medieval town of just over 7,000 residents that dates back to the 1300s. It is situated on a hill that is about 1,660 feet above sea level and overlooks Chiana Valley. The town is located in Umbria and is just under 2.5 miles from the neighboring region of Tuscany.

    It has all the amenities you need while maintaining all the characteristics of a small, quaint town. There are several eateries and cafes to choose from and its grand wall that was for protection from invaders is magnificent. Città della Pieve also won the first Pio Alferano Prize as the most perfect city in Italy. 

    Additionally, Città Della Pieve has several beautiful churches, a lovely art museum, an opera house, and other interesting historical sites that will keep you busy during your stay.

  6. Each group usually consists of 8 – 14 travelers. We prefer small group travel because based on our experience, large groups are less easily able to integrate into society and generally have less authentic contact with the locals.

    A small group number also means that the participants will receive more personal treatment from the tour leader who can more thoroughly attend to the needs of each person. Small groups are also more mobile and flexible as travel plans can be more easily altered en route.

  7. Most of our travelers are in their late 30s to late 60s/early 70s and most are solo travelers. Generally, we get a good mix of diverse people and every trip is unique thanks to the group dynamic.

    The minimum age on our trips is 18.

    Everyone is welcome on our trips; male/female, LGBTQIA+/straight, and solos/couples. 

    Check out pictures from our previous trips to get an idea of the group dynamic by clicking HERE.

  8. From Day 1 to Day 6, the daily activities mentioned in the trip itinerary are included in the trip price. From Day 7 onwards, you will have some free time to explore at your own pace. Your slowcation leader will have some optional activities for you to sign up for. Those optional activities are not included in the trip cost and will be at your own expense. They will be arranged and paid for during the trip with your slowcation leader.

    Below are the optional activities offered on this trip:

    • Truffle Hunting & Farm-to-Table Lunch Experience
    • Bagni San Filippo Hot Springs swimming

    If you do not want to participate in the optional activities offered, you are free to make your own plans. Your slowcation leader can offer advice on transportation and make recommendations if needed.

  9. Airport pick-up is included in this trip. A private driver will pick you up from the airport or the designated meeting point if you arrive in Italy before arrival day. You can read our blog for more details about airport pick-up in Rome.

    Airport drop-off is not included on this trip. Your slowcation leader will help coordinate departure transportation during the trip. You can get to Rome by train or taxi/private driver depending on your schedule and budget.

    The cost of a taxi or a private mini-van to get to Rome/FCO airport from the villa is approximately 300 – 350 euros and takes up to 2.5 hours. You can share the cost with other travelers who are departing at similar times.

    PRO TIP: Many travelers in the past have opted to stay in Rome an extra night after the slowcation so they can take the train from the villa to Rome. The train costs about 30 euros one way.

  10. Passport holders from Australia, Canada, and the United States do not need a visa for a stay of up to 90 days.

    If you are not a citizen of one of the above-mentioned countries, please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for information on visas and travel to Italy.

    As a general rule, passports should have at least six months of validity when traveling internationally. Most countries will not permit a traveler to enter their country unless the passport is set to expire at least six months after the final day of travel.

  11. The official currency of Italy is the euro (EUR).

    Find out the live mid-market rate for your currency by using a currency converter online.

  12. We strongly recommend using ATMs while in Italy as they usually offer the best exchange rates. The easiest way is to pull money out from the ATM at the airport upon arrival and throughout your trip. It is always a good idea to carry some cash on you in case your bank puts a hold on your ATM card.

    You can find ATMs at almost all bank branches as well as at most large supermarkets, some petrol stations, shopping malls, airports, and post offices. There are several banks in the town near the villa so you won’t have any issues finding an ATM.

    It’s important to tell your bank and/or credit card company that you’ll be using your card in Italy. Some banks block transactions in foreign countries or currencies if they haven’t been forewarned about your travel plans.

    Since euros are a popular currency, most banks in your home town/city will exchange your local currency for euros. This a very convenient way to get euros but be aware that some banks might not have favorable exchange rates or charge additional fees to exchange. It is best to check with your bank to see what fees are associated with exchanging money in your home town.

  13. Credit and debit cards are widely used in towns and cities in Italy. However, in small local businesses such as coffee shops and bars or rural establishments such as farms, cash remains the main method of payment. Therefore, it’s advisable to carry cash in case you come across a retailer that does not take card payments.

    It’s important to tell your bank and/or credit card company that you’ll be using your card in Italy. Some banks block transactions in foreign countries or currencies if they haven’t been forewarned about your travel plans.

  14. Italy does not have a strong tipping culture. In restaurants, taxis, and for personal services, all tips are at your discretion. If you do decide to tip, around 10-20% of the total bill is appreciated.

    Slowcation leader: If you feel he/she did an exceptional job, then you can tip around 100 – 120 euros at the end of your trip based on past travelers’ feedback.

    Drivers: A suggested amount to tip your driver is around 5 euros a day.

    Breakfast attendant: An attendant will be there every morning to prepare your breakfast and favorite hot drinks. We recommend tipping 20 – 30 euros at the end of your stay.

    For more information about tipping, please see our blog on tipping.

  15. We recommend having access to anywhere between $600 – 900 USD either in cash or by credit/debit card. We strongly advise budgeting more than you plan to spend in case of an emergency.

  16. When using your phone overseas, be sure to check with your provider to get informed about data and call roaming prices. When you land in Italy, you will usually get a message from your provider that will give you the price of data, calls, and texts in that country. See the example below:

    Welcome to Italy! Your plan gives you unlimited data at up to 2G speeds and texts at no extra cost. Calls at 20 cents/min. Want our fastest data and unlimited calls? Get an International Pass for just $5/day. 

    You may consider contacting your service provider to learn about what kind of international plans they offer for calls, texts, and data.

  17. The villa you will be staying at in Italy will offer free Wifi as will some restaurants and other public places. Please keep in mind that the internet may not be as fast as you’re used to and could be spotty if not absent in more rural areas. 

    At the villa, you may only have access to Wifi in the common areas. It is not guaranteed in any bedroom.

    If you absolutely need an internet connection, then it is best to get an international plan for the duration of your stay.

  18. In Italy, there are three associated plug types: types C, F and L. Italy operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.

    Below are examples of the three different plug types in Italy (C, F and L):

       

  20. Below are a few things that we suggest bringing to make your trip more comfortable:

    • Comfortable walking shoes (good traction & ankle support for cobblestone streets)
    • Sunglasses/hat
    • Sunscreen (biodegradable, if possible)
    • Warm Jacket/coat/cardigan (for cooler nights)
    • Water shoes (for optional hot springs)
    • Swimsuit (for optional hot springs)
    • Small backpack or across-the-shoulder bag for day trips
    • Reusable water bottle
    • Flashlight/headlamp
    • Adapters/converters for electronics (bring 2 or more just in case)
    • Prescription medication and/or over-the-counter medicine
    • Shampoo/conditioner/soap*
    • Washcloth
    • Extra bag for souvenirs (if needed)

    *All rooms are equipped with a hairdryer. Some small toiletries such as hand soap and shampoo are also provided in your room but it’s best to bring or buy your own as they are sample sizes.

  21. The villa has a washer and dryer on the premises as well as laundry detergent so you will be able to do laundry during your stay.

  22. Basic essentials are provided at the villa such as:

    • Dish soap
    • Dishwasher detergent
    • Paper towels
    • Toilet paper
    • Sponges
    • Laundry detergent
    • Trash bags
    • Spices
    • Coffee w/creamer
    • Tea bags

    Inside the villa, there is a pantry that has both red and white wine from the surrounding vineyards for sale based on an honor system.

    Maid service comes in weekly to change bed linens and towels and clean the rooms and a groundskeeper comes in every other day to take out the trash.

  23. The tap water in Italy is safe to drink and many consider tap water in the Città della Pieve to be superior as it comes clean and fresh directly from the mountains. By drinking tap water instead of bottled water, you can help alleviate the plastic waste epidemic.

    If you go to larger cities such as Rome or Florence, you can buy bottled water. Many travelers have said that they don’t enjoy the taste of the water in the bigger cities but it is still safe to drink.

  24. Most areas of Italy that you will visit on this trip experience fewer crimes compared to bigger US and European cities. As with any travel destination, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and to not leave belongings unattended to avoid being an easy target for a thief.

    When going to larger cities such as Rome and Florence pick-pocketing is more common and you should not put anything in your back pockets, especially on public transportation or at a crowded or touristy spot as thieves tend to target these areas.

  25. Restaurants throughout Italy offer a wide variety of foods. When making your reservation, please notify us of your specific requests such as gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, etc. Alternative options will always be possible throughout the trip but options might be limited.

  26. Please review the CDC Health Information for Travelers Website before traveling to Italy to see any recommended vaccinations.

    If you suffer from pre-existing medical conditions or are concerned about what vaccinations may be right for you, we strongly advise that you visit a medical professional or your personal physician before your trip.

  27. We offer private tours to Italy depending on the size of the group and availability.

    Please reach out to us at info@globe-drifters.com for more information.

Flights

Your arrival and departure city are Rome (FCO).

*Please do not purchase any flights until you receive an email from us. You will receive an email regarding your booking within 24 – 48 hours of down payment.

Visa

Passport holders of Australia, Canada, and the United States do not need a visa for a stay of up to 90 days.

If you are not a citizen of one of the above-mentioned countries, please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for information on visas and travel to Italy.

As a general rule, passports should have at least six months of validity when traveling internationally. Most countries will not permit a traveler to enter their country unless the passport is set to expire at least six months after the final day of travel.

The villa is a historic Tuscan farmhouse dating back to the 1700s. It was recently converted into a charming holiday home while preserving the farmhouse’s unique character and charm. Surrounded by 20,000 square meters (5 acres) of well-kept gardens, it offers the peace and tranquility of the Italian countryside and the perfect base to experience local Italian life.

The villa is very comfortable and well-equipped for your slowcation, but some things may be different than what you’re used to back home. The water pressure and heat may not be exactly how you like at home. The beds and pillows may not be as firm or soft as you prefer. The air conditioning may not be as cold as you have it set in your house. And the Wifi may be spotty, slow, or even unavailable in certain parts of the house, including some rooms. Things may be different or even slightly uncomfortable but that’s all a part of travel and experiencing new places! You will need to come with an open mind and adventurous spirit in order to have the trip of a lifetime!

The property has 2 main living areas: the main villa with 7 rooms and an adjacent casa with 3 rooms. Each room has an ensuite bathroom. You can find pictures and a detailed description of the rooms under the ‘Rooms’ tab above.

Villa Exterior

Pool (2 on the property)

Villa Interior

There are 7 bedrooms in the main villa and 3 bedrooms in the casa. All rooms have ensuite bathrooms of varying sizes. After you book, you will pick your top 3 room choices. Most rooms are similar in quality and size but some rooms have extra features like sitting areas. Some rooms do not require a single supplement and 1 room is reserved for 2 people who are sharing. Please read the description of each room before making your room selection. All rooms are on a first-come-first-served basis. The sooner you book the better chance you have of getting the room you prefer. 

Villa Room #1

This room has no single supplement as it is a smaller sized bedroom and bathroom.  The beds can be converted into a full bed or left as two twin beds. This room is located on the ground floor.

Villa Room #2

This room has no single supplement as it is a smaller sized bedroom and bathroom.  The beds can be converted into a full bed or left as two twin beds. This room is located on the ground floor.

Villa Room #3

This room has no single supplement as it is a smaller sized bedroom and bathroom.  There is 1 full bed. This room is located on the ground floor.

Villa Room #4

This room is located on the 2nd floor with a large bathroom, fireplace, and a full bed.

Villa Room #5

This room is located on the 2nd floor with a large bathroom, a whirlpool bath, and a full bed.

Villa Room #6

This room is located on the first floor (about 5 stairs) and has a fireplace, sitting area, a very large bathroom, and a full bed.

Villa Room #7

This room is reserved for 2 people sharing. If you are a solo traveler, you cannot choose this room. This room can be a full bed or converted into 2 twin beds.  It is located downstairs and has its own very large sitting area, bathroom, kitchen, TV, and fireplace.

 

Casa Room #1

This room is located in the casa adjacent to the villa. The casa has 3 rooms in it with a large sitting area, kitchen, and pool table in the common areas. If you want more privacy the casa is ideal. This room is located on the 1st floor with a sitting area, full bed, and private entrance.

 

Casa Room #2

This room is located in the casa adjacent to the villa. The casa has 3 rooms with a large sitting area, kitchen, and pool table in the common areas. If you want more privacy the casa is ideal. This room is located on the 1st floor with a full bed.

 

Casa Room #3

This room has no single supplement as it is in the basement and near the billiard room. It has windows in the room and is larger than the other non-single supplement rooms. The room is located on the ground floor/basement, with 1 full bed with a private entrance.

This room is located in the casa adjacent to the villa. The casa has 3 rooms with a large sitting area, kitchen, and pool table in the common areas. If you want more privacy the casa is ideal.

Bathrooms

All villa and casa rooms have ensuite bathrooms. All bathrooms have a toilet, sink, and shower and some have a bidet. There is a half bathroom for general use in the main villa and the casa.

We recommend that you purchase trip/travel insurance for your trip. We work with Travelex, which offers travel protection plans to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans include coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay and more. Otherwise, you are welcome to shop around online for a provider and policy that best suits your needs.

For more information on the recommended plans or to enroll, click on the image below or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792. Globe Drifters’ reference location number is 09-0984.

Trip insurance get a quote travelex

The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, NAIC #22276. 11.17 E7N