Travel Italy

Tuscany Easy Travel gives you the opportunity to work directly with me (Susie Macklem) an American living and working in the Tuscany Region of Italy for over 8 years. I moved to Italy after my two daughters where off in college and I began “Living the Dream” (LTD). Until recently I owned a B&B business. My business direction changed as demand for my services changed. Below is a overview of some the past adventures I have provided but not limited in any way.

The below photos where all taken by clients or myself to give you the REAL feel of a Tuscany Easy Travel adventure.

Let’s Start with Rome! Here are some Highlights, with a few of my personal photos from past visits.

St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, *Tour of the Sistine Chapel, The Pantheon, Piazza Venezia, *Roman Forum, *The Colosseum,, *Roman Forum, *Palatine Hill, * Imperial Forum, Spanish Steps, Piazza di Spagna, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, *Villa Borghese, Victor Emmanuel Monument, Circus Maximus, Compo de Fiori

*locations have the option for scheduled on site professional guided tours upon availability with additional charges.

Options Outside of Rome

Ostia Antica, Aqueduct Park, The Appian Way

A visit to Monte Spada in the gypsum hills of Emilia-Romagna. This centuries old farm that produces fruits, vegetables, olive oil, wine, cheese, and essential oils! This farm is located just across the board of the Tuscany in the region of Emilia Romagna. Very close the village of Marradi that I call home. I will make arrangements to have lunch prepared at this lovely farm with a tour of the surroundings. Matteo and this mother and father will treat us as a family when we dine at their family villa. Below are a few photos from past trips to Monte Spada. Be prepared for authentic rural Italian hospitality with a bit of some insight and history of farming in this area.

Along with the opportunity to visit a local farm you may want to take advantage, a step back in time with a ride along the countryside in a Vintage Italian Fiat 500! This is available for you upon request. Put your scarf on with a step back in time! You will have a driver take you along the Lamone Valley for many photo opportunities. Come on Let’s get going!

Florence the home of the Renaissance! This is an area I know well from the best restaurants to the secret hidden doors of the city. I lived in Florence on and off for over four years. I am so enchanted with it’s beauty, mystery, and history. We will be strolling through the city during the day and also in the evening stopping along the way to have a coffee, panino, or a glass of Tuscan wine.

Here are some of the Highlights of Florence, remember there is so much more!

Piazza del Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, Santa Croce, Palazzo Vecchio, Piazzale Michelangelo, Giotto’s Campanile, Basillica di San Lorenzo, San Miniato, Loggia Del Lanzi, Piazza della Repubblica, Orsanmichele, Belvedere, Porcellino, Palazzo Strozzi, *Uffizi Gallery, *Cathedral, *Medici Chapel, *Baptistery, *Palazzo Pitti, Bargello, Galleria dell’ Accademinia (statue of David), Bobblli Gardens

All * highlights we will see from the outside on our walk but you do have access to professional registered tour guides for an additional cost. All underlined highlights are places only available by paid entrance. Any of these options would be at additional cost.

While in Florence you have a great opportunity to see some fantastic art work and museums! I have the great fortune of working with some of the best Professional Tour guides in the Business. Suzanne Meyer and Elvio Ancilotto are two of the very best.

Many of my past groups reserved either Suzanne or Elvio as guides. People are not disappointed and thankful for the opportunity. With these two you get the tickets to the museums, no waiting in long lines, and a down to earth understanding of the culture of the times. The passion of these two great professional guides can not be copied!

Suzanne Meyers has made a life in Florence, she has all her credentials in Art History. She is from the state of Nebraska (as like me she is a mid-west gal). Suzanne has an American approach with a scholars knowledge of the art and history.

Elvio Ancilotto is an Italian man that can speak 5 languages including english! He was born and raised in Venice Italy. I have known Elvio for 8 years and he has helped me create memorable tour of Florence museums and art for my guests. He too has studied and has all credentials along with his many years of experience.

Left are a few photos of Suzanne and Elvio at work! Suzanne and Elvio’s services are subject to availability, additional charges apply (must be paid for in euros). You can make your choice of the museums according to your wishes. Booking should be done as soon as possible as these two are very busy and book fast. Please let me know if you are interested. Look at above list for * and underlined highlights. 

When near Florence if you are interested there is a wonderful park where “The Father of Apennines” lives. The Park of Pratolino (Deimdoff park) is located in the small village of Pratolino just outside of Florence. It is one of its most beautiful parks of the area also at one point the largest park of Medici villas. Steeped in history, and a bit of mystery as well.

It is always a good idea when in Italy to visit the Chianti Region near Florence. I recommend a day in Chianti! Here are a few photos of past trips the may inspire you to visit this famous wine region. If wine tasting is something you would like to do this is a great place to start! We can make it happen!

Once you have been to Florence and had a chance to see all the marble work and of course DAVID! It would be a great time to do an off road adventure. I have the perfect day trip to the Marble Quarries of Massa Carrara. Here are just a few of the photos. It is a very interesting tour we are driven by Land Rovers to the Quarry. You get to see where the marble of the statue of David came from as well as some other famous artist quarries. The guide explains the whole process of cutting, harvesting of marble, while driving up, up, up, so we can look down on the beautiful seaside, and the quarry below. This to is available upon request with additional charges.

From sea to sea the Adriatic or the Mediterranean we can go from sea to sea! The choice is yours? Spend a lazy day in the sun by the sea on the Mediterranean (Tyrrhenian) near Viareggio Italy. A stroll down the pier of the vintage boat museum. A one of a kind perspective with the chance to also see working boats leaving and returning in the pier. The hustle and bustle of a working pier. Either side of Italy seafood is a must when spending the day on a seaside. Take a peek at some past trips.

Which way dose that tower lean? I am not sure I think it depends on where you stand. But it is a great place for photos! If you would like to see the tower, we are just a short drive away. Most times when we go to Pisa we include the charming walled city of Lucca here are some photos to give you some ideas of the adventures that are ahead.

San Marino is the oldest and smallest independent state in the world, 750 meters above sea level. The delightful town is placed between the Apennine Mountains, and the sea side town of Rimini. This republic has breath taking views, also three unique towers used as look outs to protect the community throughout it’s history.

The City of Lovers and so much more! The sight of Juliet’s Balcony, but beyond that it is a wonderful city filled with shopping activity and charm. This city holds a very unique piazza with an amphitheater that is still in use today. Each steps down the streets of Verona you feel the enchantment and history in your toes!

A magical Tuscan village set high on a hill in the south of Florence. Piazza della Cisterna holds a historical cistern build in 1273 for the public. The walls of this cistern have grooves in from all the use over the centuries. It should be noted that this is the city of towers at one time this the town boasted over 70 towers. The rich of the town build homes with towers as a sign of wealth. Today fourteen of these towers are still standing defying wars, time, and weather. The panoramic view from this city beats all the rest.

Siena a beautiful city filled with shops, smells of Tuscan food, and sites, such as Piazza Del Campo and it Gaia Fountain. Pizza Del Campo is the host of the famous horse race. This Piazza is sloped in towards the center which is unique in it’s own right but it also has a massive size. This is a city of proud people and it shows in the shops, architect of the centuries. Siena the tuscan city filled with culture.

Cinque Terre (five lands) Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Monarola, & Riomaggione

This area is made of five small villages in the region of Ligure. Over the centuries, people have carefully built terraces on the rugged, steep landscape right up to the cliffs that overlook the sea. Part of its charm is the lack of visible corporate development. Paths, trains and boats connect the villages, and cars cannot reach them from the outside. The Cinque Terre area is a very popular tourist destination.

Faenza can boast the World’s Largest Ceramic Museum. But beyond that it has a city center that has a large open area that hosts a market day that can rival any of the larger cities. It has the charm of a small community as you walk the streets it is evident. This town is a must see 20km from Marradi.

Orvieto is a city southwestern Italy situated on the flat summit of a large butte of volcanic. The site of the city is among the most dramatic in Europe, rising above the almost-vertical faces of tuff cliffs that are completed by defensive walls built of the same stone called Tufa. The city of Orvieto has long kept the secret of its labyrinth of caves and tunnels that lie beneath the surface. Dug deep into the tuff, a volcanic rock, these secret hidden tunnels are now only open to view through guided tours.

The Tomb of Dante, Piazza Del Poplo, above doors, around windows, as well as are shops and museums mosaic’s are this Italian cities major draw. People come from all over the world to see the churches and museums. Ravenna is a town of bicycles so rent a bike and go for a ride. Maybe you feel more comfortable walking, enjoying a meal, or a glass of wine or coffee?

Known for it’s good cuisine, this medieval town is surrounded by three rocky pinnacles. Truly a wonder the rock fortress, clock tower, and sanctuary. We drive to the top and if time allows have a small picnic of cheese and wine of the area. Once atop the city you can see for miles! This view with the cypress tress, vineyards, and olive trees encompasses the total panorama that your mind makes when you say ITALY.  Let’s not forget we can get our wine from a gas pump, but really it is wine!

Horse Riding, Trekking, Natural Pools, Cuisine, Chestnut Festival

The town I call home! I have no way to make it possible to explain the beauty and charm of this village. Marradi has developed into what I refer to as a “Happy Place”. The village is located just north of Florence about 45km. On a hot day in the “Big Cities” the town of Marradi is a welcomed retreat from the heat and hustle of say Rome or Florence. Nestled in the Apennines mountains. I do not know how to put into words my life with the people, the food, and the authentic atmosphere of this mountain village. I will say that this Italian town will leave a true impression of the Italian culture and hospitality.

City on the water

If you have the dream of a public water bus (vaporetto), and wish to move through a city like a local. Come with Tuscan Easy Travel, Venice is the place for you! A trip to the islands Murano, Burano, Torcello are just a boat ride away. This is a truly magical place. Knowing the boat/bus schedule and getting around Venice is not only easy with us but fun. Here is some proof.

I would like to thank you for the opportunity to give you a bit of inspiration to travel and make memories. After all each day is a new page you can write anyway you like. I will do my very best to make you understand and enjoy Italy as much as I do. Also why I choose to make Italy my home.

Dream It, Plan it, Do it!

Thank you! Susie Macklem