ABOUT THIS TOUR
AUGUST 11 – AUGUST 24, 2025
13 DAYS
Spots Left: 3
The time has finally come for a truly unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – to fully experience the Palio of Siena, along with the Tuscan Countryside, Lake Como, and region of Emilia-Romagna; food capital of Italy and home to Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, Balsamic Vinegar, and car brands such as Ferrari, Masararti, and Lamborghini. Over the years, I have been able to use my local connections and special access to finally be ready and able to offer a true Palio experience. This exclusive tour offering is only available in 2025, and only being made available to previous DeSerio Tour Travelers! This tour will include special, private access to several of Siena’s Contradas, their private museums, churches and ceremonies, as well as the many important traditional events and parades in the week leading up to the main event of the Palio horse race. Additional, we will have special access to a private Contrada dinner the night before the Palio, to celebrate and eat with locals in preparation for the day ahead. And finally, have a special access viewing location of the Palio itself with reserved space just for our group! In addition we will have adequate free time allotted to allow each of you to truly relax, shop, and enjoy Siena once more on your own; as Siena has easily become the number one request return destination of DeSerio Tours.
After our week together spent in Siena we will return to the Tuscan Countryside for a few days to truly relax and enjoy our Tuscan villa experience, as well as taste some of the best food and wines Italy has to offer. Additionally, we will gently ascend in our Hot Air Balloon over the Tuscan landscape and watch the sun rise upon the beautiful countryside below. A couple of the days will be spend exploring the area by private van, seeing all new places and experiences, as well as a couple days spent relaxing at the villa, taking in the views and the sun by the pool. We will conclude in Milan where we will spend the final few days doing day trips to Lake Como, Bellagio, and Lugano to enjoy the breathtaking views and experience the Lakes of Italy; and also to Bologna, Modena, and Parma where we will visit a Parmigiano Reggiano farm to discover the legendary process of cheese making, one of the oldest Balsamic Vinegar producers and their process, as well as time to discover the birthplace of Italian cars at the Ferrari Museum and factory.
What makes this trip especially unique is the intimate size and nature of this Italian experience (Exclusive Group Size: Limited to 10 people max.). All aspects of the tour have been carefully thought out, planned, and curated specifically so you can just arrive and enjoy the journey without needing to plan a thing. Adam has led tours in Italy for years and speaks the language, providing you something very special compared to other tours. Dine at the best local restaurants with recommendations of specific dishes to taste, as well as learn some photo tips and gain valuable travel skills along the way. The trip offers a truly special opportunity to combine Italian history, culture, hands-on experiences, photo opportunities, and amazing food & wine into one unforgettable journey! For more details, view Full Itinerary.
TOUR COST
$7,250 + AIRFARE / MEALS
Price includes: • Hotel Accommodations • All Activities on Itinerary • Italian Ground/Water Transportation on Tour • Breakfast Everyday
Excludes: • All Other Meals • International Airfare • Travel/Health/Cancellation Insurance.
Price is per person, double hotel-room occupancy.
Single-Supplement Traveling as Pair: additional $2,225/each*
Single-Supplement Traveling Alone: additional $4,450.*
Deposit of $1,850/person reserves spot on tour. Once Sign-Up application is complete, you will receive invoice for non-refundable deposit. Remaining Payment-In-Full of 50% due 150 days prior to tour start date, 100% due 90 days prior to tour start date.
*Single Supplement fee due 50% on Sign-Up Date / 100% due 150 Days before Tour Start Date. View the registration process for more details.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:
- Superbly rated Italian Bed & Breakfast Accommodations
- Private Guide for Entire Trip (Adam DeSerio)
- Special Seating & Viewing of Palio Race
- Special Access Private Tour of Contrada Museums & Churches
- Special Access to Contrada Dinner Party night before Palio
- Free time to explore, shop, and relax in Siena
- Hot Air Balloon over Tuscan Countryside
- Beautiful Tuscan Villa with Pool & Views
- Lake Como & Lake Lugano Day Trip
- Parmesan Farm & Balsamic Family Producer
- Ferrari Factory & Museum Tour
- Perfect balance: Culture, food, activities, & photo opportunities
– Click to View Adam’s Photos of Italy
IS THIS TRIP FOR YOU?
What to Expect: This exclusive, small-group tour is only available to previous DeSerio Tour Travelers, in order to insure everyone gets the most out of the experience together. A perfect balance of culture and tradition, very special and exclusive access to every location on the itinerary, and amazing food/wine experiences along the way, creating a rewarding all-inclusive experience. There is a moderate level of physical activity, carrying your bags up stairs, and a fair amount of daily walking/exploring, but nothing too strenuous. Being a small group, we move at the pace everyone is comfortable with.
Age Range & Activity Level: Welcome to adult travelers of all ages; with many having recently retired, excited to travel, and physically active and able to casually walk several miles a day, as well as do stairs.
ACCOMMODATIONS & FOOD
ITALIAN B&Bs – RATED EXCELLENT TO SUPERB!
Accommodations: We stay in excellent to superbly rated Italian Bed & Breakfast Hotels, each carefully chosen by Adam DeSerio for their combination of Italian charm, friendly staff, comfort and amenities, and perfect location in the central-heart of each city. Each private room comes with a full private bathroom, wi-fi access, and includes a wonderful breakfast every morning. You will truly enjoy your hotel experiences in every city!
Meals: Most meals are eaten together as a group at Adam’s top recommended restaurants and special local finds, and occasionally eaten family-style, allowing us to taste a variety of wonderful local dishes that make each region and city unique. Adam will share information, stories, and passion about the food with every meal. Average $50 person/day.
Why Do A DeSerio Tour?
Watch video below to learn more:
Food & Accommodations:
Watch video below to learn more:
13 DAY ITINERARY
The Palio Tour of Italy
Available:
August 11 – August 24, 2025
Spots Left: 3
Full Itinerary below outlines all activities, entrances, hotel nights, transportation, and group meals included throughout the Tour. Most days begin at 9am after breakfast and finish after dinner. There will be occasional free-time made available throughout the tour, while most days are filled with amazing activities, restaurants, and a full itinerary. Most days consist of daily walking around the cities, with frequent stops along the way to enjoy the views, delve into the activities, and live “La Dolce Vita” (the sweet life) in Italy!
Arrival Day & Time: August 11, 2025 • Arrive Anytime • Hotel Check-in: 2pm – 8pm
Airport: Florence Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR)
Hotel included in Tour Package for this early-arrival rest-day (Day 0). We officially begin Tour after breakfast the next day (Day 1).
If you wish to arrive any day(s) earlier than this, please request at least 150 days prior to Tour Start Date.
Departure Day & Time: August 24, 2025 • Depart Anytime • Hotel Check-out: By 10am
Airport: Milan International Airport (MXP) – New Name: Silvio Berlusconi Airport
FLORENCE (ARRIVAL)
DAY 0
Included in the Tour is this Arrival Day, with the night at our tour Hotel. Please arrive on the arrival date listed for this tour. You can arrive anytime, however check-in may not be available until 2pm. Coming from the US, that means you will probably need to look for a flight that departs the US the day before, as the time zone difference and total flight time will require that. This first day, Day 0, is just a rest day, so you can be ready for the amazing journey we have ahead! The next day, Day 1, the Tour officially starts after breakfast.
INCLUDES:
- Meet Your Guide
- Hotel Check-in
- Rest & Settle In
- Florence Hotel (1 Night)
SIENA
DAYS 1 – 7
Welcome back to Siena… The number one most requested place over the years to revisit, and with the hopes to one day see the Palio. Well that day has finally come! In order to partake in every important event of the Palio, requires a whole week in Siena. Given how much everyone has fallen in love with Siena over nearly a decade of leading these tours, I am sure no one will regret the beautiful time we will spend in this amazing city, getting the ultimate depth and cultural experience. This will include the horse assignment lottery to each Contrada, private tours inside the secluded museums and churches of multiple Contradas, viewing of the practice races, the main parade in the streets, a special access dining experience within a private Contrada, and amazing seats to view the Palio race itself. Through all my family and local connections, and nearly 3 years of coordinating, I am excited to offer you a truly once in a lifetime opportunity and access to the Palio of Siena, as if you are a local! This is honestly one of the most exciting opportunities I have ever been able to arrange.
INCLUDES:
- In Depth Contrada Discovery
- Visit to Contrada Museums, Churches, etc.
- Viewing of practice races
- Viewing of Horse Lottery
- Special access to Private Contrada Dinner
- Special seating and view of Palio Race
- As well as the Palio Parade in the city
- Free time to shop, relax, and explore
- Many many hidden surprises along the way
- Beautiful Siena Hotel (6 Nights) with Breakfast
TUSCAN COUNTRYSIDE
DAYS 7 – 10
Board our private van, and journey through the beautiful rolling hills, vineyards, cypress trees, and breathtaking landscape of the Tuscan Countryside. Also hop on board the most peaceful, relaxing and beautiful way to see the Tuscan Countryside – by Hot Air Balloon. Calmly soar over the landscape and capture amazing views of the sun rising on the landscape below. Adam will not only take you to the best places at the best times of day, but also show you unique, small Tuscan hill-towns along the way. Accommodations at a beautiful family owned Tuscan Villa with breathtaking views, a pool, and on-sight food and beverages.
INCLUDES:
- Private Van & Driver
- Hot Air Balloon Over Tuscan Countryside
- Pecorino Cheese Farm Tour & Tasting
- Special Wine Tasting / Vineyard Tour
- Unique Hill-Town Adventures
- Time to Relax at the Villa Pool
- Breakfast Included at Hotel
- Tuscan Villa in Countryside (3 Nights)
LAKE COMO, BELLAGIO & LUGANO
DAYS 11
There are few places in the world that are more beautiful and luxurious than Lake Como & Lake Lugano. An amazing natural body of water located at the foot of Alps Mountain Range, bordering Switzerland has fingers that run along gorgeous villas and villages just waiting to be explored. We will explore the lake by guided ferry, with stops along the way at towns of Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio. We will see locations of many movies such as James Bond – Casino Royale, and picturesque homes like that of George Clooney. From the spectacular and dramatic views of the lake and mountains, to the colorful villages, it will be a day to remember! This day trip will be by train from Milan to Lake Como & Lugano, and include a whole day of exploration of the lake by boat and by foot, returning in the evening to our hotel in Milan.
INCLUDES:
- High Speed Train to Milan
- Train to Lake Como & Lugano
- Guided Ferry Day Pass
- Stops in Bellagio, Varenna, & Menaggio
- Train back to Milan
- Breakfast Included at Hotel
- Milan Hotel
PARMIGIANO, BALSAMICO & FERRARI
DAYS 12
All of Italy is known for many things – But there is no place more important and influential to the world than the home of slow food and fast cars… Emilia Romagna. Here you will find Parma, Bologna, Modena, and Maranello, a grouping of towns that produce some of the world’s most important treasures: Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, Lasagna, Balsamic Vinegar, and Ferrari cars. To be a “DeSerio Tour Travelers” is to go beyond, to the source, which is exactly what we will do, as we discover some of the oldest family owned farms that produce Parmesan cheese, and Balsamic vinegar, learning the entire process of production and tasting the amazing results (even tasting some vinegar that has been carefully aged for over 100 years). We also have time in Bologna to enjoy the original Lasagna recipe passed down over the generations, and see a Ferrari or two along the way as we discover the historic Ferrari Museum and Factory. This is a day trip from Milan, by fast train (1 hour), returning in the evening back to our hotel in Milan.
INCLUDES:
- Train to Bologna
- Private Van for the day
- Tour/Tasting at Parmesan Farm
- Tour/Tasting at Balsamic Farm
- Ferrari Museum Tour & Factory
- Authentic Lasagna Dinner
- Train to Milan
- Breakfast Included at Hotel
- Milan Hotel
- Depart next morning on Day 13
YOUR GUIDE
ADAM DESERIO
Enjoy the ease and excitement of traveling with your passionate and experienced private guide for the entire trip; Adam DeSerio, an American born – Italian speaking travel enthusiast, adventurer, and landscape photographer.
Adam has lived and traveled in Italy over many years, gaining expert historical and local knowledge of all the trip locations. He is excited to share with you all the cultural traditions, main and side-streets, and share each city’s local secrets, something very unique to this tour. You will be led to some of the very best locations, eat amazing food, and experience a safe and local feel in every city. Now, join Adam for the chance of a lifetime to experience Italy to the fullest. Whether returning, or your first time, Adam will guide you with local knowledge, travel skills, and sightseeing like never before, all while in a small-group style that feels like a truly private tour.
Adam has been leading specialized, small-group and private tours in Italy, Greece, and other countries for nearly a decade, sharing his expert knowledge of the culture, food, wine, history, and more! Adam is also the son of renowned professional landscape photographer, Lou DeSerio; who studied with Ansel Adams for many years and been selling his landscape photographs for over 40 years. Adam followed in his father’s footsteps and has been selling his own photographs in galleries since he was only 5 years old. Adam has spent his entire life capturing the world around him, traveling on and off the beaten path, taping into the deepest aspects of every location, and enjoys sharing the most amazing and most unique parts of the globe with people both as a photographer and as a travel organizer and tour guide.
What Now:
The Process:
- STEP 1: Submit Sign-Up application! First come first serve!
– Click any blue box that says “Click to Sign-Up” and fill out the application for each Participant. - STEP 2: Receive and Pay Deposit to secure spot on Tour.
– Non-refundable Deposit due within 48 hours of receiving. Additional: 50% of Single Supplement Fee due if applicable (non-refundable). - STEP 3: Pay 50% of Balance Due 150 Days Prior to Tour Start Date.
– Additional: Remaining 50% of Single Supplement Fee due if applicable (non-refundable). - STEP 4: Purchase Flights between 150 – 90 Days Prior to Tour Start Date.
– This is the best recommended window of time to find a good deal on Flights, while also guaranteeing the Tour will happen & has minimum # of Participants. - STEP 5: Pay Remaining 50% of Balance Due 90 Days Prior to Tour Start Date.
– Additional: Any additional fees, hotel nights, extension balances, etc. due if applicable. - STEP 6: Receive Packing Blogs/Info, Travel Tips, Arrival Info & Details.
– DeSerio Tours will send emails, information, and details in the months leading up to the tour, helping you feel comfortable and informed. - STEP 7: Start Packing you Bags! You have one amazing journey ahead!
Timeline of Due Dates:
- At Sign-Up: Registration & Deposit Due
- 150 Days Before Tour Start: Mar. 14, 2025
- 90 Days Before Tour Start: May 13, 2025
- Tour Start Date: August 11, 2025
Registration Process: Deposit/Payments/Cancellations/Refunds:*
- This tour is limited to a maximum number of people.*
- Prices are per person. Rooms filled with double occupancy (single supplements available in limited supply on first come first served basis).*
- Single Supplement(s) are available in two forms: “Traveling As A Pair” (for two people traveling together but wanting separate rooms), and “Traveling Alone” (Single person traveling alone)*
- If “Traveling As A Pair” Single Supplement is selected, individuals will become responsible for the full “Traveling Alone” Single Supplement fee amount if their travel partner in the pair cancels, opts-out, or does not complete the sign-up process*
- Cancellations on your (Participant) behalf before Tour Start Date:
• Greater Than 150 Days Before: Cancellation Fee equal to non-refundable Deposit, (plus 50% of Single Supplement fee when applicable)*
• 150 Days – 91 Days Before: Cancellation Fee equal to non-refundable Deposit, plus 50% of Payment-In-Full amount, (plus 100% of Single Supplement fee when applicable)*
• 90 Days or Less Before: Cancellation Fee equal to non-refundable Deposit, plus 100% of Payment-In-Full amount, (plus 100% of Single Supplement fee when applicable)*
• Cancellation requests must be in writing and will be effective upon date of receipt by DeSerio Tours.
• Cancellation deadline dates are based on the originally scheduled tour date, and are not reassigned due to Tour postponement or rescheduling. - Cancellations on behalf of DeSerio Tours, DBA of DeSerio Global Ventures, LLC: Please review the Terms & Conditions of this Tour for details.*
• If canceled by DGV, LLC due to inadequate enrollment, notice will be sent no later than 90 Days prior to Tour Start Date, and a refund will be made available.*
• If canceled by DGV, LLC for any other reason, a partial or full refund or credit may or may not be made available, according to the specific cancellations reasons
and timing, as outlined in the Terms & Conditions.*
• Due to the strict Cancelation Policy and Terms & Conditions of this Tour, it is recommended that each Participant obtain independent Travel/Health/Cancellation Insurance.
* Please see the Terms & Conditions agreement for additional information. By signing-up, registering, making payment(s) toward, and/or participating in, a Tour, you agree to all Terms & Conditions.