Experience the magic of Bocelli in Tuscany

Tripsmiths team member Lynsey Suffolk had the most amazing time on our recent five-day tour of Tuscany, an experience that truly exceeded her expectations. Each day was filled with exciting excursions, including visits to historic sites, charming medieval villages and wine tastings at some of the region's finest vineyards surrounded by stunning Tuscan scenery.

The highlight of the trip was watching a captivating live performance by the renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli in a magical atmosphere that Lynsey will cherish forever. Now, back at home, Lynsey reflects on the incredible moments that made this trip unforgettable.

What was your favourite restaurant and why?

One of my favourite meals was at the Alpemare beach restaurant. The atmosphere was pure luxury and elegance which perfectly complemented the stunning sea views. The food was bursting with fresh flavours and was beautifully presented. Sipping prosecco from the Bocelli family vineyards on the beach with the blue sea glistening just a short walk away was very relaxing.

Tell us about the food. What was the best thing you ate on your trip?

The food throughout the trip was incredible and truly reflected the quality of the produce of the region. There was such a huge variety of delicious options to choose from but the pasta in particular was exquisite - definitely my favourite dish.

What was the most memorable experience from your trip?

The most unforgettable experience from my trip was undoubtedly watching Andrea Bocelli perform live at the magnificent Teatro del Silenzio, it was truly breathtaking. It's an open-air venue which makes for an enchanting backdrop and very special acoustics - the perfect complement to Bocelli's voice. I cannot recommend enough how incredible it was to see him perform live - it is a moment I will never forget.

What was your favourite moment of the Bocelli concert?

My favourite moment of the concert was when Andrea Bocelli sang 'Time to Say Goodbye' at the end of the evening. This is one of my favourite songs but to watch him perform live in such a charming atmosphere was out of this world. I feel so lucky to have been a part of this extraordinary experience which added to the magic of the trip.

What was the best place you visited during your trip and why?

I would have to say I enjoyed visiting Volterra. This medieval town has so much history and walking through the narrow alleys felt like stepping back in time. Seeing the Roman theatre was fascinating. Beyond its historical appeal, Volterra also had a great blend of incredible cuisine, picturesque scenery, artisan shops and quaint cafes, making it one of the best places I visited on the trip.

How easy was it to get around places?

Getting around the various locations during our trip was made easy by the excellent transfer coach service, which got us to each destination comfortably. The longest journey was about an hour and a half. At some of our destinations there was a fair amount of walking involved, so having a decent level of mobility and fitness is required. Some of the locations have lots of steps, slight hills, some uneven ground and cobbled streets.

During our trip, we visited Andrea Bocelli's own vineyard in the scenic hills of Valdera where we were treated to a tasting session to sample the exquisite wine produced on-site.

What was unique about the tours?

Enjoying wine tasting at the Bocelli family's restaurant in Lajatico was a truly unique experience, especially with the added personal touch of meeting Andrea Bocelli's nephew, Alessio Bocelli. Alessio shared interesting insights into the family's legendary wine making traditions. Andrea's sister-in-law also works for the family business and was on-hand to help guests when purchasing gifts. They were both so welcoming and friendly which made the experience even more special.

What was special about your hotel?

Our hotel was situated within the old city walls which was amazing and gave our stay a special ambiance. Each morning we were treated to a wonderful breakfast with a choice of cooked dishes, fresh fruit and pastries. The rooms were very clean, with bedsheets and towels replaced on a daily basis if you wanted. The hotel's reception team were always very friendly and helpful, which made us feel very welcome throughout our stay.

What advice would you give someone going there for the first time?

I would advise anyone going on this trip to be prepared for a jam-packed itinerary where you will find yourself frequently on the move since there is so much to see and do. Therefore, I would recommend wearing comfortable shoes throughout the trip because there's a lot of walking involved and to pack sunscreen and a fan as it can get very hot at that time of year when exploring outdoors. Lastly, make sure to embrace the local culture and try new foods along the way to really make the most of your trip.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this trip to anyone seeking an unforgettable experience in Tuscany. It truly is a dream destination and I feel incredibly lucky to have been able to experience it all.

What sets this tour apart is the unique opportunity to visit Bocelli's own vineyard and dine at the Bocelli family-run restaurant, where you can savour authentic Italian cuisine - and of course getting to see Bocelli perform live is what makes this trip so special.

The meticulous planning of the tour meant it was an effortless experience where you don't have to worry about anything. You simply meet up with your group at the start of each day and then you can sit back and be guided by the wonderful tour manager. The tour manager's expertise meant we could fully immerse ourselves in the region's history and culture, making every day an adventure.

Would you like to explore any other parts of Italy?

There are so many beautiful places in Italy that I would still like to explore but Lake Como is definitely at the top of my list. I can't wait to wander through the charming towns along the beautiful shoreline and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the lakes and the Alps.

Where else do you plan on visiting next?

Next on my travel bucket list is taking a scenic five-star rail journey on the Swiss Glacier and Bernina Express through the Alps.

If you've been inspired by Lynsey's adventure in Tuscany, you can register your interest here to be the first to hear when 2025 dates are announced. For more information on any of our expert-led tours, please visit Tripsmiths.