Best guided experience of my life! - Raffaele was my tour guide, and we started with a tour of Lucca. He showed me everything — he knew all of the rich history, and I genuinely felt like I had traveled back in time. He even gave a time‑lapse of how things have changed over the centuries, explaining the why behind some of the most fascinating structures and their significance. Right from the moment I met him, he had such a peaceful and welcoming presence. It felt like meeting an old friend. As a novice solo traveler, I tend to get anxious, but with him I felt completely safe and ended up having the best time ever. After Lucca, I went to my first-ever vineyard experience at Fratelli Urbani. Oh my goodness — I thought Raffaele had already blown me away, but wait until you meet them. Giulia was the main person who guided me through the vineyard, its fascinating history, the processes, and finally the tastings. (By the way… so much food, and the wines paired with the stories made for a full tummy and a peaceful heart.) I was also lucky enough to meet the family. I’m not kidding when I say they are the spirit of Italy — warm, kind, silly, and offering hospitality like you’ve never experienced. As soon as I get the chance, I’ll be back, and any tours I take will always be with Raffaele. He was even kind enough to take a picture with the silly little trinket I bring on all my travels… you’ll see it in the photos! And not to mention, the price compared to the value was shocking — super reasonable, but the experience was worth far more. Honestly, I felt like I should have paid more.