Nearly two years ago, we were introduced to Tony Flanagan, the brain behind Magari Tours. When we met, he didn’t initially reveal what the name was going to be, but I instantly loved the concept of travelling to more undiscovered places in Italy and really immersing yourself into their way of life; using family-run hotels, local restaurants and experiences you won’t even find in a guidebook.
We’re pleased to say that we have the third edition of their brochure, covering all of next year and into early 2027 – their signature tour to Lombardy, along with Umbria, Tuscany, Puglia and Sicily. The new expanded brochure (now 28 pages) has been updated with full itineraries, maps and excepts of what you can expect on each tour.
However, as Magari Tours is just so unique, it’s hard to convey in words and pictures. Especially if you love to experience the real heart of a destination, it’s about how it makes you feel – not about pretty pictures, so it’s really something you have to experience for yourself.
The best we can do is a video (without going), so here’s Tony himself to explain what makes Magari so different to just another escorted touring company, and the touches they are able to provide to elevate the experience.
All but one of Magari’s tours are single-centre holidays. Unpack once, and then take cultural and experiential day trips out from the hotel which are in commutable distance, so you’re never on a coach or minibus for too long (the exception being Sicily).
One of those tours is in Tuscany, but it’s more undiscovered southern region, staying in the quiet town of Castel del Piano. As with many of the Magari tours, there is a combination of cultural sightseeing along with authentic artisanal experiences either at vineyards, farms or trattorias.
This is a short video or the ‘Secluded Tuscany’ tour (in the style of the 80/90’s television shows of Holiday or Wish You Were Here!), along with a short interview with the amazing Wendy, who is the tour manager on a number of the Magari Tours:
As many of you know, I experienced a shortened version of the ‘Essence of Lombardy’ tour for myself last year – a tour that Tony highlights as his flagship, as it’s somewhere you’d never normally venture on your own. Staying at the lovely Miramonte Hotel in the Imagna Valley with amazing views over the valley towards the incredible Cornabusa Sanctuary. There are also trips to Bergamo and Brescia, as well as the most incredible meal at Cascina Caretto – one of the trip’s highlights.
You can read more about my trip with Magari on our special portal on the website.
Prices start from as little as £1995 per person for the 6 night Secluded Tuscany tour – which includes all the experiences and excursions, dinner everyday and four lunches – including a special seafood lunch at La Casa Rossa.
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