I offer half-day and daily personalized tours in Tuscany and Umbria, for kids and grown-ups, for food, wine, art and garden lovers, for first-time and seasoned visitors to Italy alike. Please scroll down below the photos for more information.
Generally, we start out at around 9 am and I ride along with you in your vehicle. We stop for lunch (all of Italy takes a lunch break at 1 pm) and try to be home by dark.

I work closely with you before you arrive in Italy so that you will experience no surprises. Be sure to book your tour well in advance, ideally when you reserve your villa.

Frequently I refer clients to other expert guides with whom I have long experience. If it is appropriate for you to be guided by one of them, I can assist you in making that reservation.

Write to me at elizabethwholey@gmail.com and tell me what you would like to see and do during your stay.

For a preview of your trip to Umbria, send for my book, Sustenance: Food Traditions in Italy's Heartland, with a Guide to Farms, Markets, and Fairs in the Upper Tiber Valley.

'Elizabeth, if you should ever need a testimonial for food, service, friendliness, professionalism, just ask me . . . but I am sure you have a book full of excellent testimonials already!'

'Elizabeth, I know you must be weary of the praise but I can't repeat it enough. Your gracious hospitality, itinerary plans, and kind assistance are gratefully appreciated. You were definitely at the center of our successful, fun-filled trip. . . your clients are lucky to have you'.

'Thank you so much for every minute you were with us. You are a primo guide, giving us just the right amount of information. We did so much and we were a bit tired but looking back today, it was perfect'.

Our part of Italy is full of picturesque, two-lane, winding country roads, easy to drive and wonderful to meander along if you have plenty of time. If you don't, it is helpful to have someone who knows where she's going to guide you! The following are ideas for half and full day tours to interesting and educational destinations for which having a guide should increase your pleasure and decrease your stress level.

Food artisans: Try your luck on a truffle hunt, visit winemakers, olive oil producers, cheese makers and the bee keeper.

Art and architecture: Visit art-filled hill towns such as Cortona, Assisi, Perugia, Gubbio, Montepulciano, Pienza and Montalcino, each with its own history, foods and beauty. A licensed city guide will enrich your experience.

Garden tours: Venture off the beaten track to formal, monastic and kitchen gardens.

Shopping: Experience Italian design at its best. Visit the high fashion outlets, antique dealers, linen shops, etc. Or for real bargains, enjoy the color and vitality of the weekly town market.

Crafts: Our artisans excel in weaving, ceramics, stitchery, metalwork, basketry and other crafts.

Local festivals: Plan your trip around local festivals or visits to food or antiquarian fairs.
Fun for the whole family tours: Visit a local family farm, pet a baby lamb, throw your own pot on a wheel, and see demonstrations by local craftspeople.

'You created such a beautiful time for all of us, and gave us the perfect mental and physical location for us to grow as writers and people. I found your story to be especially inspiring, the way you've carved out a life that embraces the joy of every day'.

'Wow! What can I say about my time in Umbria. You did a magnificent job as playing hostess, organizer, cheerleader, concierge, mom, creator. I will never forget my first time in Italy because of your involvement'.