In this episode of Total Tuscany, hosts Travis Justice and Pat Campagna embark on a culinary voyage to the heart of Florence, Italy, where they are warmly welcomed into the delightful FormaggioTecca Terroir. Owned and operated by the charismatic Rebecca Christophersen and her husband Pierre, this wine and cheese shop is a haven for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the rich tastes and aromas of Tuscany and France.
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Rebecca is not just a purveyor of fine wines and artisan cheeses; she's a visionary who has crafted an experience that bridges the gap between fine cheeses and those eager to explore the flavors. Through her venture, Grape Tours, Rebecca guides enthusiasts on a journey through the Tuscan vineyards, offering a deeper understanding of the wine-making process and the stories behind the bottles.

But the couple's  influence on promoting Tuscan culture doesn't end there. They are also at the heart of "Fixer to Fabulous Italiano," a captivating series that follows their adventures in transforming their Tuscan villa that is over 200-years old. The show, hosted by Dave and Jenny Marrs, dives in deep to the highs, lows, and challenges of renovating a historic property. 
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During the interview, Rebecca shares insights into the challenges and triumphs of running FormaggioTecca Terroir. From selecting the perfect assortment of cheeses to pair with their carefully curated wines, to the joy of educating visitors about the origins and stories of each product, Rebecca's passion for her work is palpable. It's clear that for her, FormaggioTecca Terroir is more than a shop; it's a medium through which she can share her love for Tuscany with the world.

The conversation also delves into the intricacies of wine touring with Grape Tours. Rebecca explains how each tour is designed to offer a unique, immersive experience that goes beyond the typical wine tasting. It's about connecting with the land, understanding the grape's journey from vine to bottle, and, of course, savoring the exquisite end result.

So, pour yourself a glass of Chianti, slice up some pecorino, and let Travis, Pat, and Rebecca take you on a sensory exploration of Tuscany. This episode of Total Tuscany is more than an interview; it's an invitation to indulge in the flavors that define one of Italy's most beloved regions.
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For more about Rebecca Christophersen's endeavors, visit FormaggioTecca Terroir at formaggiotecaterroir.it, explore Tuscany's vineyards with Grape Tours at tuscan-wine-tours.com, and experience the transformational magic of "Fixer to Fabulous Italiano" at hgtv.com.

Welcome to another exciting episode of Total Tuscany with Travis Justice and Pat Campagna. We bring you the stories of individuals who have embarked on unique journeys and found their passion in the heart of Italy. In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Sara Amrhein, an extraordinary artist known for her exquisite polymer clay handmade jewelry. Join us as we delve into Sara's creative process, her inspirations, and the fascinating tale of her relocation from the United States to the enchanting city of Florence, Italy.

Journey To Florence
Sara's journey is about her art and the life-changing decision to move from the United States to Florence, Italy. The podcast explores the reasons behind Sara's move, the cultural adjustments, and the impact it has had on her artistic expression. Discover the challenges and joys of immersing oneself in a new environment and finding inspiration in Tuscany's rich history and artistry.

Crafting Beauty From Polymer Clay
Sara is a master of her craft, creating one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces from polymer clay. Listeners will get an exclusive peek into Sara's workshop, learning about her intricate techniques to mold, shape, and color the clay into unique and stunning jewelry. From earrings to necklaces, each piece is a work of art that reflects Sara's creativity and passion.

Cultural Influences on Art
Florence is renowned for its artistic heritage, and Sara shares how living in this cultural hub has influenced her work. From the architecture to the local traditions, listeners will gain insights into the various elements of Tuscan culture that have left an indelible mark on Sara's jewelry designs.

A Glimpse into Sara's Future Projects
As the podcast unfolds, Sara offers a sneak peek into her upcoming projects and the direction she envisions for her art. Listeners can look forward to hearing about Sara's future endeavors and the exciting developments in her journey as a polymer clay jewelry artist based in Florence.

Whether you're an art enthusiast, a jewelry lover, or someone curious about the intersection of art and life, this episode promises to be a delightful exploration of the world ofSara Amrhein. Tune in and immerse yourself in the beauty of polymer clay art and the charm of Tuscany.

What a summer in Florence! Ungodly heat, a government in shambles, and the tourists have returned in the full flock! The streets of Florence are jammed packed, and business seems to be booming again for those who suffered so much during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

ahead to what is coming up in the coming months! Additionally we disucss the study abroad programs in Florence and the positive impact they have on Florence and the region. 
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About the Florentine:
The Florentine is published 11 times a year. There are over a thousand subscribers worldwide and a circulation of 10 thousand copies per month. You can find the magazine for free at over 150 locations in Florence. 

Do you want to go to Tuscany but don’t know where to start? We are here to help. Drop us an email, total Tuscany at Gmail dot com. That last thing you want or can afford is to be stressed out about where you will stay. Can you really do it all in a short amount of time? We work with some of the best Italian-based Travel Planners and guarantee you are going the time of your life.  Start planning your Tuscany trip today, email us at [email protected].

Make sure to follow The Total Tuscany Podcast on whatever platform you listen on. This way, you know right away when a new episode is out.  If you have time, give us a five-star rating and write a review, we love to see your feedback.  

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Italy attracts all kinds of travelers. Those who visit on a fixed budget. Those who vacation and spare no expense.  And those who fall somewhere in the middle. 

Imagine if you will that you have unlimited funds and you could do and buy whatever you want in Tuscany. Sounds like a dream, right? As you are about to hear in this edition of the Total Tuscany Podcast, dreams do come true!

Villas are once again in high demand and if you want one you are going to have to wait. 2023 is the earliest you can grab one and those are filling up fast! ​

Please give this podcast a “like” and share it on your social media channels. If you have time, please write a review. The more engagement we have the more people will hear the stories we are telling.
If there is someone you would like us to interview or a place in Tuscany you want us to checkout, send us an email at, [email protected].

Please like our Facebook and Instagram pages and follow us on Twitter and Tik-tok. 

​The two of the most popular things to do when you go to Tuscany are drink wine and take a cooking class. Well, since we can't travel right now, what if there was a way to put a sommelier and a Tuscan chef right in your kitchen? 

COVID-19 has reinforced our need for connection to people. Linda Sorgiovanni from Italy Customized wants to come into your home, virtually. Linda collaborates with her friend Claudio Bisanzio on a unique cooking class and wine tasting with you and your family and friends.  The 2-hour experience includes wine, a food menu with step by step coaching during the cooking process, a recording of your cooking class, a recipe booklet, and memories that will inspire you to travel to Tuscany to experience the real thing. 

This virtual experience's price is very reasonable—$ 50 per person up to four people and $40 per person for larger groups.  We recommend that groups are not larger than eight people. 

​Yes, there is a pretty big time difference between Florence and the United States. But don't fret; Linda and Claudio are night owls and will work directly with you to schedule a time that works for you and your guests. You can email Linda directly to set up your class.  
[email protected]

​Esperienza personale.Translated to English, personal experience. Urbano Brini is on a mission. He wants everyone who visits Florence and Tuscany to have a once in a lifetime adventure. 

Several years ago, he started Florencetown Tours. What began as a simple self-guided bike ride around the city, has grown into something much bigger.  Something more unique. Something more personal.

Last December, I visited Urbano in his office, located a stone's throw from the Arno River. The view alone must provide Urbano with some of his most creative ideas. He is laser-focused on customer service and has a keen understanding of what savvy tourists desire.  Urbano will be the first to tell you what visitors want changes over time. 

Take Florencetown, for instance. Many of the company's offerings are group outings.  Several people, many who you don't know, take a tour to see David, ride Vespas, or retrace the footsteps of the Medici family. Typical things a lot of us do when vacationing to Tuscany, but leaves us feeling more like a tourist rather than having the authentic experience we yearn for when visiting Italy. 

Urbano and his team noticed this and wanted to offer their clients something more.  They didn't need to reinvent the wheel; they just needed to look at the way people want to experience Florence and Tuscany differently.  By differently, we mean privately, uniquely, and off the beaten path. Something that when you tell your friends what you did on your trip, they say, wow! How in the world did you get to do that? 

Urbano makes dreams come true. It shouldn't be that much as a surprise, as you will find out by listening to this podcast, Urbano is one of the biggest dreamers of them all. We are lucky that he wants to share them with the world. 

It was a brisk December afternoon, my wife and I were sitting in the Piazza della Republica in Florence waiting to meet up with our friend Linda Sorgiovanni. You've heard Linda on the podcast before, she owns and operates Italy Customized with her business partner Alberto Bassilichi. However, our afternoon plans were to experience the other business they own and operate, Urban Adventures Florence. 

We were excited because Linda was going to give us a sample of the Florence Foodies Walk. The walk, a two-and-a-half exploration of the city streets, where we found some hidden gems and experienced the following:
Truffles. Gelato. Chianti. Olive Oil. All the essentials of the Italian food pyramid were included on this Florence tour. Leave the diet at home and embrace the feast that is Florence.

• Gain insight into the best local food stores, restaurants, and wine bars
• Sample delicious local fare including earthy truffles and artisan chocolate
• Learn about local extra virgin olive oil (and sample some, too!)
• Experience a localized food history lesson before sampling the best gelato in townRelax with a glass of chianti at the end of the tour

A local, English speaking guide gives the tour, and for about 75-bucks, everything you eat and drink is included. ​

​A local, English speaking guide gives the tour, and for about 75-bucks, everything you eat and drink is included. 

We were fortunate to have Linda give us a private walk, but it would have been amazing to have other people to share the experience with and get different reactions. 

Our first stop was a new Antinori wine bar/restaurant that included a small museum.  Besides giving the history of the Antinori family, the courtyard housed a replica "Crazy Cart," which could haul up to 2000 bottles of chianti. 

​The next stop was a short walk from the Piazza Santa Maria Novella.  We went behind the scenes at Top Bakery, where the owners were making their world-famous Panettone. A sweet cake popular around the Christmas holiday. Close your eyes and imagine the most fabulous smell a bakery can produce. That's what we experienced at Top, and everything we tasted was just as delicious!

​It was time to sit down, Linda had something special planned as we walked into Procacci, a wine bar.  We stared with the most refreshing glass of Prosecco and followed it up with not one, but two truffle and butter sandwiches that were simply unforgettable! 

​Our final stop, Forno di Antonio Mattei.  A quaint little shop where we sampled biscotti.  Not only did we taste several varieties, but the shop documents the history of the family and the business that is still thriving today.  We purchased our biscotti in the replica "hatbox" that was traditional before modern packaging. 

​We ended our tour at Linda's office to record this podcast. Enjoy!  You will want to experience one of the Urban Adventures Florence tours.  We want to save you some money doing so! When you book online, enter the promo code, TOTAL TUSCANY, and you will save 5% off the purchase price.  If you love (or like) food, and wine, Urban Adventures Florence will give you the best day ever!

​Looking back, that quote from Wayne Dyer had significant meaning for Lisa Condie.  Lisa has been a guest on this podcast before, talking about her tour company, Find Yourself in Tuscany. She's a model for greatness and inspiration for women everywhere. Successful and living abroad in one of the world's most beautiful cities, Lisa is a contributor to the Huffington Post, TUT, and she's been featured on the Today Show. 

Lisa is in control and maybe the happiest she has ever been in her life. 

I have some news for you, like almost every real success story, the journey along the way is filled with pain, disappointment, regret, even suffering. 

In her book, I Found Myself in Tuscany, Lisa describes in great detail her first three years in Tuscany.  She describes her journey of becoming an ex-pat much like a love affair; infatuation, doubt, and finally total acceptance. 

But why in the world would a beautiful mother of two, successful business owner from Salt Lake City, Utah end up in Florence, Italy in the first place? 

​That answer is how Lisa found herself in Tuscany.  She is incredibly open and honest in our interview. Her story is one that many women are living today but don't know how to change the narrative. 

Lisa is the first person to admit you don't have to move to Florence, Italy to change your life; it's what worked for her. But if you want to change, if you want a fresh start, it's possible, and the story Lisa tells in her book just might be your inspiration to say, now is the time.

After hearing Lisa's story, you may just want to join her in Tuscany! She has a Signature Tour planned for April and October that is eight days and seven nights.  Lisa can also help you customize your Tuscan vacation itinerary and plan a retreat.

Lisa Condie found herself in Tuscany, will you?