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The Story About Us

The Story About Us

Since 1996
We were the first tour operator to create high-quality small-group tours.
Small groups
When we say small groups, we really do mean it. Maximum sizes are from 7-15 people
Local expertise
Our tours are all created with the help of passionate locals to take you off-the-beaten path.
Responsible tourism
We are proud to stand by the ethical standards of Responsible Tourism.
Most recommended
With features on BBC World, CNN, The History Chanel, and Now This.

Sharing our italian passion since 1996

We began as a theater company.  Then transformed into an experiential travel provider.  We then evolved into a  fully-licensed tour operator. We are based exclusively in Florence; the most recommended tour operator in Italy, with recommendations from all major travel guides like Rick Steves, Lonely Planet, and The New York Times, plus features on BBC World News, Discovery Channel, the History Channel, and Now This. We work with highly-qualified guides, passionate locals, art historians, and leading industry experts – including aristocrats, authors, actors, artists, and artisans.

No other company in Italy offers such variety and depth of imagination and such innovative travel itineraries.

Sabbaticals and Work From Home in Italy

With our over 20 years experience organising the very best of Italy, we can provide everything you need for a wonderful sabbatical or fabulous time working remotely from home in Italy. Find out more and book your consultation here.

Sharing Our Italian Passion Since 1996
Tour_experience

Experiences, not tours

We design travel experiences that engage, inform, and entertain visitors. Whether you’re booking a museum tour or a luxury villa retreat, we want you to experience your destination, not just see it. We provide travelers from all over the globe and all walks of life with creative & enlightening tours and experiences – and have done so for over twenty years. Our tours continue to receive considerable international acclaim and consideration from travel writers, guidebooks, and celebrities.

But we understand that travel and tourism, like all things, changes with time. Our commitment to quality means that we never take our leading position for granted, and we dedicate ourselves fully to evolving and perfecting our tours, so that they always reflect exactly what you’re looking for (and sometimes, what you didn’t even know you wanted!). Every experience we offer is carefully crafted to deliver only the most essential authentic Italy – the kind of Italy you dream of visiting.

That means that we’ve done all the work for you. We’ve researched the most interesting stories and settings to invigorate your spirit while here. And we don’t just stop there. We’ve also sought out the best of everything – the best views of that stunning Tuscan sunset and most beautiful olive groves, vineyards, and cypress-lined paths; the best traditional and off-the-beaten path restaurants and local trattorias where you can enjoy homemade specialties; and of course Italy’s most exclusive wine producers and private luxury villas.

When we say we look forward to welcoming you to Italy, we mean the real Italy.

We really do mean small-groups

We believe that our group tours will turn anyone into a tour convert. When we say small groups, we mean the kinds of small groups that you’re thinking of: instant friends with your tour companions, one-on-one time with your tour guide, group discounts that have you ultimately paying less, seeing things you wouldn’t normally be able to see and things that bigger groups just can’t access (like the Vasari Corridor, artisan shops, small chapels and this secret underground room with Michelangelo’s hidden paintings!). 

Our biggest group tours cap at 15 people, and our day trips and evening tours half that. This means a better and more intimate travel experience. When you’re traveling to a new and foreign country, having someone to show you the way can make all the difference in your experience. A good guide will give you facts about the area, but a great guide (the kinds of guides we work with) will share their passion with you and get you excited. Whether it’s a street food tour or a day trip beyond the city walls, your guide will make you fall in love with your destination.

But more than anything, it means experiencing Italy intimately and authentically.

Our Unique Theatrical Roots

We began as a theatre company. That’s how and why we were first inspired to believe that tours could be entertaining and informative. That learning about our incredible Italian heritage could be enjoyable. All our guides are chosen for being amazing personalities. Our tours, experiences and events are crafted and designed to be unforgettable

Mobile Group Tour
Sustainable Travel
Ethics Code Fiavet 2018
ASTA_American-Society-of-Travel-Agents

Our values

We believe in Responsible Tourism. In enhancing the wellbeing and economies of host communities. In contributing positively to nature, diversity, and cultural heritage. In creating enjoyable experiences for tourists through meaningful connections with locals. In promoting a deeper understanding of local Italian culture. In strengthening respect between visitors and hosts. In building local pride and confidence.

We are the only company in Italy that provides an extensive library for our guides and staff to deepen our knowledge base and broaden our understanding.

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Privacy Policy

EU's new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) comes into effect on May 25, 2018. We want to let you know we’ve updated our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions

Information about the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

We inform you that for the establishment and execution of the contract with you, when you book one of our services our organization comes into possession of some of your data, also acquired verbally, qualified as personal by the European Regulation 2016/679 (GDPR).According to the law, this treatment will be based on principles of correctness, lawfulness, transparency and protection of your privacy. According to article 13 of the GDPR 2016/679, therefore, we provide you with the following information: Nature of the data processed:We process your data:• Anagraphic, fiscal and of an economic nature necessary for the performance of contractual relationships with you, whether current or future;• Spontaneously supplied by you for the personalized execution of the current or future contract, bearing in mind that there is no obligation on your part to supply them. The data are processed with your express consent (Article 24 letter a, b, c Privacy Code and Article 6 letter b, and GDPR) accepting - with a click in the box at the end of the completion of the form - the terms and conditions of the service we perform.All data will be used solely and exclusively to fulfill:• Pre-contractual, contractual, post-contractual and tax obligations arising from relationships with you;• To the obligations established by law, regulations, community legislation or an order of the Authority.We are not in possession of your data that can be classified as sensitive, particular or of a judicial nature (articles 9 and 10 of the GDPR). Purpose of the processing and duration:Your data are processed for the entire duration of the relationship contract and also subsequently, for contractual requirements and related fulfillment of legal obligations and taxation, and for effective management of financial and commercial relationships. The Data Controller will process personal data for the time necessary to fulfill the aforementioned purposes and in any case for no more than 10 years from the termination of the relationship for the purposes of service. Methods of processing: The processing will be carried out with both manual and / or computerized tools telematics with organizational and elaboration logistics closely related to the purposes themselves and however in order to guarantee the security, integrity and confidentiality of the data in compliance with the organizational, physical and logical measures provided for by the provisions in force. Obligation or right to provide data:As regards the data that we are obliged to know, in order to fulfill the obligations established by law, their non-conferment by you involves the impossibility of establishing or continuing the relationship, to the extent that such data are necessary for execution of the same. Scope of knowledge of your data: The following categories of subjects may become aware of your data, as managers or processors, appointed by the undersigned company:• Data controller;• Accounting and billing staff;• Those involved in the marketing and execution of services. Communication and dissemination:Your data will not be disseminated to third parties by us for their provision or consultation.Your data may be communicated by us to entities, as far as their respective and specific competence is concerned and in general to any public or private entity with respect to which there is obligation for us (or faculty) recognized by law or secondary or community legislation) or need for communication, as well as to our consultants, within the limits necessary to carry out their duties at our office organization, after our letter of appointment imposing the duty of confidentiality and security. Rights of the interested party: In accordance with Art. 7 of Legislative Decree 196/03 of the Articles of the GDPR 679/16: 15 / Right of access, 16 / Right of rectification, 17 / Right to cancellation, 18 / Right to limitation of treatment, 20 / Right to portability, 21 / Opposition right, 22 / Right to oppose the automated decision-making process of GDPR679 / 16. You can exercise your rights by writing to the Data Controller with an email to: [email protected] Withdrawal of consent: With reference to Art. 23 of Legislative Decree 196/03 and Article 6 of GDPR 679/16, you can revoke the consent given at any time. Owner and manager of the treatment: The data controller is PIER CARLO TESTA, Director of the company "The Original & Best Walking Tours" with registered office in Via Sassetti 1 in Florence (Italy). The Data Processor, who can be contacted to exercise  rights and / or for any clarificationsregarding the protection of personal data, can be reached at: [email protected]
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