Reviews:

 

A selection of visitors' experiences:

 

'My week in Tuscany was nothing short of extraordinary. Barry, our host, went above and beyond in every way to make this experience unforgettable. From the moment we arrived, he ensured we felt welcome and taken care of. His local knowledge and attention to detail added so much to the trip.

Our itinerary was a perfect blend of iconic sites and hidden gems. We visited the historic towns of San Gimignano, Florence, Pisa, and the charming village of Peccioli, each offering its own beauty and character. Walking through Florence’s historic streets, marvelling at the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and savouring the medieval charm of San Gimignano were experiences I’ll always treasure.

Overall, this week was a dream come true. Barry’s hospitality and passion for Tuscany made the experience even more special. I can’t recommend this enough for anyone looking to experience Tuscany in an authentic and memorable way! 😊' MB Oct. 2024

 

'Barry's knowledge and enthusiasm for Tuscany is infectious, the ambience wonderful and the opportunity to meet new people and enjoy great food exciting' RS Oct. 2024

 

'Well, just back from a wonderful week in Tuscany. What to expect? Beautiful scenery, amazing sights, great food and luscious wine and the best place to try aperol spritz! Opportunity to do as much or as little as you choose but a wide menu including sightseeing, swim in the pool, sit on the terrace, make new friends, eat and drink 😊, see the big ones like Pisa and Florence and then realise your heart’s wish with the local scene of Peccioli and San Gimignano. It will be a core memory to take home. Oh... and Barry? Yep, he really is like the online version! 😆 A charmer with a heart of gold who loves his new home and always welcomed guest feedback and ideas. Have a fantastic trip!' FMcL Oct 2024

 

'We're just back from a  wonderful sojourn at Sunflower Bellissima Toscana. We came upon this Tuscan Haven on TikTok and it seemed too good to be true.  In a world of snake oils and false truths, this is the REAL DEAL. If you're thinking about it at all, do yourself a favour and just BOOK! 

Sunflower Bellissima is captivating and charming, a stunning blend of natural beauty and exceptional hospitality in a place where history and art chime beautifully with nature. Barry was an exceptional host leading us on a journey of culinary delights, breathtaking countryside, quaint villages and family owned restaurants that we would never have come upon without his local knowledge. We felt utterly secure, and from the very beginning, our enjoyment of his adopted home was his priority.

If you are seeking beauty, culture and a taste of la dolce vita with a heart open to beauty and authentic Italian charm then look no further.' NO'S (plus 2) Oct. 2024

 

'Thank you!..I had a blast. I may return and cause more trouble😁😁😎 x I will see about coming next year..the place is amazing. Thank you so much for the opportunity😎🥂 x' LH Sept. 2024

 

'I have to thank you … if it were not for your journey I would never have had the experience I have just had. I am well and truly in love with the place and its charming atmosphere. It has touched my heart. Thank you again for introducing me to Tuscany JK x' JK Sept. 2024

 

'I enjoyed my trip there so much! Anyone who is interested, don't hesitate! Barry is a fabulous host! Beautiful area, gorgeous food, and lovely views :).' AB Sept. 2024

 

'From the moment we arrived in "Aietta'" all 6 of us melted into the golden Tuscany landscape. I felt nourished and relaxed by the best company, freshest food and soaking up the beautiful sunshine. The itinerary Barry provided authentic, relaxed experiences from touring and tasting in a local amazing vineyard, exploring nearby towns and eating "the best meals I've ever had" 😁. I particularly enjoyed that although there was adventures planned for each day, we could opt out and take a day to chill by the pool. At the end of each day we'd all meet together as a group to witness mesmerising sunsets at the terrace, laugh, have a few drinks of the finest Italian wine. I'm so grateful to Barry for bringing solo and duet travellers together to create long-lasting memories. Barry immersed us in the community feeling of Montaione where local people learn from and look out for each other. The sense of connectedness to life, friends and nature is so nourishing... something I feel is lost in our day-to-day busy lives and feels so natural and joyful to get back to. If you're looking for an authentic Tuscany experience, relaxation, adventure and connection with like minded people I'd highly recommend the Sunflower Bellissima Toscana experience.' EM July 2024

 

'My daughter and I have just returned from the most amazing holiday in Tuscany arranged by Sunflower Bellissima Toscana, 7 days All Inclusive. There was a group of 6 of us. Our host was Barry and I must say that from when we were met by him at Pisa airport until we travelled home again, we all agreed we felt so well looked after, nothing was any bother at all. After we settled in, Barry took delight in showing us around his beautiful home town of Montaione with its rolling hills, spectacular views and incredible evening sunsets from our terrace. Our daily itinerary included visits to some of the most amazing places such as Florence, San Vilvado, San Gimignano, Pisa tower to name but a few. We also had the opportunity to enjoy a gorgeous traditional wine tour, horse riding through the vineyards, morning Yoga as well as free time to laze around the pool. What was so lovely was that we could participate in as much if or as little as we wanted depending on how we felt on the day. We ate in the very best Italian Tuscan restaurants for lunch or dinner where we enjoyed truly authentic Italian cuisine and wine. One day we had lunch in Andrea Bocelli's very own family restaurant situated in his home village of Lajatico, an amazing experience in itself! Everything felt so relaxed from start to finish. The company of the group was amazing, we laughed so much throughout the week and have made some new and wonderful connections. If you are looking for a wonderful and unique experience visiting Tuscany. I would recommend this holiday. Thank you so much Barry for giving my daughter and I life long holiday memories to treasure forever x' VM July 2024

 

'Tuscany and Barry’s experience was my gift to myself having just completed a major phase of my working life. I needed somewhere to be still, rest and attempt to download the next chapter of my life. A tall order I hear you cry! Indeed it was and for the first two days (of seven) my internal challenge was to do just that, STOP-BREATHE-REPEAT ;o)))). It was exactly the environment that I needed. Barry was professional, attentive and extremely knowledgeable, he provided in-depth information on all of the towns, food & experiences that we had the pleasure of partaking in. We were 6 solo female travellers and he really took great care of us. I met a tribe of fierce, fabulous women whom I had so much in common with and with whom I will be keeping in contact with. I would have no hesitation in recommending this experience for the restoration of you mind, body and spirit. If you are thinking about it, dive it, you won’t regret it.' SK July 2024”

 

'I’m at a loss as to where to begin. Tuscany is quite simply amazing. It has quite possibly, bar the birth of my children 16 and 21 years ago, been the single most fulfilling experience I have ever had the pleasure of enduring. (I say enduring solely because I know our wonderfully unoffendable host will be reading this! 😂) I had the pleasure of sharing my week with 2 souls who thankfully are quite like me, so my inappropriate jokes didn’t garner silence but rather laughter, and laughter galore. I can hand on heart say that I have never spent a week quite like it, nor spent quite as busy a holiday in my life and I don’t think I have EVER laughed so much. It certainly did not feel at any time that these were two people that I had only just met. As a recent widow I had made the decision early in 2024 that I was going to visit some places on my own, which I did around Ireland, but I felt a trip as far as Italy could warrant a local guide and what a delight he is! We visited Pisa Tower, Florence, Lajatico, Teatro de Silenzio, Montaione itself, close to where Barry, the host, lives and of course the ever-elusive pronunciation of San Gimignano (which I have since mastered, don’t mind what TikTok says). We rode horses, gently stretched with Claudia Latino (and in my case received some gentle healing), learned a little Italian, visited the Toscana English Academy (which was an education in itself!), ate truffles, popped into a gallery, ate gelato, drank copious amounts of wine and built life affirming friendships. Barry ordered for us when we ate out as it made most sense considering my actual knowledge of Italian cuisine in Ireland is a stuffed crust pizza. We visited some very local restaurants and had a scrumptious rather large slice of mouth-watering pizza in San Gimignano. From here I can add only a handful of things. The views, the hills, the valleys, the thunderstorm, the joy, the laughter, the bloody walking 😊! The wine tasting, the trip to Little Jerusalem with Guido the Guida! The fantastic night at the vineyard with the music and food and the complete misunderstanding that there were 4 courses! (Won’t make that mistake again!) I am eternally grateful to have met Gillian, with whom I shared my experience and Barry who is the epitome of, ‘come on in and make yourself at home’. We had the pleasure of meeting the mad Glaswegian before we left. I was a little lost before that week but at all times I felt safe and cheered and since I got home the experience has had many positive effects on my life! Maybe I shouldn’t tell him, (Barry) but I’ll be back next year!!! And I think maybe Gillian as well 😊 and possibly the mad Glaswegian. As Barry has rightly pointed out, I think I fell a little bit in love XX' MD June 2024

 

'Simply breath-taking, thank you Barry, I don't have the words. Tuscany is an amazing place. Barry's itinerary is perfect. If you don't fall in love, you're made of stone.' BM June 2024

 

‘In my daily life as well as work life, I constantly reflect, assess and generally over think everything.However looking back to what I saw, did, ate, drank, experienced, felt and fell in love with over the last week has humbled me. I'm not ashamed to say I nearly cracked when we said cheerio and I've been a bit teary since I got home.I've never, ever, experienced a holiday where I didn't want to go home. Its kinda thrown me. You made the courageous and liberating decision to change your life, and to invite others to share that experience with you. Thank you for allowing me to share in that. It was a life-affirming experience.I've had a hellish time since 2019, and what I just did helped to make those memories of darker times dissolve away bit by bit.Thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to share in your Tuscan life for a short while. ❤️🤍💚’ KC June 2024

 

'Wow Barry, just wow. Amazing, thank you.' BL June 2024

 

'In January, while sitting at my office desk, staring out at the never-ending bleak Irish weather, I would steal a little time to check out the latest exhilarating 'Old Man Abroad' post on TikTok. 

When Barry announced he was offering trips to Tuscany this summer, I didn't need to think twice. I wanted a getaway just for me, away from everything and everyone, and this felt like a very safe holiday for a woman travelling alone. Barry’s itinerary was unique: a week of trips to Florence, Pisa, and many other beautiful locations, including the stunning San Gimignano; as well as gentle yoga, horse riding, Italian language lessons and visits to vineyards. As well as all the tours and activities; transfer to and from the airport; all the meals were included, with plenty of vino to wash down the amazing food that Barry was happy to recommend, ensuring we experienced a vast array of Italian cuisine.  Barry had meticulously and knowledgeably planned the week to provide just the right amount of activities to keep me entertained, but not worn out. What made this an outstanding holiday for me was Barry's infectious and warm personality. I laughed more on this holiday than I have in the last couple of years. In addition the accommodation was fantastic, exceptionally clean, and air-conditioned. Barry has fully embraced life in Tuscany, and this is evident when strolling through his beautiful village and dining in the local restaurants. Everyone knows Barry and greets him as a local. The warmth and welcome I received from the residents was because Barry has fully immersed himself into his new life, and he always has a smile and "Ciao" for everyone he meets. This trip was more than just a holiday; it was a rejuvenating experience filled with laughter, culture and the stunning beauty of Tuscany. I can’t recommend Barry’s 'old manners' holidays enough – they are truly a slice of paradise. As soon as Barry releases next year's itinerary I will be booking my space.' GT June 2024

 

My trip to Tuscany was all that I hoped for and so so much more. The view and tranquility from my accommodation lifted the soul and all stress of everyday life melted away in a few moments. The leaning tower of Pisa is a must for all tourists with the obligatory photo. Florence was a pure delight, a bustling vibrant city bursting with history and art. I loved the Mercato Centrale. Barry’s itinerary was excellent and you can do it all, or just lie by the beautiful pool. What makes this holiday outrank all other inclusive holidays I have been on, is the personal touch and experience of the true Tuscany. My trip to Peccioli was a pure delight. A perfect time of meandering after a bustling day at Florence. The giants were a sight to behold. The only complaint I have is I’d love to be here for a month as there is so much more to see and do. Final note - Barry is hilarious 😂 he is the perfect host ensuring you feel at ease from the moment you arrive until you leave. Having someone who speaks your language, taking you everywhere, organising all events as well as meals is something that I have never had elsewhere. A five star ⭐️ experience. Thank you again Barry. TG May 2024

 

Amazing, booking again next year. If you want to treat yourself, join Barry and experience his Tuscany. Food - outstanding, location - outstanding, visits to Florence/ Pisa and smaller towns - outstanding, Barry as company - outstanding. Thank you thank you thank you. ML-K May 2024

 

Superb, thank you Tuscany and thank you Barry, perfect visit. Too short. JT and AT April 2024

 

Spent a wonderful few days out in Tuscany with Barry. The weather was superb, topped only by the phenomenal food and Barry as an excellent host. He showed off the beautiful local area wonderfully and was so generous with his time, patient answering questions and imparting his seemingly endless knowledge of the area. I especially loved visiting the markets…but next time I need to bring a bigger suitcase! I cannot recommend Montaione and Barry as a host highly enough - a trip good for body and soul! LK

 

This review can be summed up in one ‘wow’. I will be forever amazed by Tuscany from the amazing pizza to the stunning landscapes, Italy really does have everything a person needs to be happy. Barry was brilliant at showing us what Tuscany has to offer, I was apprehensive as this was my very first tour holiday, however I could not have asked for it to have gone any smoother. I will be recommending this tour to everyone I know as Barry could not have made us feel anymore at home in this beautiful country. AM

I visited this area with Barry in May. This area is divine, the scenery in magnificent, weather amazing, sunsets breathtaking, food simply outstanding and local towns something out of a beautiful history book. If you can treat yourself, please do, unforgettable. Barry is the perfect host. Can’t wait to return. LA May 2024

Simply fab time spent with Barry in the most amazing country. Great craic and never had a bad meal. Will return. JT May 2024

 

Sunflower Bellissima Toscana invite you to experience the true Tuscany.

We are not a travel agency, Sunflower Bellissima Toscana is a division of the Toscana English Academy. If you wish to see more about my individual experience moving to Tuscany please follow my TikTok account #oldmanabroad.

I am someone who has visited Italy for 30 years and Tuscany for 10 years, who wishes to show off an area I now (thankfully) call home.