Food, Friends & Song with Jeff Alfiero
 
Attached you’ll find:
Our Tuscany, Together brochure
Why Travel with Chuck?
A short video introducing my travel style
 
Ciao,
 
You may have just heard my good friend, Jeff Alfiero, talking about our upcoming Tuscany adventure. Or possibly someone shared this with you because they thought you’d love it.
 
Either way… Benvenuto! (welcome)
 
If we’ve never met, my name is Chuck Cinelli. My mother and I own Coco’s Italian Market in Nashville, Tennessee. For the past ten years, I’ve had the privilege of introducing more than 900 travelers to the Italy I love. What began as a handful of restaurant customers traveling together, has grown into a close-knit travel family, with many guests joining me two, three, four, and even five times.
 
The reason is simple… we don’t just see Italy—we experience it together..
 
—– Jeff and myself —–
 
I’m not sure how much Jeff has shared with you yet, but he and I go back decades.  We were first drawn together by something you don’t always appreciate until later in life – which is growing up Italian.  When you meet another Italian from the Northeast,  you just connect.  No explanation needed.  You understand each other before a word is even spoken.
 
When you’re a kid, it just feels normal. You share the experience of big family dinners, food at the center of everything, music playing, people talking over each other, and laughter filling the room.  It’s only when you get older – or move away – that you realize how special that way of life really is.
 
That’s been Jeff and me from the very beginning.  Over the years, we’ve both traveled back to Italy many times, but not just as visitors, but reconnecting with cousins, Aunts and Uncles.  It’s something that’s part of who we are and we want to share that. These traditions helped shape who we are.  That’s what inspired this tour. We didn’t want to create another sightseeing trip—we wanted to create an experience.
 
Most people picture an Italy tour as packing a suitcase every morning, changing hotels every couple of days, and constantly being on the move.  Not this one. We call it Tuscany Together because we unpack once in the beautiful spa town of Montecatini Terme, which is our home for the week.
 
From there, we’ll venture out each day to experience the very best of Tuscany, plus Florence, Siena, Lucca, Pisa, and San Gimignano, which include family-owned wineries, a hands-on cooking class, a local cheese farm, charming villages, rolling vineyards, and the breathtaking countryside that has inspired artists for centuries.
 
Then, every evening…
 
We come home. We gather around the table. We pour another glass of Tuscan wine. We relive the adventures of the day.
 
And Jeff fills the room with music, not as a concert or a scheduled performance, but as the soundtrack to evenings spent together. With friends around the table, wonderful food, local wine, and songs the way Italians have celebrated life for generations – this is what it is all about.  I honestly believe those evenings will become everyone’s favorite memories.
 
—– The Best Part of Every Tour —–
 
After taking more than 800 travelers to Italy, I’ve learned something.  When people come home, they rarely tell me their favorite memory was a church, museum, or famous landmark.  They talk about… The dinner that lasted three hours, the local wine shared with new friends, the laughter on the coach, the conversations that never seemed to end, and the friendships that continue long after everyone returns home.
 
That’s exactly why we named this journey – Tuscany Together.
 
Because the best memories aren’t always where you go, they’re who you share them with.
 
—– Before We Ever Leave —–
 
One of the things that makes traveling with me different is that our journey begins long before we board the airplane.
 
About three months before departure, we’ll gather at Coco’s Italian Market for a complimentary “Meet Your Travel Family” Brunch.
 
You’ll enjoy lunch together, meet your fellow travelers, and I’ll personally walk everyone through my 24-page Italy Travel Guide, covering everything from packing and money to cafés, customs, and little insider tips that make traveling in Italy easy and enjoyable. Before the afternoon is over, you’ll feel confident, prepared, and excited, not overwhelmed.
 
If you don’t live near Nashville, don’t worry, I’ll send you the guide digitally, and we’ll schedule a phone call to go through everything together.
 
Another tradition that our travelers absolutely love is my “20 Questions Book.”
Before the trip, everyone answers twenty fun questions about themselves. I compile the answers into a keepsake booklet that everyone receives before departure. It’s amazing how quickly strangers become friends when they discover they share the same hobbies, careers, travel dreams, favorite foods, or life experiences.  It’s one more way we make sure nobody feels like they’re traveling alone.
 
—– Is This the Right Tour for You? —–
 
If your goal is simply to check famous landmarks off a list as quickly as possible, this may not be the tour for you.
 
But, if you’d rather slow down, stay in one beautiful Tuscan town…if you would rather enjoy incredible meals, sip local wines, explore breathtaking villages, laugh with wonderful people, listen to music after dinner, and experience Italy the way Italians experience it…then I think you’re going to fall in love with this journey.
 
—– Start Here —–
 
Since you’ve never traveled with me before, I always recommend beginning with this short video.
It answers the questions I hear most often and gives you a feel for my style of travel, the atmosphere of our tours, and what makes our groups so special.
 
Watch that here:
 
I’ve also attached our Tuscany, Together brochure along with a PDF explaining what it’s like to travel with me.
 
Take your time and look everything over.
 
 
—– The Price —-
 
One question I often receive is, “How can this tour be priced so well?” The answer is simple. We secured this tour well over a year ago, before airfare, hotels, and energy costs increased so dramatically. Since then, travel costs have continued to rise, making this an exceptional value. In fact, 2028 prices for this same tour will cost at least $600 or more per person when offered again.
 
May 18 – 26, 2027  9 Days • 11 Meals
Price per person including air*
Double $5,249 Single $5,549 Triple $5,199
Without air but still includes airport transfers to and from the hotel and airport
Double $3,399   Single $3,699   Triple $3,349
 
 
—– Let’s Talk —–
 
If this tour speaks to you, I’d love to get to know you.
 
Just reply to this email or send me a text, and we’ll schedule a time to talk. There’s absolutely no pressure, just a friendly conversation to answer your questions, learn a little about you, and see if this is the right adventure.
 
Most tours fill up about a year in advance, so the earlier you reserve, the better your chances of getting your spot. There’s a 100% money-back refund up to 7 months before departure, and travel insurance is optional for even more peace of mind.
 
Let’s set a time to chat or meet:
Just text me at 615-573-2319 and we’ll schedule something. I live close to the restaurant, so I’m flexible.
 
Some of my easiest times to meet:
🍝 Lunch: Weekdays until 2 PM
🍷 Dinner: Monday–Thursday early evenings
🥐 Brunch: Saturday & Sunday starting at 9 AM
 
And yes, the food’s on me. Come hungry.
 
A small deposit of $698 reserves your place.
 
My promise to you is simple: I’ll do everything I can to make your journey joyful, smooth, and unforgettable. I’ve poured years of experience, local friendships, and my heart into these tours, and I think you’ll feel the difference from the very first day. After our meet up and if you decide you’d like to join us, I’ll walk you through the reservation process step by step.
 
Thank you for considering joining Jeff and me as we experience Tuscany the way it was meant to be enjoyed… slowly, authentically, and together. We’d love to save you a seat at our table.
 
Warmly,
Chuck Cinelli
Your Friend & Group Leader
Coco’s Italian Market
 
(615) 573-2319
Chuck@CocosItalianMarket.com
 
One final thing…
 
When your friends and family hear you’re going to Italy, they’ll probably want to come too! Start by sharing this email.  If they’re still interested, send me their number, I’ll take it from there. The more friends, the merrier.
 
 

Essential Experiences

 

Make yourself at home during a seven-night stay in the renowned Tuscan spa town of Montecatini Terme.

Explore medieval Lucca and walk alongside the locals on the city’s historic 16th-century walls.

Highlights

 

Montecatini Terme • Lucca • Family-Owned Winery Experience • Florence • Pisa • Tuscan Cooking Class • Cheese Farm • San Gimignano

We Handle the Bags,

So You Can Explore!

 

Leave the luggage and logistics to us—your only job is to enjoy the journey.

 

Add Cancellation Waiver & Insurance

Recommended

Protect your travel investment with coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, medical emergencies, and baggage protection. For a small additional cost, enjoy peace of mind knowing you’re covered if the unexpected occurs during your travels.

+$599 per passenger

Tour Dates

Wednesday, May 26 – Thursday, June 3, 2027

Pricing

You Are Saving $100
Offer ends September 27, 2026

Double Traveler
$5,249 per person

Single Traveler
$5,549 per person

Triple Traveler
$5,199 per person

What We’ve Included in This Price

Round Trip Air from Nashville Metro Airport
Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges
Hotel Transfers

DAY 1: Overnight Flight to Montecatini Terme – Hotel Ercolini & Savi

Our Tuscany tour begins as we meet at the airport and board our overnight flight to Italy. Buongiorno and welcome to Tuscany—rolling hills, incredible wines, delicious food, and beautiful Italian architecture are waiting!

We’ll unpack once at Hotel Ercolini & Savi in Montecatini Terme, a family-run hotel with more than 100 years of history. Located on a quiet street in the heart of town, we’re just steps from local restaurants and boutiques. I can’t wait to show you this wonderful Tuscan town with roots dating back to the Roman era.

DAY 2: Welcome to Montecatini Terme, Italy

Today, our Tuscany adventure officially begins in beautiful Montecatini Terme, Italy, one of Tuscany’s most celebrated spa resort towns. Surrounded by rolling Tuscan hills, historic architecture, and charming streets, Montecatini Terme is the perfect place to settle in and experience the relaxed rhythm of Italian life.

Take time to get comfortable, explore the heart of town, and begin soaking up the sights and flavors of Tuscany. Tonight, we’ll gather with our fellow travelers for a special welcome dinner featuring regional Tuscan cuisine and Italian wines. It’s our first chance to share a meal, make new friends, and raise a glass to the unforgettable journey ahead. Dinner included.

DAY 3: Lucca, Borgo a Mozzano & Tuscan Wine

Today, we discover Lucca, one of Tuscany’s hidden gems, on a guided tour through its Renaissance walls, Romanesque churches, medieval streets, and historic towers. Enjoy free time to wander, shop, or relax at a local café before we continue deeper into the Tuscan countryside.

Next, we travel to Borgo a Mozzano to see the legendary Ponte del Diavolo, or Devil’s Bridge. We’ll also discover the history of the Gothic Line and World War II at the Museum of Liberation, where preserved fortifications and bunkers bring the past to life.

We finish our day at a charming Tuscan winery, learning the secrets of local winemaking and tasting regional wines surrounded by the beauty of Tuscany. History, scenery, and Italian wine—this is what Tuscany is all about! Breakfast included.

DAY 4: Florence – The Cradle of the Renaissance

Today’s adventure takes us to Florence, Italy, the legendary “Cradle of the Renaissance.” We’ll get an early start to beat the crowds and visit the renowned Accademia Gallery, where we’ll stand before Michelangelo’s magnificent David—a masterpiece that is even more incredible in person.

With our local Florentine guide, we’ll explore Florence on foot and admire the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Piazza del Duomo, the Baptistery, Piazza della Signoria, and Santa Croce. Around every corner, Florence reveals another piece of Italian art, architecture, and Renaissance history.

Then, enjoy free time to experience Florence your way. I’ll help point you toward my favorite places to shop, enjoy lunch, or discover even more of the city’s incredible history. Florence is truly one of those cities where you could wander for hours and still find something new. Breakfast included.

DAY 5: Montecatini Terme or Siena – You Choose!

Today, the choice is yours! Stay in Montecatini Terme and join a guided walking tour through this historic Tuscan spa town. Discover its charming streets and visit the renowned Tettuccio Spa, famous for its elegant architecture, thermal traditions, and mineral waters.

Or, travel to Siena, Italy, for a guided walk through its narrow Gothic streets and historic neighborhoods. Step inside the fascinating world of a local contrada and learn about the passion, traditions, and fierce neighborhood pride surrounding Siena’s legendary Palio horse race.

Spa-town elegance or medieval Siena—both experiences offer a unique look at life and tradition in Tuscany. The hardest part is choosing! Breakfast included.

DAY 6: Pisa & Tuscan Cooking Class

Today, we meet our local guide and discover Pisa, Italy, one of Tuscany’s great ancient maritime republics. Of course, we’ll see the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, but there is so much more to discover! We’ll explore the magnificent Piazza dei Miracoli and admire Pisa’s grand Baptistery, the largest in Italy.

Next, we escape to the peaceful Tuscan countryside for one of my favorite experiences—a hands-on Tuscan cooking class. We’ll learn the secrets of traditional local cuisine, prepare our meal together, and then sit down to enjoy the delicious results.

This is always such a fun day and a true celebration of Tuscan food, flavors, and traditions. Come hungry! Breakfast and dinner included.

DAY 7: Montecatini Terme or Optional Cinque Terre

Today is yours to relax and enjoy the local charm of Montecatini Terme. Visit the spa and book a massage, browse local boutiques, or discover some of the town’s hidden treasures. Ask me for restaurant recommendations—I have favorites for just about every craving!

Or, choose an optional excursion to Cinque Terre, Italy, home to five colorful fishing villages along the spectacular Italian Riviera. Picture pastel buildings and terraced vineyards clinging to dramatic cliffs above the Mediterranean Sea—it’s easily one of Italy’s most breathtaking coastal destinations.

Whether you spend the day relaxing in Tuscany or capturing unforgettable views in Cinque Terre, today is yours to enjoy. Breakfast included.

DAY 8: Tuscan Cheese Farm & San Gimignano

Today’s adventure begins at a charming Tuscan cheese farm near San Gimignano, where we’ll discover the traditional process of making pecorino cheese and, of course, enjoy a delicious tasting of local specialties.

Next, we explore the medieval hilltop village of San Gimignano, Tuscany, famous for its iconic towers, cobblestone streets, and spectacular countryside views. Enjoy free time to shop, wander, and taste award-winning Italian gelato from a world-famous gelato champion.

Tonight, we’ll gather in the beautiful Tuscan countryside for a memorable Tuscan feast featuring traditional cuisine and local wines. Incredible food, medieval villages, and breathtaking landscapes—the perfect way to celebrate our Tuscan dream. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

DAY 9: Montecatini Terme – Arrivederci Tuscany!

After breakfast, we say arrivederci to Montecatini Terme and Tuscany as we travel to the airport for our flight home. It’s time to reminisce about the incredible food, wine, history, and friendships that made our Tuscany tour so unforgettable.

Not ready to leave Italy? Consider extending your adventure with extra time in Rome or Venice. Both are wonderful cities to explore and convenient options for your flight home. Talk with us before your trip, and we’ll help you continue your Italian adventure. Breakfast included.

Optional Rome Pre-Tour Extension

5 Days / 3 Nights • $1,599 per person, double occupancy

Arrive early and experience the magic of Rome, Italy, before your Tuscany tour begins. Discover ancient landmarks, Renaissance masterpieces, lively piazzas, charming neighborhoods, regional cuisine, and the unforgettable spirit of the Eternal City.

Day 1: Overnight Flight to Rome

Board your overnight flight to Rome and get ready to begin your Italian adventure.

Day 2: Welcome to Rome

Arrive in Rome, settle into your hotel, and enjoy time to explore the surrounding neighborhood or rest after your flight. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers during a welcome dinner featuring delicious Roman specialties and regional flavors. Dinner included.

Day 3: Classical Rome

Join a local guide for a memorable tour of the Eternal City. Ride Rome’s Metro and walk its famous cobblestone streets to see the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and other iconic landmarks. The afternoon is yours to visit museums, explore local neighborhoods, or enjoy views of the Colosseum and Imperial Forum. An optional Roman dinner with wine and entertainment may also be available.

Day 4: Rome at Leisure

Enjoy a free day to experience Rome your way. Consider an optional visit to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica, stroll through the Borghese Gardens, or explore the cafés, boutiques, and narrow streets of Trastevere. Art, history, food, and culture are waiting around every corner.

Day 5: Rome to Montecatini Terme

After breakfast, say arrivederci to Rome and travel to Montecatini Terme, where the main Tuscany tour begins. Relax and enjoy the scenery, knowing you have already adjusted to the time difference and experienced an unforgettable introduction to Italy. Breakfast included.

Italy’s Best Food. The World’s Most Famous Car. One Unforgettable Finale.

Optional Post-Tour Extension: Famous Food & Ferrari – The Emilia Region

3 Days / 2 Nights

Before heading home, treat yourself to one of Italy’s most exciting and delicious destinations—Emilia-Romagna, the food capital of Italy. This unforgettable post-tour extension combines legendary Italian cuisine, centuries-old food traditions, and the unmistakable speed and style of Ferrari.

Taste the Food Capital of Italy

Emilia-Romagna is the birthplace of some of Italy’s most famous foods, including Parmigiano-Reggiano, traditional balsamic vinegar from Modena, handmade pasta, and regional cured meats. Discover the flavors and craftsmanship that have made this region legendary throughout the world.

Local Producers & Generations of Tradition

Visit local producers and taste prized Italian specialties crafted using traditions passed down for generations. From beautifully aged balsamic vinegar to authentic regional delicacies, this is your chance to experience the true flavors of Emilia-Romagna.

Experience the World of Ferrari

Emilia-Romagna isn’t only famous for food—it’s also home to Ferrari, one of the most iconic names in automotive history. Explore the world of Ferrari and see the legendary machines that represent Italian engineering, performance, speed, and unmistakable style.

The Perfect Finale to Your Italy Adventure

Incredible Italian food and legendary sports cars make this extension truly unique. I highly recommend adding it to your journey—many travelers say Emilia-Romagna is one of the biggest highlights of their entire Italy trip.

$999 per person – Double Occupancy
$1,199 per person – Single Occupancy

Owner of Coco's Italian Market leading a guided tour through Italy with travelers enjoying authentic cuisine and historic sites.

Pricing: Call Chuck to book 615-474-5989 chuck@cocositalianmarket.com

 To See more of our upcoming tours, check out our list here Upcoming Tours by Dates
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