Trafalgar Tours certainly knows how to take your mind off of the sadness of a trip coming to an end, as the second we stepped foot on the grounds of the magnificent Fattoria di Maiano estate, I no longer cared that in less than ten hours I would be starting the long journey back home.
Tucked away in the hills just outside Florence is the town of Fiesole, whose origins date to the 15th Century. In the heart of the town lies Fattoria di Maiano, the estate of Count Francesco Miari Fulcis, whom had graciously invited our group into his house, so that he could personally show us around the property where his family has been making olive oil for generations.
Imagine living in a place so grand that it has its own chapel. I wonder if there is a Patron Saint of olive oil that the family prays to?
Fattoria di Maiano covers almost 300 hectares of land. This was my first time visiting an olive grove, which is surprising considering my healthy love for olive oil.
The main building on the estate, Villa di Maiano, is drop-dead gorgeous, so much so that it has been used in several films, such as Tea with Mussolini and A Room with a View. The surrounding Tuscan views are equally as dazzling.
As we wandered around, the intoxicating scent of the fragrant olive trees was overwhelming and I could not wait to sample the different oils later with lunch.
It was now time to see the inside of Villa di Maiano. Considering how stunning the exterior was I could only imagine what the interior looked like. . .
Gorgeous! Love the first chapel shot. Would make it easy to ask forgiveness for your sins–in my case, all the wine I’d drink and food I’d eat, no doubt–living so close to a chapel… 😉
Can you believe the shots you can take with your iPhone!?! I can’t wait to see your pics! Hahaha that’s a great way of looking at living so close to a chapel. 🙂
These pictures are so beautiful! You are very talented my dear! xo
Awww I LOVE getting comments from you!!! Thanks gorgeous! XO
I LOVE the shots in front of the chapel! Those are canvas worthy!
Thank you darling! I love those shots too!!!
You were on this tour?! I was SUPPOSED to be! How epic would that have been?!
Why didn’t you come!?!
Wow-za! This place is gorgeous!!! Gorgeous all the way!
They need a new word to describe it’s beauty haha!
Mmmm – I love olive oil – have never been to a place where they make that exclusively though
Isn’t it the best? I could bathe in it! Wait until you see the rest of your tour!!!
Incredible photos! They are beyond my imagination 🙂
Awww thank you so so so much!
The pics of the foliage were just stunning!
Thanks dear! Visiting Europe in the Fall is a must!!!
Can’t reply to your comment for some reason, but all my publications weren’t geared at Trafalgar’s target audience. 🙁 Sad face.
Oh no that’s so sad! Well, I’m sure there will be more awesome trips for you in the future!
So amazing this tour!!!!!!!!!!!
It truly was!
I just love Tuscany – what a stunning villa.
I love it too. So beautiful right?
The pictures ARE gorgeous as many have said, but even better they capture the spirit of Tuscany.
Thank you immensely you are so kind!!! 🙂
Really awesome pictures. I was in France, it is really a beautifull place with nice nature view.
Thanks a lot, glad you enjoyed France!
Looks like you had the most amazing time ever! A whirlwind…but a fabulous whirlwind 🙂
Couldn’t have said it better myself. Love you!
Tough life living on a Tuscan estate, dipping bread into your homemade olive oils…sounds nice!
Ah yes I know, but well SOMEONE has to do it right!?!
I love living vicariously through you on this cold, wintery weeknight 🙂
Awww I’m glad you enjoyed your little MBA visit! 🙂
Stunning pics Andi!
Thanks so much Jennifer!
Never have I seen better pics!
Thank you, but I so don’t believe you! 😉
gorgeous photos!
Thanks darling!
I have always wanted to experience olive oil tasting, but this sounds soooooo much better! Something you will never forget for sure:-)
I would love to experience an olive oil tasting again. It was such an incredible experience!!! One that would never get old no matter how many times you did it.
Your pics are stunnnnnning!
Thanks Issa!
Wow, imagine living somewhere like that. Incredible. Every day your breath would be taken away.
In my next life I’ll be born there! 😉