Our final Trafalgar Tours Be My Guest lunch at Fattoria di Maiano was truly an experience that I will never forget and without a doubt my favorite of the trip. If you have been following my European adventures, then you know that is a bold claim, as the previous Be My Guest lunches were extraordinary! Prior to our meal, we had a quick tour of the olive oil factory on the property.
There are nearly 20,000 olive trees throughout the completely organic agricultural estate. The Frantoio and Moraiolo olives are picked by hand during the months of November and December and then pressed in the mill. The finished product is Laudemio, a premium extra virgin oil with a high nutritional value and a taste that leaves you wanting more.
Lunch was served at Lo Spaccio, the estate’s restaurant, which also has an attached gift shop, where you can purchase the Laudemio along with other olive oil products such as soap and lotion, as well as a delicatessen that offers typical Italian products such as cheese, meat, and wine.
Besides the fact that the restaurant contained cosy rooms filled with charming furniture and crackling fireplaces, the panoramic views from the windows would make any meal taste sensational.
I could not wait to drown my pasta and bread in the Laudemio while looking out onto the Tuscan countryside.
I do apologize deeply for not taking any pictures of one of the many outstanding courses that we enjoyed, however I was too consumed by the greatness of the moment to capture it on film. Before leaving though, I took one last, longing look out the window and made sure to count my blessings, which were abundant.
Now it was time to travel south to the ‘Eternal City’. . .
I’ve never once imagined where olive oil comes from but now I’m fascinated. And those views are spectacular!
I would love to spend a couple of days becoming more intimate with the ins and outs of an olive oil vineyard!
Awesome!
Thanks!
That olive oil makes me want to lick the screen. Weird? Ha!
NOT weird it’s THAT good!!!
Absolutely stunning photos!
Why thank you!!!
GORGEOUS PICS!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you SO much!
Yum!
Haha si!
That’s it I’m booking a Trafalgar trip!
Wahooooooo!!!
I dont think I have ever anticipated posts relating to food as much as I have with all these Be My Guest posts in relation to your trip. The photos are amazing as always – this pace is beautiful!!
Wow, what an incredible compliment, thank you sooo much!!! I’m SO touched! 🙂
these images inspire! beautiful!
Awww I’m glad they inspire — that makes my year to hear!
Beautiful pics- like always!!! Italian food is always so good!!
It always so good right??? Thanks darling!
Looks straight out of a postcard!
Sooooo true!!!
You truly have me drooling over here with those photos — I would do just about anything for that super fresh olive oil and all the food it tastes good on…
Love it! 🙂
I wish I could send you some so badly!!! Glad you enjoyed the post dear.
LOVE your pictures out the window- so romantic!
Isn’t it such a romantic place? I wished with all of my being that my hubby could have been there with me.
GET OUT OF TOWN. That view is UH-mazing.
Ridiculous right???
That must have been magical.
Totally magical!!!
Gorgeous setting! Love the photo looking out the window.
Take me back there now please…
I don’t know how I keep missing your updates. Maybe I am only subscribed to a certain blog post not the entire page?
Sorry I am late reading this.
One question, do the tours with Trafalgar cover the dining experiences you have at places like this? I mean, this sounds like such an amazing experience, Andi. Here you are getting first hand looks at how the oil is pressed and then sampling it along with some great wine. I am sold, completely!
Yep, this is all included in the tour! It’s so ridiculously amazing right??? Trafalgar has revolutionized the tour world!!!
A place to dream about!
I am still dreaming about my time there!
With all this olive oil you’ve been trying, please tell me you brought back a few different bottles???
Oh yes, trust me my luggage was overweight!
beautiful photos! I did a trafalgar tour in Europe about 11 years ago and just loved it!
Thank you! That’s so awesome that you’ve toured with Trafalgar before and loved them!!!
The view! Just stunning.
Beyond words!!!
My goodness — out of this world!
Right!?! 🙂
Terrific work!
Thanks so much!
Love the mix of colors in the olives, and the view isn’t bad either!
Haha not bad, huh? Wish I could have eaten there with you!!!
I’d kill for a bottle of that premium olive oil. I bet it’s heavenly, like the view through those windows!
I don’t have much left sadly, I’ve been using it on EVERYTHING!!! Worth every single penny.
Andi, I am new to the site, but I love your writing already! I have 10 hour layover at Charles De Gaulle (Paris) airport in two weeks (I know this is somewhat irrelevant), have any suggestions? Thanks, keep up the good work!
Oh yay, so glad you enjoyed my blog on your 1st visit!!! That fills my heart with joy. 🙂 Hmmm, honestly I would head straight into the city, have a fabulous French lunch, and then just wander around. I wouldn’t waste your precious time going to museums. The best way to experience Paris is to walk her streets and get lost — just don’t miss your flight.
That last photo is my favorite!
Thanks sooo much!
You’re making my miss ‘home’!!! 🙂
Awww sorry love!
This post was awesome to read!
Glad you enjoyed!
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Very interesting post!!!
Thanks Liu!
Your posts are amazzzzing!
THANKS!!!
I miss Europe so much, especially after your incredible posts!
I hope you can return soon!!!
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Awww thanks!
You inspire me Andi you really do!
I’m blushing!!!!!!
What an amazing experience! My Mom and I were just discussing how much we love love olives:-) I would enjoy every moment of that tour:-) Hugs, Terra
It was truly unforgettable!
This is exactly what I think of when I hear the name ‘Tuscany.’ You were really living the dream there, Andi.
I agree, I still pinch myself sometimes about this trip! 🙂
Wow!!!!!!! Nice place for the visitors. Beautiful place.
Couldn’t agree more!