The results are in: Tuscany is 2022's hottest auction travel package of the year. 

For the seasoned traveler, this comes as no surprise. With its dramatic Etruscan coasts, rich historical and artistic heritage, and gourmet taste of the Mediterranean, Tuscany has long been a donor favorite. 

Now, this iconic area is experiencing a true travel renaissance, with an increasing array of private homes and villas and unique experiences to captivate guests - from private winery tastings to sweeping vineyard estates. 

So how can you take advantage of this bucket-list destination at your next fundraising event? 

With 100+ years of combined experience in the luxury travel industry, our destination guide delivers everything you need to know about this must-have travel experience, including what donors can expect, why they'll love Tuscany, and how to use a Tuscan escape to raise big at your benefit auction.

Featured in Condé Nast’s Readers’ Choice Top 10 Countries, Italy is soaring into the spotlight as one of luxury travel’s top destinations - and Tuscany is undoubtedly its crowning jewel.

With its world-renowed gastronomy, rolling emerald hills, and rich history reaching back to Roman and Renaissance, this bucket-list destination has long enjoyed its stalwart status on the luxury travel scene.

Spanning city, countryside, and coast, Tuscany strikes the perfect balance between discovery and laid-back dolce vita.

When to Travel

With 200 days of sunshine a year, Tuscany all but guarantees donors an idyllic stay. April through October is a favorite time to travel, with warm, carefree summer days and temperatures ranging from 77°F to 86°F. 

Outside of tourist season, the cooler winter months welcome travelers off the beaten path. November boasts the delicacies of truffle season in the north, while charming Christmas markets transform Florence for the holidays. 

Location

Set between the historic capital of Rome and Italy’s sun-kissed south, Tuscany lies at the very crossroads of Italy. Historically, this has resulted in plentiful inspirations for art, architecture, and gastronomy.

Positioned between the picturesque Greek Islands and glamorous French Riviera, La Bella Toscana is also a favorite stop on luxury European road trips, allowing visitors to make the most of the 8+ hour flight to Europe. 

Culture

Birthplace and heart of the European Renaissance, Tuscany is a powerhouse of cultural and artistic heritage.

A unique blend of ancient Etruscan and Roman history, flourishing Renaissance rule, and rich gastronomic tradition has evolved into the region's dolce vita - an appreciation of life's sweet and simple pleasures. 

Today, these iconic influences offer a treasure trove of world-class museums, galleries, architecture, and culinary excellence unparalleled anywhere else in the world. 

From its winding cobblestone streets and sublime medieval frescoes to its undulating hills and sun-drenched piazzas, your donors will be enamored by this iconic region. 

Guided by our trip experts and dedicated concierge team, winners can expect everything from world-class food and wines to sublime art and architecture. 

Countryside

Travelers to the countryside will have plentiful opportunities to immerse themselves in the rich culinary heritage of the region, with award-winning wineries, vineyards, olive oil farms, and fattorie scattered across the countryside. Let donors sample these simple pleasures with wine tastings, vineyard tours, cooking classes, and more. 

Town and City

For culture lovers, gallery or heritage tours of dazzling Florence promise some of the world’s greatest masterpieces, from Michelangelo's David to the awe-inspiring Duomo cathedral. Nearby, the romantic hilltop towns of San Gimignano, Siena, and Cortona will transport donors back in time with guided walking tours through ancient cobblestone streets. 

Coast

Not one to be outdone, the glittering Mediterranean coast is a simple day trip away. Breathtaking Cinque Terre beckons awe-struck travelers with its emerald waters and brightly-painted seaside towns perched dramatically over rugged cliffs. Donors can take to the sea for a scenic boat ride along this iconic shoreline or hike the world-famous oceanfront trails between each town. 

Authentic Accomodation

In Tuscany, the discerning traveler knows to skip the hotel stay and opt instead for unique and private accommodation that tells the story of the area’s rich history. 

Majestic, restored castles, historic apartments at the heart of medieval hill towns, and Tuscan farmhouses lavishly converted into private villas are just a taste of the homes your donors can enjoy. 

Historic period features mixed with luxury amenities let travelers live the timeless romance of days gone by while still indulging in contemporary comfort. Soak up sweeping views from quaint rooftop terraces or private pools perched on endless vineyards. 

Exclusivity and authenticity are key here, allowing donors to stray away from crowded tourist traps and live the true Tuscan experience. 

A trip to Tuscany promises donors a truly unforgettable getaway while helping your nonprofit amplify funds at auction. As 2022’s hottest seller, this destination holds its own as a live auction centerpiece, high-ticket charity raffle prize, or silent auction item. 

Appeal to Donors

Travel trends have changed and today’s discerning donor wants more than a generic hotel holiday. More than ever, travelers crave authenticity, cultural connection, and immersive experiences standard in their stay. 

Our Tuscany experiences connect more meaningfully with donors by immersing them in authentic local activities that reflect the heart of the region. From locally guided tours through Medieval hilltop towns to world-class wine tastings and pasta making, donors can experience a deeper relationship with culture and place. 

Data shows that pairing auction packages with immersive experiences also increases the value of your auction item, helping you raise even more funds. 

Generate Excitement 

The savvy fundraiser knows that engaging donors starts long before the bidding begins. Marketing your auction prizes pre-auction will help build anticipation before the event even begins. 

With its promise of warm weather, a world-class culinary scene, and timeless art and culture, a Tuscan auction getaway immediately sparks excitement in your audience. 

Take this excitement to the next level with our professional marketing materials and stunning social media visuals that immerse donors in the region’s breathtaking beauty. With its rolling hills, stretching vineyards, and romantic sun-kissed villas this picture-postcard destination practically sells itself.  

For nonprofits, Tuscany’s array of attractions - from city, coast, and countryside - also makes it a powerful fundraising idea. Placing this trip at auction is a foolproof choice that effortlessly appeals to a wide range of donors. 

Customize Your Offerings

When it comes to donor expectations, customization and personalization are what set luxury auction travel packages apart. With your donors ready to drop $10,000 on their annual vacation, you want to ensure you offer a trip worthy of their generosity. 

Our Tuscan travel experiences offer bespoke accommodations and experiences that ensure each trip is truly one of a kind. With a vast network of private homes in the region, your donors can even upgrade their accommodation to a more personal choice.   

Endless add-on activities for both nonprofits and donors also help make each trip unique and appeal to each donor demographic, from private winery tours to authentic cooking classes, guided walking tours, or private chef service. 

This attention to detail infuses every part of the stay, from in-house trip designers and dedicated concierge service to bespoke travel itineraries.

Become trip experts and raise more funds by sharing our passion for Tuscany with your donors! Here are just a taste of the experiences available for our stays to get you started:

Explore the picturesque hill town of Cortona on a guided walking tour

One of the region’s prettiest towns, Cortona is the perfect spot for an unapologetic insta-worthy shot of Tuscany. More importantly, it’s a key center for culture and art in the region spanning hundreds of years.

The setting for the acclaimed movie Under the Tuscan Sun, this town promises excellent food, timeless romance, and an elevated position that offers sweeping views of Tuscany’s signature rolling hills. The town’s rich history from the Etruscan to Medieval times makes Cortona an ideal choice for exploring on foot.  

Savor La Dolce Vita with a private wine-tasting

Tuscany’s rich history as one of the world’s greatest wine producers makes it a must for both connoisseurs and wine enthusiasts alike. 

Whether your donors prefer a tasting at a vineyard winery or from the comfort of their luxury villa, our experiences offer plentiful opportunities to sample the region's finest varietals. From Chiantis to Brunellos, our expert team can’t wait to tailor wine experiences to your donor’s tastes. 

Embrace your inner Italian with a private cooking class

Pizza, pasta, and gelato are some of the world’s most celebrated foods, all originating in - you guessed it - Italia. Treat your donors to a staple Italian experience with a gourmet private cooking class. Your donors can take home what they’ve learned and share their new Italian culinary skills with friends and family. 

Experience Florence in style with a private chauffeur tour

The birthplace of the Renaissance and dubbed one of the world's most romantic cities, Florence is a heavy hitter when it comes to art and culture. Narrow streets framed by quintessential Florentine architecture are dotted with breathtaking landmarks at every turn, from the Uffizi Galleries to the Ponte Vecchio. 

Trip winners will love a day trip to this UNESCO World Heritage Site and jewel of the Renaissance. Supported by our concierge team, your donors can also customize their driver’s itinerary to include Siena, iconic Pisa, and picturesque San Gimignano to further enhance their experience.

Inspired by what you've read? Interested in placing a Tuscan travel experience at your benefit event?

Speak with a fundraising expert or submit a request now! Our specialists will work with you one-on-one to help you find the perfect auction travel packages and answer any questions you may have. 

Get started today and see how a Tuscan escape can help you smash your fundraising goals.