The place of dreams: the Tarot Garden w/Wine tasting

Exploring Italy’s Hidden Treasures: The Tarot Garden with Wine Tasting

If you’re dreaming of exploring Italy beyond the usual crowded spots, this tour offers a chance to enjoy some of Tuscany’s lesser-known gems. While it may not be perfect for everyone, it’s especially appealing if you’re after a relaxed, artsy day that combines beautiful scenery, cultural sights, and a bit of indulgence.

What we like most about this experience are the seamless logistics—thanks to pickup and transportation that take the stress out of planning—and the chance to see the truly unique Tarot Garden, where the sculptures feel like they’ve stepped out of a dream. However, a possible drawback is that this tour has a relatively small group size, which might mean fewer social opportunities, and some reviews hint at issues with the service provider.

This tour feels best suited for curious travelers who want a mix of art, scenic views, and local flavor without the crowds of Tuscany’s most famous cities. If you’re happy to spend a day outside the hustle, it’s an engaging way to see some of Italy’s more offbeat corners.

Key Points

• Discover Italy’s quieter side by avoiding the typical tourist hotspots.
• All-in-one logistics make the day smooth with pickup, transport, and tickets included.
• Enjoy a traditional Tuscan lunch with stunning views and a chance to sample local wine and appetizers.
• Visit the extraordinary Tarot Garden and marvel at the mosaic sculptures inspired by Gaudí.
• Flexibility in free time in Capalbio for shopping, strolling, or relaxing at your own pace.
• Limited group size means a more intimate experience, but check for service updates.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

The Journey Begins: Pickup and Transportation

The tour kicks off with a pickup at Largo della Pace in Civitavecchia, conveniently located near the cruise port. The driver, speaking fluent English, is professional and ready to greet you with a sign bearing your name. This is a big plus, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area or arriving by cruise ship, as it means you don’t have to figure out complicated logistics on your own.

The round-trip shared transfer takes you from the port to the picturesque Tuscan countryside. The transport is comfortable, and because this is all arranged in advance, you can relax knowing that your day’s movements are sorted. The small group size, capped at eight travelers, keeps things intimate but also means there’s less flexibility if your plans change unexpectedly.

Exploring Capalbio: A Medieval Charm

The first stop in Capalbio is a walk through its historic center. This tiny, enchanting town is a genuine slice of Tuscany that most travelers overlook. We loved the way the tour includes the pictorial Piazza Magenta and a walk along the town walls, which offer breathtaking views of the coast and surrounding countryside. It’s a perfect chance to soak in the la bella vita atmosphere.

You’re given about an hour here, which is enough time to wander, take photos, and perhaps grab a quick coffee or gelato. The tour includes an authentic Tuscan lunch in the town, which is a highlight. Expect a traditional meal served with local wine and appetizers—simple, comforting, and satisfying. Keep in mind, the quality of the lunch can vary, but the scenic setting and relaxed pace make it worthwhile.

Marveling at the Tarot Garden

Post-lunch, the real highlight begins—the visit to the Giardino dei Tarocchi. You’ll enter with pre-booked tickets, so no waiting in line, and then marvel at over 22 larger-than-life sculptures that seem to jump out of a fantasy world. Created by Niki de Saint Phalle, these mosaics evoke elements of Gaudí’s style, blending art and nature in a way that’s both whimsical and thought-provoking.

The sculptures are colorful, imaginative, and quite large—some as tall as a house—which makes for some fantastic photo ops. We appreciated how the garden offers an unusual artistic experience that’s not simply about admiring art but engaging with it in an outdoor setting. The two hours allocated for this part of the tour provide enough time to explore at a leisurely pace and really absorb the artwork.

Visiting Tarquinia: Medieval Charm and History

The last part of the tour is a walk through Tarquinia’s medieval city center. This charming town is less visited than many other historic sites in Italy but packs a lot of character. Expect cobbled streets, ancient walls, and a peaceful ambiance. The free walking tour lasts about two hours, giving you plenty of time to soak in the sights and perhaps pick up some local souvenirs.

The Wine Tasting Experience

Included in the tour is a wine tasting with appetizers. While details are limited, this is usually a nice opportunity to sample local wines paired with light bites, adding a relaxing, social element to the day. It’s a good way to unwind after the sightseeing and enjoy some authentic flavors of the region.

Practical Details and Considerations

Pricing and Value

At around $226.89 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive day out that combines sightseeing, art, food, and wine. For the price, you’re getting transport, tickets, a meal, and tasting experiences, which makes it fairly good value compared to booking each part separately. Still, keep in mind that the small group size can make it feel a bit exclusive but also means spots may fill up quickly.

What’s Included and What’s Not

You get pickup and drop-off from the port, round-trip transfer, entrance tickets to the Tarot Garden, a traditional Tuscan lunch, and wine tasting with appetizers. However, there’s no licensed guide included, so your driver will likely be more of a transporter than a storyteller. If you’re keen on detailed historical or artistic explanations, you might want to bring a guidebook or do some pre-reading.

Tips for Travelers

• Wear comfortable shoes—there’s a fair amount of walking, especially through the town and the garden.
• Bring a hat and sunblock, especially if visiting in warmer months.
• A small umbrella could be handy, as weather can be unpredictable.
• Children are welcome but should be accompanied by an adult; the tour’s pace and content are more suited to adult interests.
• Keep your ID handy for security checks or any ticket validation needs.

Potential Downsides

One of the notable issues shared by a reviewer was the risk of service failure—unfortunately, the tour operator (MyloveItaly) has some reviews of cancellations or no-shows. Always double-check recent reviews and consider travel insurance or flexible booking options. Also, the tour’s small group size could be limiting if you prefer larger, more social groups.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for those who seek a relaxed day exploring Italy’s artistic and scenic side without the crowds. It appeals to travelers with an interest in art, architecture, and scenic views, especially if you enjoy wandering charming towns and discovering unique sculptures.

It’s also well suited for those arriving via cruise who want a well-organized, worry-free day trip. However, if you’re someone who prefers guided historical explanations or has mobility concerns, this might not be the best fit.

For families or solo travelers, it offers a gentle pace and engaging sights, but keep in mind the small group size and the need to be comfortable on a full day of sightseeing.

FAQs: Your Practical Questions Answered

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, pickup from Largo della Pace in Civitavecchia is included, making it convenient especially for cruise travelers.

How long does the tour last?
It’s approximately 6 to 7 hours, covering travel, sightseeing, lunch, and tasting.

Are tickets included?
Yes, tickets to the Tarot Garden and Tarquinia’s walking tour are included.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour starts, offering some peace of mind.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children can participate if accompanied by an adult, but the experience is mainly suited for adults interested in art, scenery, and local culture.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, along with hats and umbrellas depending on the weather.

To sum it up, this tour offers a thoughtful blend of art, scenery, and local culture away from the crowds. It gives you a chance to see some of Tuscany’s quieter corners, enjoy a scenic walk, and marvel at the creative genius behind the Tarot Garden. While the organization and service quality could be a concern, the overall experience—especially the sculptures and views—is likely to leave a lasting impression.

Ideal for art lovers, curious travelers, and those seeking a relaxed, culturally rich escape, this trip provides a memorable taste of Italy’s hidden treasures beyond the usual tourist routes.