About Accidental Tourist
How do we explain Accidental Tourist?
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It’s our first child! Born in the Spring of 1998..Â
- It’s an invaluable inheritance that came with a humbling legacy: …that of opening home to total strangers;
- It’s a pasta making experience in a Tuscan family kitchen, and has been for over a quarter of a century…
- It’s a stay in a century old villa on the Chianti hills
However, we like to believe that to many of our 35,000+ guests,Â
it has become something more meaningful..
Where we started
27 years ago, it was easy: the Accidental Tourist was the only pasta-making class offered in Florence!
Among the growing number of present offers out there, we are committed to staying unique by offering
The privilege of small numbers…
without the price of luxury;
The homey atmosphere of a real Tuscan home…
without the language barrier:The competence of 1/4 century experience…
without the structure of an academy
Today
Since then, countless wonderful encounters;
many have turned into friendships;
some have become family.Â
 We cherish the memories, we always look forward to new guests.Â
Meanwhile, we keep the fire going. And the wine flowing.
What We Believe
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Before you look into what we do, please take a moment to read what we believe in:
- There is a difference between a tourist and a traveler; if you relate to the latter, we like you already….
- Every guest is different and deserves to be accepted and respected because of that: your religion, political choices, ethnic group, country of origin, gender, are an opportunity of growth for people around you;
- A fellow traveler is a great source of information! Ask your fellow cooks for their recommendations..
- Sharing food around a table is an authentic, delectable way to learn about a culture;
- Accepting the passing of time and enjoying each season is essential to a good life;
- Time, talent and enthusiasm are the most valuable and fairest currency we can exchange;
- Plan well, then…improvise!
The History & The Story
The Property
Originally built to be a watchtower in 1146, in the XVII century this construction became one of the first orphanages in Europe…
“Spedale degli Innocenti“: “the hospice for the innocents”. Â
Several history books tell about this building and the many purposes it served before becoming a farmhouse and a private residence.
879
Years old
Our Family
This place has been home to our family for 6 generations:
 Michelangelo Paoli made the fortune, and left it to his son Galileo, who left it to his son Rodolfo – a well-regarded university professor.
During WWII, total strangers found shelter and many lives were saved in this family villa, thanks to Rodolfo’s courage.Â
In 1990 the villa was split among 4 heirs, among which Majla’s father Giovanni.
Today, Majla and Marco celebrate 30+ years as permanent residents with their family. Tomorrow Eva and Giotto – our two children…. who knows?
Newspaper heading about grandpa Rodolfo Paoli:
“Half German, make-believe Nazi’s friend who saved Jews and Partisans”
6
Generations in our
family home
family home
40000
Guests
hosted
hosted
Our Team
We are so very lucky to have worked with people we love and look up to, and who have taught us so much.
Cristiana Romoli
Family friend, hostess, cook
Unforgettable!            With us since the turn of century.Â
Steve Woodbury
Tenor, teacher
Talented, musical
With us since 2005
Luisa Della Porta
Chef, caterer, tango dancer
Grumpy and impeccable!
With us since 2017
Gabriela Hernandez
Artist, International, Tuscan
The perfect hostess!Â
With us since until 2020
Caterina Giovannini
Tour guide, superb baker (Gabriela’s daughter)
Resma and Arjun Rai
Indispensable assistance,
’round the clock!
Emma
Pet Therapist
With us until 2021Â
Calico and Snuske
On-call pet therapists
With us since 2007
...and then there is us, Marco and Majla. Another long story...
Majla and Marco in 1981Â
(not best photo… the only one available)
Marco and Majla now:
The kitchen is his kingdom,Â
the pasta room is hers!
Our Friends
If you ever plan to visit Nepal, contact our friend Sanga! He is knowledgeable, expert, trustworthy, well equipped and friendly.
Here’s What They’re Saying
406Woman.com
FONDAZIONE PROGETTO ARCA onlus
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- Articolo di Fondazione Progetto Arca
