Our recent TPI 2024 Study Tour in Italy was extraordinary! From Rome’s ancient streets to Tuscany’s picturesque vineyards, we spent ten action-packed days discovering Italy’s stunning landscapes, learning from passionate farmers, and enjoying the finest food and wine. Here’s a recap of our unforgettable adventure:
Tuesday: Arriving in Rome!
The journey began with our group landing in Rome, ready for a week of exploration and learning. After settling in, we gathered for a delicious welcome dinner at a local restaurant, where the group immediately bonded over stories, laughs, and fantastic Italian food. It was the perfect start to our Italian adventure!
Wednesday: Rome on Foot
The next morning, we hit the ground running with a guided walking tour of Rome. With two knowledgeable and engaging guides leading the way, we explored the iconic landmarks, from the Colosseum to the Trevi Fountain, while soaking in the vibrant energy of the Eternal City. After the tour, everyone had the afternoon to wander, shop, or grab a gelato at a local café—Rome’s charm is impossible to resist!
Thursday: Farm Visits and Tasty Traditions
Our first farm stop of the tour took us to Becca Prati Sod Farm, just outside of Rome. This farm is dedicated to producing some of the highest-quality turfgrass in Italy, and we got an in-depth look at their operations. After a fascinating tour, we headed to Bindi Pratopronto Sod Farm for our second visit of the day, where we were treated to an amazing farm-to-table lunch. The lasagna was heavenly, but the pork? It was some of the best we’ve ever tasted.
One of the highlights of the visit was seeing the innovative sod washing machine, a patented technology that removes soil from harvested sod before it’s rerolled for installation. It’s a perfect blend of sustainability and efficiency—just one of the many reasons why Italy is a global leader in turf production.
Friday: Strikes and Stadiums
Our Friday itinerary hit a small snag when a bus strike forced us to cancel our planned visit to Piazza di Siena. But the day was far from a loss. We went straight to the iconic Stadio Olimpico, where we were given an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium, including an up-close look at the pristine turf that graces the field.
Next, we visited Marco Simone Golf Club, home to the recent Ryder Cup. The golf course was a stunning challenge, with four different types of grass on the same course—an engineering feat that looks incredible on TV, but requires meticulous care behind the scenes. It was a glimpse into the intricate world of turf management at the highest level.
Saturday: Exploring Tuscany
We bid farewell to Rome early on Saturday morning and headed north to the charming town of Orvieto, where we spent a few hours exploring its medieval streets and the famous cathedral. We continued our journey from Orvieto to Montepulciano, a picturesque Tuscan town known for its wine. We stopped at Cantina Gattavechi for a wonderful lunch paired with exceptional wines before making our way to Florence, where we ended the day with a delicious dinner in the heart of this iconic city.
Sunday: A Day at the Winery
Sunday was a true highlight of the tour. We visited Tenuto Torciano Winery, a family-owned estate nestled in the hills of Tuscany. The experience was nothing short of magical—from the engaging presentation about the history of the estate to the exceptional wines we tasted (yes, we tried a few!), every moment was memorable. The meal that followed was an authentic Italian feast, with fresh local ingredients, perfectly prepared, and paired with the winery’s finest selections. It was an afternoon of indulgence that no one will soon forget.
Monday: Turf and Taste in Brescia
Monday morning began bright and early as we headed to Brescia for our first farm visit at Tenuta Urbana. We were treated to a detailed presentation about their turf production processes, followed by a delectable farm-to-table lunch showcasing the best local ingredients. Afterward, we toured the sod farm, learning more about their sustainable practices and innovative techniques.
In the late afternoon, we arrived in Verona, where we checked into our hotel and spent the evening relaxing after a full day of travel and exploration.
Tuesday: Apples and Turf in Verona
On Tuesday, we visited Pallweber Farm, located just outside Verona. This family-run farm produces both sod and apples—yes, apples!—and we had the opportunity to learn about the intersection of turf and agriculture in Italy. Our discussions with their team revolved around the similarities and differences between turfgrass farming in Italy and the U.S., and we even got to witness the start of their Pink Lady apple harvest. It was a perfect blend of agriculture and tradition, and the apples were delicious!
Wednesday: Farewell Dinner in Verona
On our final evening, we gathered for a farewell dinner at Santa Felicita, a beautiful former church turned restaurant in Verona. Surrounded by stunning architecture and warm ambiance, it was the perfect place to reflect on the amazing week we’d had. With great food, great company, and an unforgettable experience in Italy’s rich farming culture, it was the ideal way to close out our journey.
Our TPI tour of Italy was an incredible mix of education, exploration, and indulgence. From the historical sites of Rome to the charming farms of Verona, every stop offered a unique perspective on Italy’s turfgrass industry, and every meal was a celebration of the country’s culinary excellence. We left with new knowledge, lasting memories, and a deep appreciation for Italy’s passion for farming, turf management, and, of course, food.
Arrivederci, Italy! Until next time…
Be sure to check our 2025 January February issue of Turf News for a closer look at the trip and our photo journal.
