The Renaissance Tuscany has all the benefits of the Marriott brand, from comfy bedding to a sophisticated infrastructure for meetings. Its classic design is well suited to the pastoral surroundings, with a hip vibe that feels typically Italian. Claim to fame: Lionel Ritchie’s music video for the song “All Night Long” was filmed here. Another plus: The convivial general manager, Georges Midleje, who is well connected with the local scene, will be hands-on with your program. Within the two-mile estate, Midleje recommends horseback riding, ATVing, and picnics.

Morning view from the Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco: With more than 18,000 square feet of conference space that includes 11 meeting rooms, an auditorium for up to 1,000 people, and an 8,600-square-foot spa, the immaculate resort is a great choice for small to medium-sized incentive programs. Depending on the season, group buyouts are available, says GM Georges Midleje. Tips for top-tier qualifiers: waking up in one of the 51 balcony suites with unobstructed views of the Apuan Mountains is a wow experience for even the most jaded traveler. And for a spectacular arrival, you can fly by helicopter from the airport in Florence, to land at the resort’s private helipad.

A culinary event is by far the most popular on-site group activity, says Renaissance Tuscany GM Georges Midleje, from al fresco wine-tastings to cooking with the chefs in the resort’s kitchen (pictured). The farm-to-table food of northern Tuscany is justifiably famous for being indescribably delicious, with such local specialties as spelt soup and pecorino sheep’s cheese topped with local honey. And of course, the pasta! Making pasta from scratch with the chef is unbeatable fun. 

On Saturday mornings, you can visit the farmer’s market in Barga with the chefs from the Renaissance Tuscany to select ingredients for lunch, then head back to the hotel to prepare a fabulous meal. My group of journalists cooked up a vegetarian feast of spinach ravioli, eggplant parmesan, fried zucchini sticks, and steamed broccoli and string beans, plus tiramisu and a fresh fruit tart for dessert.

Pisa is a nearby highlight, and the drive between the Renaissance Tuscany and the home of Italy’s most famous tower must include a photo stop at the 14^th-century Devil’s Bridge (pictured) and the vivid turquoise waters below. In addition to exploring Pisa’s imposing striped-marble cathedral and iconic leaning tower, our guide took us off the beaten path to the University of Pisa’s Knights’ Square, a 10-minute walk from the main tourist attractions. Founded in 1343 and distinguished by gorgeous Renaissance architecture, the university bustles with modern student life.

The Fattoria del Teso winery in the Tuscan town of Montecarlo hosts wine-tasting lunches. The barrel-lined cellar accommodates groups of up to 180 guests for sit-down tastings at long, rustic wood tables.

Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco GM Georges Midleje can connect you with local guides and authentic Italian experiences. Attendees shouldn’t miss a visit to the small family-style eatery and store Il Vecchio Mulino in the medieval village of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana. Popular proprietor Andrea slices whole legs of cured Prosciutto hams, served up with other regional fare like potato bread (pane di patate) and blood sausage (biroldo). The shelves here are stocked with small jars of specialties that make great gifts, such as tiny caviar-like balls of balsamic vinegar that pop with flavor when used as a garnish.

Meeting local characters like Andrea—and the friendly folks who frequent his restaurant, from Italian tourists to the town’s mayor—is part of what makes this region of Northern Tuscany special. We saw Andrea again at the biodynamic winery Podere Concori, where local vintner Gabriele produces five varieties of organic Tuscan wines the old-fashioned way, using such fresh herbs as valerian, chamomile, stinging nettles, fennel, and dandelion. Gabriele is a passionate advocate of traditional winemaking, from manually stomping the grapes to bottling the wines according to the rhythms of the moon. Group visits to Podere Concori include informational tours of the hillside vineyard and of course tastings of the delicious wines.

While not as well known as Florence or Pisa, the walled city of Lucca was one of Italy’s most powerful medieval cities, and the birthplace of the composer Puccini. Today, it hums with multigenerational energy as people bicycle and stroll the pedestrian promenade atop the city walls; explore the beautiful town squares with architecture that dates from the 12th century; shop the charming stores and crafts market; and of course dine in excellent restaurants. For atmosphere and refined regional cuisine, go to La Buca di Sant’Antonio, where a gleaming collection of antique copper pots (and the occasional musical instrument) hang from the wood-beamed ceilings that date to the 18th century, and old-world waiters serve such specialties as roasted goat that melts from the bone.
Pictured, a Lucca resident fills a water bottle from one of Italy’s ubiquitous fountains, from which clear potable water constantly flows.

If you eat beef, have it with truffles. In Italy. (Pictured, a dish at the Ristorante Scacciaguai in Barga)

Based at the comfortable and meetings-friendly Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort, groups can experience an incomparable immersion into Italian life, culture, and food that they won’t soon forget. Meetings and incentives at the property also work well paired with pre- or post-meeting visits to Florence, with most international flights from the U.S. and Canada arriving in the Florence airport. Pictured, a fresh and delectable room amenity.