Episode 6 Second Chance Summer: Tuscany

TRANSLATION:

Maurizio's farm in the southern Tuscan hills is up for sale.

Before he sells, he's handing over the running of his business

to ten strangers.

Hello!

-Oh, hello!

-Bottoms up.

They all share the same dream...

I am too young to go in my rocking chair quite yet.

SHE LAUGHS

..of starting a new life in Italy.

Being a farmer, living in Tuscany is what I should be doing.

But this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity

comes with responsibility.

-What have you done all morning?

-You will not get an answer from me.

By taking over the whole farm, they must tend the 13-acre vineyard...

This is really, really hard work.

..and five acres of olive trees...

The little babies are starting to be made into oil.

..as well as breathe new life into the bed and breakfast...

I can't quite believe this is happening.

..and serve food to paying customers.

Come with us to our ristorante.

This is their chance to put their dreams to the test.

We perhaps need someone who speaks Italian to know what they're saying.

After two months,

will any of the group decide to buy the farm together?

I'd never be able to afford to do this sort of thing on my own.

Or will they find other ways to make Tuscany their new home?

What could possibly go wrong?

It's late autumn in Tuscany,

and the group's final week at La Banditaccia.

I love, in the mornings, watching the sunrise.

It just has a very dramatic feel about it,

and I think that's what I'm going to miss the most.

For the past two months,

they've made the farm their home and immersed themselves in rural life.

They completed the harvests, ran a bed and breakfast,

opened a restaurant and put on a wedding reception for 40 guests.

I just love the fact that it's such a small community.

You are just one big family.

It's amazing. Fantastic place to be.

With just a week left in Tuscany,

they all have life-changing decisions to make.

They must choose whether to return to the UK,

or start a new life in Italy.

TRANSLATION:

Former hotelier Rob is in no doubt that staying in Tuscany

is his big chance to fulfil his ambition

to work in the wine industry.

My dream was to be able to kind of hone my skills,

learning about the different elements with making wine,

and producing wine, and selling wine.

That would be quite amazing.

-HE INHALES

-Mm. That's a nice smell first thing in the morning, isn't it?

Determined to learn all he can about winemaking,

he's taking a hands-on approach to a traditional method

often favoured by local farmers.

You want me to get in there?

With years of experience, neighbour Pietro and his daughter

are showing Rob the ropes.

TRANSLATION:

Oh, you want me to use my hands and put it in there?

I'm going to be absolutely loaded by the time I've finished doing this.

When I open a bottle of wine, it's the excitement,

it's the pure joy of, "What's it going to taste like?"

And you try it and you go, "Oh, my God, that's amazing."

'You get some that are dry and some that are acidic

'and you get some that are really fruity and some that are just sweet.

'It's a living, breathing thing.'

I find that, like, quite poetic and quite beautiful.

This is instead of stomping up and down

on the grapes with your bare feet.

This is how people in rural farms still make wine these days.

You know, if you've got a vineyard and you've got grapes,

this is one way of producing wine.

There you go. The Banditaccia adventure.

Vino nuovo Banditaccia.

Vino.

Rob is determined to take the next step, pursuing a career in wine.

Seeing how the farmers do it,

and kind of getting a rudimentary understanding

of how it's done, now, kind of,

I want to see how it's done properly, you know?

During his stay in Tuscany, Rob has taken the opportunity

to get to know some local wine producers.

Today, he's visiting winery owner Stavros

who has plans to expand his business

by taking on another member of staff.

-Koumpare.

-Koumpare...

-How are you?

-Good, thanks.

-Is everything OK?

-Everything is always good in Tuscany.

-Come, come.

-Always.

With 7.5 hectares of vineyards,

and three wine labels to his name,

Stavros is offering Rob a chance to stay in Tuscany.

So, how is going your...

-Adventure!

-..experience here?

I've been busy. I've loved being here. It's been brilliant.

Living and working with Stavros,

there's an opportunity to learn about the entire winemaking process

from harvesting through to bottling.

So, I understand that you...

-you can help here.

-Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Therefore, I propose you this.

For me to know there is a job and I can stay here, you know,

the opportunity...

..for me, it's like somebody saying, "Here's your dream job."

And you kind of go... Because, for me, it is.

It's... I love your wines, I love being here,

I love being around everybody and it's such a great place.

To put that into a job and make it real, kind of is just, yeah,

it's amazing.

Now, the important is that you have to understand

-if you want REALLY to stay here...

-Yeah.

..and work here, that's very important for you,

you know, to decide this.

Back in England, I have got friends...

..and my dog, and that is, you know,

there's nothing else there, you know?

Being here and being on the farm,

and seeing the olives and the wine and everything, it gets you.

You kind of understand why people do this.

I hope that you enjoy it.

Mm.

I am sure that you will be useful for this...

..farm, for this business.

A good, a good deal, I think.

-Cheers.

-Cheers.

'I can't get my head around the fact I'm here,

'and I'm going to be staying in Tuscany

'and working in Tuscany, in wine.'

It's just... It's just unreal, it's absolutely unreal.

I think he thinks it would be a good bonus for his business

to have me on board.

So, yeah,

I just, like, coming to work here, man -

it's insane.

TRANSLATION:

I think I've caught the olive bug.

I mean, Rob talks about...

wine.

I've got the same with olive oil.

With just a few days left before leaving the farm,

Andy is looking for an olive grove of his own.

-Buongiorno.

-Buongiorno. Franca.

-Andy.

Andy. Buongiorno, Franca.

-Franca.

-Gavin.

Keen to keep his dream of a new life in Tuscany alive,

he's viewing a potential plot with Gavin.

TRANSLATION:

Ah, this is the...this is the field.

We're looking at olive groves,

hopefully, with a view to rent

because I don't want to buy something

without trying... testing it first.

If I may ask, so that I understand, because I am new to this.

How much for this area?

TRANSLATION:

Would the lady be interested in Andy taking over the land, caring for it,

harvesting the olives, with a view to buying later?

Sort of rent?

-Kind of rent-to-buy kind of thing...

-Rent, buy. Renting, buy.

..with a view to buying, possibly, not definitely.

How much to rent?

TRANSLATION:

She wants to sell.

To sell, not to rent?

-Not to rent.

-Ah.

Looking at this now,

is this the kind of thing you had in your mind's eye,

50 trees and a field?

-50 trees.

-Something like this would be what's on your mind?

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

-50 trees is workable.

You know, it's not going to be big money, though?

You're not going to get rich here.

I mean, you'd be lucky if you got five grand

-or six grand a year out of this.

-Yeah, it's not just the money.

-It's the passion.

-Is that all you want?

-You just want to come and potter here?

-Yeah, basically.

You don't want to make money?

Well, that's right. It's a different perspective.

Come on!

What I'm actually looking for is just to chill out.

'I've spent my whole life achieving.

'I'm not proving anything to myself.'

I don't need to.

I just want to have a quiet life.

Are you joining us, Tracy?

Now all the food's gone, I can join you, is it?!

Just quick, while we're all here, while there's some of us here, uh,

I'm going to leave, sooner rather than later.

-Why?

-Because I've been offered a job to start working with Stavros

and I'm kind of like, I just want to get on.

Because I came here to get a job and start a life here,

and now I can do it.

'This is really positive for Rob,'

and I'm really pleased that he's got a job,

and he's doing what he wants to do.

'Rob's main focus was the wine.'

That's all finished here, so I can understand why he's leaving.

-He's giving you a car, as well?!

-Yeah! It's an old estate, yeah.

It is really exciting times for you, and I'm really pleased for you.

-Well done.

-I think it's great.

-Thank you.

Hello?

Hello?

Ethan?

For mum-of-three Tracy,

being in Tuscany is the first time she's been away from her children.

With your hair like that, you look like Olly Murs.

'I came here to discover myself.'

I've lived with myself for 50 years,

and I don't know who I am.

You've got a black eye again!

Honest to God, Eth, you need to play better rugby.

You're rubbish!

'It's been a long time of being a mum.

'My oldest is 30 and my youngest is 17.

'Because my children are older, the time is right to move on.'

It makes my day when I hear from my kids.

I would just like them to be here to explore with me.

I'd like them to be able to give an input

of what they think and where they'd like to be.

It is relevant now.

I definitely know that this is the lifestyle that I want.

-KNOCK AT DOOR

-Andy? Andy.

-I'm having a lie-in.

-No!

We've got things to do.

It's eight o'clock anyway, OK?

It's not going to be as warm today.

The group's final week in Tuscany

coincides with the start of the hunting season for wild boar,

locally known as cingali.

Hunting wild boar is an important part of the rural Tuscan calendar.

-Giorgio.

-Grazie mille.

-Giorgio. Giorgio.

Today, Andy and Karen have been invited to join the local hunt.

I think this is the first large hunt of the season.

I've never been on one before,

so this is a fitting way to virtually round up

my time here in Tuscany.

I started off competing against the wild boar,

trying to keep them away from the grapes.

And now the tables have turned, and we are chasing them.

TRANSLATION:

Ah, yes.

'I think the longer you stay in Tuscany,'

the more you kind of feel

that you could start being part of the life here.

TRANSLATION:

'I think if you probably throw yourself into it,'

I think you get that back. I think you get that sort of feeling

of being part of the community quite quickly.

BARKING

Farmers and villagers from all over the valley

have gathered together to take part in a tradition

that dates back centuries.

I'm feeling really privileged and very honoured to have been invited.

When I want to move here,

it is important for me to be part of the community.

More each day is going on, I'm meeting more people,

learning their experiences, getting the culture.

I really am getting sucked into the Tuscany way of life.

Ah! Ah! Ah!

TRANSLATION:

Oh!

Armed with their rifles and dogs, the hunting party divides into two.

Andy and Karen are helping the beaters

drive the boar from the bush, while the shooters

lie in wait.

SHOOTING AND SHOUTING

I saw it. I just saw it cross over. I just saw it cross over.

It's gone down to the right.

-Did you see it?

-Yeah, I saw it go across.

Get in there, Andy.

GUN FIRES

I actually saw it run across from left to right.

But it's too far away to see how big.

I mean, it was big, but I don't know how big they are.

I mean, that looked big to me.

-Oh, my God. Grande.

-Grande cingali.

Oh, my goodness.

He's insane. Look at him!

'Seeing the wild boar that had been shot - mixed emotions.'

Sadness, a magnificent beast, a magnificent animal that I know,

I've witnessed their intelligence in the vineyard.

But there's a vast number of them here.

They have no natural enemy...

..so, therefore, they do need to be culled.

This is seeing Tuscany in its rawest.

-Ciao.

-Ciao.

Ciao.

-Arrivederci. Ciao.

-Ciao, arrivederci.

I've no idea what he was saying!

Is he as strong as a bull?

-Yes.

-Ah.

In the old town square of Castel del Piano,

weighing up whether to stay in Tuscany

is an easier decision for some than for others.

I can't believe it's November, and we're sat in the sun.

I am genuinely going to be sad to leave.

I'm really looking forward to home.

I wouldn't pack up my London life for this life.

'Tuscany is beautiful.'

I think it's just a simple way of life, but a very rich way of life.

Farm work is like another vocation.

For some people, that's the life they want to take up.

But for me, it is not my cup of tea.

I just think this is the place, right,

if I was going to do this, this is where I'd come.

-Yeah.

-It's made me think there's so much more that I should be doing

and getting pleasure out of...

-Perfect. That's lovely.

-..which I haven't done in years.

-That's lovely.

-That's beautiful.

-So, for me, it's like a new start.

I just love this lifestyle.

-Mm.

-I love being on the farm.

'I thought I had so much time.'

When I came here, seven weeks just seemed so long.

And now, all of a sudden, the end is in sight.

I've been so busy helping everybody else reach THEIR goal

that I haven't particularly got to mine.

I definitely think what I need to do is, I need to go home,

I need to see my kids, and I need to travel back.

-Yeah.

-And then I want to rent somewhere for six months

so I can get the feel of everything.

Mostly to see if I can pick up the language properly.

Imagine that, to be able to have a little bit of land

that I can have some animals. Oh, my God, I'd be in God's pocket.

What else would I want?

'I need to be able to find a place that I can call home.'

Come on, girls.

I think if I go back to the UK...

..it'll be taking second best.

Over the last two months,

friendships have emerged between some of the group

as they've faced the challenges of farm living.

Yeah, we came up here, didn't we, before?

Making the most of the last of their Tuscan sun,

Andy and Gavin are visiting the medieval hamlet

of Sant'Angelo in Colle.

-Wow!

-That's a bit of a view.

You have to say "wow", don't you?

I've been saying "wow" for seven weeks.

-Good grief.

-Stunning.

-I'm not looking forward to leaving, I'll tell you that.

-No.

I'd like to go home, but I don't want to leave.

Get something to eat?

'I absolutely do believe that Andy and I will remain friends.'

We just clicked, you know. I think we're a similar age,

similar background...

..we think pretty much along the same lines about things.

Looks like a nice little place.

'That's what, I suppose, brings people together, really, in a way.'

I think Andy has inspired me,

and I think everybody needs people like that in their life.

-Cheers, old bean.

-Salute.

-I tell you what,

having you here has been a big part of my enjoyment of the thing.

Honestly, I mean that.

And likewise, you've kept me on the straight and narrow,

especially during the olive harvest.

Without your support, you know...

You'd have been out chasing cingali in the middle of the night.

Yeah, I would.

'Friendship, to me, is very important.'

If it wasn't for Gavin, I most probably -

I don't know -

would be sleeping in an olive grove

or chasing the cingali, you know, naked

through the fields, you know?

But he's kept me sane.

TRANSLATION:

I've never asked you, what was your turning point in your life

that you thought, "I need to change?"

What was it that happened?

Boredom. I was at home, I was, you know,

not necessarily having to do anything in particular.

Every day, it's like Groundhog Day.

You know, kind of doing the same thing.

-Well, you were in a rut. You were basically stuck in a rut.

-In a rut.

You needed...

Stand back, you know, recharge.

-Clear!

-Yeah. To get you living again.

-Yeah.

-And do you think that has happened?

Yes. Yes, yes, yes.

I'm feeling inspired, but I don't know yet to do what.

Think I've learned that I'm capable of doing an awful lot more

'than I thought I was. I do feel younger, I feel healthier.

'I think I look better.'

It's still got the keys in the ignition!

If I took nothing more from this than that, it would be enough,

at the end of the day, but hopefully, I'm going to try and

translate it into something a bit more.

At La Banditaccia, it's Rob's final evening.

Tomorrow, he'll leave the group behind

to start his new Tuscan life

working on Stavros's farm.

I'm making pasta.

It's... I can never pronounce it right.

It's amatracciana.

But I thought it was a nice way to say arrivederci...

..to the troops. Not that I'm going very far,

I'm only going down the road,

but as a final night's meal, I thought I'd cook for them all.

One of the things I've learned from being here is everybody,

they socialise, they eat together, they drink together,

they build friendships and families.

It's... It's been amazing.

You know, and I've made some lifelong friends.

Are you a salter, though, Rob?

You shouldn't need salt on that, to be honest.

-The pancetta's salty enough.

-The pancetta is really...

Rob, I take it you made this pasta yourself, yeah?

Yeah. Fresh from the packet!

Thank you. Oh, it's this hard stuff.

We bought these today.

Oh! Thank you.

I thought it was a nice, kind of simple, proper Italian pasta dish.

It's literally pancetta, tomatoes, chilli, garlic, and that's it.

-Lovely. Parsley.

-Four ingredients.

Parsley to finish.

-Love it.

-It's very good.

'Bob's the first one who's actually said "Yes, I'm staying," '

and done something positive about it.

He's got himself a job, he's got somewhere to live.

'I don't think any of us really know what the next year

'or six months is going to bring,'

but I think for now, Rob's found something that's enough,

you know, for him to grab onto,

and give him a reason not to go back to the UK,

where there's nothing there for him.

'I really, really hope it works out for him.

-'I really do.'

-I do have to say, Robbie, I am really proud of you.

What you set out - you know what I mean - to do,

you've achieved, you know?

-You know, really.

-He's the only one so far that's done it.

-I'm personally proud of you. I really mean that.

-Good job.

-I really mean that.

-Awww!

-No, really, seriously.

He had a goal and he just, you know, kept focused,

'and so I think it is a wonderful thing, you know.'

Because the truth of the matter is,

nobody ever knows how stuff will work out.

We don't. We just take the risk.

Can I suggest a toast to Mr Seddon?

No!

Well done, sir.

-Good luck.

-Thank you.

THEY SING AND LAUGH

It's a new day.

After a farewell dinner and late night, for Rob,

it's a slow start at the farm.

-Morning.

-Hey.

-How are you feeling? ..Ooh.

-Do you want the honest answer?

-Yeah.

-Mm.

What time are you leaving?

I don't know, darling. Just...

I need breakfast, pack, go, that kind of thing.

A cup of rocket fuel will sort me out.

It is really exciting, thinking about going to work for Stavros.

It's the whole production, you know.

The grape harvest is over.

All the grapes are in. Going to start making wine for next year.

I'm going to start bottling and ageing wine

for three years and five years.

All of the things I've seen through the past six weeks,

those little bits have almost kind of got me to...

I'm ready to go to his now and actually do it properly.

-I'll miss you. All right?

-OK.

-I'm not going to get emotional.

-You take care, geezer.

-I will.

-Yes, you will.

-Arrivederci!

-Arrivederci.

'Rob going, Rob went!'

Basically. He came out here to find something, and he found it.

I really hope it's what he's looking for,

and it works out for him, I really do.

I've felt quite envious of him.

Certainly for me, I really don't know what I want to do still,

but he, you know, he got something specific, and I think, you know,

he's really lucky.

-ALL:

-Bye! Bye!

-HORN BEEPS

-Ciao!

One down.

TRANSLATION:

After seven weeks of farm living, Gavin has been missing his family,

and is thinking about his future.

What I've learned since coming here,

I think the biggest thing is that the family's

very, very important to the Italians.

People eating together, living together, spending time together.

And, yeah, I would certainly like a bit more of that in my life,

I think. Yeah.

But the position I'm in is that all my family live a long way away.

My two sisters and my niece, who I'm closest to, I guess,

they live in Turkey.

-'Hello?'

-Hello, it's me.

-How are you doing?

-'Hello, hi!

'A number from Italy! It had to be you.'

Well, who else would it have been?

'Are you all right, darling? I miss you.'

I miss you too. How's Chloe doing, she all right?

'There's nothing like family. You know, the best friendships

'in the world will never come close to that bond you feel

'with someone who's your own blood.'

I've lost about... I lost about a stone and a quarter,

stone and a half.

'Well, that photograph that you sent me,

'God, you look amazing. So, what next? that's what I want to know.

-'What next?'

-Well, what next...

'You can't go back to your old lifestyle now.'

No, not a chance. Yeah,

because I've decided there's nothing really for me at home now, you know?

I mean, I've got friends, obviously,

but most important thing is you guys, you and Jean and Chloe.

-'Yeah.'

-So I think I'll be heading Turkey bound.

-'Really?'

-Yeah.

-'Oh!'

-So that's what I'm going to do.

I appreciate Tuscany. I think it's a lovely place and I'm glad I came.

I don't think I'd live here, to be honest,

but I would like to spend more time abroad with my family,

so this has helped me with that, with that process, to say,

"OK, I could do it."

'Yeah, I love you too, darling. Take care.'

-Bye, love. Bye.

-'Bye.'

Yeah, so I think that's my next plan. New Year -

go down to Turkey, see all my family, hunt out some property

or some land, or...

Yeah.

That's phase two, then, yeah?

With Rob chasing his dream in the world of wine,

Andy is still pursuing his new passion to become an olive farmer.

Rather than buy an olive grove outright,

Andy wants to test the water and is looking to lease some land.

Oh, this is nice!

Stay there. Stay.

-This is lovely.

-Beautiful, isn't it?

-It's a beautiful place you have up here.

-Thank you.

-Fantastic.

-Nice to meet you.

-I'm Andy.

-I'm Trevor.

So, how long have you been doing this? How long have you been here?

Seven years. This last year, we've been in and out of England,

because we're now moving back.

Quite honestly, I don't want to leave.

I would stay here all my life.

-Had you had an agricultural, horticultural background?

-No.

-We're both photographers.

-OK! I would love to have a...

-Have a quick look.

-A look around, have a look round, just to see.

-All right, then, come on.

-Thank you so much.

-Ah, grazie.

Farm life is hard. You're not going to get rich.

I'm aware of that. But I already have a pension coming in,

so it's not as if I'm...

desperate for a living.

So, we've got an olive grove there, olive grove here, olive grove there.

One behind.

So, is it in your mind that if you go back to England for six months

or a year, whatever, is what you're looking for to have somebody here

-that's going to look after the trees?

-Yes. Absolutely.

-Keep up to it, and...?

-Yeah. If they prune it and take care of it,

we take 25%, if they use our equipment, which...

-50%.

-No, 25%.

25%! If you prune them, take care of them...

-Harvest them.

-Harvest them.

-Produce the oil.

-And you can use the equipment,

and we'll only take 25% of it.

It's a win-win for everybody, isn't it, really?

There's just one deal, I'm afraid,

that anybody who takes care of the land has to feed our cats.

Oh, that's easy!

That's not difficult.

They need the olives to be pruned and looked after,

and they only want 25%, whereas usually, it's 50%.

Which is a very good deal.

If you wanted to rent, I'd be quite interested.

-OK.

-But we'd necessarily need to discuss more.

-Yes.

-You need to think and talk.

Yeah. And when you'd start, etc,

would you start with the harvest or would you start before?

No, I would start February.

OK. Sounds like a good idea so far.

We'll just have to discuss.

Because it's a serious matter.

-We'll be in touch.

-Well, it's been absolutely fantastic.

A pleasure to meet you both.

-A pleasure to meet you.

-And you!

-Thank you so much for your time.

It would just be perfect, just be totally perfect.

This is what... I now have an idea what I want.

It is very much keeping the dream alive.

I think it's a combination of everything, that's why it's quite...

quite nice to live here, really.

Before heading back to the UK,

Gill and Karen head to the historic old town of Arcidosso.

Oh, my God, is this it? Whoa!

-Go and have a look.

-I think it is this.

-Watch your head.

'I do enjoy Tuscany.'

I love the landscape, I love the scenery.

I love the villages,

and I think if you did live here, you would be welcomed and embraced,

and I really don't think it would take you long to fit in.

I really have enjoyed being here.

But it's sort of thrown up more questions than answers.

-I know what you mean.

-I feel like we're sort of stepping back in time

here, which is part of the charm, but that might also be quite hard

to deal with if you had to live here all the time.

For me, it's a bit more escaping,

because I just thought if I put tonnes of distance between me and

everything that was, it would all be better.

'After my partner, Graham, died of cancer, that really did hit me.

'I think at home, I was bottling it up,

'which is why I wanted to come to Tuscany anyway, but, yeah,

'I did feel quite, like, stuck with my grief, not quite knowing

'what to do.'

And I suppose being here and just seeing...

I think that's it, is the feeling of space, that's been good for me.

But, I mean, is that a good reason to come to somewhere and, you know,

give up everything at home?

I mean, you need something more than dramatic scenery, don't you?

'Can I see a future in Tuscany?

'I'm not sure whether I'm ready to up sticks'

and go for good.

So, do you feel like it was a worthwhile experience

-coming out here?

-If anything, the experience, I think, has given

us all, like, food for thought.

Tuscan food, of which...

-Which is very nice.

-..I have eaten so much of.

'You know, I'm not saying never say never, but...'

..at the moment, I don't think I'm ready.

-'Hello?'

-Oh, hello, is that Tredi?

I don't know if yourself and Trevor have given any further thought

regarding if you wanted to rent the olives?

Back at the farm, Andy is waiting for news.

If the owners of the olive grove agree to lease their land,

Andy's ambition to become an olive farmer could become a reality.

'I mean, you have had a little bit of experience.

'You seem like you really want to come down here,

'so we thought about it and said,

'"Yeah, OK, great". So, if you want them, the olives are yours.'

That is fantastic.

No, great, I thank you.

A massive, massive, massive grazie mille.

'No problem. No problem at all.'

And it will be... I will e-mail you and be in touch

when I get back to the UK.

'OK, great.'

All right. Arrivederci, ciao. Bye-bye.

I have to admit, I am feeling quite shocked.

I am feeling really shocked.

Now, I'm the tenant of an olive grove.

I just had a phone call and a conversation with somebody.

And now I own an olive grove.

What? Where?

-Monticello.

-You're joking.

No!

Oh, Andy, that is so great.

Are you happy?

I'm stunned.

Oh, my God. That's really good.

-Do you need any help?

-Yes.

-Hello.

-Hello, strangers.

Andy has some news.

# Dun-dun-daah! #

-Who wants to know? Do tell.

-This is so exciting!

I'm an olive farmer.

I've just obtained an olive grove for next year.

Brilliant.

-Oh, my God, that's amazing!

-Well done, son.

-That's incredible.

-Congratulations.

-Oh, my God.

-Whereabouts is that? Locally?

-Monticello.

-Oh, my God.

-Do you need any workers for next year?

-Yes, funny enough!

It's the final evening.

Right, put my glasses on so I can see what I've got.

What is that?

Conditioner. Right, this is the bit I'm going to get arrested for.

I bought semolina flour to make pasta.

That's if they don't stop me at the airport with all my white powder.

I don't know whether or not I have discovered the old me,

or whether I have just re-found the old me.

And that should fit in this hole somehow.

And now, I could see myself quite easily getting on the nearest plane,

getting down here, hiring my car,

actually going out, getting to know some of the locals.

And do you know what? Eight weeks ago, I would never,

ever have thought I could do that.

I came with one suitcase, I'm going home with this as well,

so I don't know what I've been doing,

but something has bred since I've been here.

I'm going to be sad, leaving here, to be honest.

I've really enjoyed it.

I'm not taking very much back with me.

I gave my suitcase away because all my clothes don't fit me any more,

so it's all gone in the bin.

I feel quite relieved, actually, to be packing up and going home.

I'm just going to...

I decided to take the restaurant sign with me.

I'm hoping that no-one is going to notice I'm taking it.

That fits in perfectly, look, it was made-to-measure.

This is Les's creation.

The two months that we've been here, you've grown all this?

-Yeah.

-Isn't that amazing?

-Yeah.

-I think everybody, it's compulsory, right,

you've got to have home-grown salad.

It will taste amazing, I'm sure.

The last supper,

and a chance for the group to reflect on their stay in Tuscany.

I genuinely am going to miss times like this.

Genuinely going to miss it.

It's just nice to have a dinner and talk.

-Not every night, but...

-Isn't that the traditional Italian way?

-Well, yeah, the family.

-That's what we're saying, the family, sit down.

Talk about the day and what you've been doing and all that.

And, yeah, I suppose I will miss that because I don't have that...

Ted is, you know, a great little fellow,

but his conversation skills are a bit lacking, you know.

This has been one of the best experiences

at the right time in our lives.

And we have learned something about ourselves that we didn't know.

'Coming to Tuscany was more of a second chance than I ever thought

'it would be.'

And I'll be an idiot not to change direction.

I think I've been really kind of embraced, you know, by a few people.

Do you think you'd come back to Tuscany and spend time here?

Oh, definitely. Definitely.

'I think the high points have been just the landscape.'

You know, just everywhere you look is just beautiful.

What I think is really interesting is that, actually,

I didn't think I'd be able to cope without my family.

And I have. It hasn't always been easy,

but I actually have managed without them.

And clearly, I'm not indispensable.

I just wanted to get away.

So I survived, there we go.

How many times were you nearly down that drive?

Oh, quite a few!

Yes, but you're still here.

You're not a quitter. You actually stayed.

-I came quite close.

-Yeah, but you're still here.

-But you didn't give up.

-Yeah, you're still here.

-You should be really proud of yourself.

-Yeah.

I'd just like to raise my glass. Here's to a Tuscan dream.

Mine starts in February next year,

and I would love you to all come and join me on it.

And my Tuscan dream starts in Turkey.

LAUGHTER

-Salute.

-Salute.

-Salute, salute.

It's been three months since the group left La Banditaccia,

and for some, it's been a life-changing experience.

Oh, that's a bit more spacious.

After returning home to Kent, and a year on since losing her partner,

Gill has made a big decision.

-And the lounge.

-She is now making plans to move to Devon.

Oh, they've covered up the window seat.

I wouldn't do that. It's got a really lovely window seat.

'I think I have realised since I got back from Italy that'

I probably am a stronger person.

And I think I've probably proved that to myself by now being able

to make decisions about my life, really.

Nice.

I need a clean start.

I've had a few ideas of things that I would like to do.

I really would like to run a bed and breakfast.

I love Devon, and I do have family here.

So, it feels quite familiar,

and not too scary.

I am feeling quite positive about the future.

At least, I kind of have got a goal, I've got a focus.

No-one knows what's round the corner, do they?

But I've just got to look forward.

I can't look back.

Gavin is also planning a big move.

He's in Turkey and is looking to see if he can build a new life

for himself to be closer to his family.

It's three months since we came back from Tuscany and the time has gone

so quickly. Yeah, part of coming to Turkey is making a change.

As I say, otherwise, you end up slipping back and it's not

inconceivable that you could end up exactly back where you started,

and I don't want to do that. So, keeping moving forward is the goal.

Turkey is the obvious choice, because it's a beautiful place.

I've been coming here for 25, 30 years, nearly.

I love it. And, of course, my family's here.

Gavin's sister Anne-Marie has lived in Bodrum for over ten years.

I'm impressed with what you've done, what you've achieved with this.

I didn't expect it, to be honest. It's changed you, I think.

It has changed me. I think this has...

It's given you more optimism, that there's more out there in the world.

-You've got a freshness about you, do you know what I mean?

-Mm.

You seem motivated. Really, really motivated.

At the end of the day, at 57 years old,

at some point in life you've got to say, "What's important, actually?"

And what's important is just having a comfortable life,

being close to the people you love.

You know, and doing something useful and positive with your time.

I've made a start. I've made a start,

I've just got to keep momentum going.

It's only me that can do it. Nobody else can push me or...

No, I will! Trust me.

It's winter in Tuscany, and for some, the dream is still alive.

Rob is living in the Amiata Valley and still pursuing a career in wine.

He's left his job with Stavros and is looking at sourcing

Tuscan wines that he can export to the UK.

The last few months, I've decided to kind of set my own business up

importing wine to the UK, doing a kind of wine club, and finding wines

from organic, small, family-run farms.

Having spent the last three months learning the ropes,

with his new-found knowledge, Rob's taking the next step.

I've been back to the UK.

Sold everything.

I've still got to sort out some finance.

So at the moment, I've got loads of wine ready to go to England,

I've got a website ready to go, and I've got no money.

So I've got to sort that piece.

But there's people been talking to me about investing.

Looking for funding, Rob has invited potential investors from the UK.

In an attempt to get them on board with his new venture,

he's introducing them to some local, independent wine producers.

Yeah, there's a little bit of nerves involved because it's a big thing.

It's a venture I'm going on and trying to start a business.

And if the day goes well, then it will kind of roll on from there.

It's so beautiful.

So...

It's like, it just wants to come into your nose and...

I want it to be above their expectations, you know?

When they came here and I said, "Come and try some wine,"

and then I booked in visits to the wineries.

I want them to come away going, "Wow, this is great."

Let them experience the full atmosphere.

Because you have to be here.

Because I've had the 2011 and 2013 - they're both phenomenal.

It's such a good wine to start with.

That's why I wanted to try it, because I can see...

That's why I want to bring you here,

because I tried it and it blew my mind.

I was like, "You have to come here. It's phenomenal."

-Cheers.

-Cheers.

Things like this change people's lives for the better.

I was talking to my sister the other day,

and it's kind of brought us a little bit closer as well.

She said, "Look at us, living our dreams, we're both...

"We're both... We're both giving it a go."

Mum and Dad are proud as hell of the pair of us.

I'm enjoying myself. You know,

I'm happy for the first time in a long time.

This is the exact place that Callum and I came.

Tracy is also back in Italy.

She's brought son Ethan with her, hoping he, too,

will buy into her Tuscan dream.

I'd need a Stannah Lift by the time I was 55. Oh, my God.

'I struggled to fit in'

when I got back to Wales.

The only thing I can explain is,

I didn't know there was any other way of life until I came to Tuscany.

And after being here, Tuscany feels like my second home.

'Yes, I love it here.'

Mad, isn't it? What kind of church is it?

Look, from 1188, that is.

1188 and still standing.

BELLS RING

-Is that a call for dinner?

-Yeah!

The best way forward is for me to rent a property in Tuscany

for at least three months. That gives me time, then,

to be able to be 100% certain it's what I want.

And I want to know that my family are behind me.

Wow. Oh, it's beautiful.

Thank you.

Oh, my goodness.

'I'm hoping that my children can fall in love with the place

'as much as me. And if Ethan likes it, he will come over,

'he will visit, he will bring his friends. And it's a home from home.

'And that's what I'm hoping for the whole family, not just for me.'

For us to come here, and for you to visit.

You wouldn't have to do a thing, would you?

You'd just move your stuff in.

It's exactly how I would want it to be.

It's lovely, isn't it? It's really nice.

-Prego.

-Thank you.

-Goodbye.

-Bye.

Oh, Ethan, that is the perfect house. Just stunning.

You'd have to come and work with me to be able to afford it.

It's another excuse to get you here.

-Grazie.

-Grazie.

'I want Ethan to get on board with the dream that I've had.

'And that makes it more of a chance to make it reality.'

How would you feel about me living over here?

I think it's lovely. It's a lovely place.

-And I can see you coming out here, but just not to live.

-I just...

I just feel comfortable when I'm here.

I've never felt it anywhere else.

I'd miss you if you come over here, though.

-That's the thing.

-But you can come out whenever you want.

I can come home whenever I want. It's not as if I'm in Australia.

It's hard to know that I won't be with my kids every single day.

And that would have been the only thing that stopped me from moving to

Tuscany. But seeing how well they've managed and the fact that

the children are ready to move out, it makes it easier.

As long as you're happy, then that's what matters, really, isn't it?

You've got to the stage now where me and Tina are grown-up,

and it's time for you to do your own thing.

Oh, my God. Oh, that's just amazing, isn't it?

Just like the Brecon Beacons, isn't it?

This is how I see Italy.

-It is nice, isn't it?

-It is nice.

'I can't remember the last time that I've been this happy.

'I know exactly where I want to be now.

'I know where I am going to be, I know what I am going to do,'

and I know what I want.

And I don't think I've ever been able to do that.

Andy has also returned to Tuscany.

He's still following his ambition to become an olive farmer.

To be back here is great.

To see old faces, same places, to re-visit,

but this time in a different time of the year, in a different season,

different lights, different colours, different weather.

How are you doing?

What a surprise.

Oh, my God. So, when did you come back?

I got here on Friday.

-Friday. Yes.

-Oh.

-Walking round yesterday,

-I feel good.

-Good. Like coming home?

Yeah.

Three months on, I feel positive of actually running an olive grove.

But I'm thinking, "Am I taking too much on?"

Today, he's enlisted the help of local friend and olive farmer Roman

to offer his expertise.

Andy's car.

My car!

-Let's have a look. This is very new.

-Yeah.

-This way. OK.

Before pruning starts in spring,

Andy wants to be certain he can manage a grove of this size.

'This year, for me, is going to be the learning experience.

'Am I making the right decision? Can I do this?'

These, obviously... So, these need doing for next year.

-I need to clean these ones?

-You just clean in the centre.

'I'm nervous. I am excited.'

Scared! To be honest.

Often, you find this kind of thing.

Look at what I just saw.

-A bottle of wine.

-Ah!

-Because people come here,

they work, and they drink a little wine.

This tree has probably had lots of people sit under it.

-Oh, yes.

-And a lot of wine.

Now, the starting point is really, for you, having this piece of land,

to try to clean it, harvest it, and produce olive oil out of it.

-Perfect.

-I feel like I am very lucky to actually have gotten this field.

Because it looks like...

-it's achievable.

-Yeah, it is.

Between friends, we try to help each other and make things happen.

So we're going to have some good oil.

-My pleasure.

-Prego.

Andy is the most motivated person I have seen in a long time.

And I'm sure, even as a new person in the field,

he would be really able to do it.

The reason I am back here is I'm going to have a go.

Yeah, OK, it may not succeed.

But I'm going to do my damnedest to have a go.

And have the fun and the enjoyment and the experience.

I always like having adventures.

I've lived my life having adventures,

and this is just another one.