Tuscany Charming

Special offers Christmas in Tuscany

2010-12-15T03:36:00.001-08:00

Special events in Tuscany
Christmas markets in Florence and the environs

Special offers Christmas in Tuscany
LOCANDA TERENZI - MAREMMA
In the heart of Maremma, surrounded by the invigorating sea air and the enchantment of its sweet hills, lies LOCANDA TERENZI a charming retreat for those who love to be at one with the flavours, smells and colours of nature. Accompanied by bird song and the soothing rhythms of cicadas, LOCANDA TERENZI is a sort of multi-sensorial experience – an ideal place to unwind, recharge your batteries and enjoy the many benefi ts that this wonderful Tuscan hideaway has to offer.

LOCANDA TERENZI is nestled within a farm of the same name, where extra virgin olive oil and great wines are produced from local vineyards. Both the vineyards and the inn are in Montedonico, a district of the Scansano municipality. The village is famous for the production of Morellino wine (recently awarded with the superior Vino a Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) label, and the top wine of Terenzi Production).
MORE INFO
ADLER THERMAE Spa & Relax Resort : BAGNO VIGNONI - SIENA
The ADLER THERMAE Spa & Relax Resort is located in a enchanting location among the rolling hills of southern Tuscany, close to the wine growing areas of Montalcino and Pienza.
The Hotel
The ADLER THERMAE is a 5 star resort, an international award-winning spa, and offers Spa & Relaxation at its best:
· Spa, Beauty farm & Medical centre
· Indoor & outdoor pools open the whole year, thermal pools with spring water, whirpools corners in the pools
· Saunas: Turkish bath, Finnish sauna, herbal caldarium, saline steam bath
· Relaxation areas indoor and in the park.
MORE INFO

RELAIS VEDETTA : MAREMMA
RELAIS VEDETTA ...Relax with view
Our charming B&B is perched on a panoramic hilltop from which the enchanting views of entire Gulf of Follonica, from the Island of Elba to the coast that leads to the Argentario peninsula in southern Tuscany, will take your breath away. Surrounded by nature - yet at the seaside - it is truly the ideal place for a relaxing vacation.
Much more than a Bed and Breakfast
There is a very special atmosphere to life at Vedetta, a newly re-structured manor-house belonging to the Barberinis, one of the most historic families of the medieval village of Scarlino (Grosseto).
MORE INFO

CHRISTMAS IN TUSCANY : SPECIAL OFFERS:

From	To	Offer	SHOW
2/2/2010	2/28/2011	A ROMANTIC ESCAPE TO BORGO
2/2/2010	2/28/2011	Honeymoon at The Hamlet
3/2/2010	1/8/2012	Long Stay Bookings Offers
10/1/2010	12/31/2010	Offers for 2011
10/18/2010	10/12/2012	SPA & RELAX IN TERME DI SAN FILIPPO
11/1/2010	6/15/2011	RELAX AND GOURMET IN TUSCANY
11/4/2010	12/31/2011	Early Booking accommodation in Etruscan Coast
12/1/2010	1/2/2011	OFFERED DECEMBER
12/24/2010	12/28/2010	The magic of Christmas at Tenuta San Pietro

Special Offer New Year's eve in Tuscany

Start to plan your new year' eve in Tuscany: accommodations in castles, historic villas, hotels, first-class holiday farms, relais, bed breakfast, castle located in peaceful downtown

DIRECTLY FROM THE OWNER ... WITHOUT COMMISSION

SPECIAL OFFERS IN TUSCANY

From	To	Offer	SHOW
12/9/2010	1/3/2011	EPIPHANY 2011
12/28/2010	1/9/2011	NEW YEAR IN TUSCANY
12/29/2010	1/4/2011	New Year?s Eve 2010 at Terenzi Country Inn
12/29/2010	1/3/2011	NEW YEAR'S EVE AT BORGO CASABIANCA
12/29/2010	1/3/2011	New Year's Eve in Tuscany: The Importance of old traditions
12/29/2010	1/2/2011	New Year holiday in maremma
12/29/2010	1/2/2011	NEW YEAR IN CHIANTI 3 nights- Radda in Chianti - Siena
12/29/2010	1/2/2011	NEW YEAR'S EVE - 2 nights - Radda in CHianti - Siena
12/29/2010	1/3/2011	New Year's Eve in Chianti
12/30/2010	1/2/2011	NEW YEAR?S EVE 2011
12/31/2010	1/7/2011	New Year's Eve in Florence

Special offer Christmas Tuscany

2010-12-08T03:23:00.000-08:00

Special offer for your Christmas in Tuscany.
Christmas is with no doubt the most important and suggestive holiday of the year.
Each town and village in Tuscany prepare itself with lights and colours in the roads, shops and even homes. Christmas is holiday for everybody, adults and children, it’s a moment of the year when to present became the most important thing because it mean to participate to an holiday that since 2000 years make everything magic. When Christmas atmosphere start to pervade cities and villages, these became more alive, streets became like rivers of happy people that buy presents for loved ones in the shops or even in some outdoor markets that sell cakes or small hand made objects.
Christmas it’s the right time for visit Tuscany
SPECIAL OFFERS FOR CELEBRATE YOUR CHRISTMAS IN TUSCANY!!!

From	To	Offer	SHOW
1/1/2010	11/25/2011	Relax in Chianti : Special offers WELLNESS & TASTING
1/16/2010	1/6/2011	GOLF PACKAGES IN MAREMMA
2/2/2010	2/28/2011	COOKERY COURSES Learn about Flavours
2/2/2010	2/28/2011	A ROMANTIC ESCAPE TO BORGO
2/2/2010	2/28/2011	Honeymoon at The Hamlet
3/2/2010	1/8/2012	Long Stay Bookings Offers
3/4/2010	3/31/2011	Enjoy the luxury of a weekend in Maremma
3/28/2010	3/31/2011	Food & Wine Lovers (2 Nights / 3 Days)
3/28/2010	3/31/2011	Honeymoon Special (3 Nights / 4 Days)
3/28/2010	3/31/2011	Tuscan Days (4 Nights / 5 Days) : CULTURE & WINE TASTING IN TUSCANY
3/29/2010	3/31/2011	Tuscan Flavours (2 Nights / 3 Days)
4/26/2010	4/30/2011	Holiday with your pet
6/7/2010	6/30/2011	COUNTRY LUXURIES
6/7/2010	6/30/2011	ENCHANTED HONEYMOON
6/7/2010	6/15/2011	ROMANTIC ESCAPE
6/9/2010	1/10/2011	Honeymoon and Romantic Anniversay in Tuscany
6/9/2010	6/30/2011	WEEK-END OFFERS IN SIENA HILLS
6/22/2010	6/30/2011	Exclusive packages for long stay in Florence
8/16/2010	1/8/2012	Special rates for bookings of two or more weeks
9/22/2010	12/28/2010	Special offer for Anniversary and Lovers
9/22/2010	9/30/2011	Discover the charm of grape harvest in Maremma
10/1/2010	12/31/2010	Offers for 2011
10/18/2010	10/12/2012	SPA & RELAX IN TERME DI SAN FILIPPO
11/1/2010	6/15/2011	RELAX AND GOURMET IN TUSCANY
11/3/2010	12/26/2010	New Year's Eve in Tuscany: The Importance of old traditions
11/4/2010	12/31/2011	Early Booking accommodation in Etruscan Coast
11/22/2010	3/20/2011	Autumn fragrance and flavors in Tuscany
11/22/2010	3/20/2011	Epicurean experience in Tuscany
12/1/2010	1/2/2011	OFFERED DECEMBER
12/6/2010	12/1/2011	BOOK IN ADVANCE AND SAVE 15% OFF THE BEST INTERNET RATE
12/24/2010	12/28/2010	The magic of Christmas at Tenuta San Pietro

Christmas markets in Florence and the environs

2010-12-02T23:43:00.001-08:00

Christmas is approaching and in both Florence and its province the squares are teeming with markets. Once the prerogative of the northern countries, Christmas street markets are now a big success here as well, and there are numerous to choose from for gift shopping or to see the towns in the territory in an unusual and charming light.

For some years now in Florence, the Weihnachtsmarkt (German for Christmas market) has descended from the city of Heidelberg and arrived in Piazza Santa Croce. The market stands sell Christmas decorations for tree and home, seasonal sweets like Stollen accompanied by the fortifying Glühwein (spiced wine), as well as German foods that are not Christmas related (wursts and sauerkraut in particular), all to be found in Piazza Santa Croce from 1st to 19th December.

In Florence there is also another Christmas-themed event: Florence Noel, in the huge Leopolda Station: from 4th to 12th December, a fair entirely dedicated to gifts and decorations.

Many markets are also held on the 8th December holiday. If you are here on that day and you want to visit some museums but are not sure of the opening hours, here is a page that can help you.

In the province, Christmas fairs and markets are now common. While some have a long history, like that of Marradi, held on 5th, 12th, and 19th December, or of nearby Palazzuolo sul Senio, where Magie dell’Avvento held on 5th, 8th, 12th, 19th December has stands, crèches, the house of Father Christmas and many other surprises in store. With a bit of luck, you can also find some snow, to make the atmosphere even more festive.

Exploring the rest of the territory, note other events near Florence; for example in Signa, where already in November, on the 27th and 28th, the Market of Oberdrauburg and Maromme is held.

The town of Scandicci (easily reached from the centre of Florence using tramway line 1) will host holiday markets from 5th December to 8th January in Piazza Togliatti.

As regards the Mugello district, take note of the Christmas market in Vaglia on 11th December; in San Piero a Sieve a similar initiative on 18th December; in Firenzuola Fiocchi di Natale, on 12th December, and in Dicomano, on the 5th and 12th.

Moving from the Mugello to the Upper Valdarno, there’s an appointment in Rignano sull’Arno on 19th December, with a market and entertainment; Incisa will hold a holiday market on 5th December; and Fig

line hosts the initiative Aspettando il Natale on 5th and 8th December.
In the Chianti district, in addition to the popular event Chianti d’Autunno, Christmas markets are held in Greve on 8th, 12th, and 19th December, and in the village of Strada on 11th December.

In the environs of Empoli, the Christmas market of Empoli on 11th and 12th December; in Fucecchio on 8th December, in Montelupo Fiorentino on 4th and 8th December. Montelupo also holds a Christmas edition of its Gourmet food fair, on 18th and 19th December.

The complete list of markets, not just Christmas-themed markets but all the special markets held for holiday shopping, can be downloaded here

FONTE: http://www.firenzeturismo.it

Locanda le Giunche - Ristorante Guardistallo - Ristorante Pisa

2010-10-09T01:38:00.001-07:00

URL: http://www.tuscany-charming.it/ristorantitoscana/locand...

LA VERA CUCINA TOSCANA

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Le Giunche : Bottega prodotti tipici della Toscana - Itinerari Enogastronomici Guardistallo - Itinerari Enogastronomici Toscana

2010-10-09T01:37:00.001-07:00

URL: http://www.tuscany-charming.it/turismotoscana/Le-Giunch...

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European Tourism Day, Brussels 27 September 2010

2010-09-16T22:19:00.000-07:00

27 September 2010, Brussels (Charlemagne Building – Room GASP)

The 2010 European Tourism Day event will be entitled "The role of Cultural Heritage in the renewed European tourism policy" and will be held on 27 September 2010, on the occasion of World Tourism Day.

27 September 2010 - Brussels, BELGIUM
The European Tourism Day will take place on 27 September 2010 in Brussels (Charlemagne Building - Room GASP).

Leader projects, policy officers, local and regional authorities, universities and other actors involved in tourism will participate to the event, that will be mainly devoted to the promotion and valorisation of European citizenship and cultural and historical heritage.

In line with new communication "Europe, the world's No 1 tourist destination – a new political framework for tourism in Europe" adopted on the 30th June 2010, where the need of promoting cultural itineraries is specifically mentioned (see Communication - pages 7-8), a particular focus will be given to "European Cultural Routes".

A draft programme of the event is annexed. The final version of the programme, together with other practical details and information, will be available so

Room GASP
08:00 – 09:00 Registration
09:00 - 09:30 Official Opening
Address speech by Vice-President Antonio Tajani, Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou and
Ms. Isabelle Weykmans, Belgian Presidency, Minister for Culture and Tourism
09:30 10:30 Session I
European Cultural Itineraries: a Trans-European Cultural Tourism Model?
Chair: Mr. Hervé Novelli, Minister for Tourism, France tbc
- Mr. Sandro Bondi, Minister for Culture – "The Italian experience of the 'Consulta
Nazionale degli itinerari storici, culturali e religiosi'"
- Ms.Gabriella Battaini Dragoni, Director Council of Europe – "The future of Cultural
Routes: The Council of Europe's perspective"
- Mr. Michel Thomas Penette, Director Cultural Routes Institute – "Cultural Routes of
the Council of Europe: towards a model of quality tourism in Europe"
- Ms. Cristina Scaletti, President of NECSTouR – "The contribution of NECSTouR to
the promotion of the European Cultural Routes"
10:30 – 11:00 Coffee break
11:00 – 12:10 Session II
How can European Heritage sites and Cultural Routes help to develop new tourism
offer?
Chair: Mr. John Penrose MP, Minister for Tourism, United Kingdom tbc
- Ms. Chrysoula Paliadeli, Member of the European Parliament – "The European
Heritage Label" tbc
- Mr. Stefano Zappalà, Regional Minister Regione Lazio
- Ms. Frances Warrington, Kent head of Tourism tbc
- Mr. Philippe Calamel, Project Director – "The Odyssea Project"
- Mr. Michael Cramer, MEP - “The Iron Curtain Trail”
12:10 – 14:30 Lunch break and Visit to the EDEN stands
14:30 - 16:00 Session III
Case studies: European citizenship and Intercultural Dialogue
Chair: Mr. Miguel Sebastián, Minister for Industry, Tourism and Trade, Spain tbc
- Ms. Silvia Costa, Member of the European Parliament
- Mr. Massimo Tedeschi, President of the European Association of “Via Francigena” -
"Via Francigena meets Abram Itinerary"
- Mr. Antoine Selosse, Director Saint Martin Route - "Saint Martin of Tours" and the
European citizenship
- Ms. Inmaculada Lopez, General Coordinator Foundation “El legado Andalusi” -
"The al Andalus Route and the Arab legacy"
- Roberto Varela, Regional Minister of Galicia for Tourism and Culture – “The Saint
James’ Route”
Open Debate
16:00 - 16:30 Coffee break
16:30 – 18:00 Session IV
Case studies: Tourism, Sustainability and Networking
Chair: Mr. José Vieira da Silva, Minister for Economy, Innovation and Development,
Portugal
- Mr. Antonio Cancian, Member of the European Parliament
- Mr. Edouard de Laubrie, Scientific Committee Cultural Foundation The Route of
the Olive Tree – "The route of the olive trees and traditional values"
- Mr. Antonio Barone, Director Phoenician Route - "The Phoenician Route"
- Mr. Christian Corne, President of "The European Historical Thermal Town
Association" (EHTTA) and Deputy Major of Vichy – "The European Thermal Route"
- Rev. Berit Lånke, Manager Nidaros Pilgrimage Center - "The Route of St. Olav
Ways"
Open Debate
18:00 – 18: 20 Conclusions
Conclusions by Mr. Antonio Tajani, Vice-President of the European Commission, and Mr.
Carlo Fidanza, Member of the European Parliament

Poggio ai Santi, Tuscany: A New TV Series on Food Tourism in Tuscany

2010-08-31T00:06:00.001-07:00

“Cooking in Tuscany” is a TV series available for satellite and cable channels, private and public generalist TV, as well as Internet TV.

A new concept: this series can be of interest, on the one hand, for specialised channels or programmes that deal with cooking, but also for travel and discovery channels. Producers have chosen as a unifying theme twelve products of Tuscany (cheese, cured meats, beef, saffron, truffles, fish…), twelve people to present them, and twelve recipes prepared by a charismatic chef, Denny Bruci of the “Il Sale” restaurant at Poggio ai Santi (San Vincenzo, Italy).

This series of twelve 13-minute episodes was financed by a group of professionals put together by Dominique Curchod Communication (Monaco) with the participation of local tourist boards, hotels and restaurants.

The series is distributed free of rights. The programmes do not contain at the same time any logos or indirect advertising. With the exception of sports programmes and documentaries offered by NGOs, this is probably the first factual “travel and cuisine” series to be offered free of rights.

To learn more about distribution:

The series is partially available for viewing on YouTube (cookingintuscany channel)
Starting on August 30th, the entire series will be available for viewing on the Eurovision site (www.eurovision.net/worldlink)

On 8 and 9 September, from 10.00 to 11.30 AM GMT, the 12 episodes will be offered to TV stations on the Eutelsat, Intelsat and Asiasat satellites (Eurovision network) www.eurovision.com/worldfeed

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2010-07-15T23:43:00.001-07:00

URL: http://www.tuscany-charming.it/

The besta accommodations in Tuscany

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Certaldo, from Boccaccio's tricks to the pranks of "Amici Miei"

2010-05-12T22:43:00.001-07:00

Certaldo is the Tuscan town where Giovanni Boccaccio, author of The Decameron, was born in 1313. His major work, which signed the beginning of Italian literature, is a collection of often humorous stories, like that of the tricksters Bruno and Buffalmacco, who make fun of their victim Calandrino. Tricks and pranks are now returning in Certaldo with the latest film shot there by director Neri Parenti, "Amici miei-come tutto ebbe inizio>". Produced by Aurelio De Laurentiis and starring Michele Placido, Giorgio Panariello, Paolo Hendel, Massimo Ghini and Christian De Sica, the film is a prequel of the famous "Amici miei" (My Friends) directed by Mario Monicelli in 1975, a comedy-drama movie that popularized the irreverent character of Tuscan people. The latest work by Neri Parenti is one more reason for visiting beautiful Certaldo, with its Pretorio Palace containing 15th and 16th century frescos, the 14th century church of Saints Michael and Jacopo and Boccaccio's native house.
Info: [www.turismo.intoscana.it/eng]

Antiques market in Lucca, relaxing Sunday!

2010-02-21T23:24:00.000-08:00

Antiques market in Lucca, relaxing Sunday!

Florence exhibition between contemporary art and Renaissance

2010-02-18T22:35:00.001-08:00

Until April 11th, 2010 Prato's Luigi Pecci Center for Contemporary Art hosts "Alla maniera d'oggi. Base a Firenze (In today's way. Based in Florence) - an exhibition curated by Marco Bazzini that aims to connect the most important spaces of the Fiorentine Museum Pole with the Tuscan artistic production of the last few decades. The invited artists - Mario Airò, Marco Bagnoli, Massimo Bartolini, Paolo Masi, Massimo Nannucci, Maurizio Nannucci, Paolo Parisi, Remo Salvatori - give their contemporary interpretation of famous historical spaces, annulling temporal distance and building bridges between "old" and "new" art. The exhibition is promoted by Regione Toscana with the collaboration of the Superintendance for Artistic Heritage and the Museum Pole of the City of Florence. The museums involved include the Uffizi Gallery, the Accademia Gallery, the San Marco Museum, the Ognissanti Cenacle, the Cloister of the Scalzo, Cathedral square, Sacrati Strozzi Palace and San Miniato al Monte.

Info: [www.turismo.intoscana.it/eng]

WINE PROFESSIONALS AT “2010 CHIANTI CLASSICO” IN FLORENCE, TUSCANY

2010-02-17T23:06:00.001-08:00

The 2010 Chianti Classico fair and meeting in Florence took place on February 16-17 at Stazione Leopolda (an old train station renovated years ago and used for special events).

Around 140 vintners have participated in the Chianti Classico Collection. More than 200 journalists from all over the world attended the event confirming the interest consumers have in this Italian wine from Tuscany. More than 400 wines from 2004 to 2009 (all incredibly good weather-wise) were offered in these two days.

2010 begins under the sign of faith for the makers of Chianti Classico!

Pisan mountains mtb marathon - MAY 23 2010

2010-02-14T02:52:00.001-08:00

Pisan mountains mtb marathon - MAY 22/23 2010
If you love cycling across the marvels of Tuscany nature, you cannot miss the opportunity of being part of it by riding at “Pisan mountains mtb marathon”.
Taking place on May 22-23, in the heart of Tuscany spring, this event will get you emotionally involved, since you could discover plenty of wonderful landscape and spots.
The pleasant weather will fondle you while riding through sweet hillsides, delightful vineyards, ancient monasteries, historic museums, Middle Age villages, relaxing agritourisms and typical restaurants.
This mountain bike marathon will be logistically placed in the town of Calci (Pisa), that will offer its sport and leisure facilities to the pepole.

The main event is based on the mtb marathon, a 60 km length with some 1.700 mt. of difference in height, a competition dedicated to mountain bikes racers.

For those not so keen about racing, the organization has prepared a shorter route of about 30 km with only 800 mt. of difference in height, a real turistic way that will offer the participants the chance to taste thypical Tuscany flavours, placed in each course refreshment corner. Not to forget the beautiful historic notes of this exciting event.

The start of mtb race and turistic riding will be positioned in front of Calci monastery, an ancient church founded in 1366, actually hosting a Pisan university museum. The bycicle riding will reach astounding spots of “Graziosa Valley”, Buti and Vicopisano villages, “Mount Serra” (917 mt.), Verruca stronghold and Nicosia friary convent.
We are looking forward to receiving you with open arms.

More information:
Forum Racing Team
Mobile: +39 3287930033.
www.forum-racing-team.com
info@forum-racing-team.com

Saint Valentine, wine and romance in Lucca

2010-01-31T23:08:00.000-08:00

Valida dal: 13/02/2010 al: 14/02/2010
Saturday 13th February
Arrival at the hotel
Wine tasting in the Cantinetta
Candle light dinner for two
and to finish...Rum & Chocolate tasting

Sunday 14th February
Buffet breakfast
Relax at the Ego Wellness Spa in Lucca
or
Massages available by reservation in the hotel (by request)
Cost of the package: € 280,00

Extra night, Sunday: € 100,00 (per room per night, two people)
Arrival on Friday night, the first night will cost only € 50,00
Supplement for Chamapgne & Roses in the bedroom € 100,00
*Offer subject to availability.
Drinks, extras and anything not specifically indicated are not inlcuded.
Massages as from € 70,00
All prices are net hotel

TENUTA SAN PIETRO
Tenuta San Pietro Luxury Hotel & Restaurant **** Superior, is located in the middle of Tuscany, overlooking the historic city of Lucca and the surrounding hillsides. The Estate has continuously produced olive oil and it is located among some of the most famous wineries in the region.
The Estate has undergone a gentle restoration in recent years. Tenuta San Pietro now provides the comfort of a four star superior hotel, and the luxury of a dedicated kitchen and restaurant.
Our aim is to keep the best of the original atmosphere and blend it with contemporary design, technology and comfort. The result is a modern yet recognizable Tuscan guesthouse.
Tenuta San Pietro offers 10 rooms of various sizes and designs, a swimming pool, a restaurant with terrace, a widely acclaimed wine cellar, a cantina and a lounge.
Tenuta San Pietro holds various courses and classes throughout the year, like olive oil tasting, wine tasting, “silver serving classes ”, ”flambé classes” “cooking lessons”, hosted by famous chefs and sommeliers. We organize tours of region, visits to memorable and famous producers of food and wine, fully tailored to suit your interests.
Our welcoming staff aims to please our guests by adapting to their wishes, arranging tour and activities. For many a drink at the poolside after a memorable meal in our restaurant may in itself prove to be pleasant enough.
We nevertheless remain as dedicated as possible to keeping the estate as a place to remember, for us and all our guests.

RESTAURANT
The restaurant capacity is about 80 persons. There are two spacious and elegantly refined halls, and a terrace overlooking the valley, where guests can dine. We offer a mix of local and intercontinental dishes, focusing on the basics and quality of our ingredients. Herbs are grown in our garden and the olive oil is pressed locally from our own trees. Our guests can choose from an extensive list of wines that are especially selected by our sommelier, who will gladly assist you in your own choices. We offer an impeccable service and a menu sure to delight even the most seasoned gourmets.
We serve our guests in the restaurant, outside on the terrace overlooking the valley, or, if you’d prefer, in more intimate surroundings. We proudly acknowledge that Tenuta San Pietro is placed in the very heart of culinary Italy, while not forgetting that we are also a part of an exciting global world of food and dining.
We can organize various kinds of events, from aperitifs by the pool, to weddings and any celebration can be arranged.
We also organize themed evenings, wine or olive oil tastings and courses on cooking, flambé and silver service.

Re-launch of Via Francigena starts from Tuscany

2009-12-09T22:59:00.001-08:00

The Minister of Tourism, Michela Vittoria Brambilla, and the Tourism Councillor of Tuscany, Paolo Cocchi, have presented the project for the Via Francigena, the pilgrimage route that went from Canterbury to Rome in the medieval period. The objective of the project is to redevelop the route in its entirety: the project is being promoted by Tuscany with a plan that will be extended to other regions involved in the route.

Pisa, Lucca gems of Tuscany

2009-11-22T00:07:00.001-08:00

As everyone knows, Pisa has the famous tilted tower you can climb, but an unspoiled Renaissance wall you can bike encircles the lesser-known Lucca. These two Tuscan towns, near Florence and each other, are an easy day trip from Florence. If you have time for more than a touristy quickie, savor Pisa's rich architectural heritage and bask in Lucca's genuine charm.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most iconic images in the world, but it's not the only sight in town. It leans near the town's other biggies: the cathedral and baptistery. This creamy white threesome floats regally over the green-grass Field of Miracles. Imagine arriving in Pisa as a sailor in the 11th century. The sea came to just outside the surrounding walls, the church was the biggest in the world, and spread out before you was an ensemble of gleaming white marble. Even choked with street-market stands, probably then and certainly now, the square still lives up to its name: the Field of Miracles.

The 200-foot-tall bell tower is famous for its dramatic 15-foot lean. Soon after construction began in 1173, the tower began to tilt. The builders carried on anyway, using every trick imaginable to stop the tilt. In 1990, the tower was deemed dangerous, and the city sealed it up and spent the next decade straightening it by about 12 inches. All that work has turned the clock back a few centuries to Galileo's time. Legend has it that the scientist, fascinated by gravity, dropped objects from the tower to time their falls.

Climbing to the top of the tower is an unforgettable experience offering great views and vertigo. Because only 30 people can ascend every 30 minutes, you reserve a time slot when you buy your ticket. For a small fee, you can book ahead at www.opapisa.it. Age restrictions apply: Only kids 8 and older are allowed to clamber up the tower.

With its ornate facade glittering in the sun, Pisa's huge and richly decorated cathedral is artistically more important than the tower. Its pulpit, sculpted by Giovanni Pisano, was so intricate that Michelangelo traveled here to marvel at its realism. Next to the cathedral, the baptistery features acoustics so remarkable that echoes last long enough to let you sing three-part harmony -- solo.

For most visitors, the Pisan thrill ends here. But when I'm in Pisa, I escape the tourist hordes with a stroll through town. From its main bridge, you will see long lines of elegant mansions recalling days of trading glory.

Despite its ancient past, Pisa feels youthful. Nearly half of its 100,000 residents are students, keeping the city lively, especially at night. Pisa's famous university is one of Europe's oldest. It was here that Galileo studied the solar system and Andrea Bocelli attended law school before embarking on his musical career. You will see plenty of youthful fashions along Corso Italia, Pisa's main drag, where the young people are out making the scene. Some also are making out like thieves, so be on guard for young pickpockets often dressed as tourists.

A church on Pisa's main shopping street sports some 16th century graffiti. Odds are you probably will spot some modern graffiti nearby. Students have been pushing their causes here, or simply defacing things, for five centuries. Near the train station, a mural covering the wall of a church vibrates with life. Painted in 1989 by New York graffiti artist Keith Haring (known for his white-on-black subway drawings), this colorful assembly of figures celebrates diversity, chaos and the liveliness of our world.

Just a 30-minute bus ride from Pisa, the fortress city of Lucca is a favorite stop for many Italy connoisseurs. The home of composer Giacomo Puccini, Lucca has no single monumental sight. It's simply a uniquely human and well-preserved city, with a perfectly intact Renaissance wall. Residents are protective of their wall, which they have turned into a park and enjoy like a community roof garden. I like to circle the top on a bicycle. Within the wall, Romanesque churches seem to lurk around every corner, as do fun-loving piazzas filled with soccer-playing children. Locals tell me Lucca is like a cake with a cherry filling in the middle; every slice is equally good.

Most visitors to this corner of Italy blitz the tipsy tower, snap some photos and leave. But they are missing out. Straying from the tourist zone rewards you with two delightfully Renaissance cities pulsing with history and vitality -- both living proof that Florence has serious competition.
http://www.chicagotribune.com

Tuscany Charming : Discover a different Tuscany!

2009-07-20T23:21:00.000-07:00

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