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Discover Italy Central Italy Regions Guide to Florence & Tuscany
Discover Italy Central Italy Regions Guide to Florence & Tuscany
Guide to Tuscany and Florence
Guide to Tuscany and Florence (127)
Our recommendations if you are planning a vacation or visit to Florence, Siena, Lucca, Pisa and the rest of Tuscany
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- Cooking Holidays
- Food and Wine Tours
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- Cooking Holidays
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- Food and Wine Tours
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Il Colognolo Restaurant is the in-house restaurant of Agriturismo Colognole, itself part of a wonderful working wine estate in the zone of Chianti Rufina just 30km from central Florence. It opened in 2007 and is situated in an converted farm residence within the small medieval hamlet on the estate.... -
If you are looking for a genuine Chianti wine experience close to Florence, then get in touch with Azienda Agricola Colognole based near Rufina. Offering both accommodation and boasting a restaurant, this working wine estate has been in the family of the Conti Spalletti for over a century. Their g... -
Agriturismo Colognole is located close to the town of Rufina and is a working wine estate which has been owned by the Conti Spalletti family for over a century. Just 30km from Florence and in the heart of the Chianti Rufina DOCG territory, it offers wonderfully authentic accommodation for anyone wa... -
Relais La Corte di Cloris opened in June 2012 and is located just a short walk from the very heart of the historical center of Florence, precisely in the elegant ‘viali’ area. The Piazza del Duomo is just 1km away. The accommodation offers both elegant rooms and apartments for short or longer s... -
Dante Alighieri Society is recognized as one of the leading language school and promoters of Italian language school and Italian culture school worldwide The Dante Alighieri Italian language school in Siena has been offering for more than 20 years a wide range of courses and programs to student... -
The cooking classes of Dante Alighieri Siena can be taken on their own or as part of a study programme which combines language and/or cultural lessons. Evening cooking sessions are also available which are group demonstrations taking place twice a week from 17.30 to about 21.30. They can also ... -
Art and Cooking of Dante Alighiero Siena is proposing these wine tours by bus to such wonderful locations as Pienza, San Gimignano, Chianti and Montalcino to enjoy, well, some of the best wines in Italy, not least Brunello. The tours depart all year round and you will be accompanied by an English s... -
The Ristorante SE•STO on Arno is the new restaurant of The Westin Excelsior Florence. It is situated in a stunning panoramic position on the rooftop of the hotel and offers a unique view of the city. The bar and restaurant are housed in a structure made almost entirely of glass with an interior wh... -
La Pentola delle Meraviglie Cooking School in Florence is for anyone interested in deepening an appreciation of Italian food in a professional environment. A whole series of courses are proposed from single 3 hour lessons for visitors just passing through to 3 professional training programs which f... -
Restaurant Winter Garden By Caino is the new dining location of luxury The St Regis Hotel in central Florence situated by the River Arno. Just as the hotel has been recently reopened after a complete rennovation, so the restaurant itself has been launched to match the impeccable standards. It is a... -
The luxury 5 star St Hotel Regis Florence overlooks both a Renaissance square and the River Arno. Dating from the 18th century this luxury property has been the preferred choice for discerning travelers on their Grand Tour. Still adorned with rich colors, custom frescos and crystal chandeliers, th... -
Fattoria di Palazzo Vecchio is a genuine Tuscan hamlet surrounded by vineyards producing Nobile di Montepuciano wines. As well as the cultivation of autochtonous and rare vines, the estate also features rose bushes, a vegetable garden, orchard as well as olive, jujube and pomegranate trees. The la... -
'Ancient flavours' is the name of the hands on cooking school which is run in the beautiful Montepulciano wine estate of Palazzo Vecchio dating from the 14th century. Lessons take place every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday for groups of 4 to 20 particpants. Booking is required and they can be spread... -
If you are looking for the authentic Montepulicano wine experience in Tuscany then look no further than the estate of Palazzo Vecchio near Valaiano. It is situated in 80 hectares of the most typical Tuscan landscapes you can imagine and dates from the 14th century. In 1470, it formed the bulk ... -
If you have ever been tempted to see Rome or Florence by segway, then Italy Segway Tours were the first company in Italy to operate such tours in Italy which now extend to Pisa and Milan. The Florence tour is a historical ride through the Renaissance capital in the company of an expert tour guide o... -
Guests of Relais Il Falconiere in Cortona can also enjoy cooking Under the Tuscan Sun, an unforgettable experience between art, food, wine and fun!. The cooking classes are conducted under the supervision of owner and host Silvia Baracchi. They take place in a kitchen especially dedicated to lesso... -
Relais Il Falconiere is four star luxury accommodation in a 17th century Tuscan villa in the countryside near Cortona. But it is also so much more than this: a fine Michelin starred restaurant where guests can enjoy cooking lessons with the chef, a wine hotel courtesy of the Baracchi Winery, a Well... -
Reserve a wonderful dinner or lunch at the Locanda of the 14th century Fattoria di Palazzo Vecchio, a wine estate near Montepulciano in Tuscany. As well as wine tastings and cooking lessons, the estate boasts a renovated 'mangiatoia' or ancient cattle stable which can now host groups. It is not a ... -
Find out more about these experiences by Walks of Italy in Florence and Pisa, or book them online, by following the links below. Here we indicate when the tours run, and if they can be enjoyed as part of a group or privately. The basic price indicated includes tickets and reservation fees. {jb... -
Infinity Wedding and Events® - Weddings in Italy are specialized Italy wedding planners who can arrange your wedding reception, family occasion and special day. Barbara and Sara can arrange every aspect of your Italian wedding and marriage ceremony not just in fabulous Tuscany locations such as Flo... -
The Florence Food Tour is the perfect way to orientate yourself in the Tuscan capital while enjoying some of the best gastronomic delicacies the city has to offer. The tour begins right in the historical center not far from Piazza della Signoria where you will meet up with your local guide who will... -
Find out more about these cultural vacation experiences by Walks of Italy which are located in Siena and province and such classic Tuscany destinations as Chianti, Montalcino and Montepulciano. Book them online by following the links below. Here we indicate when the tours run and if they can be en... -
The accommodation of Borgo Giusto near Lucca is known as an 'albergo diffuso' or Lifestyle Hotel. In short, this residential complex offfering both villa and hotel accommodation in the old medieval village of Soccolognora now converted exclusively for tourism. Today, guests can choose from a ... -
The 3 star Hotel La Gioconda is perfectly located for the visitor to Florence, between the exit of the train station of Piazza Santa Maria Novella and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Piazza del Duomo. From here it is easy to get around and discover the historical center by foot. ... -
The Westin Excelsior, Florence Hotel offers luxury 5 star accommodation near the River Arno and Ponte Vecchio bridge in central Florence. The hotel is actually located on Piazza Ognissanti and opposite sister hotel, the recently refursbished St. Regis Florence Hotel. Both are, therefore, just ...
TUCSCANY TRAVEL INFORMATION AND TOURISM SUGGESTIONS
Everybody wants to discover a little corner of Tuscany and make it their own, Delicious Italy included.
Although Pisa and Siena are the outstanding tourist destinations and do not disappoint, do go to Florence off season, perhaps even in the middle of winter to indulge in the wine and meat dishes that little bit more.
In fact, Tuscany should be visited all year round and it is the identity of the many small local realities which give the region its continuing fascination with many territories still rarely visited.
Consult our latest Tuscany travel articles below, or access all of them from the links right divided by recipes, food, wine, itineraries, tours and trip suggestions. Our Tuscany blog of choice is Over a Tuscan Stove by Judy Witts Francini.
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June Events in Pisa
The town of Pisa used to sit on the coast and boats would dock at the walls of the Piazza dei Miracoli where the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa can still be found. Over time, however, the silt carried by the River Arno has pushed the town inland not unlike Ostia Antica near Rome. Nevertheless, past glories cannot be forgotten at Pisa and two spectacular events are take place in mid June. They are the 'Luminara' and the 'Historical Regata for San Ranieri'. A bit on each below.Last modified on 11 June 2013
Colle Val d'Elsa, City of Crystal Glass
The Tuscan city of Colle Val D'Elsa in the province of Siena is not on many tourist excursions. But this once flourishing medieval town along the Via Francigena pilgrim route is worth an extension as they say in trade. Firstly, because the city is built on three gradients or hills and is formed of a borgo, castle and plain. It looks like a Hollywood film set ready for a Saracen attack. It was in fact founded right in the middle of the medieval era and was a major protagonist in the history of the free comunes and the struggle between…
The Florence Food Tour Close Up
When Italy Segway Tours said we could try their Florence Food Tour next time we were in the Tuscan capital we jumped at the chance. Below are the essential tasting stops we enjoyed on the tour in the company of Valentina, our guide. We don't want to give away all the secrets and anecdotes of the food tour here, but let's just say that it was a pleasure to be taken to locations we have walked past by many times and never thought of going into. Also meeting and spending time with the people who work there is the real…
Best Tuscan Wines at WineTown 2013
This is the second of 2 articles dedicated to a Delicious Italy visit to WineTown 2013. Read first WineTown 2013 article But back to Tuscany and Chiostro del Museo del Bargello (below) also along Via del Proconsolo. This palace has seen some history to say the least. It was the house of the High Magistrate of Florence from 1260 to 1504, before becoming a prison. From 1865, it has been home to priceless sculptures such as the David di Donatello, Michelangelo's Bacchus and the Narcissus of Cellini. In such quoted company, the wine producers taking up residence here for WineTown…
History of Florence Ice Cream
Ice cream, or rather gelato, is part of the cultural heritage of Italy. The city of Florence celebrates it with a dedicated annual festival (see gallery below) which sees several piazze of the historical centre set up with kiosks where you can taste fabulous ice creams from local gelati makers and others from around Italy and beyond. The itinerary starts in Piazza di Santa Maria Novella. You can't miss it for the huge mobile gelato making bus called 'Il Buontalenti'. It's impossible to resist, but do note how each artisan gelato maker only presents one flavor for the event. This obliges…
Renaissance Football in Florence
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Florence's football or soccer team may play in pink, yet there is another, older game played every year in Florence. The feast of St. John (Giovanni) the Baptist, patron of Florence, is celebrated by the Florentines in a very particular way with a no-holds-barred Renaissance version of soccer. In medieval times, Florence divided the city into four geo-political subdivisions (or quartieri) from which it mustered its militia from the most easily riled populous. On February 17th, 1530, in Santa Croce Square (image below), they devised a tournament (descended from a ball game called Arapasto which was played by Roman legionaries…
Tuscany Alchermes liqueur
Hello, in your article you mention alchermes liqueur. I have tried many times to find that here in the US or some way to order it, but with no luck. Yours is the first article I've seen with a mention of it. I use it in zuppa inglese. I brought some back from Italy years ago, but of course it's all gone. Thanks for your help! M. DePalma. The production of alchermes liqueur in Italy can easily be traced to Florence. It is credited to the Frati di Santa Maria Novella in the 1400's, although note the spelling on the…
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Our articles about Tuscany below.
Tuscany Recipes
• pappardelle pasta • risotto with grapes • fusilli pasta • scampi toast • cod in vernaccia wine • cantucci biscuits • cod in elba sauce • zuccotto • cappellotti pasta • acquacotta • ravioli di ricotta • traditional focaccia • pappa al pomodoro • carnival cenci • castagnaccio • farro with beans • stewed ovoli mushrooms • ribollita • pollo al mattone
Tuscany Food and Wine
• montalcino wines • ovoli mushrooms • fresh cows milk • siena cuisine • lunigiana dishes • lardo di colonnata • chiana valley food traditions • ribollita • montepulciano wine • pecorino cheese from pienza • chianina cow • san miniato truffle festival • focaccia • maremma cuisine • farro of garfagnana • fish and chip festival barga • chianti montespertoli • mugello valley cuisine • dishes of arezzo • upper tiber valley food trail • best pecorino cheese • white wine of san gimignano • alchermes liqueur • florentine steak • olive oil tasting
Tuscany Itineraries
• upper tiber valley • fiesole • alta versilia • monte amiata • elba • pietrasanta • chianti • casciana terme • via francigena • lucca wine route • lunigiana wine route • carmignano medici wine route • montecucco wine • etruscan coast • nobile di montepulciano • maremma wine route • pisa wine road • orcia valley wine route • arezzo wine route • val di cornia • land of the renaissance • apuane alps • monticchiello • etruscan volterra • forte dei marmi • san casciano dei bagni • etruscan chiusi • carrara marble quarries • palio of siena • viareggio carnival • battles for bolgheri • all the tuscan wine routes • etruscan coast • teatro del giglio • arezzo • pisa • piero della francesca • manciano • tuscany cowboys • cortona • val d'elsa • maremma • garfagnana • serchio valley • medici florence • florence ice cream • vasari corridor • medieval florence football • easter in florence • bagnoli a ripoli
Tuscany Handicrafts
• tuscan cigars history • tuscan cigar types • crystal city • IGT contemporary Tuscan art and living
For Florence and Tuscany, check out ...
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Starwood Hotels Florence
The Westin Excelsior Hotel Florence and Restaurant SE·STO on Arno, together with the St. Regis Florence Hotel and Restaurant are both located by the River Arno and the famous Ponte… -
Walks of Italy
Walks of Italy began as a small-group and private walking tour company. Our tours won many accolades, including glowing reviews on TripAdvisor, the New York Times and in Rick Steves’… -
Italy Segway Tours
We have become the largest Segway Tour company in Italy since 2005. Not only do we offer Segway Tours, but we also created the first Cruiser Bike Tours in Italy…