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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 (125)
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
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- Cooking Holidays
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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... -
Ristorante Etichetta is the restaurant 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 relaunched to match the impeccable standards. Diners can choose from both... -
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.
Guide to Cortona
Cortona is an incredibly ancient town and was even enclosed by stone walls by the Etruscans as early as 800 BC. Their tombs still dot the hillsides and don't understimate their cultural influence even today. Of course, Tuscany should actually read 'Etruscany'. To get to grips with the history first stop by two museums: the Accademia Etrusca and the Museo Diocesano. The former is home to the incredible 'Etruscan Chandelier' dating from the IV century BC. It was found in 1840 in the Cortona countryside and is a bronze oil lamp made featuring 16 finely decorated burners. The historic centre…
Chiana Valley History and Food Traditions
The Chiana Vallwy of Valdichiana stretches from the province of Arezzo in the north through the province of Siena and into Umbria as far as Lake Trasimeno. It is the most extensive valley of all the Appenine range and is a 500 sq.km cultivated 'garden' whose appearence today is thanks to constant human intervention over thousands of years. Hannibal stocked his whole army with grain here in the 3rd century BC and they were still draining the marshes during Napoleon's time. As well as the more well known Cortona, and Montepulciano, the towns not to miss are Cetona, Castiglion Fiorentino and Lucignano.…
Rare Breed Chianina cow
The now (just about) archived mad cow scare across Europe had the effect of increasing the amount of labelling on all Italian meat products - 'Genuine Sicilian', 'Hand-reared Lazio' etc. In a strange way 'mucca pazza' has been good for typical regional products. There are many ancient breeds still surviving across Italy and each has strong regional identities. Those of central Italy have been grouped under the name 'Vitellone Bianco dell'Appennino Centrale' or 'White Veal of the Central Apennines'. The EU have even labelled them IGP, a protected status mark or 'Indicazione Geografica Protetta'. Just seek out the above logo.
A Medici Itinerary in Florence
This itinerary through the heart of the religious and political heart of Medici Florence has been suggested by Hotel La Gioconda. the route From Panzani Street turn right, along Cerretani Street, as far as San Giovanni Square. The Baptistery is the most ancient building of the square; it was dedicated to San Giovanni, the Florentine patron saint. Going straight on you will arrive in Cathedral Square. Stop to admire Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral. The large dome, planned by Brunelleschi, ends with a lantern, that Vernocchio finished with a ball surmounted by a cross. The Bell Tower was begun by Giotto…
Lardo di Colonnata
Lardo di Colonnata originates from the tiny hamlet of Colonnata in Tuscany situated at 500m above sea level and around 8 km from Carrara on the coast. The town is at the heart of the famous marble quarries near the Ligurian border and the local lardo kept the workers fed and nourished. Yet, what was once a rough and ready lunch is now a sought after delicacy and one of Italy's typical product success stories. So much so that it seems Lardo di Colonnata is produced across Italy to keep up with demand, but the real thing can be identified by…
Carrara Marble Quarries
A visit to the marble quarries of Carrara is perhaps like none other in Italy. Delicious Italy was invited on a private tour to check out the zone as part of a day which also included a couple of hours on a fishing boat with lunch from the port of Massa. Unfortunately, due to rough weather, the boat trip was cancelled giving us the opportunity of experiencing the whole territory from the narrow road leaving the town of Carrara all the way to a cloud level view of the whole zone towards Massa.
Choose Your Region
Click on icons for Accommodation, Restaurants and Tours in Tuscany region
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 Etichetta are both located by the River Arno and the famous… -
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…