Guide to Tuscany and Florence

Guide to Tuscany and Florence (125)

Wine Town 2013 Florence

 

Our recommendations if you are planning a vacation or visit to Florence, Siena, Lucca, Pisa and the rest of Tuscany

  • Il Colognolo Restaurant, Rufina
    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....
  • Wine Tasting near Florence in Chianti Rufina
    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, Chianti Rufina Wine Estate
    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, Florence
    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 Siena, Italian Language School
    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...
  • Art and Cooking, Siena
    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 ...
  • Wine Tours from Siena
    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...
  • Ristorante SE•STO on Arno, Florence
    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...
  • Florence Cooking School, La Pentola delle Meraviglie
    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, Florence
    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 St. Regis Florence Hotel
    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...
  • Grape and Herbal Infusions Courses Tuscany
    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...
  • Tuscany Cooking Lessons in Montepulciano
    '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...
  • Fattoria di Palazzo Vecchio, Montepulciano
    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 ...
  • Italy Segway Tours, Florence
    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...
  • Tuscany Cooking Courses in Cortona
    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, Cortona
    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...
  • Fattoria di Palazzo Vecchio Restaurant, Montepulciano
    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 ...
  • Walks of Italy, Florence & Pisa Tours
    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 Weddings and Events, Weddings in Italy
    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...
  • Florence Food Tour
    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...
  • Walks of Italy, Tuscany & Siena Tours
    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...
  • Borgo Giusto Lifestyle Hotel near Lucca
    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 ...
  • Hotel La Gioconda, Florence
    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 Hotel, Florence
    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.

  • Formaggio di Fossa Cheese

    Published in Tuscany Recipes
    With a taste as complex as the best reserve wine, this underground cheese from the zone of Talamello along the Valmarecchia before province of Pesaro Urbino and now of Rimini. It is characterized by a deep gold color having been matured underground in carved out holes or pits. The holes once acted as refrigerators before the advent of electricity. They would trap the cool air.
    Last modified on 15 March 2011

Stewed ovoli mushrooms

Published in Tuscany Recipes
Tuscany boasts over 180 types of mushroom. Even then, this traditional dish is a little bit special.
Last modified on 25 February 2011

Ovoli mushrooms

Published in Tuscany Food
'Amanita caesarea', the so called ovolo mushroom, has been appreciated since Roman times, hence its Latin name and the English ‘Caesar's Amanita’.
Last modified on 24 February 2011

Elba Food Festivals

Published in Tuscany Food
October is still a good time for a short break on the island of Elba off the Tuscan or Etruscan coast. Especially if you are looking for food events and seasonal harvests.
Last modified on 24 February 2011

Drink fresh Tuscan cow milk

Published in Tuscany Food
Now here's a great idea. Offer fresh and daily milked cow's milk directly to the consumer from a refrigerated dispenser near a hypermarket in Tuscany.
Last modified on 24 February 2011

Pisan truffle markets

Published in Tuscany Food
San Miniato isn't the only place where white truffles can be experienced in the province of Pisa. Balconevisi organizes a lesser known market where you can buy from the actual truffle gatherers.
Last modified on 24 February 2011

Fish and Chip Festival of Barga

Published in Tuscany Food
There are some Italian food journalists and food sagra organisers who believe such events as a Fish and Chip Festival should be banned due to a lack of 'typicalness'.
Last modified on 23 February 2011