Cooking with nonnas

An authentic Tuscan experience

“To really learn how to cook like a Tuscan, you must cook with a Tuscan nonna”, I said to Susan Van Allen, an American writer, whose interests are focused on Italy and women travels. Susan was born with Italian genes (her maternal grandparents came to the USA from Molise and Potenza). She grew up eating like an Italian - smelling lasagnas and listening to family dramas, which ignited a passion in her that inspired her to travel to Italy in 1976. Since then she has continued to explore the country and write about it in a popular guidebook 100 Places In Italy Every Woman Should Go.


In fact, when travelling around Italy, you do not need to be trained or work out, but just to open your senses wide and breathe: to listen to women chatting and arguing over ‘too-much-less-salt-in-pasta’, sniff the air as it fills with garlic, pepper and olive oil sizzling in the pan, contemplate gestures as simple as throwing a pinch of salt in water, to savour the outcome of such dramatic process… Susan approached me with such enthusiasm asking about a cookery class to arrange for her group of ladies. They were spending a week in the Chianti area in a luxury country resort enjoying visiting Florence and small towns, as well as olive picking during the harvest. There was not much to be unveiled to her around Italy and Tuscany, therefore I cast my card betting on ‘authenticity’ and ‘spontaneity’: cooking with nonnas like Italian do! Read on Wall street International journal

Pietrasanta: the cradle of art

A bohemian borough in northern Tuscany

I sit on a crimson sofa while Sofy is preparing some coffee before we start our interview. Sophie Ricard, in art “Sofy” is a sculptor and a painter now living in Pietrasanta and managing a Bed and breakfast activity, although she prefers referring to it as a GuestHouse,“Maison d’hôtes”, a charming 17th-century building, inviting to beauty and contemplation.

From the large window, I can see roofs and terraces finely decorated with stuccos and marbles and I feel like I am in Paris…when Sofy starts her story. "I sat on a comfy chair sipping a ‘spritz’ and contemplating some terrific art pieces of contemporary artists…the bells of the Duomo toll and the air filled with inebriating scents of time, olive trees and freshly cut grass… I found myself in Pietrasanta, a small medieval town set on hills of northern Tuscany Riviera of Versilia, enjoying the typical Italian relax in piazzetta… After living in Paris and travelling the world, I would not expect myself to feel so at ease in such a small place." Go on reading on Wall Street International

Val d'Orcia, five senses tour

Think the iconic picture of the one-stand cypress tree on top of a green hill stretching itself toward the blue sky, that postcard of Tuscany everybody on this planet can recognize. Think Russel Crowe’s Gladiator, that landscape of wheat gently shaking under the wind, like a field of gold. Think coloured hills and natural scenarios harmonious and placating: they all belong to the most sought after destinations in Tuscany: Val d’Orcia.
There are several reasons for this, not only the Unesco Heritage award in 2004 for its compelling scenery, the true motivation is that Val D’Orcia is heaven for our five senses, no matter what one’s age, sex or status is.

“Val D’Orcia is a region of Tuscany, which extends from the hills south of Siena to Monte Amiata. Its carefully combed rolling hills are occasionally topped by country farms and picturesque towns and villages such as Pienza, rebuilt as an “ideal town” in the 15th century and Montalcino, land of the world famous Brunello di Montalcino, among the most prestigious of Italian wines” I read on this english magazine, while waiting for my train in London. “One latest research assumes that the Val d’Orcia landscape helps recovering from mental stress and strains, thanks to the harmonious beauty of its land, the quite traffic-free atmosphere and the genuineness of its products”. The last paragraph strikes me: I actually do need a stopover before my nerves burn out, I have done nothing than work for the past weeks, months, years.
Read on Wall Street International

Vip watching in Tuscany

 Capalbio, Tuscany

Tuscany is a very fashionable region for travelling and for living. Many famous actors, singers or simply entrepreneurs chose Tuscany as their favourite location to buy a vacation villa, to take up a new activity in wine or hospitality, to meditate and relax.

Among the most popular Sting’s Il Palagio 16th Century Tuscan Villa. Set amongst the Tuscan near Florence, this villa is not only the Sumner family’s holiday home but also operates as a retreat and organic farm producing wine, olive oil, honey.
Richard Gere spent his meditation holidays a the breath taking Tibetan monastery in Pomaia,  a small medieval town surrounded by the green hills near Pisa. He has also launched his first fine label of Brunello di Montalcino buying the San Filippo Estate.

Not to mention Elton John fond of Florentine t-bone steaks, Paris Hilton visiting her friend and fashion designer Roberto Cavalli, Daniel Day Lewis struck by the art of shoe making in Florence and Paul McCartney mad for gelato….

Of course, it will not be easy to bump into celebrities walking around Tuscany or quietly relaxing in their villas…therefore, you might be interested in knowing the top Vip watching sites in Tuscany. Just take a comfy seat at a central cafè, sip your fresh lemonade and wait….

Read on The Travel Advisor

Linen my passion - Stepping into Tuscany old traditions.

‘Amazing stories are just around the corner or laying under linen sheets’, says Nadia sniggering at me while telling the story of her granny, one of secrets in linen embroidery and spun. Linen was commonly used in the past by both low and high class families to produce their bed sheets, towels, night suites, baby diapers, curtains, table clothes. Yes there were differences between the farmer’s dowries and the landowner’s, but skills in embroidering were equally great, and they have passed through generations to our current days.

World famous fashion houses took inspiration from anonymous ladies whose skillful hands helped how to preserve this art and, while every woman in the past century was able to sew and needle as a matter of fact, today we label this technique as hobby. Yet Nadia’s intent is by far more honorable: not only she has started collecting all the tissues directly from her beloved grandmother, she has also continued to save big quantities of abandoned old linen canvases from brides chests to granny’s lofts, collecting a quite impressive number of them.
Continue reading on Wall Street Internation Mag >>>>>>

Expecting a dew of Vinsanto

We haven’t been blessed with a kid. We have tried, of course, but it just didn’t happen. We haven’t let this become an obsession although we get upset sometimes, thinking of that empty room we would never decorate. We have concentrated on our relationship instead and put a massive effort in growing it as our own child: we have been dining out, taking cooking classes together, painting walls, traveling a lot and dedicating any effort in making things cheerful and nice between the two of us.

We have collected some extraordinary wines during our frequent trips worldwide and at one point we have built a cellar in Tuscan style, a small one, where we have nursed a number of Chianti Reserve, some Rentless, a lot of Pinot Noir and some precious bottles of Vinsanto, which we are crazy about and definitely prefer to the extra sweet Limoncello. Tuscany harvest 2003: that is when our love affair with Vinsanto starts. Carry on reading on Wall Street International >>>>>>

Unexpected beauty, unexpected Tuscany Unexpected treasures round any corner.

Stiava is a tiny, typical village which can be reached either by motorway or driving through Via Sarzanese passing from Lucca; this road offers very charming spots, evocative views and threads pilgrims footsteps on the Francigena way that more or less followed its itinerary. This little wonder located in downhill of Versilia, Northern Tuscany, has preserved its authentic taste of small community. There was a time here where each family had their own skills and jobs: one would be the farmer, one would be the baker, there would be a tailor, a plumber and a blacksmith for sure. Things have changed. Old pals complain about the new comers because they do not mix up with the locals. They bear in mind a time in which everybody’s business was your own, when everybody helped each other and trusted other people’s words by simply shacking hands.
Read on Wall Street International

Bocelli Concert in Lajatico 2013 – Picnic on music’s footsteps

I was one of the lucky people who took prompt action after the Bocelli concert in Lajatico  (July 13th) tickets were released and bought a few of them for myself and my clients.

It’s amazing how Bocelli’s fans are planning the event early in time, booking accommodation one year in advance and taking options on tickets and services with travel agencies, so that they can monitor the opening of the ticket office and purchase the best position as soon as they are out. This year, it just took one week to be sold out very quickly…even the premium tickets right in front of the stage, which cost around €2000!

I wish to share some of my planning for the 2013 event, which is falling on Saturday, making things even harder considered that many other locals and tourists will be around for different reasons.

Accommodation

I found the best availability and welcome at Pieve dè Pitti Relais and Bed and Breakfast. Caterina, the charming owner, is a very kind and pleasant person who is making her most to help her guests enjoy her stay. 

Not only Pieve dè Pitti is one of the closest to the concert and to the ticket office in La Sterza (where tickets need to be claimed, if not shipped to your home address), but Caterina is usually providing assistance to transfer her clients to get the free shuttle bus to the concert and, when possible, offering a tasty aperitif before the concert starts.

Dine out or pic-nic?

If you are thinking about having dinner at one of the available restaurants in the area, plan it in advance and arrange for a fixed menu. Restaurants are usually opening their kitchens not earlier that 7pm and the cancert is starting around 9.30. If you have numbered seats, you can take your time and enjoy the meal, though considering lack of parking for late comers. If you have un-numbered seats, then you might have two options, either enjoying a rich pic-nic on the fields around the theatre or some sandwiches right inside it. This year, I’ll go for the first choice!

Castellani Wine, focaccia bread, some salame and ham, cheese with honey and preserves, black olives (fantastic aperitif with red Chianti wine!),  fresh fruits and maybe some slices of homemade pie!

You will have plenty of space to lay your blanket and when the gates will open, you’ll be ready to walk up the entrance and wait for sunset to come behind the stage, before the show starts off! See you there!

Queen Victoria painting holidays on Fiesole hills

I was very honoured to feature among qualified bloggers to join the BTO 2012 educational tour at Villa di Maiano in Fiesole, Florence.  

This villa is just 5 km from the Duomo, which seems unbelievable to reckon, when you reach for the place surrounded by olive trees, woods and a perfectly combed countryside marked off in the distance by Florence skyline. 

Villa di Maiano belonged to the Pazzi-Alessandri families in the Renaissance, but passed to a noble English man, called Sir John Temple Leader, in 1850. He made several changes to the villa, but most of all restored the whole surrounding landascape, which was mainly rocky place of quarries for the Medici family artworks and buildings. He designed the present gardens and woods, which makes the hills of Fiesole such a charming environment these days.

One of the major highlights is the charming “Laghetto delle Colonne” (Pillar's lake), situated at the heart of the hills at the back of the villa, whose name celebrates the quarry which provided the columns for the church of San Lorenzo in Florence. Sir Temple Leader converted the quarry and its working trails into a neo-classical pathway, which was sketched by Queen Victoria while staying at villa. At that time, only queens or noble guests could attempt to visit such charming spots and entertain themselves in artistic hobbies. A memorial in the villa reminds of the event and a copy of the drawing is kept in the private library of Countess Corsini, present owner of the whole estate.

Today the same tour can be held during the day or at night by Jeep 4x4 allowing anybody, not just kings or queens, to get into the wilderness and admire such amenities.

It seems the villa has a subtle connection with the English Royal family, including the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, among its guests. A nice picture with inscription is showing on the mantelpiece of Lord Temple's library. 

The villa in particular still holds the vibe of a XIX century dwelling, including the welcoming Count Miari Fulcis, in his very-English hat and attire. 

The picture is taken in front of room 5, as it is supposed to be in the movie "A room with a view", which was shot here in 1986. "The troupe", said Count Miari Fulcis " put down roots here for around 40 days during which they felt as if at home. They should not go around searching for antiques...what they needed, we provided...like when my mum fetched some old luggages in the loft to be used while shooting one of the scenes..."

The tour of upper floor of the villa is indeed amazing, collecting some very unique memorabilia.

Among these, I cannot miss to tell you how proud I was when I found a picture of some ladies and their kiddies (I found out to be Countess Corsini's aunties) on June 15th, 1897 on the beach in Viareggio! When yet it was the favourite summer spot for the Italian aristocracy...The Palazzo delle Muse in the background is pretty much the same as today...

The villa estate has now embedded a larger borough which is made of holiday apartments, the organic farm, the frantoio (olive mill), a restaurant with stunning view of Florence, the olive groves and a wide portion of cypress trees, colourful forest. 

Apart from being a vacation resort, the farm welcomes student's visits, tasting events and tours, whether the villa is yet a magical location for weddings and ceremonies.

I left Fattoria di Maiano in a Autumn rainy day with the feeling I will go back, sit in a corner of the Pillar's lake and sketch my view, as though Queen Victoria did a while ago...

For more info about the villa, also read on Valetina Dainelli's post: http://www.toomuchtuscany.com/a-room-with-a-view-over-florence/

For the olive mill experience and Laudemio EVOO tasting read on Georgette Jupe's post:

http://girlinflorence.com/2012/12/04/olive-oil-in-tuscany-how-green-gold-is-made/

Useful tips on planning your destination wedding in Tuscany

By Chantal Lachance Gibson, Reflection Photography

Destination weddings are no longer just a dream. However, arranging a destination wedding in the bellissima region of Tuscany can be tricky. When googling for “destination wedding Tuscany” you may yourself overwhelmed by hundreds of offers by vendors and locations, which is the right time for remembering this tips:


Read on Cheapflights travel blog

Wishversila has been recommended by Cheapflights.co.uk. Visit the price comparison site for the best travel deals

Truffle mania started in San Miniato

November brings truffle essence in the air...The most famous truffle fair in Tuscany is settled in San Miniato (Pisa), and takes place in November during all weekends from Friday 9th 2012. The programme is full of events, which include truffle hunting excursions with dogs, tastings and shopping. This precious tuber, better known as Tuber Magnatum Pico, to be distinguished by Tartufo Nero Scorzone and Marzuolo, reaches its maturation between early September and the end of December, when, in fact, truffle hunters can collect them in the woods near San Miniato by law. Their smell becomes stronger and even under meters of ground, dogs can percieve it...The white truffle can be found in a few regions in Italy, among some Alba in Piedmont, but yet not everywhere oaks or beeaches grow, which makes them even more precious and  sought-after. Since Greeks and Romans it was considered as Food for the Gods, which did not put roots or could be sowed. 

If you have not experienced a walk in woods with a truffle hunter and his dog, you shall take the chance to try it. Not just the passion for the natural enviroment and truffles move hunters to pursue the "quest", but also the love for dogs and their ability to instruct them by patience and affection to find their "gold". You never know how long it will take and how many or big they will be...but yet this suspence makes this experience memorable. Hunters are aware that nothing could be fulfilled without their dogs, that is why they reward them with titbits and lots of cuddles.

Here some tips, directly from truffle experts, to avoid truffle mania to make you blind and spend hundreds euros in "potatoes":

• dont' trust people selling truffles out of the Sept-Dec period: some truffle-alike tubers can be found in Morocco, but they do not smell much and are sprayed with truffle essence;
• observe truffles and check: they are not scratched by dogs'feet or full of holes and ground, as this means dropping the price down;

 

• beware of frauds: potatoes are dusted with spelt flour and truffle essence to resemble white truffles.
• a portion of white truffles for a full meal cannot be cheaper than €20-30 per person, therefore keep away from restaurants offering thrifty truffle menus.

The best way to taste truffle is with very simple recipes, such as tagliolini or rice "in bianco" (with butter), eggs, raw carpaccio meat. Truffle must not be cooked!

Last but not least, a proper truffle meal shall require truffles to be grated directly on your plate by yourself or the restaurant dealers.

If you wish to undergo a truffle experience in San Miniato, I will be happy to arrange for your tailor made experience and meet with locals to get the sheer vibe of truffle mania!

Contact: Serena Giovannoni info@wishversilia.it

Foody Montalcino!

First of all, make sure you drop an eye into each shop or restaurant  or even an old pharmacy along the main street in Montalcino and you will find everywhere a view open on the breathtaking panorama of rolling hills surrounding the Via Cassia.

When visiting Montalcino area, most people just have a short walk around the small historical town and its fortress and then head to wineries for precious Brunello tasting. Of course, this is a highlight of the place, nevertheless I was pleasantly introduced by Teresa, our guide, to some renown places and habits in Montalcino that you cannot really miss!

After a while you will be captured by the sweet smell of almonds and sugar of the traditional Sienese cakes and biscuits: ricciarelli, pan pepato, panforte. Fresh baked ones offer incomparable tastes with respect to those industrially produced. A stop at Mariuccia’s pastries is a must!

For greedy palates here is another wonderful treat, which is the king of sweets in Montalcino, i.e. Cioccolatoni dessert, chocolate fudge in different flavors, served chilled. Yummy! 

After enjoying some snacks as aperitif, we had soon to stop for a visit inside the Fiaschetteria Italiana, one of the oldest cafes in Italy.

If you are tired of walking and wish a bit of rest, Teresa suggested us a weird but yet very characteristic place to sit for a while and have a chat with locals: the Butcher’s. In front of big pieces of meat and different recipes from stuffed beef to polpette and the chianina steaks, you will enjoy the rustic atmosphere of the place.

After walking all through the historical centre, reach for the Montalcino fortress and its wine bar where you can still access to ramparts and the sentinel’walk.

At last, after such “stressful” day, toast with Brunello wine at sunset! Cheers!

Bocelli's concert in Lajatico 2012

The most awaited event of the summer, which combines the undisputed talent of Bocelli and his international guest  artists (casting yet to be announced!) with a lovely setting on the Tuscan hills. Two main dates to be marked on you calendar: July 12th for the main event and 11th for the reahearsal. 

The concert will begin right after sunset,  when the hills that surround the Theater of Silence will be painted in dark and the stage light up. Lajatico is a small village near Volterra in the heart of Tuscany, where the Bocelli family owns a farm and produces excellent wines. Before the concert, stop in La Sterza to taste wines from the Bocelli cellars. Entrance will be allowed around one hour before the start. Enjoy panorama of lush green hills of Lajatico by the unique position within the Theatre of Silence and toast with fresh wine and some snacks before the show begins.
There are not many hotels and accommodation in the surroundings which allow one night only reservation. I'd rather chck for a place in nearby villages such as Volterra, but also Latignano, Crespina, Chianni:
Here is a small selection:
Weekly stays: http://www.poggioalcasone.com/
B&B and charme villa  http://www.villamaya.it/
Country B&B http://www.bbpapaveriepapere.it/
B&B http://www.poderelasterza.com/
As for restaurants
La Mangiatoia in Orciatico
Ristoro d'Italia da Nello in Lajatico

We can provide tickets, bookings and excursions on demand, so that you can skip any queue and just enjoy this magnific event!
For more info, also check my previous post on 2010 event.

Yoga and photography in Tuscany

This is a brand new experience to me and I am very excited about working with Vicki and Colomba to this workshop. Colomba has worked extensively as a portrait artist, photograping important figures in contemporary international cultural life and she is practicing yoga as well.At the beginning I thought about yoga as a way to work out, relaxing oneself,  and about photography as the practice of shooting images as an artistic exercise...I have just found out that yoga can be practiced by anyone, at any age, and photography can turn into a creative exercise of self recognition.

Tuscany's landscape can be the link between the two. We'll be staying in a wonderful XVIIth century villa on the hills around Lucca. While staying there and enjoying the charming environment, one will be able to cast the eye of the camera, not simply on art, beauties, people, food...but "dig out" his/her own personal/inner idea of Tuscany.  Restorative yoga classes, self reflection and self study followed by meditation will be the right keys to reach for a "portofolio" to be shared as memory and common representation of the experience. I am curious to see what the outcome of this exercises will be. Bloggers are invited to share info and create awarness on the programme. For further info on the programme, link to: http://www.vickivollmer.com/yogaphoto/index.html

The Spirit of Carnival in Viareggio

Not many people know that the Carnival of Viareggio is the third most famous in the world after Rio de Janeiro and Venice. With the first one it has in common the great participation of people to the spirit of parades and night folkloristic feasts; with the second it shares the artistic refinement of its paper-machè masterpieces which are admired as true works of arts such as the luxurious masquerades in Venice.

To the people of Viareggio, the Carnival is not just a world famous event, but a “mood”, an emotional state which invades everyone hearts and minds from youngs to adults for about one month before Lent. People participate in the Carnival feeling as if “confetti flawed in her/his veins”. Nobody will care if your still have some sparkling gel on your face or a glimpse of hair colour is yet visible on Monday morning…nobody will care if you are a bit tiered-looking after a Carnival party at “Rione Darsena”[1] because he/she was probably there too!

Versilia, Tuscany

Our guest post on Italy: beyond the obvious blog by Madeline Jhawar

Tuscany is known to most people as the land of sunflowers, poppies, olive groves and beautiful historical cities such as Florence, Siena and Pisa. But few know the magic of a small territory with a microcosm of landscapes, from the silent sea that laps silky sands to towering mountains, that were the cradle to Romans. The vast expanse of natural parks and pine forests were once a hunting ground for the Tuscan nobility; the rolling hills were redesigned by men in neat vineyards and olive groves; and the magical waters of Lake Massaciuccoli inspired Giacomo Puccini, and still attract the rarest species of birds to spend the warmer months.

Located in northwest Tuscany, bordering Liguria and the Cinque Terre, Versilia is nestled between the high Apuan Alps (giving it a mild winter climate) and a long sandy stretch of coast.

The Theatre of Silence opens again this year for a one only event on Thursday July 21st

The 2011 edition takes a look special, because the Theatre of Silence and its Honorary President, Master Andrea Bocelli, enthusiastically accepted an invitation from the Ambassador Extraordinary of the Republic of China in Italy to host "Bravo China".

"Bravo China" is a show in which internationally renowned Chinese artists together key actors of the host country, from the world of beautiful singing, dance and pop music, a spectacular event that creates a dialogue and an exchange of high-profile artistic between two countries so far away, the night of the Theatre of Silence will artistically closer.

The nine previous editions have crossed all five continents, from Hollywood to Rio de Janeiro through the Acropolis in Athens and the Kremlin in Moscow.

"Bravo China" will also be a televised event and will be broadcast on major national networks of the two countries.

Confirmed the presence of Maestro Andrea Bocelli is joined with that of the Chinese pianist Lang Lang, an artist of established reputation, who has performed with orchestras all over the world.

The artistic cast of the event is still being finalized, but it is already secure the presence of tenor Dai Yuqiang, the pride of Chinese opera, and the singer Liu Huan, who in 2008, he performed the official theme song of the opening ceremony Olympic Games in Beijing, "You and Me", with British singer Sarah Brightman.

The cast includes the extraordinary participation of the Italian violinist Uto Ughi, of Etoile 's Eleanor Abbagnato Opera Garnier in Paris, and flutist Andrea Griminelli.

Suggestions

How to get there

If you have a car, you can enjoy a nice walk up to the yellow hills, where wheat grass has turned dry after June harvest.

You can also stop to by some food on your way and have a pic nic before the gates open.

NB: there is a quite steep slope to reach for the entrance which might not be suitable for people having heart or walking problems. Ambulances and volunteers are ready to help anybody in need to reach for it and have a preferential entrance.

Vans and Shuttle can park in La Sterza Parking, where the ticket office is and a public shuttle will drive you to the theatre.

Cons

After the concert, have some patience and stay in the line with your car...or get out before the end and avoid the dust cloud raised by cars...

Tickets

The official ticket seller and organizer of the event is Four One: http://www.fourone.it/ and tickets are available since March 29th. Hurry up then! Last year tickets went sold out in one week!

The tickets will go on general sale on 4/4/2011 on WWW.VIVATICKET.IT AND ALSO WWW TICKETONE.IT.

Tickets goes from €69 in green area to €230 in executive.

Tickets shall be claimed at the parking area in La Sterza, then plan to be there in due advance of the beginning. Queues are quite long!

Tickets are not delivered without an ID or passport.

As for accommodation

I strongly recommend:

Poggio al Casone estate in Crespina, if you are spending one week in Tuscany: http://www.poggioalcasone.com/

or very close to Lajatico:

Agriturismo La Mandriola http://www.agriturismolamandriola.com/

On weekly rental again, but for a cheaper rate, I found a cosy apartment in the heart of Lajatico village:

http://www.lajatico.info/AppartamentoCastelloLajatico.htm

you can even walk to the event from here.

Last, I'd suggest the old Mansion of Pieve dè Pitti in La Sterza:

http://www.pievedepitti.it/country-guesthouse/accommodation.html

When you are there, do not forget to taste the Bocelli family wine at his cellar in La Sterza: http://www.albertobocelli.com/

Wishversilia welcomes any request or query to make your sojourn in Tuscany unforgetable!

Enjoy the event!

The most luxurious places in Northern Tuscany: Riviera-Versilia

Versilia Riviera, set on the Northern Tuscany coast, has become a favourite retreat for celebrities and wealthy vacationers. Its reputation dates to the 1960s, when industrialists made wealthy by a booming economy chose Versilia as a place to get away – followed soon thereafter by the Prince and Princess of Piedmont, who eventually chose Viareggio’s beach resorts for their summer sunbathing. Continue reading >>>

A Luxury Travel Blog

Great places to eat and drink in the scenery in Tuscany

A selection of places I know where you can sit and have a wonderful veiw in front of you. Some are cheap, some are expensive, some are just for private clients and not for tourists...Enjoy the tour!

Caffetteria Uffizi Museum Florence

Those who visit the Uffizi Gallery can take a rest in an exceptional setting. Down the hall in front of the entrance, a modern bar and two lounges with stunning views from the windows. But it is the large terrace, open virtually all year round, offering a unique perspective and view the world.

La Loggia del Piazzale Michelangelo Florence

In the lovely spring or autumn weather, and during the summer months, our Panoramic Garden with its wonderful view over the city of Florence becomes the favoured destination of Florentine and of visitors from all over the world.

Opera Primaziale Pisana Pisa

http://www.opapisa.it

Surrounded by the charming setting of Piazza dei Miracoli, the Auditorium dell'Opera del Duomo exudes a unique atmosphere for its art, history and culture. The Leaning Tower, the Cathedral and the whole group of monuments are the backdrop of an elegant and intimate place that can fulfil any congress requirement while offering many opportunities for first-rate entertainment and culture.

Restaurant Piccolo Principe

Roof top of the Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte in Viareggio www.ristoranteilpiccoloprincipe.com

The Piccolo Principe has a fantastic breathtaking view that sweeps from the Tyrrhenian Sea to the Apuan Alps. During the summer, to create an even more unique experience, you can dine poolside on the roof garden terrace.

Osteria La Porta Monticchiello di Pienza, Siena

http://www.osterialaporta.it/

The tavern is located in proximity of the entrance door of Monticchiello, a nice medieval village near Pienza. With its few places (it is better to reserve), it proposes an elegant room, furnished with taste in typical tuscan style, it is comfortable and familiar. The courtesy and the professionality of the owner, Daria, young and passionate sommelier, are an optimal guide in the choice of the plates and the wines. During the beautiful season it is possible to eat in the terrace, enjoying a wonderful sight on Pienza, the Val d'Orcia and the Amiata.

Hotel degli Orafi Florence
http://www.hoteldegliorafi.it/

From the wonderful terrace of the American Bar on the top floor, you will have a unique view over the river Arno, Palazzo Vecchio, Brunelleschi’s magnificent Dome and the splendid hills which surround Florence. This is where you can enjoy your Welcome Drink, if you are an hotel guest, with relaxing background music and – why not? – where you can taste typical local and Italian dishes accompanied by a glass of excellent Chianti Classico.






Restaurant Le Terrazze San Gimignano, Siena
Really distinctive, where it's possible to taste the most delicate Tuscan kitchen in an exceptional surrounding. Two ample rooms, one dating back to the XIVth century, from which it's possible to enjoy one of the more beautifuls landscapes from Tuscany, dominating the Val d'Elsa, from Monteriggioni up to Siena.

Ristorante Le Tre Terrazze Monteggiori, Camaiore (LU)

A Monteggiori, one of the most charming villages in the Versilian territory, characterized by the ancient fortifications of medieval origin, timeless place, just minutes away from Pietrasanta, a warm family run restaurant where traditions and tastes of Tuscan cuisine reign.

Locanda Le Volte Casale Marittimo, Pisa

The restaurant is divided into two floors, the inferior one has got a big terrace with an enchanting sight of the sweet hills of Tuscany Maremma.

The specialities of the kitchen are based on a typical game and products of the zone: Croutons with fegatini and Tuscany raw ham, Pappardelle to wild boar or hare sauce, Stewed wild boar, Capriolo in salmì and many more fish foods.

Ristorante Caffetteria San Colombano Lucca - http://www.caffetteriasancolombano.it

The Ristorante Caffetteria San Colombano was built inside the ancient homonymous rampart on the urban walls of Lucca, by restoring the existent structure of the tower and creating functional spaces without interfering with the pre-existing walls. It produces a special atmosphere, a mixture of sensations generated by the co-existence of new and old, with a view on Lucca city centre from its ramparts.