tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27701104838935264122024-03-05T22:58:37.922-08:00New Tuscan Experience Blog...a unique way to visit TuscanyNewTuscanExperiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17371358318007746267noreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770110483893526412.post-65042440837225682072017-12-05T06:23:00.000-08:002017-12-05T09:56:45.278-08:00The Best Time to Visit Tuscany: can even be the off season!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaL_LoAMqudoljUq6Xyp8Lk3JGGmG59BltoUCDfLgLTDJQy0DjRZQVOXRusn8XM87S2w2Dc56vNIiNbjoFKbmN8dO0biq6LD_jO_yihZixds25w6xHI1ia34nzoIrOshBipSWPRqFFnU4/s1600/pink+sky+over+vineyards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaL_LoAMqudoljUq6Xyp8Lk3JGGmG59BltoUCDfLgLTDJQy0DjRZQVOXRusn8XM87S2w2Dc56vNIiNbjoFKbmN8dO0biq6LD_jO_yihZixds25w6xHI1ia34nzoIrOshBipSWPRqFFnU4/s640/pink+sky+over+vineyards.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1">Clients often ask me, <i>When is the best time to visit Tuscany? </i>An easy answer, supported by all the travel statistics, would be from May through September - which is definitely when most people come. However, this could also be the first good reason NOT to visit during that time.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1">If you are looking to discover a more authentic Tuscany, one way is to consider planning your trip from October through early April, when you’ll get the chance to f</span><span class="s2">eel the real pulse of life here. During this time, things resume their <i>winter normalcy</i> and the locals actually outnumber the visitors - even in tourist meccas like Florence. </span><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">The art and architecture are exactly the same, but the attractions and m</span><span class="s1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 15.8px;">useums will be much emptier, and in some periods (like November and February) you’ll be able to visit the most famous masterpieces </span><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">in relative solitude! The i</span><span class="s1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 15.8px;">conic small hill towns, like San Gimignano, will also have a completely different vibe without the crowds.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the winter, you'll have Florence's museums (almost) all to yourselves!</td></tr>
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<span class="s1">I won’t deny that the climate is better in the Spring and Summer – but even then, you can get rain or an unpleasant heat wave which might present a real challenge, especially if you came to sightsee and travel around the region. Fortunately, Autumn and Winter can offer sunshine, and these seasons are relatively mild in Tuscany, where there is rarely a real problem with snow. Although it's true that during the past few years we have seen some, it is still generally considered an exceptional event in most areas – especially compared to places where snow is an integral part of Winter. Here it’s more like an occasional decorative feature which lasts a day or two and makes everything look even prettier.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo: Auro Giotti</td></tr>
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<span class="s1">Tuscany also has the characteristic of being very green, even during the Winter. Many of its trees, like the ever famous cypresses and olive trees, are evergreens – so whether you see them in July or in January, it makes no real difference. It's also worth noting that there are various types of landscapes throughout the region, many of which change dramatically even during the same season. In late summer, areas like the Val d’Orcia, which were bursting with green in May, are predominantly grey and beige - while they can actually become green again in the winter thanks to certain crops. The gently rolling hills south of Siena, called the Crete Senesi, have an almost lunar look so that the winter the landscape pretty much looks the same.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Of course, one of the major attractions in Tuscany is the great wine and food. And I’d consider this the biggest plus for the colder months – since both Tuscany's full-bodied wines and its hearty cuisine were really born for the cooler climate. As much as I love my red wine, I’m always hard pressed to drink Brunello or Chianti when it's 34°C (93°F) outside! </span>The Fall and Winter also bring an abundance of festivals and seasonal products like olives, porcini mushrooms, chestnuts, and wild game – the staples of the Tuscan cuisine. Being here in season means you’ll eat them at their best, fresh and not frozen. So for serious foodies, the period from October to April holds a real advantage.</div>
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<span class="s1">All of this without having even mentioned that “low season” implies lower prices, especially for airfare and accommodations, making the off-season even more attractive. While not all countryside accommodations are open year-round, the major cities offer a full array of options - and day trips to the popular hill towns and rural locations can be easily arranged.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
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Contact us to find out more about travel to Tuscany - no matter when you’d like to visit!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><br />
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NewTuscanExperiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17371358318007746267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770110483893526412.post-82118876019053787392017-11-16T06:56:00.000-08:002017-11-16T01:42:00.101-08:00Castagnaccio: Tuscany's traditional chestnut cake recipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of Tuscany’s autumn specialties is <i>Castagnaccio</i>, a chestnut flour cake (castagna in Italian means chestnut). The traditional version has no sugar and no yeast - so if you see a recipe with either of these ingredients, it might be very good, but it’s not authentic. The cake’s delicate sweetness comes from the chestnut flour itself and from adding raisins. Other essentials are pine nuts, (sometimes walnuts) and rosemary. As with all the seasonal dishes in Tuscany, they are only made when the ingredients are available fresh. So castagnaccio can be found from October until early December - during the chestnut harvest when the flour is milled (since it does not keep very well).</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It’s like the schiacciata con l’uva - the flat bread made with the wine grapes during harvest. After the fresh grapes are gone that’s the end of the season and you must wait until the following September. But luckily, you can move right on to castagnaccio! </span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here is the simple recipe for Castagnaccio:</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ingredients (for 8 people): </span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">250g (½ lb.) chestnut flour</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2-3 cups of water (500-700ml) - the exact amount will be determined by the consistency of the batter.</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">75g (⅓ cup) of raisins</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">50g (¼ cup) pine nuts</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(optional) 5 walnuts peeled and coarsely ground </span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 tsp extra virgin olive oil</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">20-30 needles of fresh rosemary</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Put the raisins in some water to soak (for about 10 minutes). Remove and lightly squeeze out excess water and pat dry, then set aside. </span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sift the chestnut flour into a bowl. </span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Slowly add water to flour while mixing with a whisk. Batter should be soft enough to fall from the spoon, but not too liquid. </span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Add the olive oil, pine nuts, walnuts, raisins and combine well. </span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Oil a pan large enough so that the poured batter is 1cm thick (approx. 7 inch diameter).</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pour in the batter and sprinkle the rosemary needles on top.</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 30-40 minutes. </span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The castagnaccio is not ready until cracks appear on the surface.</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Remove from oven, let it cool and enjoy - either on its own, or with a teaspoon of ricotta cheese. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Stored in plastic wrap, it will last about 4 days.</span></div>
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NewTuscanExperiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17371358318007746267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770110483893526412.post-24166100327323236292017-08-03T08:29:00.000-07:002017-08-03T06:55:04.919-07:00Summer in Italy - and the ins and outs of air conditioning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">During this summer's incredibly long and record-setting heatwave, one of the <i>hot</i> topics of conversation is air conditioning. Many people assume that there is a lack of air conditioners in Italy due to the high cost of electricity and the expense of the units themselves, and while both are accurate, they are probably not the only (or main) reasons. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdGNQh8B_9K9xSrppigiKN5choJMdJb7Ln59srQkvpqYii49To1aqFUvJshTOWYLUM1ejUIZG75x4f03rHpxQYq4bzQ3l4m1iJOfkKyLmQ4FZohcs1XketbGdZ27MDe3Pgo8wbpd9fX-s/s1600/vecchie+con+il+caldo+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdGNQh8B_9K9xSrppigiKN5choJMdJb7Ln59srQkvpqYii49To1aqFUvJshTOWYLUM1ejUIZG75x4f03rHpxQYq4bzQ3l4m1iJOfkKyLmQ4FZohcs1XketbGdZ27MDe3Pgo8wbpd9fX-s/s320/vecchie+con+il+caldo+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The truth is that Italians have a love/hate relationship with this technological means of overcoming high temperatures. While they can recognize the benefits of not having to swelter in their homes and offices, for many it is still considered "dangerous and unnatural", likely to cause a series of maladies, ranging from the common cold (often referred to as a <i>frescata</i>) - a direct result of getting "hit by air" (the famous <i>colpo d’aria</i>), to headaches and stiff necks (the dreaded <i>torcicollo </i>also called <i>colpo della strega -</i> which literally translated means hit by the witch!) Italians </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">spend a lot of time talking about air conditioning and how bad it can be for you. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They even wear scarves in the dead of summer to protect themselves from it. After all, the list of risks associated with air conditioning is a long one - which helps to explain why so many people avoid using it (even when they have an air conditioner!) </span><br />
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I remember buying my first car in Italy (about 20 years ago) and asking the salesman to include air conditioning as an optional; he literally laughed in my face, remarking that if a utility car had air conditioning it wouldn’t have enough power left to move! Luckily, he has been proven wrong over time and today just about every car produced has A/C, no matter how compact or budget it is. Now whether an Italian car owner will turn it on is another story; just look around as you drive to see how many open windows there are so the car's occupants can enjoy the refreshing 40°C (104°F) breeze! It's no wonder that driving in Italy during the summer is even more challenging, since half the people sitting behind the wheel have heat stroke...</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As an American I have known/had air conditioning for my whole life. My father, a "hot blooded" European immigrant to the US, was a living example of someone who had quickly learned to love this luxury available in his new homeland and we had central air conditioning in our house starting back in the ‘70s. I can’t remember ever having a car without A/C either (until I moved to Italy!) Today, at least 90% of Americans have A/C in their homes - while in Italy it is about 30% (fortunately, I am one of them). The funny thing is it took me a few years to convince my Italian husband that it was worth the investment - but today it is his favorite “americanata” that I introduced into our lives. (I would also definitely include the clothes dryer on that list - another good blog topic for the winter season!) </span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Living here I have heard (and experienced) all the gripes we expats have about the A/C situation and my conclusion is that when it is too hot, it’s just plain too hot and something needs to be done! An Italian friend once said, "Air conditioning only hurts those who don’t have it!" I prefer to claim that if used properly (without excess) it can only be an asset. While there is no reason to make your living quarters a refrigerator - no one will convince me that it is healthy to sit in a room that is more than 30°C (86°F)! </span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In defense of the Italians, who do voice their observations/criticisms about the way foreigners (ab)use this commodity, I will admit that when I return to the U.S. I often find that there is an excessive use of air conditioning. Why should people need to wear a sweater in August to enter a supermarket, mall or office building? Even at home, is it logical to sleep with a comforter in the middle of the summer? I once asked someone in a large chain store why they kept it so ridiculously cold and was told that the A/C was regulated by their headquarters in Boston - pretty insane considering we were in New York! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="s1">As usual, what’s needed </span>(but often lacking in our society) is some common sense. If you use moderation, you can probably make most people happy. Technology has come a long way in improving the machinery that produces cold air - so as long as we pay attention to how we set our thermostats, and position our vents correctly, we should be able to overcome our cultural differences, and </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">avoid being hit by that treacherous air, so we can </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">live together happily (and comfortably!)</span></div>
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NewTuscanExperiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17371358318007746267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770110483893526412.post-69000961169780685792017-04-03T09:35:00.000-07:002017-04-03T02:43:33.720-07:0010 Great Things to Do in Florence with Kids<st1:city style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><span lang="EN-US">Florence</span></st1:place></st1:city><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> is known throughout the world for its museums, and no visit to the
Renaissance capital would be complete without a tour of the Uffizi and
Accademia galleries. For adults, the choices of where to see fabulous art and learn about history
are many. However, most people don’t know that <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Florence</st1:place></st1:city> also offers its younger visitors a
great array of cultural enrichment, which is geared specifically to
them, making it fun. This is good news for families travelling
with their kids. Coming to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Florence</st1:place></st1:city>
can be a wonderful experience for everyone, and if you include some of the
following museums and activities in your itinerary, your children will surely
appreciate it.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3QGJNbitwNMJwK1WH-TTwu53RVKHPlp2aqN_C1tgPmedSmEm2A80EhZcg3HRyfXlLyC3s71YpK_T0RngRvUskmWVOgIycwsy30C3xLc6lFqvuk_wP845fH8KjOnhDrIVHER13Pzq7l0/s1600/museo+dei+ragazzi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3QGJNbitwNMJwK1WH-TTwu53RVKHPlp2aqN_C1tgPmedSmEm2A80EhZcg3HRyfXlLyC3s71YpK_T0RngRvUskmWVOgIycwsy30C3xLc6lFqvuk_wP845fH8KjOnhDrIVHER13Pzq7l0/s640/museo+dei+ragazzi.jpg" width="640" /></a><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. Museo dei Ragazzi<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxPEA_bZdkg9W1NHvWm7Xd4DC5SWvTnmOVPv8jy6E-n739QGlxTb-h-EiLr2sWui7oaKsaxYMiScqjGTS5llBT0ZOE-hziaRxsmSzkMazkEsLy9uwd-UgO3r6Xv18zLeO_NZlJD6fQLtc/s1600/Salone500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxPEA_bZdkg9W1NHvWm7Xd4DC5SWvTnmOVPv8jy6E-n739QGlxTb-h-EiLr2sWui7oaKsaxYMiScqjGTS5llBT0ZOE-hziaRxsmSzkMazkEsLy9uwd-UgO3r6Xv18zLeO_NZlJD6fQLtc/s320/Salone500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK3-tbz0aG2-HmaDszNCPqhh6WKiPXopSF0pPFEb5QRHIk1WEtOzBx5IvqsH2232LP-xBVRSRmQtIWIgyyyEhjVdxq55PltpiSYDbgRzNMbfQAzNpNrZQ6pZtBgHHCdbXvrqapq1JSS9c/s1600/DSC03140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK3-tbz0aG2-HmaDszNCPqhh6WKiPXopSF0pPFEb5QRHIk1WEtOzBx5IvqsH2232LP-xBVRSRmQtIWIgyyyEhjVdxq55PltpiSYDbgRzNMbfQAzNpNrZQ6pZtBgHHCdbXvrqapq1JSS9c/s320/DSC03140.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The name says it all: The Children’s
Museum. This is a fantastic way to show your kids <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Florence</st1:place></st1:city>. In the magnificent Palazzo Vecchio
(in Piazza della Signoria) there is a
world to be discovered by the whole family. Tour the Palace with a guide in
period costume who impersonates a historical figure and tells you (and your
children) the fascinating secrets of its history while showing you the art,
rooms and hidden chambers of the Palazzo.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Walk high above the Great Hall through the
trusses that support the roof of the beautiful Sala del Cinquecento and admire
the impressive gilt coffering of its ceiling. This is truly a memorable
experience for all. </span>Then enter the cellars of the Palace to
discover the remains of the ancient Roman theater that lies beneath the
building’s foundations.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">There are also possibilities for hands-on
activities that include an introduction to Renaissance painting and other
special workshops organized throughout the year. </span>Reservations are required.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2. Museo di Storia Naturale
“<st1:personname productid="La Specola" w:st="on">La Specola</st1:personname>”</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The <st1:placetype w:st="on">Museum</st1:placetype>
of <st1:placename w:st="on">Natural History</st1:placename> is located near the
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Pitti</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Palace</st1:placetype></st1:place>. It is the oldest scientific
museum in <st1:place w:st="on">Europe</st1:place>, dating back to the time of the Medici family. The museum is famous not only for its zoological collection but
especially for the realistic wax anatomical models developed in the 17<sup>th</sup>
century for teaching medicine. On display are also fossils, scientific and
medical instruments, precious stones, and more.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>3. Il Museo Galileo</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This museum, located near the Ponte
Vecchio, is dedicated to the great genius Galileo Galilei. Recently completely
renovated, it has received international acclaim and prestigious awards for its
contribution to promoting the sciences. Besides the many objects on display,
there are new and exciting multimedia exhibits and interactive installations.
The extraordinary architectural beauty of the museum enhances the experience.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>4. The Duomo and Giotto’s <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Bell</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Tower</st1:placetype></st1:place></b></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on"><br /></st1:placetype></st1:place></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Something that is a
must with kids is to visit the Duomo (<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Florence</st1:city></st1:place>’s
cathedral) and climb up to the top of the dome. The experience of the climb
brings to life the enormity of the structure and even children can understand
the scope of this architectural achievement. Once you reach the top you can
view the church from above and then go outside to the terrace to enjoy the most
amazing aerial views of the city. As your kids will agree, it’s just plain
cool! Visiting Giotto’s <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Bell</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Tower</st1:placetype></st1:place> is another good
idea. The 414 step climb to the top offers great close up views of the
Cathedral’s dome as well as of the city. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>5. The <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Stibbert</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Museum</st1:placetype></st1:place></b></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on"><br /></st1:placetype></st1:place></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This museum, formerly a private villa
(which in itself is worth the visit), has a vast collection of art and artifacts
from around the world. It houses the
most extensive collection of arms and armor in <st1:place w:st="on">Europe</st1:place>,
representing both the west and the orient. The impressive cavalcade room is
filled with knights on model horses and soldiers wearing armor. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Also worth mention are the costume gallery
and the collections of tapestries, porcelains, antique furniture and paintings
that decorate the mansion.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>6. A Guided City Tour</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Don’t underestimate the benefits of taking </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">a guided tour of the city. When you have children in tow this is even more useful, because a good guide knows how to involve the kids, telling them stories and pointing out interesting things that will entertain them and rouse their curiosity. It's a way for the whole family to have an enriching experience together. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPrC9KHCQrpu_D6AFn4NFKphYcwOxPx7L1z4NuoesobChhJCh2XM5qJigapNOBGioJLSZcPj56ttJTX9sFCE59mZ4FdxWX89vOCpZdUuDKF5W-LkQcUCnw7Z6nEfifO6CGqiKcUYh4MqY/s1600/archaeological-museum-florence1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPrC9KHCQrpu_D6AFn4NFKphYcwOxPx7L1z4NuoesobChhJCh2XM5qJigapNOBGioJLSZcPj56ttJTX9sFCE59mZ4FdxWX89vOCpZdUuDKF5W-LkQcUCnw7Z6nEfifO6CGqiKcUYh4MqY/s320/archaeological-museum-florence1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Archeological Museum of Florence houses a vast collection of Etruscan, Roman and Greek artifacts. There is an Egyptian gallery, with the second largest collection in </span><st1:place style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" w:st="on">Italy</st1:place><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> of over 14,000 artifacts – including mummies, sarcophagi, tombs and architectural ruins.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUhi1FvJXu8WQJEqCdBt1Zy3BY_CaWhCrstPflAJKNsFMZ80pLfbAGyx5bgXlB-B9Gj13MK1n2pDI_wx-8CCNQbiJn3nFM4wwdVzDgBVoda0Xhwm6JiVJ0u6audHtDlGVJf27nzJzosUU/s1600/Museo+Davanzati.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUhi1FvJXu8WQJEqCdBt1Zy3BY_CaWhCrstPflAJKNsFMZ80pLfbAGyx5bgXlB-B9Gj13MK1n2pDI_wx-8CCNQbiJn3nFM4wwdVzDgBVoda0Xhwm6JiVJ0u6audHtDlGVJf27nzJzosUU/s320/Museo+Davanzati.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUhi1FvJXu8WQJEqCdBt1Zy3BY_CaWhCrstPflAJKNsFMZ80pLfbAGyx5bgXlB-B9Gj13MK1n2pDI_wx-8CCNQbiJn3nFM4wwdVzDgBVoda0Xhwm6JiVJ0u6audHtDlGVJf27nzJzosUU/s1600/Museo+Davanzati.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">8. </span>Museo Davanzati</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Also worth mentioning is a visit to Museo Davanzati “The Antique Florentine Home” – which spurs the imagination by providing an interesting journey into the past where you can see (even if only in part) the home of a wealthy Florentine family from the early Renaissance. Seeing how people lived over 500 years ago is interesting for everyone, and helps to bring history to life.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNFpO5xDWywzLyqMGaLKZHWcGhckaAxm8UAsJl7GLpG0KIIcZmzI5PHDM9u2Rk5RwxqX70TQ_8Hr_N-KNLYfG1peip_1L-EGe4aq13aaeU1OI-C3s0vcLHPboQZOTpyaJSPnHRdZnQW2M/s1600/Giardini+di+Boboli.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNFpO5xDWywzLyqMGaLKZHWcGhckaAxm8UAsJl7GLpG0KIIcZmzI5PHDM9u2Rk5RwxqX70TQ_8Hr_N-KNLYfG1peip_1L-EGe4aq13aaeU1OI-C3s0vcLHPboQZOTpyaJSPnHRdZnQW2M/s320/Giardini+di+Boboli.jpg" width="320" /></a><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">9. Visit the City’s Gardens and Parks:</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The famous <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Boboli</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Gardens</st1:placetype></st1:place>
offer plenty of space for kids to run and play – there are also grottos, hedge
mazes, statues and ponds. Everyone can enjoy the beauty of the park and its
impressive views of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Florence</st1:place></st1:city>.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Near the city center, The <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Cascine</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Park</st1:placetype></st1:place>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><st1:personname productid="La Bottega" w:st="on">10. Museo dell'Opera del Duomo</st1:personname></b></span><o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is last on the list only because it's the newest addition to Florence's fabulous array of museums. Kids and adults will both find it fascinating - for its magnificent collection of art and its outstanding contemporary architecture. From the great hall which houses a life-size replica of the medieval facade of the cathedral, as well as Ghiberti's original bronze doors from the baptistery, to an incredible collection of sculptures and artifacts, the scope of this museum is impressive. The "Gallery of the Cupola" (featuring models of Brunelleschi's dome) and the wonderful view of the real dome from the upper terrace, are only a few reasons this has become an attraction not to missed. The museum ticket also includes entrance to the Baptistery, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Crypt of Santa Reparata beneath the Duomo, and the climb to the top of the dome - and it's valid for 48 hours from the first entrance. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After your stay in Florence, don't be afraid to leave the city to explore the Tuscan countryside; there is definitely no shortage of things to do with the whole family! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Read our other posts about:</span><br />
<a href="http://newtuscanexperience.blogspot.it/2012/11/travel-to-tuscany-with-kids.html"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Traveling to Tuscany with Kids</span></a><br />
<a href="http://newtuscanexperience.blogspot.it/2016/06/traveling-to-tuscany-with-kids-part-2.html"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Traveling to Tuscany with Kids - part 2</span></a><br />
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NewTuscanExperiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17371358318007746267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770110483893526412.post-46041794033336369582017-04-02T13:53:00.000-07:002017-04-02T08:23:10.097-07:00Girls' Getaway in Tuscany<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilIvLVvRRIuhIpuxhwEqUFWS60I_FHv-d-f0TDsnvPRMg6WjpabT8zdxbDKbIoxvJ5qx1ez0KsdCBNI4yGnXaZmKSFwLPcAZGJMR8xQEiAXwKxagt_wzsqg_OnLDfTtFLJrV0eNRWDkSE/s1600/Girls%2527+Getaway+bordered.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilIvLVvRRIuhIpuxhwEqUFWS60I_FHv-d-f0TDsnvPRMg6WjpabT8zdxbDKbIoxvJ5qx1ez0KsdCBNI4yGnXaZmKSFwLPcAZGJMR8xQEiAXwKxagt_wzsqg_OnLDfTtFLJrV0eNRWDkSE/s640/Girls%2527+Getaway+bordered.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>More and
more, independent ladies are travelling together to discover a wide
array of destinations - and Tuscany is definitely one of them! </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Throughout their lifetimes, women frequently find
themselves looking to their girlfriends for companionship and camaraderie. All of us can recall
a fun all-girls’ vacation that probably wouldn’t have been the same had it
been co-ed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For some, continuing to travel with their girlfriends is routine. For
others it has become a fond memory. However, for most women, going on a trip with only their girlfriends remains an elixir! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1OPxVIqEkKITVXIIqn2F6jILFTupXWfDMSk_crA06jfjLEG-ekI1Xmq5tk5b-qZKl_Qf2fSoYgo1mNxsTeaht-cFDxSrKbUnPnSxw0CnExWVLYqwesyUyLGgb5nRt16OByusxMzItsK8/s1600/The+girls+take+the+town.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1OPxVIqEkKITVXIIqn2F6jILFTupXWfDMSk_crA06jfjLEG-ekI1Xmq5tk5b-qZKl_Qf2fSoYgo1mNxsTeaht-cFDxSrKbUnPnSxw0CnExWVLYqwesyUyLGgb5nRt16OByusxMzItsK8/s640/The+girls+take+the+town.jpg" width="640" /></a><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>No matter
what your age, a girls’ getaway is a gift you should give yourselves.</b> </span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Whether
you choose your mom, sisters and daughters; a group of college pals; childhood best friends; or the ladies who share your life as an adult, it’s an experience that you will surely enjoy and
remember. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When choosing a destination, remember that <b><st1:state w:st="on">Tuscany</st1:state> offers endless possibilities for a women-only vacation! </b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJCAnUfZVm0LIpn4s989pXqvUlxZ-jTPmeFNTxPE9oahzPig060dqY6omxxCJpJmCzE-M8YI50goExRJox0Fp7JxcqX_nx79RAOG_8YVi40sEoZbGr7bH6Yuo_Z1s-vmD4hneqyLybFs/s1600/GR5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJCAnUfZVm0LIpn4s989pXqvUlxZ-jTPmeFNTxPE9oahzPig060dqY6omxxCJpJmCzE-M8YI50goExRJox0Fp7JxcqX_nx79RAOG_8YVi40sEoZbGr7bH6Yuo_Z1s-vmD4hneqyLybFs/s640/GR5.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>What better
way to bond than to have a beautiful villa all to yourselves? </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Common areas and
atmosphere abound to put you in the right spirit. Take in the views of the
countryside and indulge in the luxury features these residences offer, like a
panoramic swimming pool, beautiful furnishings and fittings, spacious and
elegant rooms, private chefs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It’s very easy to feel like
a princess.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvll6yldrPMa3aFZUi98UBFrqN9SJlGV8gMxdPTHn8cHJ1DvWWGx7NNmHHpF3tmGVBNXUkmuX-WSqJiwjkcaq5kn8StQPaA8S1N_lJcmEnBRzFztlYY31eqww5PCgblSTbOgi3FZgtvM/s1600/GR9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvll6yldrPMa3aFZUi98UBFrqN9SJlGV8gMxdPTHn8cHJ1DvWWGx7NNmHHpF3tmGVBNXUkmuX-WSqJiwjkcaq5kn8StQPaA8S1N_lJcmEnBRzFztlYY31eqww5PCgblSTbOgi3FZgtvM/s640/GR9.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivtNor1HNQSpEeTm3PhHWNKrjuv1bK-lHUz_SNWUet9_7CqSZ79sXdlP6uSD7DxrzA8pQXpxQaqyC_HNbCpxDxWfl7S4GmWT6JNMMh0cdF9tBbEsN8-HwbnuKZ_p4z51y7cE7ifamXLKQ/s1600/Il+Sole+del+Chianti+111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivtNor1HNQSpEeTm3PhHWNKrjuv1bK-lHUz_SNWUet9_7CqSZ79sXdlP6uSD7DxrzA8pQXpxQaqyC_HNbCpxDxWfl7S4GmWT6JNMMh0cdF9tBbEsN8-HwbnuKZ_p4z51y7cE7ifamXLKQ/s640/Il+Sole+del+Chianti+111.jpg" width="640" /></a><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When it comes to activities, the sky is the limit:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Shop ‘til you drop</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Spend the day(s) at a thermal hot springs spa</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Take a cooking class </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Go wine tasting at some of Italy's best wineries</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Visit the incredible cities of art with a private guide</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dine at the world’s finest restaurants - or have a private chef come cook for you!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and the list goes on and on...</span></li>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you like sports: go biking, hiking, horseback riding (or skiing in the winter). </span><br />
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you like art – how about taking a course? There's ceramics, photography, painting, Italian language... </span><br />
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And by the way, Tuscany also has beautiful islands and beaches! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: center;">So the hardest part is actually deciding what to select from all the available choices.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: center;">That's where we can help! We have been creating personalized vacations for small groups for years, and we love designing girls' getaways! All you have to do is contact us to start planning your trip! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Remember, the kind of fun you can have with your girlfriends remains special and unique at any stage in your life. Don’t miss out on the experience to see the wonders of <st1:state w:st="on">Tuscany</st1:state> with your favorite ladies! </b></span></div>
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<br />NewTuscanExperiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17371358318007746267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770110483893526412.post-65513132240130377572016-08-21T08:33:00.000-07:002016-08-22T00:49:46.444-07:00Italians say, “No, thanks!” to more tourists<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While everyone knows how important tourism is for Italy, the steadily growing number of visitors in some of Italy’s most beautiful locations is actually causing serious problems (and plenty of protests from residents). As crowds increase (and people’s behavior worsens), locals are losing patience with mass tourism, which many feel is ruining their cities. Although Italians are quite aware that tourism is the country’s leading service industry, and for many people it pays the bills, they are also concerned that if the trend of exponential growth continues, it will become unsustainable. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Places like the Cinque Terre, which have become one of the iconic seaside locations on travelers’ bucket lists, receive up to 2.5 million visitors each year. That is an overwhelming number for a place with only 5,000 residents and a geographically restricted surface area - these 5 small towns occupy 43 square kilometres (17 square miles) which are perched on terraced mountain slopes that plunge into the Mediterranean Sea. The result is that the crowds create a human traffic jam, clogging the villages, trains, ferries and even the natural hiking paths.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Venice is no better off, with about 20 million visitors a year and 270,000 residents. Florence definitely feels the crunch as well, with its 350,000 inhabitants hosting approximately 16 million tourists annually. Recent episodes of vandalism and indecent behavior by tourists has added to the discontent. As the crowds increase, it seems that the sophistication of tourists declines. </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">From swimming in the Grand Canal, to urinating in the courtyard of Palazzo Vecchio, m</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">anifestations of sheer ignorance and disrespect have become all too commonplace, and cases of disorderly conduct, drunkenness and defacing public property (including historical monuments) are on the rise. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Florence's Piazza dei Giudici becomes a beach... (photo: La Nazione)</td></tr>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">How local authorities should handle the situation is not so clear. Some officials have talked about increasing tourist taxes and entrance fees (as well as charging them where up to now it has been free), limiting numbers for access to monuments, etc. While these measures might have some influence, they don’t promise to solve the problem of numbers, especially in those places where tour buses, and even worse, cruise ships, deposit their hordes of “day-tripping” visitors. As Vittorio Alessandro, president of the Cinque Terre National Park, so aptly put it: dealing with cruise ship crowds is like "organising a party at your house with no idea of how many people are going to turn up… Sustainable tourism is something that benefits the area, the host and the visitor. But a tourism that is so quick and frantic leaves nothing to the territory." </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is also a huge problem in Venice, where there is the additional danger of the damage these huge ships can (and do) cause to the delicate canal structure. Exasperated locals are voicing their discontent more and more, increasing the risk of episodes of intolerance by more extremist groups. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Unfortunately, efforts to curb the number of cruise ships admitted to the popular destinations continue to fail because local governments seem unable to resist the financial draw of these lucrative vessels. As they greedily fill their coffers, they continue to blindly ignore the critical situation that is building on the shore.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The more astute members of the tourism industry know that it’s better to focus on the quality of the visitors, rather than the quantity. This is not to be interpreted as an elitist attitude, since all socio-economic categories can represent high-quality tourism. The point is to focus on promoting culture, and drawing more respectful visitors. People who visit one of Italy’s monuments with the sole purpose of taking a selfie or, even worse, leaving their signature on one of the artworks to prove they were there, are not the kind of tourists any country needs. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The devastation made to Bernini's Fountain in Rome by Dutch hooligans.</td></tr>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While it might seem to be a contradiction, large numbers of visitors don’t always mean big profits for local merchants. In fact, one of the negative aspects of mass tourism is that it actually harms businesses. Here in Italy they have coined a term for it: “turismo mordi e fuggi” (literally, <i>bite and run tourism</i>) - while in English it is popularly known as “carbon footprint” tourism. In general, tourists are staying fewer days and spending less and less during their visits - both in terms of shopping and services. Cruise ship visitors are even more likely to “take without giving” - as they don’t seek meals or accommodations, and most of the services they use do not benefit local providers. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKu_sbS_qDFnawpqIk2vwgrSfNGx1bpHGmWgYNU8Jeq0z4h-R8Qyx9qkdA7Wiv3TDH9TDaH95ZU_f13zOwi0nl-wkJVAm-deb7cPfPwLS7GpbWbnPgoDRU-cG5dUkCOntZXJpQtoMlyk/s1600/stand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKu_sbS_qDFnawpqIk2vwgrSfNGx1bpHGmWgYNU8Jeq0z4h-R8Qyx9qkdA7Wiv3TDH9TDaH95ZU_f13zOwi0nl-wkJVAm-deb7cPfPwLS7GpbWbnPgoDRU-cG5dUkCOntZXJpQtoMlyk/s640/stand.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Traveling on a shoestring is on the rise, so merchants have had to invent strategies to combat the new <i>low cost</i> phenomenon. There is an inflation of panini venues, selling cheap, quick alternatives to a sit down lunch, and shops or stands filled with trivial gadgets (NOT Made in Italy and often counterfeit) which have cropped up like mushrooms.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Everyday there are fewer places where you can find good quality, reasonably priced authentic Italian products. Only the high-end designer goods (for which Italy in particular is famous) are holding out - but they have become totally out of reach for the middle-class customer.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The result is a decline in quality travel for everyone; the tourist and the host. This is why it is important to address and promote the idea of sustainable tourism, where the focus of travel is to come away with something more meaningful than a digital photo and another stamp on your passport. </span></span></div>
NewTuscanExperiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17371358318007746267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770110483893526412.post-13325053608063200762016-06-24T01:57:00.000-07:002017-03-08T14:45:53.353-08:0010 Travel Tips for Italy<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While we normally concentrate on creating itineraries and finding accommodations for our clients, there are often practical questions that arise during the planning stages which can be crucial to a successful trip. We thought it would be helpful to provide some essential information and answers to the most common queries we receive.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Important things to know before you travel to Italy:</span></b></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. Documents</span></b></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you are entering Italy <b>from outside the EU you will need a passport</b>, but make sure it is <b>valid for at least 6 months from your date of departure</b> from the Schengen area. This is a new requirement, implemented in 2016, overriding the previous 3 months’ validity rule. They will turn you away at the airport of origin if this requisite is not met. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Your passport must have at least 2 blank pages for the entry and exit stamps.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You <b>do not</b> need a visa if staying in Italy for less than 90 days.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bring a photocopy of your passport to carry with you while sightseeing, so you can leave the original in a safe at the hotel.</span></span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you are planning on renting a car, you will need an <b>International Driver's Permit - it is the law in Italy. </b> US citizens can get theirs at the AAA before leaving home. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMovKcGb9qAeXWk4Pv_2JiZGRKbjYlbbtD-gorFZzH6MixEe926Wmx5NnniAiEVxxdB0DtSNSHPVvDOKFamFmd2YpZkF4Ix7FqzJ1UHqp5pzXmWhyI_x-IiFc66cSbk982A5RgO7AU-HU/s1600/euro+and+cc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMovKcGb9qAeXWk4Pv_2JiZGRKbjYlbbtD-gorFZzH6MixEe926Wmx5NnniAiEVxxdB0DtSNSHPVvDOKFamFmd2YpZkF4Ix7FqzJ1UHqp5pzXmWhyI_x-IiFc66cSbk982A5RgO7AU-HU/s320/euro+and+cc.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You cannot enter or exit Italy with more than Euro 10,000 (or its equivalent) in cash.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All Italian cities and most towns have ATM machines with international circuits that allow foreigners to withdraw cash. However, you should <b>check with your bank before you travel about using your ATM debit card or credit card abroad. </b>Find out which method is the most convenient for your transactions, as there are normally fees and daily limits regarding the amount of cash you can withdraw. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>For US citizens, before you depart be sure to inform your credit card company that you will be traveling abroad.</b> Due to fraud prevention, US credit card companies often deny purchase authorization when the holder tries to use a credit card abroad if they have not advised the company beforehand that they will be outside the US. This inconvenience is becoming more commonplace, creating unnecessary stress and aggravation for unaware travelers. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While Italy still uses more cash than the US and other European countries, it is possible to pay with a major credit card in most restaurants, shops, gas stations, etc. The preferred credit cards are Visa and Mastercard (it is harder to find merchants who accept American Express). In smaller towns and for inexpensive purchases there might still be some difficulty paying by credit card. When you pay with a credit card, specify you’d prefer to pay in Euros, since the dynamic conversion to US dollars at the time of purchase has an additional cost. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is advisable to leave home with some Euros in cash (just in case) and always have some on you while traveling. You can get Euros while in Italy from ATMs, banks and also currency exchange kiosks located in the (tourist) cities - but check carefully to see what fees apply and their exchange rates.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The voltage in Europe is 220V. Electronic devices (laptop computers, ipads, etc.) and cellular phone chargers can handle 110-220V, so you do not need a converter, you will only need to have a plug adapter with the round prongs used in Italian wall sockets. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4. Tipping in Italy</span></b></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While it is correct to say that tipping is not necessary in Italy, this doesn’t mean that most Italians won’t be pleased to receive a gratuity. <b>Tipping in Italy is still considered a gesture of gratitude and satisfaction, not an obligation. </b>While the service providers do appreciate a tip, they don’t expect one. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Something you are likely to discover during your stay is that in Italy it is actually customary for many proprietors to offer their customers a complimentary drink either before or after the meal (a Prosecco, Grappa or Limoncello, etc.) as a sign of their gratitude for your patronage. Also, don’t be surprised, or annoyed, that you will almost certainly have to ask for the check, since in most cases they won’t just bring it to you at the end of your meal. It’s not poor service, but rather a sign of respect, as it is considered rude to rush guests to leave.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Since the subject of gratuities is not all that straightforward, and many of our American clients are often concerned about how they should address the matter, we have put together a whole post on the topic. If you’d like to find out more, feel free to read some <b><a href="http://newtuscanexperience.blogspot.it/2016/06/tipping-in-italy.html">general guidelines here.</a></b></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5. Dress codes</span></b></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Everyone knows that Italy is considered one of the most stylish countries in the world. While this doesn’t mean you have to be stylish too, there are a few places where not knowing how to dress might be a problem. One of them (which most tourists will visit) is a church. To avoid being denied entry, it is best to observe the following rules: no shorts, bare shoulders, mini-skirts or any attire that leaves too little to the imagination. If it is summer, and you have a sleeveless top, carry a scarf in your bag that can become a quick shawl to cover up for the visit. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In general, Italians dress casual. However, this doesn’t mean sloppy. So when it comes to dining out, unless you are going to a very high-end restaurant, you don’t need to wear formal attire, but do remember that casual dress can be (and in Italy it usually is) elegant. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6. Dinner/Lunch time </span></b></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you are one of those people who eats dinner before 7:00pm, make sure you plan on an afternoon snack to tide you over while in Italy! Most restaurants don’t begin dinner service before 7:30pm (and in the south of Italy this is probably still too early). The places that do offer early dinner are almost all tourist traps, since they will be the only people looking to eat before 8:00pm. So rather than being forced to eat a sub-par meal, choose to enjoy an authentic treat in the late afternoon (even a generous gelato can fit the bill) and hold out so you can eat well, with the Italians.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Also, in most cases restaurants have set hours for lunch - the norm is 12:30-2:30pm - so don’t expect to find too many places that have continuous kitchen hours. In the larger cities, this has become less of an issue since there are so many other options for dining. However, in small towns (especially those not full of tourists) they will still follow this schedule, and close between 3:30 and 7:30pm. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you are looking to get a taxi in the city, don’t plan on hailing it down! They won’t stop for you, since in Italy they are <i>radio taxis</i>, which means they are dispatched from a call center, except for those at the taxi stand of a train station or airport. If you are not comfortable making the call yourself, you can ask the hotel, restaurant, or shop to help you out. The service is normally quite punctual, with cabs arriving within minutes of the call.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">8. Cell phones and Wi-Fi</span></b></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Using your phone while in Italy can be easy, but you need to decide how to go about it. Most accommodations will provide free Wi-Fi, which means you can access internet and free calling services (like FaceTime, WhatsApp and Viber). However, if you don’t set up a plan for international service with your own phone company at home you need to be careful about data roaming and calls, as they will certainly cost you a fortune. If you own your mobile phone you can also opt to unlock it and purchase a SIM card in Italy which will allow you to make local calls and use 4G at a convenient price. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">9. Safety</span></b></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Most of Italy is quite safe, even the big cities. However, if you are not a city dweller, you should keep in mind that being aware of your surroundings and not trusting just anyone is a good rule of thumb. Like in all cities throughout the world, tourists are often the target of petty crime. They are easy prey, since most are distracted by the sights or trying to navigate unknown streets. So, keep an eye on your belongings at all times (leave valuables in the hotel safe when possible and avoid keeping all your cash, credit cards and documents together). Be vigilant and don’t talk to gypsies or anyone trying to sell you things or solicit something. A good way to avoid getting hassled is to show confidence by acting sure of yourself, that way you’ll look less like an inexperienced tourist and more like a seasoned traveler. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After having worried about all of the above and cross-checked all your lists, take a deep breath and RELAX. The best is yet to come, so make sure you arrive ready to enjoy yourself. Here are a few final suggestions:</span></div>
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<li class="li3"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="s2"></span><span class="s1"><b>Don’t over-schedule</b> - remember, you are in Italy, the land of the <i>Dolce Vita</i>, where taking it slow is an art. Leave yourself time to wander and <i>get lost </i>intentionally, without having every minute of your day mapped out. Improvise and allow a few unexpected experiences to surprise you. </span></span></li>
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<li class="li3"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="s2"></span><span class="s1"><b>Immerse yourself in the local culture </b>- take advantage of opportunities to meet and interact with Italians, they are generally very warm and welcoming people. Don’t look for the familiar comforts of home, try new things and embrace the differences you will find in a foreign land, even those that might annoy you, so you can experience something unique and authentic. There will surely be things you’ll love about Italy, but you will most probably find a few shortcomings as well. Don’t let the little things get on your nerves and try to accept them together with the good. Going with the flow will make everything more pleasant. </span></span></li>
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<li class="li3"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="s2"></span><span class="s1"><b>Remember that Italy is a modern country</b> - so don’t panic if you forgot to bring something, chances are you’ll be able to find it in Italy too. It’s probably even a good thing to pack light, since you’ll surely be tempted to shop during your stay! </span></span></li>
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NewTuscanExperiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17371358318007746267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770110483893526412.post-6671824434683092992016-06-15T08:23:00.000-07:002016-11-19T11:18:57.797-08:00Traveling to Tuscany with Kids: part 2<div class="p1">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Every parent’s nightmare when they are on vacation is to hear a whining voice say, “I am bored! When can we leave?!!” The idea of having to cater to your kids on a European vacation might be enough to stop you in your tracks, long before booking your trip. But the good news is that you don’t have to pass up a fantastic trip to Italy just because you’ll have your kids with you! </span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We work with a lot of families, so that means lots of kids, too! That’s why we know how important it is to create itineraries that can keep the younger generation engaged. For adults, Tuscany is a sort of Disneyland: beautiful scenery, great food, extraordinary wine, art, history, etc… But if you are traveling with your children it might put a damper on your enjoyment - unless they have fun too! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="s1">Our first recommendation for families is to </span><span class="s2"><a href="http://www.newtuscanexperience.com/Luxury_villas_Tuscany_accomodations.htm">rent a villa</a></span><span class="s1">, since this is the best way to have loads of extra space for the kids (indoors and out) without having to compromise on the beauty and luxury of your accommodation. Next, you need to plan an itinerary that is FUN. That’s why we have a slew of family activities which will keep the kids busy and happy, but will also be interesting for the parents. In fact, some might already be on the adults’ bucket list! </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here are a few suggestions we know work well (because we arrange them for our clients and have seen plenty of happy kids enjoy them!):</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Take a Fresco Making Class</b> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Florence is full of churches and monuments whose walls and ceilings are decorated with stunning frescos. After seeing some of the impressive originals fist hand, you will go to an artisan’s workshop to learn how frescos are made and try your hand at producing your own using the same technique as the Renaissance masters. This is an activity for all ages, where families can work together to create their personalized souvenir to take back home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Kids love to get their hands “dirty” - which means kneading dough is right up their ally! You’d be amazed at how much children enjoy cooking classes. Whether they are making pizza and foccaccia, homemade tagliatelle pasta or a tiramisù, you’ll see smiling faces as they do their best to prepare some of Italy’s signature dishes. With the right teacher, and the appropriate setting, a day in the kitchen can turn out to be one of the most memorable experiences of a family vacation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In Tuscany, most farms are actually vineyards or olive estates. But there are some that also have animals. Besides the typical barn animals like sheep, goats, pigs and chickens you will also be able to see some of the local breeds: Chianina cattle (white cows!), wild boar and</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cinta Senese pigs, to name a few. You can visit the farm, taste the wine and enjoy an organic,</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">home-grown, traditional Tuscan lunch in a beautiful setting - so it’s another fun day for the whole family!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Children love playing this game, so why not do it in the historical center of the Renaissance capital?! The whole family can participate (and if you are a large group, you can split up into 2 teams to make it more of a challenge). It’s a great way to learn some history, explore the city and have fun with the kids. You will be given a list of clues to help you locate and identify some of the secret treasures in Florence. See who can find the most before your time expires!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Just about all adult visitors want to go to at least one winery while they are in Tuscany. But if you are traveling with younger children you might think that it’s not such a great idea. Well, here is where being in Tuscany really lends a hand. Don’t visit just any winery, choose a castle! Kids will find an ancient castle wine cellar fascinating, especially since it’s the real thing (not an amusement park replica). Then, during the wine tasting that follows the cellar tour, the under-age crowd can run around in the gardens while you sit and sip your Chianti! Once again, everyone’s happy! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Whether it’s visiting a museum, a city or a hill town, don’t underestimate the benefits of taking a guided tour. When you have children in tow this is even more useful, because a good guide knows how to involve the kids, telling them stories and pointing out interesting things that will entertain them and rouse their curiosity. It’s a wonderful way for the whole family to have an enriching experience together. </span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you still need a few more ideas, you can refer to our previous posts on the topic: <a href="http://newtuscanexperience.blogspot.it/2012/11/travel-to-tuscany-with-kids.html">Traveling to Tuscany with Kids</a> and <a href="http://newtuscanexperience.blogspot.it/2012/09/10-great-things-to-do-in-florence-with.html">10 Great Things to Do in Florence with Kids.</a></span></span></div>
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NewTuscanExperiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17371358318007746267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770110483893526412.post-16134257168560847522016-06-08T08:55:00.002-07:002016-06-08T08:55:58.523-07:00Tipping in Italy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A very frequent question we are asked is, “What are the guidelines for tipping in Italy?” It’s a particularly confusing topic for Americans, who are accustomed to leaving a tip for a wide variety of services but have also heard that in Italy it doesn’t quite work the same way. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While over time the presence of North American tourists has made receiving gratuities more common, the reality of the matter is that <b>tipping in Italy is still considered a gesture of gratitude and satisfaction, not an obligation. </b>While the service providers do appreciate a tip, they don’t expect one, as the majority of Italians do not tip. The small percentage that does will only do so if they are particularly pleased with the service provided - and they will normally never leave more than 10%. In general, the most common practice is really just rounding up - for example in a restaurant if the bill is Euro 76, they’d leave 80.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another curiosity you are likely to discover when dining out in Italy is that it’s actually customary for many proprietors to offer their customers a complimentary drink either before or after the meal (a Prosecco or Grappa, Limoncello, etc.) as a sign of their gratitude for your patronage. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are a few things worth mentioning to assist you in understanding how and who to tip if you would like to do so. First of all, it is important to mention that in an Italian restaurant, servers receive a salary and do not depend on tips for their wages. Another important thing to know is that if you are paying by credit card you will not find the possibility to add on the tip. This is because <b>the restaurant does not give gratuities to the staff from credit card payments. The only way to make sure the server gets the tip is to leave it in cash. </b></span></span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you examine the bill from the restaurant you will see that there is something called a “coperto” - basically a seating cover charge. This is considered the cost for your bread and the table setting. The amount can vary depending on the level of the restaurant, but it is usually between 2 and 4 Euros per person. In most cases this is applicable even if you sit down for a cup of coffee. If you do not want to pay it, have your espresso standing at the counter (like most Italians). </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes you will find a service charge, called “servizio” - which should always be specified on the menu. Normally it is about 10-12% and is more common for larger groups (8+ guests). This is the same as a tip - so don’t add anything else. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unfortunately, some restaurants in popular tourist cities have adopted the bad habit of encouraging foreigners to leave a tip by asking if “you need change” or returning with lots of small change after you have paid the bill (to make you feel like you should leave them some of it). In Italy this is actually considered very rude (and they’d never dare try it on an Italian customer!) So, in that case, take your change - all of it - and leave. This compares to when the waiters stand on the street and solicit customers (a clear sign that it’s not where you want to eat!)</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For tour guides and private drivers (especially those who accompany you on full day excursions), if you are happy with their service, they do appreciate the gesture. A tip of about 10% is appropriate. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Taxi fares are usually rounded off to avoid any small coins - so for Euro 9.50, paying 10 Euro is easiest. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hopefully you’ll find these guidelines helpful. But it’s important to remember that the most positive thing about tipping in Italy is that you don’t have to feel obliged to do so. There is no stress involved. In fact, Italians are often overwhelmed by the tipping culture in the US. To them it seems alien, almost like a service charge on everything, which creates anxiety as you try to figure out how much you “owe” and constantly worry about having your change handy at all times. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Instead, tipping in Italy is like most of the things that make up the local culture: it’s more laid back, and considered a spontaneous gesture when you feel you have been given the kind of service you hoped for. This way, both parties have a greater sense of satisfaction. </span></span></div>
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NewTuscanExperiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17371358318007746267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770110483893526412.post-26009082391570338212016-01-08T06:57:00.000-08:002016-06-10T05:53:45.401-07:00Villa Vacations in Tuscany<div class="p1">
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Why should you consider a villa vacation in Tuscany? Obviously we think there are TONS of reasons! If you are tempted, but not sure it’s the right solution for you, read on. You’ll probably be surprised by the number of options you have.</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Perhaps not everyone knows that villas come in all sizes, configurations and price ranges. This means you don’t have to travel with a huge group nor do you have to be rich to enjoy this type of accommodation. While renting a large independent house is the perfect solution for a big family or group of friends, a couple can have the same experience of staying at a villa while only renting an apartment for two. This is because many large estates partition their houses to create smaller units, usually ranging from 1-3 bedrooms. Guests share the swimming pool and grounds while enjoying a private terrace or garden area and an independent entrance to their apartment.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_AYcMrb5vk0tusvkYkNa3USUxQ6XwulEEA0sNyLRSOS8jtPams5T0vZLQI7LoGmp7FAg19Nr1ZXiBWLTsOGgyFO9YGsUHV6no6kKz1CXKObar-JUTzgfWj7uoSCwJr6vLcMvBXLVHRo/s1600/gallery_057+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_AYcMrb5vk0tusvkYkNa3USUxQ6XwulEEA0sNyLRSOS8jtPams5T0vZLQI7LoGmp7FAg19Nr1ZXiBWLTsOGgyFO9YGsUHV6no6kKz1CXKObar-JUTzgfWj7uoSCwJr6vLcMvBXLVHRo/s640/gallery_057+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A stunning property with several 1-3 bedroom apartments</td></tr>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Another concern might be self-catering and housekeeping. For some a vacation means being pampered and not having to attend to daily chores. Well, no worries, a villa vacation can include staffed services so you can have all the help you need. Many offer basic daily housekeeping included in the rental price, but all of them can arrange for it if requested. Meal services can be a local’s home cooking or a chef’s innovative cuisine - once again, you decide. If you are concerned about being too isolated or alone on the property, there are many houses with on-site caretakers - this means a discreet presence in a separate dwelling on the estate 24/7 in case you need something. </span><br />
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<span class="s1"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8vxkk9exI0pO01OG_sfWrxHp7eao1T0_tAY_NVMihbqArDghNVL9OW8Cl09uL-nATdnFyv1RBnkoL1bC8IvRx_Jh-5OipLTeZucvkAFiJ9YhIifFckw-c7AZwZldXDuDOYGVYLX_tZVo/s1600/%25239+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8vxkk9exI0pO01OG_sfWrxHp7eao1T0_tAY_NVMihbqArDghNVL9OW8Cl09uL-nATdnFyv1RBnkoL1bC8IvRx_Jh-5OipLTeZucvkAFiJ9YhIifFckw-c7AZwZldXDuDOYGVYLX_tZVo/s640/%25239+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What about driving in a foreign country? If you are staying at a villa and don’t want to drive, how do you do it? We have the solution for you. Our drivers are experts and can take you wherever you need to go. You’ll find them at the airport waiting for you and they will drop you off there when your vacation is over. Everything in between can be arranged, from excursions to food shopping runs.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianYiYrebFdtNqUG_2FVb-zdMPV9-guK4oIAY4m_Q7asSwafjdazwqLAbveG30t4InLilBLxUAvWTDENmxbPwI6_QaPL_uw-iJatySphQpZ9qZoj3VyeBZmpe73YZ7uAMEmBKyVdOuOoI/s1600/val+d%2527orcia+winding+road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianYiYrebFdtNqUG_2FVb-zdMPV9-guK4oIAY4m_Q7asSwafjdazwqLAbveG30t4InLilBLxUAvWTDENmxbPwI6_QaPL_uw-iJatySphQpZ9qZoj3VyeBZmpe73YZ7uAMEmBKyVdOuOoI/s400/val+d%2527orcia+winding+road.jpg" width="220" /></a><span class="s1" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Is a villa convenient if you want to see the cities or specific sites? Certainly! There are villas throughout the region. Some are more remote and others are more centrally located - even in the hills around Florence (technically still considered part of the city!) So how do you decide on location? When you are not familiar with an area, knowing where to base yourself is not easy. Having an expert guide you erases this dilemma. When we work with our clients, we help them select the perfect house for their needs. By having us assist you with your itinerary, we understand what would be the best location for your accommodation. </span><br />
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What about price? Many people associate a villa rental with luxury. While this can definitely be the case, if that’s what you are seeking, it is by no means the rule. There are many options available that can be considered budget friendly selections. While we only work with properties of a high standard, this does not mean that they are all expensive. Often the quality/cost ratio is excellent (and more convenient than a hotel of the same category - especially if you consider how much more space you have). </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeyn5yNh_C9-ysZlye7DM0x7IydPrCWiD1caJMjxzBWxOTBfQ8o5MpFnQdcHsVuSHs2NnkVlY5LMNsYGCjLl5bhtN15EPRlsMeC7ZVMiDsjtXHfH5qZMyQsDemIIMs2a54TpyC6M-tSkA/s1600/%25233+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeyn5yNh_C9-ysZlye7DM0x7IydPrCWiD1caJMjxzBWxOTBfQ8o5MpFnQdcHsVuSHs2NnkVlY5LMNsYGCjLl5bhtN15EPRlsMeC7ZVMiDsjtXHfH5qZMyQsDemIIMs2a54TpyC6M-tSkA/s640/%25233+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Finally, the question arises: why should I use an intermediary if I can book directly? While finding a villa yourself might seem more economical, this is not always the case. First you need to consider the hours you will spend searching for the right property. If your time is valuable, here is your first “cost” of doing it alone. When we work with our clients, we speak to them first to understand what they have in mind in order to show them the most appropriate villas. Normally they only need to view a handful of selected properties before finding a house they love. </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2770110483893526412" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEyBPpn2DAC-A-eP33cxcLdSjMgKp3kRNEaSai5Y4kEnHU8f24uAUlv3dId9EnoCXIAMVXhOcOBKk0qXOukECL_BfilXunBaCTO_ieF5Q2RTvIaKopQLjL-uCUJ_FMB6nqjOnTv7SdTJQ/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEyBPpn2DAC-A-eP33cxcLdSjMgKp3kRNEaSai5Y4kEnHU8f24uAUlv3dId9EnoCXIAMVXhOcOBKk0qXOukECL_BfilXunBaCTO_ieF5Q2RTvIaKopQLjL-uCUJ_FMB6nqjOnTv7SdTJQ/s640/10.jpg" width="640" /></a><span class="s1"></span><br />
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Selecting a place you have never seen, except in photos, is daunting. If you go it alone, unless you have someone who can personally recommend a house, you will have to take the plunge and see what happens when you get here. Having us help you means getting firsthand feedback and answers to your questions from someone who knows the property. We are based here in Tuscany, which means we will be here when you arrive - not in some agency office far away. This also means we take extra care in making sure we pair the client with the right house.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjP7PssT_RLErwRZcJwRwA6cQ_hZkonm7AwML0Y6-CQ4Nu-iRi50PU7rnVLLHSNgWdpmJ6lWUdzqmeNvo9zdNgvq3gKeo81vk9nigFxXkJF7pZ_EcBk4XACkxM7Qo7mrIQhhSaLxqtPe8/s1600/%252317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjP7PssT_RLErwRZcJwRwA6cQ_hZkonm7AwML0Y6-CQ4Nu-iRi50PU7rnVLLHSNgWdpmJ6lWUdzqmeNvo9zdNgvq3gKeo81vk9nigFxXkJF7pZ_EcBk4XACkxM7Qo7mrIQhhSaLxqtPe8/s400/%252317.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span class="s1" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Most villas, like hotels, work with agencies. This means that there are fixed prices no matter who you book through. Although we never do, some agencies might mark up even higher but a villa can’t undercut the agencies that feature their house, so you won’t save by booking directly with the owners. Also, the service we provide goes beyond just helping you to rent a villa. We will assist you in arranging your itinerary and any of the services you require. We are available for you during the planning stages and while you are here on vacation. This is the personal touch that makes us unique. Happily, positive feedback and a high number of returning clients confirm that we do our job well. </span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hopefully, we have managed to convince you that staying at a villa in Tuscany is a great choice! Please feel free to visit our <a href="http://www.newtuscanexperience.com/index.htm">website</a> and <a href="http://www.newtuscanexperience.com/gallery.asp">view some of our properties.</a></span></div>
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NewTuscanExperiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17371358318007746267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770110483893526412.post-47031582058591860592015-10-14T02:25:00.000-07:002015-10-14T02:40:11.208-07:00Movies filmed in Italy - to help you get a dose of the Bel Paese! <div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have been to Italy and are feeling nostalgic, or if you dream of going some day, a good way to get a dose of the Bel Paese is to watch a movie that was filmed on location. Considering the country’s scenic beauty, art, history and stunning architecture, it’s no small wonder there are so many to choose from. While not all are masterpieces, plenty are worth watching. </span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Suspense/</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Action/Adventure</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">:</span></b><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Talented Mr. Ripley <span style="font-weight: normal;">(Anthony Minghella) 1999 - starring Jude Law and Matt Damon - filmed in Naples, Rome, Amalfi Coast and Venice</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Angels and Demons</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"> (Ron Howard) 2009 - filmed in Rome </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Tourist</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"> (Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck) 2010 - starring Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp - filmed in Venice</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hannibal</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"> (Ridley Scott) 2000 - filmed in Florence</span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Gladiator </b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">(Ridley Scott) 2000 - filmed in Val d’Orcia and Siena (Tuscany)</span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">007 Quantum of Solace</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-weight: normal;">(Marc Forster) 2008 - filmed in Siena, Carrara, Italian Alps and Lake Garda</span></span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The American</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-weight: normal;">(Anton Corbikn) 2010- starring George Clooney - filmed in Abruzzo</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Tea with Mussolini </b>(Franco Zeffirelli) - starring Cher, Maggie Smith, Judy Dench - filmed in Florence</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Midsummer Night’s Dream</b> (Michael Hoffman) - filmed in Pienza and Siena</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Much Ado About Nothing</b> (Kenneth Branaugh) 1993 - filmed in Chianti (Tuscany)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>When in Rome</b> (Mark Steven Johnson) - 2010 - filmed in Rome</span></li>
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<ul><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<li><b style="font-weight: bold;">Life is Beautiful </b>(Roberto Benigni) 1997 - Oscar-winner, not to be missed! - filmed in Arezzo</li>
<li><b style="font-weight: bold;">The English Patient</b><b> </b>(Anthony Minghella) 1996 - filmed in Arezzo and Siena</li>
<li><span style="font-weight: bold;"><b>The Portrait of a Lady</b> (</span>Jane Campion) 1996 - filmed in Lucca</li>
<li><b style="font-weight: bold;">Stealing Beauty</b><b> </b>(Bernardo Bertolucci) 1996 - starring Liv Tyler - filmed in Tuscany</li>
<li><b style="font-weight: bold;">Miracle at St. Anna </b>(Spike Lee) 2008 - filmed in Stazzema (near Lucca) - Versilia (Tuscany)</li>
<li><b style="font-weight: bold;">Shadows in the Sun</b><b> </b>(Brad Mirman) 2005 - Val d’Orcia and Siena</li>
<li><b style="font-weight: bold;">Il Postino: The Postman </b>(Michael Radford) 1994<b> </b>- filmed in Sicily</li>
<li><b style="font-weight: bold;">Cinema Paradiso</b> (Giuseppe Tornatore) 1988 - filmed in Sicily</li>
<li><b style="font-weight: bold;">Under the Tuscan Sun</b><b> </b>(Audrey Wells) 2003 - Cortona, Amalfi Coast</li>
<li><span style="font-weight: bold;"><b>Enchanted April</b> </span>(Mike Newell) 1992 - filmed in Portofino (Liguria)</li>
<li><b style="font-weight: bold;">A Good Woman </b>(Mike Barker) 2006 - starring Scarlett Johansson and Helen Hunt - filmed on the Amalfi Coast</li>
<li><b style="font-weight: bold;">Eat Pray and Love</b><b> </b>(Ryan Murphy) 2010 - filmed in Rome and Naples</li>
<li><b style="font-weight: bold;">To Rome with Love</b><b> </b>(Woody Allen) 2012 - filmed in Rome</li>
<li><b style="font-weight: bold;">The</b><b style="font-weight: bold;"> Twilight Saga: New Moon</b><b> </b>(Chris Weitz) 2010 - Montepulciano</li>
<li><b style="font-weight: bold;">The Great Beauty </b>(Paolo Sorrentino) 2013 - Oscar-winner filmed in Rome</li>
<li><b style="font-weight: bold;">Malèna</b><b> </b>(Giuseppe Tornatore) 2000 - filmed in Sicily</li>
<li><b style="font-weight: bold;">Bicycle Thieves</b><b> </b>(Vittorio De Sica) 1948 - a masterpiece of Italian Neorealism, filmed in Rome</li>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Romance:</span></b></div>
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<ul>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Roman Holiday</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (William Wyler) 1953 - the classic starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck - filmed in Rome, of course!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A Room with a View</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (James Ivory) 1985 - filmed in Florence</span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">La Dolce Vita</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (Federico Fellini) 1960 - filmed in Rome</span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Only You</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (Norma Jewison) 1994 - filmed in Rome, Venice, Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast</span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Letters to Juliet</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (Gary Winick) 2010 - Verona and Tuscany</span></li>
</ul>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Buona visione!</i> </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hopefully there is enough here to keep you busy until you come visit Italy (again)! </span></span><br />
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NewTuscanExperiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17371358318007746267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770110483893526412.post-14525862919697179152015-04-28T04:07:00.000-07:002016-06-10T03:23:39.288-07:00Palazzo Bartolini Salimbeni<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84TJ5AbkaqN6lwwgY_Lfm-KG12tTXo-Do55gauDlgPE4y-pk_N_sKGUJaNr8VZDvsTnyBq8AdlmJh1KDSyGeCKMHHssACbRFX-_7rlHJr33B-TvFcx8x3UmSM3HRSwdNrgWzfjZxHc00/s1600/6186322005_0858a08109_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84TJ5AbkaqN6lwwgY_Lfm-KG12tTXo-Do55gauDlgPE4y-pk_N_sKGUJaNr8VZDvsTnyBq8AdlmJh1KDSyGeCKMHHssACbRFX-_7rlHJr33B-TvFcx8x3UmSM3HRSwdNrgWzfjZxHc00/s1600/6186322005_0858a08109_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the reasons I strongly suggest for visitors to go on a guided tour of Florence is that you learn so much about the history of the city and notice things you would surely have missed just walking around on your own. Getting the background of the events and people who shaped the Renaissance makes a world of difference in how you perceive the city, and certainly makes things more interesting. Unless you are a history scholar, it is unlikely that you will spend 3 hours with a professional guide and not discover something new! Every time I participate in a tour with my clients I learn a few fascinating things - and I have lived here for a long time! </span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On my most recent tour of Florence, I came to know the history of a unique building located in the heart of the center, between Piazza Santa Trinita and Via Tornabuoni.<b> Palazzo Bartolini Salimbeni </b>was built between 1520 and 1523 by the architect Baccio d’Agnolo for a wealthy family of wool merchants whose descendants were originally from Siena. This residential palazzo represents an unconventional, avant-garde style of architecture for that period.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo: Fabrizio Pivari via Flickr.com</td></tr>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was the first building to have rectangular windows, topped by a tympanum with arched or triangular gables. The window panes were divided into rectangular sections by a cross set inside them. The front door and the windows were flanked by columns, reminiscent of ancient Roman architecture. These, among other unique elements, distinguished the building from all the other Renaissance residential palazzos (this is quite evident if you consider that the building right next to it, on the right in the photo below, was built only a few years earlier). </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo credits: Sailko via Wikipedia.com</td></tr>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, the radical design was not well received at the time and it resulted in a great deal of general criticism, which spurred the proud architect to brazenly challenge his detractors by engraving this quote above the door: <i>carpere promptius quam imitari</i>: criticizing is easier than imitating. To his credit, over time this new style became an architectural model to emulate and many other buildings were constructed to resemble it. </span></div>
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<span class="s1"><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As is almost always the case when probing into the history behind the monuments, there is an intriguing tale about the Bartolini Salimbeni family that helps to explain some of the other details found on the facade. These rich wool merchants were known for their diligent and untiring work ethic, so it is not surprising that they chose their motto to be: <i>Per non dormire</i> (to not sleep) - which is engraved in several of the window crosses. However, legend has it that there is more to the story than just their hard-working nature. In fact, another decorative element linked to this theory can be found in the</span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> border with a symbol from their family crest, a ring containing 3 poppies. It is said that they used a shrewd trick to claim a shipment of precious wool which brought them great wealth. A sumptuous banquet was organized at the palazzo for their fellow wool merchants (and competitors) where the food was laced with opium - derived from poppies. While the guests were conveniently asleep, they secured the valuable goods - making a fortune. (So, I guess in modern vernacular their motto would read: You snooze you lose!) </span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A stunning courtyard is another typical characteristic of historic palazzos, although it's unfortunately hidden behind the (normally) closed doors of the facade. Here too you can see the classical architectural elements and also a wonderful example of the graffiti decorations and the grotesque motif. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1">The Bartolini Salimbeni family </span>lived in the residence until the early 1800s when it was rented to a foreign couple who turned it into the Hotel du Nord in 1839 - a fashionable place where illustrious guests like Henry James and Herman Melville were known to have stayed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today it is privately owned. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo: Simona Constantin</td></tr>
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NewTuscanExperiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17371358318007746267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770110483893526412.post-4405409340727232602015-04-09T01:15:00.000-07:002016-06-10T03:24:49.248-07:00Discover the Art of Tuscan Living<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5csXQ08aTGP8Q7EnoWTUaGCsO7t0BqF2jlJXIHjXD2CYBzX21GMz5-Di2PkFGegky19N_Q_S6Xv4YKifwl0gwqkUd_Isn96QgC7mFGlmd0EPBLzQGI7JHCxB3tIJosWhfNraOg9jugLo/s1600/al+fresco+con+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5csXQ08aTGP8Q7EnoWTUaGCsO7t0BqF2jlJXIHjXD2CYBzX21GMz5-Di2PkFGegky19N_Q_S6Xv4YKifwl0gwqkUd_Isn96QgC7mFGlmd0EPBLzQGI7JHCxB3tIJosWhfNraOg9jugLo/s1600/al+fresco+con+500.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is it that draws people to Tuscany? For many it is a combination of qualities that are present in this beautiful region of Italy: the natural scenery, with postcard perfect landscapes of rolling hills covered with vineyards, olive groves and cypress trees; the excellent wine and food; the extraordinary art and history; the stunning architecture and monuments… but perhaps what tilts the scale is the mystique of the <i>Tuscan Lifestyle</i>. This intangible element is really the underlying attraction that seems to unite everyone in their love of Tuscany. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3DarQURno1irwnmQP1gNGiHK9CedlDS0Yc8WMQRiLANIxz6PafY0Rl4q_SOMjLuVa9qm88njLPicb9Viy1cjCIKPwROT_TLDKJrlUGgfLD_tTB6GJqTuhAL3l_lJnVqx1r44oLlW67w/s1600/cortile2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3DarQURno1irwnmQP1gNGiHK9CedlDS0Yc8WMQRiLANIxz6PafY0Rl4q_SOMjLuVa9qm88njLPicb9Viy1cjCIKPwROT_TLDKJrlUGgfLD_tTB6GJqTuhAL3l_lJnVqx1r44oLlW67w/s1600/cortile2.jpg" width="266" /></span></a><span class="s1" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the collective imagination, Tuscany is somehow synonymous with “good living”. In many ways this is true. Here you are surrounded by beauty, which is probably why Italians tend to take things slower - their meals, their encounters with others, their walks (known as strolls called <i>passeggiate</i>), but can you blame them? History permeates everything, making it easy to get caught up in the past - when things were less frenetic. Also, it is a reality that rushing down a cobblestone street can be downright dangerous! One false step and you risk breaking a leg (I speak from experience!) - so it’s best to slow down, even if you are a few minutes late reaching your destination. Other characteristics that surely interfere with speed are the quaint shops lining the streets (constantly inviting you to glance in their windows); the cafes everywhere, beckoning you to pop in for an espresso or a pastry; the beautiful architecture, where even the doorways and courtyards will catch your eye as you make your way through town. </span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yet, despite all the distractions, the locals do actually manage to live and work in Tuscany. In fact, it is one of Italy’s most productive regions. As a result, often they themselves forget to look up and appreciate their surroundings - because they are in a hurry to get to an appointment, catch a bus, reach the office, or whatever else normal residents do on a daily basis in the 21st century. However, fortunately most Tuscans do still recognize their good fortune of living in such an incredible place. They are the ones who proudly carry on the traditions of this land - despite all the obstacles (and there are many!) Among them are the artisans, farmers, shopkeepers, winemakers, and those who have restored ancient homes both in the city and the countryside, saving them from ruin and disrepair. </span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You will also find a great number of passionate Tuscans working in the tourist industry, proud to show off their home and culture to visitors. They are the ones who do their job with integrity and a smile - making you feel welcome. Having looked behind the scenes, I can honestly say that for many it is truly a calling, as the effort required to do their jobs well is much greater than what one would expect. Italy still doesn’t support its local economy enough. Small entrepeneurs are faced with so much red tape and a mountain of challenges, making success very difficult. It is important to mention this aspect, because sometimes Italy’s tainted reputation clouds the general perspective on the existence of its honest hard-working population.</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So my suggestion is, when you visit Tuscany, allow yourself to feel its vibe. Take time to enjoy the good life - even if it means not being able to do and see everything on your bucket list. Don’t rush or over-schedule, otherwise you’ll miss the best part of what this wonderful place has to offer. Leave room for the unknown, be spontaneous and love the journey as much as the destination. Chances are, no matter what, you will be left with the desire to return… that’s the magic of Tuscany! </span></div>
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NewTuscanExperiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17371358318007746267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770110483893526412.post-47427145621405693452015-02-22T06:40:00.000-08:002016-06-10T03:25:47.733-07:00The Best Food Country in the World<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recently I read an article in the Huffington Post by Lewis Krell titled: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lewis-krell/i-just-got-back-from-ital_b_6325104.html"><span class="s2">I Just Got Back From Italy… And America Is the Best Food Country in the World.</span></a> It was clearly a provocation aimed at enticing readers to read on. Basically, the premise of the article was to praise the variety of food available in the US, and “to show you that there really is no better country on the planet for cuisine than […] the United States of America.” </span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although I don’t disagree that the US offers an incredible amount of culinary diversity - which is perfectly normal considering that it is a very large country made up of immigrants from all over the world - this article doesn’t really hit the mark in trying to defend the statement that the US is the best food country in the world. It is only successful in pointing out that the US has the most varied cuisine in the world - which is in and of itself a no brainer. After all, what is “American cuisine”? It is nothing more than a fusion of the different cuisines brought by the country’s settlers over the years: English, Mexican, French, Italian, etc. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-OyrCaWIJ1MP0jbOY34A1Ybwwb7c6W1B8F-50dt8kbWDDmUQh4d4BhUp6Md_wJcUuDiHQVEGelsMCgyihurPJ4y8brDkm9i7r6qfXWzjt0_WU5QXE7KicEqp-iCkqiG2eqlQqjsLkDTA/s1600/food+flag.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-OyrCaWIJ1MP0jbOY34A1Ybwwb7c6W1B8F-50dt8kbWDDmUQh4d4BhUp6Md_wJcUuDiHQVEGelsMCgyihurPJ4y8brDkm9i7r6qfXWzjt0_WU5QXE7KicEqp-iCkqiG2eqlQqjsLkDTA/s1600/food+flag.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One important thing to consider is that you cannot define the US by its major cities, (i.e. New York, LA, SF, Chicago, etc.) which clearly do offer incredible cuisine and variety, with restaurants that can compete with the best in the world. I too have eaten amazing food in these metropolises, and whenever I return to NY (my native US home), I focus on getting my fill of classic American fare, as well as those of international cuisines which are certainly not plentiful in Italy.</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Personally, I think that the author of the article offers an elitist's perspective (despite claiming that “<i>Eating 69 hot dogs in 10 minutes […] (is) damn impressive”)</i> to defend his assertion that America is the best food country in the world. In order to present his case, he must base his argument on dining in large cities. In my mind, this is exactly where he trips himself up. In all countries, the more sophisticated and educated part of the population has a greater opportunity to enjoy and understand good food. People who have the chance to travel and become informed are more likely to appreciate and gravitate toward better cuisine - and if they live near a city they will find more venues serving excellent food. However, not everyone has this possibility.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> La Torre Restaurant at Castello del Nero in Chianti just got a Michelin star</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1">The real challenge comes if you leave the big cities, and head to the more provincial areas of the US, where it is a fact that <i>haute cuisine </i>(international or otherwise) is not something you will find everywhere. After all, Taco Bell certainly doesn’t represent the author's claim of having the “second-best” version of authentic Mexican food! Personally, I am sure that you would do much better dining in rural Italy - even if you are forced to eat Italian food! </span>The reason for this is primarily because many Americans (unlike their Italian counterparts) aren’t accustomed to excellent, wholesome food - in fact this is what spurred the recent campaign in the US to promote healthy eating. Not something you’d think necessary in <i>the best food country in the world.</i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWytYgNWEZhgmRakEc6IzF8IQ0OAqxD1yrT1pd3jwbAxzf4v_FoZd_rpUKKdD0QW1rEgEHTJlgVUciA9hYWPBvmP8HFDdMHEanZqvM4_DGA4_tCLEkoiLfxaqgDmEpq8BmQ44u9Wn_v8/s1600/ristorante+Vun++-+Milano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWytYgNWEZhgmRakEc6IzF8IQ0OAqxD1yrT1pd3jwbAxzf4v_FoZd_rpUKKdD0QW1rEgEHTJlgVUciA9hYWPBvmP8HFDdMHEanZqvM4_DGA4_tCLEkoiLfxaqgDmEpq8BmQ44u9Wn_v8/s1600/ristorante+Vun++-+Milano.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ristorante Vun in Milan</span></td></tr>
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<span class="s1">The author criticizes Italy’s cuisine as being monotonous and lacking culinary alternatives. However, what one has to remember is that European cuisine is rooted in national tradition, which means that it is more than just about the food - it’s about the culture. So, when your food is good and the recipes are intertwined with your history and cultural identity, it becomes harder to move away from it. And while it is true that when you seek “foreign cuisine” in the form of an ethnic restaurant, Italy can’t really compete with the US, it is also true that if you explore some of the newer restaurants in Italian cities, you will find some exciting culinary experiences which won’t force you to eat only tagliatelle al ragù or risotto alla Milanese. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Michelin-starred Executive Chef Michele Griglio - Winter Garden da Caino, St. Regis Hotel Florence</span></td></tr>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recently, Italy’s chefs have been widely recognized for their flair and creativity. Many are exploring world cooking more than ever before, revisiting local dishes or creating new ones drawing on the influence of foreign cuisines and flavors. So, while it’s true that Italy is still lagging behind when it comes to international restaurants, where you find the traditional food of a specific country, there is a good chance that in the future this too will begin to change, as we see certain categories of ethnic restaurants emerging already. In the meantime, when you are in Italy, do try some of the new Italian restaurants on the scene; I assure you it will be hard to claim you had a monotonous meal! </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a creation by the Michelin-starred Italian Chef Andrea Berton</span></td></tr>
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NewTuscanExperiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17371358318007746267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770110483893526412.post-80023367290017451272015-02-15T08:07:00.001-08:002016-06-10T03:26:04.783-07:00What Exactly Is Tuscany?<div class="p1">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sounds like a foolish question, right? The allure of Tuscany has made it one of the most famous travel destinations in the world and there are probably few people who don’t have an idyllic picture come to mind when the word <i>Tuscany </i>is mentioned. In the collective imagination, it is simply the kind of magical place dream vacations are made of - where rolling hills, vineyards and cypress trees define the stunning landscape, and hilltop towns with cobblestone streets, ancient buildings and charming shops complete the picture. When you add the good food and excellent wine to the equation, you’re pretty close to paradise. And thus far, this definition is spot on - all of these characteristics are definitely part of Tuscany. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1">So, what’s the problem? Well, t</span>he glitch comes when the myth of “Tuscany” blurs the real understanding of what it really is. Not everyone is clear on the matter, since it is pretty common for people to ask to spend “a few days in Florence followed by a week in Tuscany”, or to request to see “all the main towns of Tuscany, including the Cinque Terre.” That's when I feel the need to clarify a bit better what Tuscany actually is, from a geographical and administrative perspective. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Italy is divided into 20 regions, and Tuscany is one of them. Located in central Italy, it covers an area of nearly 23,000 square kilometers (8,900 square miles), has a population of about 3.8 million people, and includes a vast variety of topographical features. Two-thirds is made up of hills, 25% is mountainous, and the remainder are plains. There are also 397 km of coastline and five Tuscan islands, the largest being Elba. Tuscany is bordered on the West by the Tyrrhenian and Ligurian Seas - but the Cinque Terre do not belong to Tuscany, they are part of the neighboring region of Liguria.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1">Tuscany </span><span class="s2">includes</span><span class="s1"> the famous cities of Florence (the region’s capital), Siena, Arezzo, Pisa and Lucca (to name those best known to tourists). This explains why saying, “Florence and Tuscany” is not correct, because Florence is </span><span class="s2">IN</span><span class="s1"> Tuscany. Obviously, what people are usually referring to is the countryside of Tuscany, but here too it’s not all that simple. The region itself is divided into various geographical areas and 10 provinces (soon to be officially eliminated by the government - but from a psychological point of view it will be a long time before the locals don’t identify themselves by their province of origin). </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some of the geographical areas which will immediately sound familiar to many are Chianti, Val d’Orcia, Crete Senesi, Colli Senesi (Siena hills), Maremma, Valdarno, Val d’Elsa, Val di Chiana, Mugello, the Tuscan Archipelago, Casentino, Apuan Alps and Garfagnana. All of these names (and quite a few others) belong to Tuscany. In addition, there are nearly 50 important artistic centers throughout the region, which include cities and small hill towns. Hence, when you say, “I’d like to visit Tuscany”, it’s a tall order (especially when you only have a few days to do it). When you factor in the incredible amount of history and art that are present, it becomes plain that one should focus on a smaller area in order to appreciate the experience more. This leaves plenty of choice for a return visit (or more than one), and it helps to avoid the other frustrating thing about travel overload: when people return from a trip not remembering exactly where they went or what they saw. </span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>How is that possible?</i> you might ask. Well, I really have heard people say things like, "I think I visited Montepulciano, or maybe it was Montalcino?" and I can assure you that I <b>have</b> been stopped in Florence by tourists asking me where Michelangelo’s <i>Pietà </i>was… and then being stunned to hear it was actually at St. Peter’s, in Rome! As a consolation, I pointed them in the direction of the Accademia Gallery, promising they’d find another of the artist’s sculptures worthy of a visit… after all, this IS Tuscany! </span></div>
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NewTuscanExperiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17371358318007746267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770110483893526412.post-46888345735491791062014-12-17T08:13:00.000-08:002015-01-18T01:16:59.078-08:00The Experience Tuscany Tour - September 19-26, 2015<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-align: center; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Join us on this fabulous journey </b></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>where you will discover </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>the best things Tuscany has to offer: </b></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">incredible scenery, fabulous food and wine,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">history, art, architecture </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">and warm friendly people. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">See first hand why so many choose this destination for a relaxing and inspiring vacation.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is so much more than a tour. </span></b></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You will travel at an easy pace, with a small group, so that you can truly </span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">experience the most authentic aspects of sophisticated Tuscan Living. </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span class="s1">You’ll enjoy <b>luxury accommodations and transportation</b>, fine dining, </span>private tours with </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">highly-rated certified guides and sommeliers, exclusive cellar visits and tastings </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">at award-winning wineries, a fun cooking class, and also free time </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">to shop and explore independently... </span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Please, view our <a href="https://mlsvc01-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/c49c71ce201/beabdab7-43d0-472c-afef-0949645913bc.pdf">itinerary</a> to see what we have planned!</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1">About this trip</span></h3>
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<a href="http://www.joanneheavilandphotography.com/#"><span class="s3">Joanne Heaviland</span><span class="s4"> </span></a><span class="s2">is a successful American fine-art photographer with a passion for travel. Her Italian heritage and frequent visits to Italy have led her to develop a special relationship with this incredible country. </span></div>
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<span class="s2">Last year Joanne began working with travel planner Kathy Perunic, owner of <a href="http://www.newtuscanexperience.com/"><span class="s3">New Tuscan Experience</span></a>,</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s2">who specializes in designing custom vacations. Together they have created a unique trip to Tuscany, specifically tailored to Joanne’s request not to offer just another tour, but rather an authentic, upscale Tuscan Experience .</span></div>
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<span class="s2">Joanne’s collaboration with some of California’s most illustrious publications led her to propose this exclusive itinerary to their publishers who were immediately enthusiastic to participate in the trip.</span></div>
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As a result, 2015 marks the launch of an exciting new tour which will unite the forces of this group of passionate, professional women to show you the BEST of Tuscan Living! </div>
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NewTuscanExperiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17371358318007746267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770110483893526412.post-8900071455366497622014-05-28T02:15:00.001-07:002016-06-10T03:26:54.714-07:00The Ponte Vecchio<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><span lang="EN-US">Florence</span></st1:place></st1:city><span lang="EN-US">’s Ponte Vecchio is certainly one of the city’s architectural
symbols. The name means “<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Old</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Bridge</st1:placetype></st1:place>”, which indeed it is.
The first one was constructed during Roman times from wood and stone, but
during the centuries it was destroyed repeatedly by the flooding of the Arno
River and in 1333 it was washed away to be replaced finally by a new type of
construction in 1345. </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This bridge, built by Taddeo Gaddi, was the
first to use segmental arches and it is still the same one you see today. The
new design reduced the number of arches, and widened the space between them to
allow the rising water (and any debris associated with the flooding) to pass
under it more easily. Over the centuries the bridge has been repaired and
reinforced many times, but it has remained standing – even after the terrible
flood of 1966.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTEqLCZ7qqdDCr1WGPBcd2iNSYU3pSzxjGFthWOCofMfscasev7FSexa81X5zpwcLDc9viSvwMelvTt6xtkwpxoQ5T_bKwMJpazFq4I5zSgLhwCqNS1RBs3e23CBDANOul6izVg29E1LI/s1600/ponte+vecchio+-+Enrico+Villani.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTEqLCZ7qqdDCr1WGPBcd2iNSYU3pSzxjGFthWOCofMfscasev7FSexa81X5zpwcLDc9viSvwMelvTt6xtkwpxoQ5T_bKwMJpazFq4I5zSgLhwCqNS1RBs3e23CBDANOul6izVg29E1LI/s1600/ponte+vecchio+-+Enrico+Villani.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo credits: Enrico Villani</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The history of the bridge is rather interesting. Since the 14<sup>th</sup> century it was seen as a continuation of the main road that runs through the heart of Florence’s center, from the Duomo past the Piazza della Signoria (where the Palazzo Vecchio is), and across the river to the Pitti Palace, thereby linking the two banks of the city. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Initially the bridge was a marketplace, primarily for butchers and vegetable grocers who would use the river to dispose of their waste. However, in 1565, when Cosimo de’Medici decided to commission Giorgio Vasari to build a secret elevated passageway that was to connect the Palazzo Vecchio (the seat of the government) and the Pitti Palace (the Medici residence), the need to cross over the Ponte Vecchio made the presence of the unsightly market with its acrid odors unacceptable to the nobles. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Subsequently, these merchants were forced to relocate and the bridge was taken over by goldsmiths and jewelers whose shops were much more pleasing to the eye (and nose).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The monumental importance of the Ponte Vecchio was even recognized by Mussolini, who had larger windows built along the passageway above the bridge so that he could show Hitler the impressive views from this vantage point. It is said that thanks to this visit in 1938 by the German dictator, the Ponte Vecchio was spared during the Nazi's retreat from the occupied city in 1944, when they blew up all of <st1:city w:st="on">Florence</st1:city>’s bridges and reduced the entire area around the Ponte Vecchio, including a part of the Vasari Corridor to rubble. </span></div>
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NewTuscanExperiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17371358318007746267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770110483893526412.post-40558409449142617142014-05-12T04:11:00.000-07:002016-06-10T03:31:27.207-07:00UNESCO World Heritage Sites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although
most people have heard of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, some might not
really know exactly what this distinction means. Let’s start with UNESCO
itself, which is considered the "intellectual" agency of the United
Nations. Their premise is that “at a time when the world is looking for new
ways to build peace and sustainable development, people must rely on the power
of intelligence to innovate, expand their horizons and sustain the hope of a
new humanism. UNESCO exists to bring this creative intelligence to life; for it
is in the minds of men and women that the defences of peace and the conditions
for sustainable development must be built.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">San Gimignano</span></td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The World Heritage Sites were created to
distinguish and protect those areas or monuments that have an outstanding
universal value, which can be either cultural and/or natural. The goal is to
foster intercultural understanding, by safeguarding heritage and cultural
diversity. According to UNESCO,
“Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we
pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both
irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as
the wilds of East Africa’s Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier
Reef in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Australia</st1:country-region> and the
Baroque cathedrals of <st1:place w:st="on">Latin America</st1:place> make up
our world’s heritage. What makes the concept of World Heritage exceptional is
its universal application. World Heritage sites belong to all the peoples of
the world, irrespective of the territory on which they are located.”</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Clearly, the honor of being designated a
World Heritage Site also includes the right to receive special funding for the
preservation of the site. The distinction calls attention to the place and
helps to boost tourism and even local interest in the area. There are presently
981 World Heritage Sites, 49 of which can be found in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Italy</st1:country-region></st1:place> – making it the country with
the most sites.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">Tuscany</st1:state></st1:place> there are 7 World Heritage Sites (more than in any other Italian region). So when you visit, make sure to include at least a few:</span></div>
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<li><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Historic <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Center</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Florence</st1:placename></st1:place></span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Piazza del Duomo of <st1:city w:st="on">Pisa</st1:city></span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Historic <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Center</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">San Gimignano</st1:placename></st1:place></span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Historic <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Center</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Siena</st1:placename></st1:place></span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Historic <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Center</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Pienza</st1:placename></st1:place></span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Val d’Orcia</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Medici Villas and Gardens</span></b></li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfBm6O8QBRifg00YJwB90vp2PxiGSCOJZ0EerwN19j3xRb_ySMv8qI_Zbqq1LkS7Vv4CMTMaRnh07BjtEpcCdoFRn6ZA5CHn425IzMiSOWnlMu6wigWV0qzOx67w5608TxYt36onBEc4A/s1600/beautiful+siena.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfBm6O8QBRifg00YJwB90vp2PxiGSCOJZ0EerwN19j3xRb_ySMv8qI_Zbqq1LkS7Vv4CMTMaRnh07BjtEpcCdoFRn6ZA5CHn425IzMiSOWnlMu6wigWV0qzOx67w5608TxYt36onBEc4A/s1600/beautiful+siena.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Siena</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjADoQng_F_w18V1MXNGcZU5QtjFfN2Dy7uX6QHkF3SQXDYi1wO1fvVAUBGpLOOAxNfy53LO0vYDBY6QilAw4_pHATOgV-kZ-7xrIBdybrffvUrpilqknmBtPGAyLhf7uHla_ITaGvb8xY/s1600/hiking+in+Val+d%2527Orcia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjADoQng_F_w18V1MXNGcZU5QtjFfN2Dy7uX6QHkF3SQXDYi1wO1fvVAUBGpLOOAxNfy53LO0vYDBY6QilAw4_pHATOgV-kZ-7xrIBdybrffvUrpilqknmBtPGAyLhf7uHla_ITaGvb8xY/s1600/hiking+in+Val+d%2527Orcia.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tuscany's Val d'Orcia is an example of a geographic area denominated a World Heritage Site.</span></td></tr>
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<br />NewTuscanExperiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17371358318007746267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770110483893526412.post-70777548494053438372014-05-01T07:34:00.001-07:002016-06-10T03:41:54.943-07:00The Origins of Gelato Can Be Found in Florence<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0MUTLY1yHGmuG9uqaj8hIB0HMrweWP6XhE8GpZUugXfWv2QmtWccDJZhB4QXlEJ5qIm9WRixNaE3ksjJyCZhyphenhyphenx3fgkbqosRTgZl30L3VGUciL29sK3rV3LqElWy73ApiWPVW-rFKJhRk/s1600/gelateria-slide2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0MUTLY1yHGmuG9uqaj8hIB0HMrweWP6XhE8GpZUugXfWv2QmtWccDJZhB4QXlEJ5qIm9WRixNaE3ksjJyCZhyphenhyphenx3fgkbqosRTgZl30L3VGUciL29sK3rV3LqElWy73ApiWPVW-rFKJhRk/s1600/gelateria-slide2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Did you
know that gelato was invented in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Florence</st1:place></st1:city>?
There is probably no one who visits <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Italy</st1:place></st1:country-region> without trying this delicious
version of ice cream. The unique creamy texture and myriad of flavors have
made this one of the most popular desserts in the world. Whether eaten simply
in a cup (coppetta), on a cone, or in an elaborate creation by a renowned chef,
gelato is a treat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The history
of gelato can be traced back to <st1:city w:st="on">Florence</st1:city> in the
early 16<sup>th</sup> century, when the Medici family organized a culinary contest to create “the most unique dish ever seen”. A humble cook (previously a
poultry butcher) named Ruggeri presented his “sweet and flavored
frozen water” which so impressed Catherine de’Medici that she took both Ruggeri
and his creation with her to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">France</st1:country-region></st1:place>,
to beguile her subjects.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFeFSbUowf3b3Cr5Z5fF9Vf_5rTcIKZnrAWz1ec3CeHqvj561ezX_bGt-309i-p7TfVQaj8Mf2ej_t82aykTmk7YefJbrk9CdgX683lpC3QgtfuaryGjcFW8AZ3ZuTXVbMkU7_xJlj6c/s1600/bernardo-buontalenti.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFeFSbUowf3b3Cr5Z5fF9Vf_5rTcIKZnrAWz1ec3CeHqvj561ezX_bGt-309i-p7TfVQaj8Mf2ej_t82aykTmk7YefJbrk9CdgX683lpC3QgtfuaryGjcFW8AZ3ZuTXVbMkU7_xJlj6c/s1600/bernardo-buontalenti.jpg" width="235" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bernardo Buontalenti</span></td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Florence</st1:place></st1:city>, the tradition
was carried on by one of the city’s most famous architects at the time,
Bernardo Buontalenti. To impress a delegation of Spanish ambassadors during
their official visit at the Medici court, he invented a “strange container” in
which the ingredients: snow, salt, lemon, sugar, egg whites and milk were
introduced to magically produce gelato. Its success was immediate and this new
form of dessert became a symbol of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Florence</st1:place></st1:city>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">Today the city’s tradition of fine gelato is as strong as ever, with historic
and new <i>gelaterie</i> (shops) constantly
striving to offer the finest ingredients and the most innovative flavors to
impress their customers. So, t</span>he best
way to decide which gelato is your favorite is to </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">try as many as you can while
you are visiting! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some of the most well-known shops in the historic center
include:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwhyphenhyphenKzxVgxYE9qi7RiSYtGb_Xo2SF1EnqguWTuGtuSKZsT7zwuuxixdsfTHF1qkEE2lNtWZ48nmN2_PK9Gg9MfU_IhDDQEC96MMt-JJ04r25GW1FexT5ZqGXGoQ_5wLfgaMaNBVs9SkI/s1600/gelato_pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwhyphenhyphenKzxVgxYE9qi7RiSYtGb_Xo2SF1EnqguWTuGtuSKZsT7zwuuxixdsfTHF1qkEE2lNtWZ48nmN2_PK9Gg9MfU_IhDDQEC96MMt-JJ04r25GW1FexT5ZqGXGoQ_5wLfgaMaNBVs9SkI/s1600/gelato_pic.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Carapina - </b>Via Lambertesca 18 - Excellent artisan gelato with the most wonderful original flavors! (Notice it is at the top of the list!)</span><br />
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">Gelateria <st1:personname productid="La Carraia" w:st="on">La Carraia</st1:personname></span></b><span lang="EN-GB"> – Piazza Carraia 25/r – famous also for their
very fair prices!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Gelateria de’Neri</b> – Via Dei Neri 20-22/r<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span lang="EN-GB">Grom</span></b><span lang="EN-GB"> – Via delle Oche – Although it is a national
chain, the ingredients are genuine and its popularity is enormous, as you’ll
see by the long line that forms out the door of the small shop!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span lang="EN-GB">Carabè</span></b><span lang="EN-GB"> – Via Ricasoli 60/r<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtGWOp25871X_kNASsU4vJPI0eT7RRNmj9lUvFQcEkBpqEiTOQfM_6nXneSy_oks9GJZUVZJdCzzk33MHARGI6qksr5ixp-91IlwXw8h1NBBnQivcGN6Qd__FT9nPTYLVMXCPMySXiKw8/s1600/gelato.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtGWOp25871X_kNASsU4vJPI0eT7RRNmj9lUvFQcEkBpqEiTOQfM_6nXneSy_oks9GJZUVZJdCzzk33MHARGI6qksr5ixp-91IlwXw8h1NBBnQivcGN6Qd__FT9nPTYLVMXCPMySXiKw8/s1600/gelato.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span lang="EN-GB">Venchi</span></b><span lang="EN-GB"> – Vicolo Calimaruzza (across from the Mercato Nuovo) – new to <st1:city w:st="on">Florence</st1:city>, this is a
famous chocolate company from <st1:place w:st="on">Torino. S</st1:place>o if you are a chocolate lover, it’s a good place to start!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Vestri</b> – Borgo degli Albizi – great chocolate<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span lang="EN-GB">Ermini</span></b><span lang="EN-GB"> – Via Gioberti<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span lang="EN-GB">Re del Gelato</span></b><span lang="EN-GB"> – Via Strozzi<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR59nFESDCHlWmROYQhD8n0PmKVBSDD-pIKLq3CWSoZFtaktgtIcEc12DInQ1wQTROrKTdXguHLl1Iw775p18FNDarJUXCW-UpAXJuHrT0AiPp2Nal8hS5GDPpmhfCRa7E25hRdlnXnGM/s1600/gelato-coni21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR59nFESDCHlWmROYQhD8n0PmKVBSDD-pIKLq3CWSoZFtaktgtIcEc12DInQ1wQTROrKTdXguHLl1Iw775p18FNDarJUXCW-UpAXJuHrT0AiPp2Nal8hS5GDPpmhfCRa7E25hRdlnXnGM/s1600/gelato-coni21.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span lang="EN-GB">Vivoli</span></b><span lang="EN-GB"> – Via Isole delle Stinche 7/r - among the most famous and well-known by tourists, but perhaps overrated
and overpriced… (personally, I also find it too sweet). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #e69138;">Beyond the historic
center, try:</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span lang="EN-GB">Badiani</span></b><span lang="EN-GB"> – Viale dei Mille 20/r<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span lang="EN-GB">Gelateria Roberto</span></b><span lang="EN-GB"> – Via Mariti<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>L’Arte del Gelato</b> – Via Torcicoda 97/r<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Gelateria de’ Medici</b> – Via dello Statuto<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">HAPPY TASTING!! </span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
NewTuscanExperiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17371358318007746267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770110483893526412.post-90746681022145464342014-04-24T01:20:00.000-07:002016-06-10T03:46:59.064-07:00What Italy Can Teach Us About Family Ties<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="border: none 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; padding: 0cm;">One very admirable characteristic of Italian society
is the value of keeping family close. Although criticized at times for not
allowing their children to “grow up” and gain independence, the truth is that Italians
truly cherish the strong bond they have with their families, and this can
certainly be a good thing. Sunday lunches (and not only) prepared by “nonna”
(grandma); extended families living in the same town (if not in the same house);
grandparents babysitting to help carry the burden for working parents. This
tight network of family has always been the fabric of Italian culture and the
safety net for weathering economic and social hardships, as well as the
nation’s shortcomings. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="border: none 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-weight: normal; padding: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yet today, the serious lack of jobs in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Italy</st1:country-region> is forcing many young Italians to move
away from home (and often out of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Italy</st1:place></st1:country-region>) in order to find work. In
other Western cultures, especially in the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">US</st1:place></st1:country-region>, the mobile economy has made living
far from family a normal part of society for years. In <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Italy</st1:place></st1:country-region>, it
hasn’t happened on such a vast scale since post-World War II – and it is
definitely adding to the general pessimism of the population. In a country
which has always sought to keep families united, the thought that children will
have no choice but to leave home is devastating - and it might just be the catalyst
to trigger the reaction <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Italy</st1:place></st1:country-region>
needs to make some drastic political and economic changes. Investing in its
youth and looking out for the future generations has finally climbed to the top
of the country’s priority list. </span><b style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="border: none 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; padding: 0cm;">In the meantime, across the <st1:place w:st="on">Atlantic</st1:place>,
where it has long been the norm for teens to go off to college and move away
from home at an early age, there seems to be a cultural shift in progress. A
growing sentiment that the dispersion of family might not be the ideal scenario
after all has many Americans rediscovering the benefits of keeping the clan united,
or at least of getting together at more regular intervals. As a result, there
has been a significant increase in organizing family reunions and generational
travel in the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">US</st1:place></st1:country-region>
– making this one of the tourist industry’s most promising new markets.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="border: none 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-weight: normal; padding: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although I hadn’t intentionally set out to exploit
this segment, the fact is that I have witnessed it to be true. A great number
of my clients are American families seeking to reunite all their members, who
are often scattered around the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">US</st1:place></st1:country-region>
(and beyond), to spend a group vacation together and rekindle family ties. They
are particularly drawn to <st1:state w:st="on">Tuscany</st1:state> for all the obvious
reasons, but perhaps selecting <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Italy</st1:place></st1:country-region>
in general for this kind of a trip has an additional advantage, since it is
clearly a place where society views family as a fundamental part of the local
culture. The slower-paced lifestyle, centered around the pleasures of good food
and wine, a beautiful setting and old-world traditions, makes it an ideal
location to enjoy a family vacation. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica neue, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="border: none 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; padding: 0cm;">In the end, both cultures
can learn from each other. Italians can get better at letting their children
become independent and the other Western countries can work on keeping families
more tightly knit to provide that sense of security and belonging which helps
people to thrive. </span>NewTuscanExperiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17371358318007746267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770110483893526412.post-75921100541150977072014-02-16T07:15:00.001-08:002016-06-10T03:35:38.320-07:00My Visit to the New Antinori Winery in Chianti<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yesterday I finally got the chance to visit the new Antinori cellars in Bargino. I had of course heard quite a bit about this imposing, state-of-the-art winery that belongs to one of Italy's (and the world's) foremost winemakers. As with all new constructions (especially in this part of the world) it has elicited plenty of mixed opinions, but one thing is sure, you will be hard pressed to remain indifferent after a visit here. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You can sense the "weight" of the Antinori name from the moment you enter the gates. The attendant explains in detail how to reach the parking lot… and already you begin to feel overwhelmed. Following the wide and curving driveway you reach
the first parking area and if you are lucky, you find a spot. There is a huge spiral
staircase leading up to the reception area (or is it to the sky?) The building is architecturally
impressive, with its massive cellars built inside an excavated hill and the wide panoramic terraces overlooking the Chianti countryside. Modern and
minimalist, the design is all about forms (especially curves) and materials
(like the rust covered steel and copper alloy that makes up most of the
structures). Innovative in the way the cellars are kept at ideal temperature
naturally, year round, without any air
conditioning or machinery, thanks to hollow vaults and terracotta tiles held
together by being lined up in steel tracks one by one, rather than cemented.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo: www.antinorichianticlassico.it</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-US">The impact is clean – both in terms of
visual lines and hygiene. It’s new and everything looks and feels new, something
odd for <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Tuscany</st1:place></st1:state>.
Usually we are used to conservative renovations of the historic. So even the
most modern elements are almost always juxtaposed with the antique. Here there
was nothing before, other than some vineyards, which now are just rows of
seedlings that will take years to become vineyards again – at which point the
exterior will certainly take on a totally different dimension. Today it is bare (not
because it’s February, but because it has just been planted).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I definitely do think it is worth the visit, as it represents one of the newest and most modern wineries in <st1:place w:st="on">Italy</st1:place>. However, I would agree with those who have told me that it doesn't feel "typically Tuscan" – because in so many ways it isn't. Here, the history is in the family name and their long legacy of wine-making in Tuscany, not in these cellars which have been opened for just over a year. This is the Italian wine-making <u>industry</u> at its best. The Antinori family deeply desired to create a monument dedicated to their empire, and they have done just that.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo: multimedia.quotidiano.net</td></tr>
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NewTuscanExperiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17371358318007746267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770110483893526412.post-87004077569257363032014-02-09T07:40:00.002-08:002016-06-10T03:36:09.413-07:00Renovating Tuscany<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSoiJCgOB3yfcKH8YJ5E5WrmNTMNki-cRgtqR_sx428VATL6qBtRFtQ3OKvx7NBOyjI43ozAiQqu3J0jVtvGiGi_ai6R16gsAM4_orzL-EmJ6kBm0ePiEY7UHrQWTUgcRhpmHSsuPJE0I/s1600/castelfalfi.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSoiJCgOB3yfcKH8YJ5E5WrmNTMNki-cRgtqR_sx428VATL6qBtRFtQ3OKvx7NBOyjI43ozAiQqu3J0jVtvGiGi_ai6R16gsAM4_orzL-EmJ6kBm0ePiEY7UHrQWTUgcRhpmHSsuPJE0I/s1600/castelfalfi.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Castelfalfi</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Stories of affluent foreigners buying up <st1:state w:st="on">Tuscany</st1:state>’s abandoned castles and estates are commonplace. Over the past 15 years there have been many significant acquisitions made, especially by wealthy Americans and Brits, which have resulted not only in luxurious private homes, but also in fabulous resorts and award-winning wineries. Celebrity names like <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sting</st1:city>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Lydia</st1:country-region></st1:place> Bastianich, Mario Batali, Frances Mayes might ring a bell, and one of the most famous Brunello wineries is the American-owned Castello di Banfi. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">More than once, what started out as a house hunting expedition led to the purchase of an entire village! Usually the buyers ended up being blown away by the place – despite finding it in ruins – and the subsequent restoration project turned into a life mission, which inevitably became far more complex than what they had originally imagined. The result, however, can be truly stunning. Just take a look at: Castello di Casole, Monteverdi, Borgo Finocchieto and Castelfalfi to get an idea.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A villa at Castello di Casole</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monteverdi Tuscany</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgaJsyDfySGDCimrUpUjBx6fwQBKuyIkTm7CUA73NhidZ_-BtsKEqwv1izGtDk8niMN5ZnaWqoUoG4_cQYHVvgdGZ_2-JKuSROTC9kr8SFY6RaKRzDi4QLJKu5ywTRqBSRf-xMCiePW6k/s1600/casolevemignano_guest_bedroom1_jpg_1343639318-e1343731448213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgaJsyDfySGDCimrUpUjBx6fwQBKuyIkTm7CUA73NhidZ_-BtsKEqwv1izGtDk8niMN5ZnaWqoUoG4_cQYHVvgdGZ_2-JKuSROTC9kr8SFY6RaKRzDi4QLJKu5ywTRqBSRf-xMCiePW6k/s1600/casolevemignano_guest_bedroom1_jpg_1343639318-e1343731448213.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">interiors at Castello di Casole</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><span lang="EN-GB">Italy</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span lang="EN-GB">’s historic architecture conservation laws are very strict, and when coupled with the exasperatingly slow and complex bureaucracy, reaching the finish line becomes quite a struggle. However, in most cases the foreign owners have demonstrated extraordinary vision and commitment to the preservation of the historic origins of the properties, turning to local experts for guidance and using traditional materials, many of which have been reclaimed from the original structure. The resulting restorations have been beautifully integrated into the surrounding landscape, showing a great respect for the territory. The levels of luxury can vary, but one thing tends to unite most of the projects – an understated country elegance that reflects the best Tuscan traditions.</span><span lang="EN-GB"></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">interiors at Monteverdi</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a foreigner living in Italy, it is especially gratifying to see that so many of my counterparts have been driven by the same passion to become a part of this beautiful country, and that they have done so with integrity and class. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many times I have encountered Italians who have commented on these restorations made by foreign owners, saying that they have shown a greater respect for nature and history than <span lang="EN-GB">many of the Italians who have undertaken similar </span><span lang="EN-US">endeavors</span><span lang="EN-GB">. </span>This is not to say that there aren’t locals who have dedicated great effort and investment to preserve and restore the extraordinary patrimony of this land – but it is noteworthy to mention that often the foreigners are even more concerned with this aspect – as it is precisely what drew them here in the first place.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Borgo Finocchiet</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As this market continues to expand, with a growing number of investors now coming from <st1:country-region w:st="on">Russia</st1:country-region> and the developing world, we can only hope that they too will continue the trend of keeping local traditions alive and being respectful of the long heritage behind these extraordinary estates. </span></div>
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NewTuscanExperiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17371358318007746267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770110483893526412.post-86728050850516608352014-01-12T08:57:00.000-08:002016-06-10T03:33:11.386-07:00Why You SHOULD Visit Tuscany in the Fall and Winter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7mBBGHFWGc_72YSY0bBsDPguGGhaJ9hfEHRZI7vJyVjrfeg7M6q821V0K5F5qtEhWHLczIirNNDtxG3wbEt6LPetSb-wRZjfKuPobCD4AEI1LqZdkrFJLcD7AqULmERMGsnGbXdUFaA/s1600/chianti+autumn+daybreak+page.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7mBBGHFWGc_72YSY0bBsDPguGGhaJ9hfEHRZI7vJyVjrfeg7M6q821V0K5F5qtEhWHLczIirNNDtxG3wbEt6LPetSb-wRZjfKuPobCD4AEI1LqZdkrFJLcD7AqULmERMGsnGbXdUFaA/s1600/chianti+autumn+daybreak+page.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Clients
often ask me, “When is the best time to visit <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Tuscany</st1:place></st1:state>?” Clearly, an easy answer is from
May through September, and when you see the statistics, that’s exactly when
most people do come to <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Tuscany</st1:place></st1:state>.
However, this could also be the first good reason NOT to come then. If you are
looking for the chance to discover a more authentic <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Tuscany</st1:place></st1:state>, then you should start looking at
the other months, from October through April, when for the most part you’ll
find mainly the locals here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I won’t deny that the climate is better in the Spring and Summer – but even then, you can get rain in Spring and in the heart of summer the heat can present a real challenge, especially if you came to sightsee and travel around the region. Fortunately, the Fall and Winter are relatively mild and there is rarely a real problem with snow. Although it's true that during the past few years we have seen some (which at first was considered “an exceptional event” in many places) – compared to places where snow is an integral part of Winter, here it’s more like an occasional decorative feature which lasts a day or two and makes everything look even prettier.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><span lang="EN-GB">Tuscany</span></st1:place></st1:state><span lang="EN-GB"> also has the characteristic of being very
green, even during the Winter. Many of its trees, like the ever famous cypresses and olive trees,
are evergreens – so whether you see them in July or in January, it makes no
real difference. It's also worth noting that there are varied types of landscapes throughout the region, many of which change dramatically even during the same season. In late summer, areas
like the Val d’Orcia, which were bursting with green in May, are predominantly
grey and beige. The gently rolling hills south of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Siena</st1:city></st1:place>, called the Crete Senesi, have an
almost lunar look and in the winter the landscape pretty much looks the same.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Crete Senesi - photo by Auro Giotti</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-GB">One of the
things people come to <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Tuscany</st1:place></st1:state>
for is the wine and the food. Well, here’s the biggest plus for the colder
months – both Tuscany's wine and its cuisine were really born for the cooler
climate. The Fall and Winter bring a wide array of festivals and seasonal products
like olives, porcini mushrooms, chestnuts, and wild game – the staples of the Tuscan
cuisine, guaranteeing that you’ll eat them fresh and not frozen. It’s no secret
that the region's full-bodied red wines and typical hearty meat sauces and soups are
best enjoyed with lower temperatures. As much as I love my red wine, I am
always hard pressed to drink Brunello or Chianti when its <st1:metricconverter productid="34ᄚC" w:st="on">34°C</st1:metricconverter> (<st1:metricconverter productid="93ᄚF" w:st="on">93°F</st1:metricconverter>) outside! So for serious
foodies, the period from October to April holds a real advantage.</span></div>
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All of this
without mentioning that “low season” implies lower prices, especially for
airfare and accommodations. Add to that fewer crowds (and in some places none at
all) - meaning you can visit even the
most popular attractions and towns, which are literally overflowing with people
during the peak months, in relative solitude. You’ll also find restaurants full of
locals, something unlikely in the height of summer, especially in the cities. This makes it a great opportunity to feel the real pulse of life here, when things resume their
“winter normalcy” – especially in the most touristy areas. And since the art and architecture are exactly the same
as what you’ll find in the Spring and Summer - coming off season is definitely worth a try!<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 14.0pt; font-style: italic;">Joanne Heaviland Photography </span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 14.0pt;">and </span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 14.0pt; font-style: italic;">New Tuscan Experience <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 14.0pt;">are proud to present:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "times"; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;">Experience Tuscany: A Cultural and Culinary Journey</span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "lucida handwriting"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "lucida handwriting"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;">through a photographer’s lens …</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 14.0pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #38761d;">September 20-27, 2014</span><span style="color: #cc6600;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic;">Join us on this fabulous week-long journey where we will discover the best things</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 14.0pt; font-style: italic;">Tuscany has to offer. Incredible scenery, fabulous food and wine, history, </span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic;">art, architecture and warm friendly people. See first hand why so many choose this destination for a relaxing and inspiring vacation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 14.0pt; font-style: italic;">Tuscany is also an amazing place for a photography workshop! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 14.0pt; font-style: italic;">With cameras in hand you will visit some of the most panoramic settings </span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic;">in the world that beckon to be captured by a lens. </span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 19px; font-style: italic;">Much more than a course, this is an experience, where Joanne will share her expertise so that you can learn about photography while actually living and enjoying the Tuscan life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic;">Locations will include: Florence and the stunning Tuscan countryside south of Siena - the Crete Senesi and Val d'Orcia, with excursions to Chianti, Siena, San Gimignano, Montalcino, Pienza and Montepulciano, as well as visits to the smaller hamlets in the area. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 14.0pt; font-style: italic;">The trip will feature luxury accommodations and transportation, fine </span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic;">dining, certified tour guides and sommeliers, cellar tours at award-winning wineries, organic farm visits and more...</span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 14.0pt; font-style: italic;">Please, <a href="mailto:info@newtuscanexperience.com">contact us </a>to see what we have planned! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUywB-XH0J8rluyyqOVwBRv3YTspBgmu9U-CkdKBIWPJDfSswzAJd1DUOxwrQpwbWFvHI6S-WOW957n8FEm1GYHlyEeRDvMUSSHuND9MvusKeVEcJubt5tXsury6YaxGFj2egMfXYkFQg/s1600/promo+photo+Joanne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUywB-XH0J8rluyyqOVwBRv3YTspBgmu9U-CkdKBIWPJDfSswzAJd1DUOxwrQpwbWFvHI6S-WOW957n8FEm1GYHlyEeRDvMUSSHuND9MvusKeVEcJubt5tXsury6YaxGFj2egMfXYkFQg/s640/promo+photo+Joanne.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc6600; font-family: "microsoft sans serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: bold;">About this trip<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "microsoft sans serif"; language: EN-GB; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-arabic-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-cyrillic-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-default-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-greek-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-hebrew-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-latin-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-latinext-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-thai-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif";"><a href="http://www.joanneheavilandphotography.com/">Joanne Heaviland</a> is a successful fine-art photographer with a passion for travel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "microsoft sans serif"; language: EN-GB; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-arabic-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-cyrillic-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-default-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-greek-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-hebrew-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-latin-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-latinext-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-thai-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif";">Her Italian heritage and frequent visits to Italy have led Joanne to develop a special relationship with this incredible country, which she proudly shares by hosting and teaching groups of photo </span><span style="font-family: "microsoft sans serif";">enthusiasts on location. She lends her expertise, fueled by her love and knowledge of this </span><span style="font-family: "microsoft sans serif";">extraordinary place, to help others learn how to express themselves by capturing its beauty through the camera’s lens.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "microsoft sans serif"; language: EN-GB; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-arabic-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-cyrillic-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-default-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-greek-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-hebrew-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-latin-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-latinext-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-thai-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif";">This year Joanne has begun a new collaboration with us at </span><span style="color: #cc6600; font-family: "microsoft sans serif";"><a href="http://www.newtuscanexperience.com/">New Tuscan Experience</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "microsoft sans serif"; language: EN-GB; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-arabic-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-cyrillic-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-default-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-greek-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-hebrew-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-latin-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-latinext-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-thai-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif";">photography while being fully immersed in Tuscan life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "microsoft sans serif"; language: EN-GB; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-arabic-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-cyrillic-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-default-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-greek-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-hebrew-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-latin-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-latinext-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-thai-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif";">This photo workshop is not a tour – it is truly an </span><span style="font-family: "microsoft sans serif"; font-style: italic;">Experience</span><span style="font-family: "microsoft sans serif"; language: EN-GB; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-arabic-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-cyrillic-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-default-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-greek-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-hebrew-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-latin-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-latinext-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-thai-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif";">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "microsoft sans serif"; language: EN-GB; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-arabic-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-cyrillic-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-default-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-greek-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-hebrew-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-latin-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-latinext-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-thai-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif";">And, what better photography studio could there be than the incredible setting of Tuscany?! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "microsoft sans serif"; language: EN-GB; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-arabic-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-cyrillic-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-default-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-greek-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-hebrew-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-latin-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-latinext-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-thai-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif";">So grab your cameras and get ready to learn about:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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NewTuscanExperiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17371358318007746267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2770110483893526412.post-1984571998254791662013-11-18T00:15:00.000-08:002016-06-10T03:34:47.611-07:00Why I Love What I Do…<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8fOqGB2I3Lg7ZOEoBdUi67rUbtZQw9WJs_PkEIq0VuUE0XAUMbO1uoS4OglgRWRtdj3zGArp_6HH8yFUlyyFmqYpPwVOWBtgMuS62SCbnU4KrFW-ftiP3FcnlRAbMOiFf4du0LUhiNb0/s1600/Maremma+weekend+086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8fOqGB2I3Lg7ZOEoBdUi67rUbtZQw9WJs_PkEIq0VuUE0XAUMbO1uoS4OglgRWRtdj3zGArp_6HH8yFUlyyFmqYpPwVOWBtgMuS62SCbnU4KrFW-ftiP3FcnlRAbMOiFf4du0LUhiNb0/s320/Maremma+weekend+086.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I consider
myself very fortunate. Not everyone can say that they really love their job, but
I can! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I started my business as a vacation planner a few years ago I based
it on a few solid principles:</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1) to tap
into my capabilities and interests<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2) to do
something I was truly passionate about<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3) to share
my knowledge and integrity with others<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4) to be my
own boss (not a small thing)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It didn’t
take long to realize that this was something I REALLY enjoyed doing. Luckily,
it also turned out that I was quite good at it!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Organizing
tailor-made vacations gives me the opportunity to work with a wide variety of
interesting clients, who are a great source of personal enrichment. Locally, I
have had the privilege to meet quite a few like-minded people who have since
become my closest collaborators. Despite all the difficulties in the industry,
there are still passionate individuals out there who are willing to invest a
huge part of themselves in what they do, and working with them is inspiring. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKkVU8dCkwm3AVyisEQRgaYvJPVubpcP64isGWYTMyh-C3mMiBykMo2DwhaJTFv-JurzgsogoC6huNZJoI8X0Kye4fL0dn8AKpSMtSb3RvF6hYPvSB83LZfook3JjXw-mWaONHb6ZKEa8/s1600/Casanova+9-2012+042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKkVU8dCkwm3AVyisEQRgaYvJPVubpcP64isGWYTMyh-C3mMiBykMo2DwhaJTFv-JurzgsogoC6huNZJoI8X0Kye4fL0dn8AKpSMtSb3RvF6hYPvSB83LZfook3JjXw-mWaONHb6ZKEa8/s640/Casanova+9-2012+042.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rita at work!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGBJ9qYaNdMNPbsHq1Nxnk7iKi74-jXf7VywY507hx8tbDlQh8R5aklyqPuYcN1vkX2oqCYzGupdxpvGHd95bUn48lwrki66Xn3mvhjjy5V-nxvLVuUPhZwS651M8F0MexOo5xo15Gdrc/s1600/DSCN0634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGBJ9qYaNdMNPbsHq1Nxnk7iKi74-jXf7VywY507hx8tbDlQh8R5aklyqPuYcN1vkX2oqCYzGupdxpvGHd95bUn48lwrki66Xn3mvhjjy5V-nxvLVuUPhZwS651M8F0MexOo5xo15Gdrc/s400/DSCN0634.jpg" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marilena - my assistant.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrZbC3MqHUITZ2AtU3aA8DvcfJUTZB22VKPc8YY8z8EWImP4s_4xDrEZ-HIYpKM77LJ9JUXrLhVQoy60BaQV2IYqGBVI9f4oU47WadrmhlAdh14otu0u4cvlrdlPmpVP3cwrMYkBOWoHY/s1600/silvano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrZbC3MqHUITZ2AtU3aA8DvcfJUTZB22VKPc8YY8z8EWImP4s_4xDrEZ-HIYpKM77LJ9JUXrLhVQoy60BaQV2IYqGBVI9f4oU47WadrmhlAdh14otu0u4cvlrdlPmpVP3cwrMYkBOWoHY/s400/silvano.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silvano</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chef Francesco</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqdWANauhxgNgguW318sorHCuehxmBBX3POdglHr30MGVNZNKbO8HXnIKzTA4AERFj-tk8WNYjm5NrbfAlGa_O6iK6gHfQLa6cbGEGGnla6knxH4u7Z-mjLZkmD_NMA5TCrWTJn-6UT9I/s1600/dinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqdWANauhxgNgguW318sorHCuehxmBBX3POdglHr30MGVNZNKbO8HXnIKzTA4AERFj-tk8WNYjm5NrbfAlGa_O6iK6gHfQLa6cbGEGGnla6knxH4u7Z-mjLZkmD_NMA5TCrWTJn-6UT9I/s640/dinner.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ellen (front right) with a great group of clients.</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The process of building my business has also taught me a lot about myself. I have learned (or perhaps been reminded) that I am very tenacious. <st1:country-region w:st="on">Italy</st1:country-region> is a wonderful place, but to live here you need to be pretty determined, and quite resilient. Unfortunately, over time you can lose sight of the enchantment, and sometimes risk downright disillusionment. It is a country that will capture your soul and try your nerves with equal intensity. So, it’s no wonder that Italians tend to be creative people - because the “art of getting by” is an essential part of life here. Those of us who have chosen to make it our home have had to become just as resourceful.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have
worked hard to open doors (many of which are often kept locked, because
fundamentally many Italians are defiant or skeptical when you approach them
initially). In most cases I have first needed to prove myself. There have been
challenges, frustrations and setbacks but also moments of great satisfaction
and unexpected success. I can honestly say that it has been one of the most
exciting times in my life.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFITTX2vtarsz_FD3qnNyiJpzGhYOhW44nNltUuUqrmJiLqTXXuWdkTCkf57DtB3EpS7Mddmm6xEh81OwNmS3TDuvYC16yDiuqKqLhpcbk0Fi7-pnI8wObEH7dnT5J4IG8ayeGdOltoM/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFITTX2vtarsz_FD3qnNyiJpzGhYOhW44nNltUuUqrmJiLqTXXuWdkTCkf57DtB3EpS7Mddmm6xEh81OwNmS3TDuvYC16yDiuqKqLhpcbk0Fi7-pnI8wObEH7dnT5J4IG8ayeGdOltoM/s640/7.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I strive to convey the beauty of <st1:state w:st="on">Tuscany</st1:state> to others, I am constantly reminded myself of what it was that made me decide to stay. Yes, becoming a full time resident is very different than coming here for a vacation. Daily life anywhere has its difficulties. Yet, if you remember to step back once in a while and practice what you preach, you will realize that you really are living in one of the most beautiful places in the world. It is this conviction that makes me credible. I am not trying to “sell a product” I don’t believe in. When I plan someone’s itinerary, I put myself in their shoes and work to share with them my own love of the territory and its treasures, so that they can come away with that same special feeling I had when I first discovered this extraordinary place so many years ago. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><span lang="EN-GB">Italy</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span lang="EN-GB"> is struggling at the moment: with its
economy, its national identity, its government. There are many reasons to be
concerned. However, if we all try to make our small contribution to find the
good and make it better, there is truly unlimited potential here. So, in the
bigger scheme of things, this is my tiny effort to help build the image of a
place I believe in, which has touched me profoundly and become a part of who I
am. <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Italy</st1:place></st1:country-region>
does that to people, even when it tests your patience and your stamina; in the
end it always works that subtle magic and you are once again under its spell! </span></span></div>
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<o:p></o:p>NewTuscanExperiencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17371358318007746267noreply@blogger.com0