Traveling to Tuscany with Kids

When you travel with children you are necessarily obliged to try and make them happy, no matter what their ages, as this will surely make your vacation less stressful and more enjoyable. So, planning a trip to Europe might seem immediately intimidating: What will the kids do? Surely they’ll get bored! How will they ever adapt to all the changes? At this point many get cold feet and head back to Disney… but the truth is, if you plan it right, kids can have a great experience visiting a foreign country. Whether they are in elementary school or in high school, here are some of the ways to make it happen:

Rent a villa. This is an excellent 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. Unlike what it may seem, it’s also an economically smart choice. There are properties of all price points, and many will run you less than getting 2 or 3 rooms in a hotel. Having a whole house to yourselves means that you can get everyone to feel “at home” by establishing a comfortable routine for the kids that keeps them on a relaxed schedule with plenty of time to unwind. 

Plan itineraries that are FUN. Children always request to do “cool” things – so fulfill their wishes. Tuscany has an array of activities that can be enjoyed by the whole family. In a previous post you’ll find a list of 10 Great Things to Do with Kids in Florence. 

Here are a few more ideas:

Children love to see the world from above! 

It seems that for most kids, if there is some climbing involved, they’re happy. This means that in the art cities you can climb the towers, church steeples and anything else that will let the kids get a bird’s eye view of where they are. Oh, and you’d be surprised how much fun the adults find it too!

I already mentioned that in Florence you can climb to the top of the Duomo’s dome, as well as up the adjacent bell tower. However, there is yet another wonderful way to see Florence from 40 meters off the ground: it’s called the “camminamento della ronda”,  which translated means “patrol ramparts”, and as the name would imply it can be found atop the Palazzo Vecchio – Florence’s City Hall.

This elevated walkway, fully restored in 2009, was used in the 1300s by the guards who kept watch on the city’s seat of government. This is a great opportunity to get an up close look at what it was like to be a sentry in the Middle Ages as you walk around the entire perimeter of the building taking in the amazing 360° views of the city. The visit, which lasts about 30 minutes, includes an area where a glass floor panel allows you to see the inside of the building from above – another spectacular experience.

If you still have the energy, the building’s tower (La Torre di Arnolfo) is open to the public, and will allow you to reach a height of 95 meters!

In the countryside, a great attraction is to visit one of the many Adventure Parks where kids can climb trees and experience the woods and nature from up high. Located throughout the region, these suspended playgrounds are sure to put a smile on your children’s faces. Once again, this is an opportunity for adults and children to enjoy a fun experience together.

If you still need something else to pump your adrenaline: take a ride in a hot air balloon! Seeing the extraordinary Tuscan landscape floating above the hills is an experience you’ll never forget.

For more suggestions, read our Travel to Tuscany with Kids - Part 2.  

Something tells me that if the kids find out about all the fun things they could do in Tuscany, it won’t be too hard to convince them to come along!

North Doors of the Baptistery in Florence to be Restored

After the recent restoration of the Gates of Paradise, in April 2013 the North doors of the Baptistery will undergo work to repair the damage caused by centuries of exposure to the elements. The beautiful bronze doors, which weigh 8 tons, were made by Lorenzo Ghiberti between 1402 and 1424.

The restoration will take about two years and upon completion the doors will not be returned to the Baptistery, but will be put on display (next to the original Gates of Paradise) in the new museum, Museo dell’Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore, which is currently under construction. The new museum is expected to open in 2015, for the occasion of the Pope’s scheduled visit to Florence. This will mark the first time in history that it will be possible to view the two sets of doors next to each other.

With regard to the Baptistery, as in the case of the Gates of Paradise, the North doors will be replaced by a replicas. Initially, there will be a set of plain doors made of wood and steel. As each of the 28 original decorative panels is restored, its copy will be positioned on the door.

The project was presented to the public on November 7 and has been made possible by the Guild of the Dome Association, an international organization founded to raise funds for the restoration of these works of art.

Proposal to Ban Markets from Historical Squares in Florence

With the recent exhibition for Florens 2012 of a huge marble cross in Piazza Santa Croce, the head of the City Arts Council has proposed to make Florence’s most famous squares a center for art and culture – and not a stage for publicity and commerce. The Councilman asserts that over the years the city’s most beautiful squares have been debased by the presence of cheap souvenir stands, unattractive advertising and a general lack of urban décor and esthetic valorization.

It is precisely in Piazza Santa Croce where so many commercial events are held. During the holiday season this is the venue for a Christmas market with stands from Germany and other European countries selling a variety of foods and crafts. Throughout the year the piazza hosts numerous initiatives, like concerts, performances by comedians and actors, as well as the famous match of Florence’s Historic Soccer, Calcio Storico Fiorentino. On a daily basis there are numerous stands lining the perimeter, obstructing the view of the historic buildings and selling banal trinkets that have nothing to do with the city’s artisan traditions. 

For the politician, who is also a philosopher and professor of Esthetics at the University of Florence, there is a need to bring in artists to breathe new life and beauty into these open spaces that represent areas of congregation throughout the city. Although he is not necessarily opposed to holding some of the cultural events that have become rituals, he feels that there must be a new approach by the city to stop degrading these public spaces which have become the victims of our consumer driven society.

Despite the fact that not everyone agrees about the current installation by Mimmo Palladino, there is an overall consensus that it is a good idea to draw attention to the history and beauty of these squares. Since the exhibit was inaugurated there has been a steady flow of visitors drawn by the curiosity of seeing and “figuring out” what this work of modern art is. The Piazza has come to life as people interact with the enormous blocks of marble. This vitality has made residents and business owners in the piazza recognize that perhaps it really is time to consider a change. By doing away with the petty commerce that has become typical over the years and replacing it with art, Florentines can restore dignity to some of the most historically significant public spaces in their city.

The 5 Best Reasons For a Winter Getaway in Tuscany

Recharge your batteries and fight off the doldrums that can come with winter by taking a vacation in one of the world’s most beautiful locations. There are great options available to enjoy a holiday in Tuscany during the colder months, and although it doesn't snow very often, this is the only time of year you might get the chance to see Chianti wearing white. 

1) Perhaps the best reason to vacation in the winter is that you can have the same level of service for a greatly reduced cost. When you factor in lower airfares – it really makes sense. To visit Tuscany in luxurious style you do not need to be rich – and in winter this is even more true! Stay in a fabulous villa – with romantic fireplaces and tons of atmosphere – where we can arrange a personal chef, daily housekeeping, drivers, yoga instructors, a massage – just to name a few extras.

2) Tuscany's famous wines and cuisine are best appreciated in the cooler climate. For foodies, what could be better than to spend a week with friends learning how to cook some of these delicacies? Plan a gastronomic holiday, making food and wine the focus of your visit. Seasonal gourmet specialties, wine, olive oil & cheese tastings, cooking classes and fine restaurants await you.

3) For art lovers, the possibilities are endless. Museums, which don't change with the season, will offer a less crowded setting to enjoy the countless masterpieces that fill their galleries. Take a ceramics class, a photography course, a painting class… Appreciate the winter landscape of the countryside and the sleepy off-season charm of its medieval hamlets. If you belong to an interest group at home, why not come together? We can plan your stay accordingly.

 

4) Pamper yourself with an indulgence holiday. 

Include several visits to the amazing thermal spas. Take advantage of the great shopping – both in the city boutiques (where there will also be sales) and at the popular designer outlets. Visit some of the hotspots for city dining and nightlife – or come with friends and throw your own party...

5) For the sporty types: Go skiing! Go hiking! Go biking! Go horseback riding! Pick your agenda and we’ll make it happen.

Are you convinced yet? There really is something for everyone – in every season!   Come Visit Tuscany, you won’t be disappointed.

The Best Tea Rooms in Florence

Tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world after water. Even in Tuscany, as the season grows colder (and often damper), embracing the British tradition of tea time becomes more popular. Despite Italy’s deep rooted love for coffee, and the resulting culture of espresso bars, it is impossible to deny the elegance and charm of a beautiful Tea House or Tea Room. These historic venues, where tea can be enjoyed and purchased, are present throughout Europe and Florence is no exception. Some represent the Western tradition, while others will take you on a journey to other lands where tea is a fundamental part of their culture.

So, for those who love tea, here are the best tea rooms in Florence:

Tealicious  (Via Romana) -  a small shop that cannot be missed by the real tea connoisseur. Here you’ll find passion and special attention paid to every detail.

Le Vie del Tè (Piazza Ghiberti) – this is not only a tea room, but a store that sells an infinite variety of teas and accessories.

Peter’s Tea House (Via dei Fossi) – An elegant and refined atmosphere where you’ll find an incredible variety of teas.

Teatro dell’Ozio (Via G. Lanza) – this is a concept store which opened recently. The style is French country chic with sofas and comfortable chairs where you can sit and enjoy a cup of tea and some delicious pastries, including fresh macaroons. Besides tea, you’ll find small gifts and delicious chocolate for sale.

Derb (Via Faenza) – This Moroccan tea house and restaurant is a unique venue where you are surrounded by books, artisan objects and an atmosphere reminiscent of the Maghreb. 

Mago Merlino (Via dei Pilastri) -  Perhaps this unusual ambiance is not for everyone, but one must admit that it is unique. An eclectic, Arabesque feel, where you sip your tea sitting on cushions on the floor…

Tuscany Loses 6 Provinces out of 10

On January 1, 2014 Tuscany will have to redefine its map after the government passed a law the other day to reduce the number of Provinces throughout the country – in fact a total of 36 have been eliminated nationwide. Tuscany will be hit the hardest, and of its 10 provinces, only 4 will remain. The new borders will see a metropolitan area headed by Florence which will incorporate the provinces of Prato and Pistoia. The two coastal areas of the region will be represented by Livorno (at the moment) and Grosseto, while Arezzo will remain independent.

What might seem like a simple decision based on reducing costs and bureaucracy is turning into an uproar rooted in longstanding local rivalries and historic conflicts. Italy in general is a country where regionalism and local pride are still very strong. It is almost impossible for people not to ask “where” someone is from, meaning what region or even more specifically what province. Often it is precisely on a provincial level that people are more sensitive - and therefore asking certain provinces to merge with others after years of autonomy is not an easy thing. Part of the problem lies in the loss of “power” and local government jobs, as well as a fear of losing local services, but there is also a large component of unrest caused by the bruised egos of the smaller provinces who feel betrayed by the obligation to succumb to these macro areas – especially when the new capital of the province will be a “rival” city. This is the case especially between Pisa and Livorno, Prato and Florence, Siena and Grosseto. However, the new technocrat government is determined to cut costs by curbing spending and waste, and the current situation of local government is not acceptable from a financial and bureaucratic standpoint.

So, Tuscans will have to bury the hatchet and face the facts: in today’s world which keeps getting “smaller” and more integrated, they’ll have to do their part and get along with their neighbors!  

An Amazing Costume Shop in Florence

The popularity of Halloween in Italy has grown exponentially over the years, and today having the perfect costume to attend one of the many events and parties that take place is very important.

Florence has the oldest and most unique shop in Italy where you can find an original Halloween costume… Filistrucchi has been in business since 1720, producing every kind of costume imaginable. This is clearly not a simple costume shop – this is artisan excellence at its best. What started as a wig shop in the 1700s grew to become one of the world’s foremost costume designers. 
Today, Filistrucchi clothes stage actors who appear not only at the Teatro Comunale in Florence but also at the Metropolitan in New York, the Fenice in Venice and the Boston Opera. The mastery of this Florentine workshop has also been seen on TV and on the big screen.

Here a 300 year old artisan tradition has been rigorously preserved, while new techniques have expanded the production to include innovative costumes and masks that are a tribute to modernity.
A visit to the workshop in Via Verdi, where craftsmen work diligently, is in itself an extraordinary experience.