Category: Tours

Tuscany Review

Dear Friends,

I found this nice post around the web and I decide to publish it here on PlunningaTour because in my opinion reading it you can taste the true way to visit Tuscany.

Tuscany is well known for many things. Florence, being the largest city, is the main attraction, but by no means the only draw in a region that, above most in Italy, has a reputation beyond its means.

Of course, there is Florence, but there is time enough devoted to her, and the beauty and uniqueness of that city. Pisa as well, has her fans and detractors, but is a worthy enough diversion, and the Tower really is a must-see (as well as the Cathedral which can hold a torch to any in Florence).

To get a true taste of Tuscany in her entirity it is necessary to head for the hills, so to speak.

The overwhelming sight that will greet you as you head south from Florence, is (depending on the time of year) the verdant countryside. The green-ness is overwhelming, and the lines and lines of vineyards and olive trees around Chianti lead to the famous landscapes often alluded to, in Tuscany.

The hills are larger than their English equivalents, for the most part, and intermittently, a hill town will appear, as if from nowhere, and ‘just popping in for a visit’ can lead to finding the a great little trattoria which will far outstrip anything in Florence. Although that can possibly be said for any Italian countryside.

Tuscany is full of small towns. San Gimignano is a perfectly preserved medieval town which did a lot more from me than San Marino (in Romagna), because although it is very touristy, it doesn’t seem to have sold-out to the tourist influx. Vinci (Leonardo’s famous birthplace) is worth a diversion, sitting on a hill, with its own Leonardo museum, although if you go to his actual birthplace (a little way out of the town itself) there isn’t very much in there to see.

Lucca as well, is a great spot to while away a day, and although I never got as far south as Siena, I’m told it’s a treat.

The Tuscan countryside cannot really be appreciated on the train from Pisa Airport into
Florence, and is it as well to take a day trip from Florence, if you can, to Siena or San Gimignano, or even to Fiesole if you are short of time, because it is good to set off the artistry of Florence against the natural beauty that inspired so many of her famous sons.

There are always a lot of expats in this area, but that can be quite comforting in a way, and the Tuscans are very proud of their own little corner of Italy, they are helpful to a fault, if a little particular. The wine is superb and the food is plentiful and excellent, and in my eyes, that makes it a good enough reason to stop, regardless of the countryside.

There are many particular cities to see within Tuscany, not all of which I could mention, and any number of which would have numerous treasures – stopping an a random church in a small village will uncover art pieces which would be the centre of any gallery in London – and that is more the pleasure of exploring this particular area of Italy. The joy is as much in the travelling as in the arriving.

Tuscany and Lucca’s Luminara

The picture on the front cover is very meaningful for everyone who claims to be Lucchese.
It was taken last year just before the procession of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross started to arrive in the Cathedral of San Martino.
The procession leaves from the Church of San Frediano and retraces the steps of all of the other processions which have traditionally taken place on the 13th of September every year – Piazza San Frediano, Via Fillungo, Via Roma, Piazza San Michele, Piazza Grande, Piazza del Giglio, Piazza del Duomo and Piazza San Martino to arrive at its destination.
When the head of the procession arrives in the cathedral, the last part of it is still waiting to leave San Frediano so this may help you to realise just how many people take part in it.
It begins with archbishops, bishops, parish priests and parishioners carrying banners to announce where they are from, with brass bands playing liturgical music and choirs singing hymns in praise of the Holy Cross, each person holding a candle.
The local councils are well represented as are all voluntary organisations, with local politicians, mayors from the province of Lucca and, of course, the mayor of Lucca.
They are followed by representatives of the Lucchesi nel Mondo Association who are so proud and happy to be present in Lucca on this special evening as a tribute to their Lucchese roots. Last but not least come the historical figures in beautiful, colourful medieval costumes – lords, ladies, children, militia and archers.
So great are the number of participants that I’ve probably not even mentioned everybody.
Seeing is believing, however, because if I hadn’t seen this procession I could never have imagined the greatness of it all.
Although there are hundreds, thousands of onlookers, there always appears to be space for everybody. Along the route, the architecture of the buildings, shops and houses is outlined with countless numbers of little glass holders containing lit candles illuminating the procession, adorning Lucca with an unforgettable sight. The front cover is only a taste of what is to come on the 13th of September.
When the whole procession has entered the doors of the cathedral, the mottettone is sung.
This is a piece of polyphonic sacred church music. In the past it was composed for two organs and two choirs.
In fact the mottettone has always been a characteristic of the Feast of the Holy Cross, so much so that it attracted a great number of music lovers, contributing to the international fame of this event.
After the mottettone, people start moving towards the Walls to position themselves for a great view of the spectacular fireworks that conclude a wonderful evening.

September Festivals and Holiday Events inTuscany

September Festivals and Holiday Events inTuscany

Tuscan Festivals, Holidays, and Special Events in September

In September Italians return from their vacations. Many festivals take place the first Sunday in September as summer comes to an end. You’ll still find small food festivals throughout Italy during the month of September. Look for brightly-colored posters (like the one in the picture) for a festa or sagra, where you can usually sample inexpensive regional food.

Here are some of the top festivals you’ll find in Tuscany in September.

Palio di San Rocco in Figline Valdarno is said to be one of the first palio competitions (definition of palio) in Tuscany. The palio includes five days of medieval competitions with jousting, archery, and a horse race during the first week of September.

Feast of Rificolona is believed to be one of the oldest festivals in Florence. You’ll find outdoor festivities September 6 and 7 including a big fair in Piazza Santissima Annunziata. The celebrations close the evening of September 7 with a procession from Piazza Santa Croce led by the Cardinal. You may also find Feast of Rificolona celebrated in other parts of Tuscany September 7.

Luminara di Santa Croce, illuminations of the holy cross, is a beautiful procession in Lucca, Tuscany, on September 13. The city is illuminated with thousands of candles at night as the procession goes through Lucca’s historic center. (Lucca travel resources)

Feast Day of San Michele on September 29 is a popular saint’s day celebrated many places in Italy, often with an agriculture festival.

Tuscany – Montalcino

Hi my friends,

today I suggest you a new special tour to don’t miss during your staying here in Tuscany, and may be here in my villas Casale Sodini or Villa al Boschiglia

Montalcino

This lovely town represent also a good part of Italian reputation all around the world in terms of wine! This is the land where one of the most famous wines is produced, the jewel of Brunello di Montalcino (made with a superior variety of grapes).

Enjoy a walk in the village and take pleasure from the picturesque view of the countryside all around, with the range of nuances of its vineyards and hills.