FW03 : TASTING CHIANTI (full day)
An evocative Tuscan journey through a gently rolling landscape of vine-clad hills topped with castles and abbeys. Enchanting dales hide quaint market villages overflowing with an abundance of some of the finest Tuscan speciality foods. Join our sommelier for a wine tasting lunch and cellar tour at a renowned castle estate in Greve-in-Chianti dating back to 1170. Discover the delights of the Antica Macelleria Falorni; wild boar specialists selling salami and proscuitto as well as local cheeses. And feast your eyes on the hilltop Badia di Passignano as you approach Antinori for a tour of the ancient cellars and a wine-tasting of great gusto.
Tag: Tuscany things to do
Spas in Tuscany
Hi my friends,
today, for the category ” things to do in Tuscany ” a great suggestion: a full day in a Tuscan spa and for sure how don’t talk to you about Grotta Giusti?… Have a look…
Grotta Giusti is one of Nature’s gifts to man.
Starting from the entrance through to the deepest part of the Grotta, three different zones are crossed, each one increasing in heat, which tradition has named Paradise, Purgatory and Hell.
Limbo has a picturesque lake, the waters of which maintain a constant temperature, both in winter and summer, of 36°C. Even the temperature of the air undergoes very little change over the seasons, ranging from 31°C. in the first cavity to a maximum 34°C. in Hell, with an approximate 100% humidity.
The atmospheric pressure is constant and the same as outside, in all parts of the Grotta. An unexplained, natural mechanism guarantees a constant and efficient change of air, making the stay in the Grotta a pleasant one, even with the profuse perspiration induced by the high level of humidity, rather than by the temperature.
The steam of the rich thermal waters generates a natural “bath of health” which detoxifies the organism for an overall sense of well-being.
“The eighth wonder of the world”, as described by Giuseppe Verdi during his frequent visits, never ceases to amaze you. The story begins in May 1849 when miners working on the property of the Giusti family discovered, quite by chance, hot steam coming out of the earth. The small opening was made larger to allow them to enter the place which had remained a secret till then: the Grotta. The sweet temperature inside the Grotta gave the owner the happy idea of turning it into a beneficial cure. Along the years the fascination and the shape of the stalactites and stalagmites, those mysterious, distorted shadows projected in the distance, whilst we move around in the heat of the mountain and the unreal silence between Heaven,Purgatory and Hell, have led us through a unique and extremely personal experience. The temperature, which increases slowly to a maximum of 34° C, creates a “thermal steam bath” which, when taken for a full 50 minutes, eliminates, along with the toxins in our body, all traces of stress. Continuous innovations have brought the wellbeing centre to its present state through ways and means, wars and armistices, smiles and tears, keeping intact the one thing where everything began….. and already towards the end of the second world war, we find traces of a project to build an outdoor thermal pool.
Isn’t it a great suggestion? For sure it will be an unforgettable day… trust me….
Scottish Wedding in Barga – Tuscany
Too Funny! A part of Scotland lives in Barga a very charming village 30 minutes driving far from Lucca.
Direction to Grotta del Vento
To don’t MiiiiiiiiSSSSSSSSS!!
Situated in the centre of the Apuan Alps’ Natural Park, this is one of the most complete European caves, presenting an extraordinary variety of phenomena which are outlined with competence and precision by expert speleological guides.
Following illuminated and easy-going trails, we can admire the many wonders of the underground world: from shining stalactites and stalagmites to polychrome flowstone, alabaster draperies, crystal-brimmed lakes, underground water-courses and bizarre forms of erosion.
There are three itineraries: the “first” (one hour) proceeds horizontally and is characterized throughout by splendid calcareous formations; the “second” (two hours), which also includes the first, visits a small underground river and its charmingly vast environment; the “third” (three hours) consents a complete visit of the cave and easily follows several perfectly vertical tracts.
The Wind Cave is open to the public every day of the year (excluding Christmas).
From April 1st to November 1st and on Sundays and public holidays of the remaining period, the times are as follows:
1st itinerary (one hour): 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18
2nd itinerary (two hours): 11, 15, 16, 17
3rd itinerary (three hours, complete tour): 10, 14
On weekdays between November 2nd and March 31st only the 1st itinerary can be visited at the following times: 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18.
Internal cave temperature is of +10.7°C. (53°F.)
Bar facilities can be found next to the ticket office, as well as a large selection of minerals, fossils etc.
54th Festival Puccini in Tuscany
| 54th Festival Puccini |
| The Puccini Festival 2008 will be characterized by one of the most important cultural events of the latest years: the opening of the new Theatre, around which will take form a cultural park, where to celebrate Giacomo Puccini, his music, his history and his art, on the lake Massaciuccoli which inspired him in his life.
54th Puccini Festival June – August 2008 THE PERFORMANCES START AT 9.15 p.m. CONCERT Tribute to Puccini TURANDOT TOSCA MADAMA BUTTERFLY EDGAR
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Off the Tourist Track – a “Sagra” in Tuscany
On any trip to Italy, it’s a good idea to keep your eyes open for signs and posters advertising a “festa” or “sagra” — these local festivals take place all over Italy between late Spring and late Autumn, and they provide visitors with a great chance to participate in community events that are still relatively free of large groups of tourists… Very funny… not just restaurants…
For example in Montaione, Sagra del tartufo