And is engulfed by vibrant green hills and soaring mountains. The entire valley is dotted with vineyards, olive groves, and forested areas. Crystal-clear streams flow from one magical spot to another passing by historic monasteries, Romanesque churches, quaint villages, and medieval towns. There is no better place to catch a glimpse of authentic Tuscan life than in the Casentino Valley. …
And it is produced throughout the Tuscan countryside. However, its real roots can be traced back to the historically fascinating region that lies between Siena and Florence. It was back in 1716 that the Grand Duke of Tuscany, Cosimo de’ Medici III, first declared that this region of Italy had permission to produce a wine that is now known as …
Perhaps the most well-known Italian dessert is tiramisu, the Florentine version of which is named zuccotto. However, visitors to the region of Tuscany will soon learn that it is cantuccini with vin santo that is the most popular in this area. This delicious dish consists of small almond biscuits that are dipped into a sweet wine as an end of meal digestif. …
Which is translated as “the road that comes from France,” is one of the three big Christian pilgrimages together with the Spanish Camino de Santiago and the less well-known pilgrimage from Rome to Jerusalem. This ancient road commences at Canterbury Cathedral in southern England and progresses through Kent, the battlefields of the region of northern France, the peaks of the …
Is a fantastic, colorful month-long carnival that is held in the Tuscan city of Viareggio every year in the four weeks that precede Lent. It attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world who flock to the region to watch the vibrant floats and masquerade processions and to take in the festive atmosphere in the town. The Carnival in …
When you learn about the wonders on offer in Maremma, Italy, you may just need to refine your travel plans because this lesser-trod location in the far reaches of Rome is an area of Tuscany that travelers rarely expect yet never forget. Visitors who have been fortunate to stroll along Maremma’s wild beaches, hike through the enchanting woodlands to beautiful …
Have you ever sunk your teeth into a succulent sausage and stopped to consider the various textures and explosive flavor of each piece of meat? One person who knows how to truly make the most of meats of all shapes and varieties is Dario Cecchini. You may know him from the TV show No Reservations, or perhaps you have read …
Pratomagno is located in a mountainous territory in the spectacular landscape of the eastern part of Tuscany, bordering the Apennine ridge in between Casentino and the upper Valdarno. While the southwest facing rugged landscape of Valdarnese Pratomagno has no prominent geological characteristics in its own right, the footpaths that are strewn throughout the area lead intrepid visitors into a treasure …
Are reportedly the oldest breed of cattle in the world, and this claim is supported by a significant amount of evidence, in particular the fact that they appear in a number of Ancient Rome’s most notable sculptures and images. They are also mentioned in the poetry of Columella, which was written around 50 AD! Chianina are believed to have originated …
Siena’s Palio is arguably Italy’s most renowned annual sporting event. However, the enthusiasm for this traditional horse race is not so much about the race itself, which lasts just 75 seconds on average, but the pageantry and tradition that surrounds it. The race, which is held in honour of the Virgin Mary, takes place twice yearly: on the 2nd of …
