An Orientation and Introduction to Fabulous Florence Learn how and why the Renaissance began in Florence This three-hour walking tour encompasses the origins of Florence, and how and why the Renaissance began in this fascinating city. See remnants of the Roman origins of the city, and learn about the artists of the early 1400s who achieved astonishing breakthroughs
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The Renaissance Continues— Gorgeous Hotels in Florence’s Center
Florence has been known for beautiful design since the program to beautify the city began the 14th century, and lately, hotel designers in the city seem to be vying for the most elegant modern design with touches alluding to the city's history. As you'll see from my sampling below, this city of world-class art also boasts world-class artfully designed
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Remodeling a Bathroom in Italy
This is the first in a series of posts about my experience remodeling an apartment in Florence. I had bought the apartment before the pandemic and I hadn't realized how much work it needed and how much it would feel like living in a warehouse until I was able to start renovations. The topic of the pandemic and surviving it in Italy arose on a recent tour I led for two
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An Australian Opens a Bistrot in Florence
I am pleased to add this interview to my Taking the Plunge series Here is Chloé Guest who opened a bistrot/microbakery in Florence in 2019 Where do you come from and when did you first have a connection with Italy in your life? I was born in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. My aunt married an Italian-Australian farmer, who raised sugar cane and cattle. His mother, a
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The Casentino, A Secluded Corner of Tuscany
The Casentino area of Tuscany, stretching to the east of Florence, is often overlooked in favor of the more famous Chianti zone nearby. It's a secluded place, perfect for those who have already visited the well-known Tuscan towns and seek something different. Here the visitor can discover one of Europe’s purest forested areas, take in the spirituality of ancient monasteries,
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Fall Festivals in Tuscany
Fantastic Fall Festivals in Tuscany Tuscany brims with abundance in Autumn, with the grape harvest in the early part of the season and the new olive oil pressed in the later part of the season. For the updated version of this post go to my Substack.
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Weekend Walking on the Via Francigena
The Essence of Slow Travel: Two nights and a day on Italy's Ancient Pilgrimage Route Immerse yourself in the peace of quintessential Tuscan landscapes When I walked the Via Francigena, I found the route from Gambassi Terme to San Gimignano to be one of the prettiest, and I am excited to offer a two-night excursion centered around this stretch of the route. Since
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Treasures of the Palatine Gallery
See the Private Collection of Paintings Owned by the Grand Dukes Explore the former home of the grand dukes of Tuscany on this two-hour tour of the Palatine Gallery in the impressive Pitti Palace Here you will see the private collection of paintings owned by the grand dukes, displayed in what were their official staterooms which were frescoed by the Baroque artist
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A Special Monastery in Tuscany
La Verna: a contemplative Tuscan sanctuary The Franciscan Sanctuary of La Verna is an enchanting place of refuge and tranquility, alive with the spirit of Saint Francis. Located north of Arezzo in Eastern Tuscany in the area called Casentino, the monastery is built on top of a rocky spur surrounded by woods with ample hiking trails. Saint Francis walked here from his
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Christmas Festivals in Florence
As someone who grew up without religion in a California beach town, I was intrigued when I moved to Italy by the length of the Christmas season and I was confused by some of the festivals. I learned that the season starts on December 8, with the Festival of the Immaculate Conception, and ends on January 6 with Epiphany. I assumed the conception being referred to was the one
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Olfactory Experience and Perfume Workshop
Olfactory Experience and Perfume Workshop Florence PerfumeDuration: three hours Florence is not only the birthplace of the Renaissance, it is also the birthplace of European perfume and the city contains some exquisite perfumeries. In this tour you will meet the masters who make bespoke perfumes and visit their gorgeous shops. We will first walk through city stopping
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The Best Local Piazza in Florence (And it’s Organic Market)
Piazza Santo Spirito: Come here to hang out in the best local piazza in Florence. This piazza is in the Oltrarno which means “across the Arno” (the other side of the river from civic and religious centers where the cathedral and town hall are.) If you feel overwhelmed by the crowds on the main side of the river, come over to the Oltrarno and hang out in Piazza Santo
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