New Year's Eve Dinner In Florence

If you are staying in one of our apartments in the center of Florence this New Year's here are a couple of options for dinner parties where you can ring in the New Year with friends new and old:

Ristorante Boccadama Located on the ground floor of a magnificent renaissance palazzo in Piazza Santa Croce, Ristorante Boccadama is a cozy and romantic spot for dinner.

Ristorante Finisterrae Also in Santa Croce, Finisterrae features a mixed Mediterranean menu with food inspired by Greece, Italy, and north Africa.

Mansard apartment in historical building

Palazzo Branca Aria della Ripa is a historic building from the end of the 19th century. Situated on the river Arno, the building is in one of the best areas of Florence, just a 10 minute walk from the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio, 5 minutes from Santa Maria Novella, and 15 minutes from Fortezza da Basso. The building has been thoughtfully restored and preserves intact the refined elegance and warm hospitality of a true Florentine home.

Casa del Garbo

Casa del Garbo is located on the stunning Piazza della Signoria, home of the medieval Palazzo Vecchio, a marble replica of Michelangelo’s David, and the Renaissance Loggia dei Lanzi with the great statue of Perseus by Cellini. All of Florence’s most important and beautiful places to see and visit are mere footsteps from your door! In this completely restored ancient palace Casa del Garbo offers rich, finely furnished rooms in traditional Florentine style, equipped with every comfort.

Snow in Florence and Tuscany

There was a great winter storm (great if you like snow!) in Tuscany and Florence last Friday night into Saturday. Snow in Florence is sort of a rare event, and the city looks amazing coated in white. Here is a photo:

Cozy Apartment in Florence sleeps 4

This charming, completely furnished flat is situated on the ground floor, where it faces the 3000 sqf. terrace of the Villa. It includes living room with fold out sofa-bed and breakfast nook, kitchenette with electric stove, sink, refrigerator, and microwave, a bathroom with shower, gas heating, TV, DSL Internet connection. Price includes taxes, all utilities, Internet connection, use of the laundry room and final cleaning. Perfect for a family with children. Price is per night.

Florence Museum websites

If you find yourself staying in one of our apartments in Tuscany and need to plan some museum visits, these couple of websites may come in handy:

Firenze Musei is a network of thirteen state museums in Florence (Accademia Gallery, Uffizi Gallery, Palatine Gallery, Silver Museum, Gallery of Modern Art and Costume Gallery, Medici Chapels, San Marco Museum, Bargello Museum, Cenacolo di Andrea del Sarto, Davanzati Museum, Boboli Gardens, Archaeological Museum, Museo dell'Opificio delle Pietre Dure) housing works of art from most of the collections of the Signori who ruled Florence (the Medici and the Lorraine families) as well as some works originally belonging to ecclesiastical bodies that fell into the hands of the State as a result of the 19th-century suppression of religious bodies. The site has location information, opening times, ticket prices, etc.



Another website is the Polo Museale Fiorentino, a repetition of the one above (the state museums), this site is again run by the local government of Florence it seems.


And you can find tons of info on the church and museum of Orsanmichele at Orsanmichele.net

Apartment on the Arno

This apartment is on the first (2nd U.S.!) floor with an elevator. It is 80 sq. meters, has two luxury suites with double beds, with a sitting area in each suite, one of which has a sofa bed, two private bathrooms with bathtub or shower, both with hydromassage. There is a wonderful view over the Arno river,  a dining area with equipped kitchen, satellite TV, air-conditioning, and the use of the clothes washing machine and dryer (in the garden). The apartment can accommodate from 4 to 6 people.

Florence Tramvia Update

The new tram in Florence will be operational starting in 2010 - there is an update here, with a map of the first line.

Apartment Lorenzo, Florence

Lorenzo is a prestigious apartment on the second floor with breathtaking views of Piazza Signoria. Remodeled and fully furnished, it consists of an entrance hall, a bathroom, a kitchen, a living room with a 19th century fresco and a large bedroom with a living area. Located in the heart of Florence in Casa del Garbo, right on Piazza Signoria - just seconds from the Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi.

Christmas Fundraiser in Florence This Friday

You can rub elbows tomorrow with the mayor of Florence and infamous Tuscan butcher Dario Cecchini who will act as the auctioneer at St. James Church in Florence, for 50 euros a person. The event is a fundraiser for the church, and there will be hors d'ouevres, great Tuscan wine, and live music.

Call or email Jennifer for tickets 055 294417.

Ponte Santa Trìnita

The Ponte Santa Trìnita has been called the most beautiful bridge in the world. When you rent a villa or apartment in Tuscany or Florence, it should be on your short list of things to see. There is also a newer yet wonderful gelateria on the oltrarno side of the bridge that is not to be missed - grab a cone (the "sesamo" - crispy sesame seeds with stripes of dark chocolate with vanilla gelato - is one of our favorites) and sit on the bridge enjoying the views of the Ponte Vechhio!

How to become a Chianti tasting expert

The key to becoming an expert on Chianti wines? Tasting a lot of it. Where is the best place to taste a lot of Chianti? At its source: in the Chianti region of Tuscany. And who wouldn’t want to spend days traipsing through hamlets to find stone castles, hilltop villas, age-old cellars and sure romance in Italy’s famous wine region?

You will know Chianti wines intimately - because you shook hands with the vines. You will see the rolling hills and glistening sun, taste Chianti while peering at its vines, and love the family whose lives are entwined with their vineyards. After sipping from these tender grapes, you will be able to taste and compare terroir in each glass - because you toured across the hills and plains, and witnessed the lush ground that imparts its flavors to these famous vines.

The Chianti region stretches from Florence, south to Siena. It stretches toward Pisa in the west and Arezzo to the east. It is in the heart of Tuscany… and ultimately the heart of Italy. Chianti wines are famous all over the world, and for good reason. Wine doesn’t inherit a famous name, unless it has cause for fame. Chianti vines have earned their recognition, through careful tending to the vineyards and strict quality controls.

Here is a quick starter lesson for your Chianti tasting expertise:

IGT means "Indicazione Geografica Tipica" which gives plain information on geography, varietal(s) and year. It only needs to meet minimal requirements, and is the standard stamp on Vino di Tavola and more expensive Super Tuscans (IGT applies to inexpensive wines, as well as more expensive wines that don’t adhere to the regulations of DOC or DOCG).

DOC stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata, which simply means the vines came from a specific (controlled) region. Actually, it means the quality is confirmed not only by grape region but storing, processing and bottling.

DOCG is a step above DOC, and includes wines and vines that have proven their consistency and commitment to quality for years. Instead of being just controlled, they are guaranteed: only 14 such wines exist at the top of this wine pyramid. For example, DOCG wines include Chianti, Barola, Barbaresco, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

The entire Chianti region enjoys DOCG status, and is separated into seven districts. Two of the seven districts are readily available on the world market: Chianti Classico and Chianti Rufina. Chianti is considered a dry red wine, is noted for its concentrated fruit, and is made from 80% - 100% sangiovese. Besides the sangiovese grape, tradition also puts the black Canaiolo grape and the white Malvasia and Trebbiano grapes into the Chianti blend; they give Chianti wines their familiar dry, full-bodied character, with notes of cherries and violets. Chianti can age ten or more years in a good vintage.

Now you are well on your way to your first Chianti tasting, armed with a few basics. The beauty of wine-tasting vacations is that you can enjoy it any time of year - grab some friends or family and rent out this small villa in the middle of Tuscany. Or plan an intimate wine-tasting trip with your significant other - this apartment is nestled right in the Chianti Classico region. (For more great ideas of where to rent, visit TUSCANY RENT DIRECT where you'll find a substantial list of country homes, well-appointed apartments and perfectly situated Bed & Breakfasts for your trip to Chianti).

And to think, after your amazing holiday in the Chianti region - with all your memories tucked away in your mind and on your palate - you will forever have nostalgia and recognition for Chianti wines. How warming will it be, to later stand in a grocer or wine shop, eyeballing the selection of Chiantis, and smile broadly because you have been there. You recognize the names and the places, you remember the wines and the food pairings. You can picture the cellar's you visited and let a smile escape - maybe it was something the owner said, or the remembrance of the nose of a particular wine, bringing you back again to the cellars of Chianti.

Christmas in Florence

The Christmas lights are going up all over Florence - different streets have different types of lights. This is Via Calzaiuoli in the heart of Florence:

Apartment in Palazzo Branca Aria della Ripa

This luxury apartment is located in a 19th century palazzo in the heart of Florence, and can accommodate up to 7 people. It features a bright living room, a kitchen/dining room, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a laundry room. The apartment preserves intact the refined elegance of an aristocratic home and the warm hospitality of a true Florentine house. The price is 230 euro a night with a minimum stay of three nights. More information can be found on TuscanyRentDirect.com

Apartments for rent in Florence

Tuscany Rent Direct invites you to rent an exclusive apartment in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Florence Italy.

November is the time to visit Tuscany for world famous truffles

The most prized truffles in the world are harvested in Italy during the fall. San Miniato - in the heart of Tuscany - has its famous truffle festival every November. All year long people prepare for this event, restaurants plan truffle inspired menus, specialty products are developed and truffles are carefully harvested.

Truffles are rarely farmed and in most cases have to be hunted by dogs or pigs (truffle hogs). While dogs have to be trained, they are easier to handle than pigs. Truffle hogs have an innate ability to sniff out the infamous truffles - but they also like to eat them. Some hunters secretively hunt at night, so others will not find their techniques and trails. In many cases, truffle hunting has been in specific families for generations; the secrets, land, recipes and truffle dogs stay in the family.


You may already know that a truffle is a tuber - in Italian it is called 'tartufo' (or plural: tartufi). If you read a menu or see a jarred product that boasts of truffles or tartufo - they are referring to the same mythical fungi. That said, not all truffles are created equal: the infamous white truffle is the most sought after, and shows up on prestigious menus all over the world.

A truffle hunter - called a trifolau - can theoretically hunt year round. January - March is the season for dark winter truffles, March - April is time for tan truffles or bianchetto (which may be sold as the more expensive white truffles to uninformed buyers), June - November is time for the summer black truffle, and September to December is the season for the prized tartufo bianco.

Tuscany's San Miniato (province of Pisa) produces one quarter of Italy's prized white truffle crop. The trifolau gather these gems during October, November and December. Truffle markets and festivals are held in San Miniato during the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th weekends of November (this year you can still go Nov 21, 22 and Nov 27, 28). The National White Truffle Market is bursting with truffle oils and spreads, truffle laced cheeses and meats - and nearby restaurants featuring truffle dishes.

Although the main tent for the festival is in the historical Piazza del Duomo at the foot of the Rocca, every year events and entertainment are added last minute. If you go to the festival, stop by the tourism office in Piazza del Popolo for an updated program. The office will also have a list of restaurants that feature special truffle-based menus for the duration of the festival. Ristorante Canapone on Piazza Bonaparte is known to feature truffle inspired dishes during the event.

A fun fact: San Miniato also boasts the largest white truffle specimen ever found (over 2.5 kilograms); it was presented to President Truman in 1954. While at their famous festival, you can taste and purchase all sorts of truffle products including truffle cheeses, meats, salt, honey, salsas and spreads. If you buy truffles, don't pay a lot for clinging dirt - and smell them before you buy.

If you buy truffles, here are a few hints. Just as new olive oil is best eaten straight - and old oil is best used for cooking - white truffles are best eaten soon after purchase and enjoyed fresh (uncooked), shaved or grated over pasta, eggs or salad. The black truffle's flavors and aromas come to light when they are lightly cooked. Feel free to ask the truffle vendors their opinions, no doubt they will have some brilliant recommendations for how to best enjoy their beloved truffles.

The National White Truffle Market Opening hours: from 9 am to 6.30 pm Via Vittime del Duomo, 8, 56028 San Miniato (PI) Tel: 0571.418739
Email: soc.cons@cittadisanminiato.it
Web: www.cittadisanminiato.it

You can rent a luxury apartment near San Miniano for the truffle festival, or anytime of the year - like this one, Leccino, in Peccioli, where you'll have easy access to the truffle festival. This apartment - in the heart of an organic farm - is nestled ideally between the cities of Pisa, Siena and Florence.

Via Cerretani 5, Florence

This splendid apartment is in the heart of Florence. It features a beautiful living room with fireplace, kitchen with wonderful views of the cathedral, a bedroom with double bed, a bedroom with 2 single beds and sofa bed, a bathroom with shower and a bathroom with tub.

Want to taste just-pressed olive oil - straight from Tuscany's olive groves?

When you think olive oil, you think Italy - and for good reason. Italy produces some of the most flavorful and highest quality oils in the world. While they are the second largest producer (behind Spain) of olive oil, Italians are the number one consumer of this 'liquid gold.' It is a precious heirloom, and just-pressed oil tastes unlike any other.

Tuscany opens its doors during the harvesting and pressing of oil. Festivals pop up in small towns, families living on orchards post 'open' signs along the road. You can often help pick olives, watch them be pressed and learn how to taste and compare the complexities of olive oils. This 'taste of Tuscany' is unlike any other.

The olive oil trees are harvested just once a year, primarily during the month of November. In most cases, the olives are combed or handpicked off the trees and fall into nets on the ground below. The olives are then gathered, put in slotted containers and pressed within 24-72 hours.

While there are many tree varieties, the four most common are frantoio, leccino, moraiolo, and divastro. Each of these trees determines the oil's distinct flavor; some orchards will have more than one variety. Quality depends on the trees used, the pressing process and growing region. It also depends on time, heat and light. Made with great care, the best quality oils have a shelf life of 2 years; they should be kept in the dark (note dark bottles) and away from heat. The color of the oil is due to the variety of olives used---and has no bearing on quality. Tuscan oil has a distinct green color and ranges from naturally spicy to sweet and mild.

Olive oil is as unique as wine in terms of care, harvesting and flavor profiles. One olive orchard owner lamented the fact that restaurants don't have 'olive oil lists' to accompany traditional 'wine lists.'

Tuscany boasts some of the best olive oil in the world; many associations, cities and cooperatives are organizing special itineraries and opening olive oil pressings to the public. November is a great time of year to visit olive mills (frantoi), to observe the crushing and to taste first-hand, just pressed olive oil. There is nothing like the flavor of new oil; it is used directly on salads, sandwiches and for dipping bread. 'Old oil' is primarily used for cooking - last year's harvest is considered old. Think of cookies: they are amazing just out of the oven. Even though they are still delicious a few days later, they lose that fresh, just out of the oven quality. The same is true of olive oil: you will never forget the mouth-feel and novelty of tasting new oil - while staying in the heart of Italy.

Tuscany's Reggello region is situated southeast of Florence, borders Arrezzo and Umbria to the east and the Chianti hills and Siena to the west. Reggello has 'Oil Routes' that you can follow; this year in Florence's Piazza Santa Croce they had 'The Extra Virgin Olive Oil Fair of Reggello' - an event with over a dozen olive oil producers, where visitors could taste as many olive oils (as well as sample Vin Santo, wine, and olive oil lotions and soaps). If you drive through Reggello's hilly landscape, you can visit many mills. A few of the mills are Frantoio Pasquini, Frantoio di Santa Tea and Terre di San Gorgone.

To soak up Reggello's oil routes and more, consider renting a villa in olive country from Tuscany Rent Direct. Tuscany Rent Direct offers many well-appointed country homes - here are a few that are ideally situated to enjoy Tuscany's annual olive pressing events:

Villa Leopoldina

Casa del Torrente

Podere Castelli

Apartment Maria

This apartment is in the Poggio Imperiale area, close to the Boboli Garden. It sleeps 2 adults + 2 children. This charming, completely furnished flat is situated on the ground floor, where it faces the 3000 sqf. terrace of the Villa. It includes living room with fold out sofa-bed and breakfast nook, kitchenette with electric stove, sink, refrigerator, microwave oven, bathroom with shower, gas heating, TV, and Internet DSL connection. Price includes all taxes, utilities, Internet connection, use of the laundry room and final cleaning.

Villa Caprera, Siena

We added a new property recently, Villa Caprera, near Siena:

Charming apartment in Liberty-style farmhouse at only 3km from the historic center of Siena in the village of Caprera, built at the end of the 19th century by Garibaldi's doctor. The apartment is surrounded by green hills and faces the walls and the bell tower of the city. Three double bedrooms including one on the "tower". Two bathrooms, dining room, kitchen, living room, garden, parking, garage on request. Fully furnished and with linen linen included. Weekly cleaning and linen change. All the comforts, satellite TV, wireless net.

Your perfect holiday in Tuscany

Tuscan Wine Harvest

We are approaching the most celebrated season of the year here in Tuscany- the much anticipated Vendemmia, or grape harvest. The annual vintage traditionally begins in late September or early October and draws the participation of most every Tuscan from the physical harvest itself to the endless array of festivals, feasts and local wine celebrations. The grape harvest is the most crucial part of the winemaking process and is begun in accordance with the the ripeness of the grape itself measured by its sugar, acid and tannin levels.

Chianti, the Tuscan area that produces Chianti Classico wine for centuries and is recognized as the best wine growing region internationally, remains Tuscany’s most prided territory. One can sense the ancient traditions and history that fills the Chianti region. First civilized by the Etruscans who were very active in the wine harvest, followed by the Romans, the control of the rich Chianti region has historically been battled for between the cities of Florence and Siena. Today, the region’s eternal chestnut and oak forests are blanketed with olive groves and vines, contributing to the global economic importance and influence of the zone. The impressive number of Chianti wineries draw the attention of tourists around the world who come to witness its breathtaking beauty.

The most well known and historical harvest festival in Italy is The Chianti Grape Harvest Festival in Impruneta, a tiny village found between Florence and the Chianti region, and is held each year on the last Sunday of September. The festival features wine-tasting, offering nearly 800 wines, artisan food-sampling, music and dancing- plus, many locals are dressed in medieval and traditional costumes.
Other significant Chianti grape festivals include Vino al Vino Wine Festival in Panzano, held each year on the third weekend in September in the Chianti village’s main square. In October, the Chianti town of Poggibonsi hosts a traditional Pigio, a grape-pressing contest competed between the seven districts of town- stepping back in time to the traditional methods of wine-making.


The number of tiny villages and towns that host grape festivals (Sagra dell'uva or Festa dell'uva) throughout the months of September and October are numerous and are the perfect way to familiarize yourself with the ancient practices and the locals’ passion for the season’s harvest.
Beyond just celebrating the taste value of Chianti’s wines, there is a large movement savoring the aesthetic benefits as well. Wine therapy, also referred as vinotherapy or vinoterapia in Italian, has received much attention in Tuscany. When applied topically, studies have proven immense benefits. The powerful antioxidant, Resveratrol, found in high concentrations in grape seeds, stems and skins is easily absorbed by the human skin and evidently functions as a method to fortify the skin reducing inflammation and the slowing the skin’s tendency to age prematurely. The substances found in the acids of the wine grape are known to strengthen microcirculation, increasing the resistance of the blood cells and stopping the destruction of the hyaluronic acid with that of the glycolic acid which serve to protect the skin’s elastic and collagen fibers.

The production of Tuscan wine therapy products is growing as an industry and products are based upon the enrichment of red wine powder, red grape seed extract, crushed grape seeds and pure grape seed oil. The past couple years the products have been developed dominantly include powders, masks, soaps, creams extracts and cosmetics.

The benefits of wine therapy were already recognized by Cleopatra and the Romans who apparently kept records of their practices. Records reveal that Cleopatra loved being massaged in the wine must.

Today, Tuscany is the home of the wine therapy movement, offering innumerable vinotherapy hotels, spas and vacation packages to those tourists and non who are interested in the ancient yet effective indulgance.
Tuscany’s wine harvest culture is truly sensational and enchanting. The ancient culture is still preserved by the locals and the passion is just as strong as one could have imagined it was during the country’s historical times.

GALILEO: IMAGES OF THE UNIVERSE FROM ANTIQUITY TO THE TELESCOPE

GALILEO: IMAGES OF THE UNIVERSE FROM ANTIQUITY TO THE TELESCOPE
Curated by Paolo Galluzzi

Florence, Palazzo Strozzi 13 March-30 August 2009

Paying homage to the brilliance of Galileo’s discoveries dating exactly 400 years ago, Florence’s Palazzo Strozzi has dedicated an impressive exhibit to the extraordinary works and influence of the scientist titled, “Galileo: Images of the Universe from Antiquity to the Telescope.” Honoring Galileo’s contribution to our current conception of the universe, the United Nations marks this fourth centenary by declaring 2009 as the International Year of Astronomy.

The exhibition, curated by Paolo Galluzzi, director of the Institute and Museum of the History of Science in Florence, guides us through a fascinating journey through the cosmological ideas from antiquity to the Scientific Revolution. Beginning with the mystical and poetic versions of ancient Egypt and Mesoptamia, we are led through the Greek cosmogonies, passing onwards through the vital contribution of astronomy and Arab lands to the final arrival of the revolutionary heliocentric theories of Copernicus- the fundamental inspiration for Galileo and Kepler, the scholars who together with Newton, made a decisive contribution to the definitive affirmation of the final concept of the universe.

Additionally, the exhibition interestingly explores the relationship between astronomy and astrology and the cultural and artistic effects of our creation and fascination with the imaginative configuration of the stars.

The use of scientific instruments and multimedia dramatically enhances the history and the discovery of the archaeological finds, celestial atlases, paintings (including spectacular frescoes from Pompeii never shown before), sculptures, precious manuscripts and cosmological models. Galileo’s telescope is also upon display.


Information: +39 055 2645155

Exhibition hours: Daily 9 a.m - 8 p.m, Thursday 9 a.m - 11 p.m

Tickets: Full € 10,00 / Reduced € 8,50 € 8,00 € 7,50 / Schools € 4,00

Bookings: prenotazioni@cscsigma.it

Luxury Apartment for rent in Chianti Region

Luxury Apartment Rental in Chianti:
Price: 615 euros per 7 day weekly rental- Sleeps 4

Further information regarding the luxury apartment can be reached via: http://www.tuscanyrentdirect.com/index.php/villas/detail/9/mela.html

Contact Information:
N.Barnewitz@casaintoscana.com
Tel. +39 0577 742960

Also on Craigslist:
http://florence.it.craigslist.it/sub/1303452930.html

The Tuscan Sun Festival, 3-9 August 2009

The annual Tuscan Sun Festival, now in course for its 7th year, is celebrated by those who share a passion for fine arts, music, film, culinary arts, wine-making and wellness- all encircled within the rich Tuscan history of the concert’s surroundings. The festival is held in Cortona, a medieval town found in the province of Arezzo, in central Tuscany, and is managed by IMG Arts, the distinguished arts management firm.

The concert lasts for 6 days, from Aug 3-9th, and each day is filled with an extensive program composed of a myriad of events to take part in including art exhibitions, wine tastings, literary and culinary lectures and musical concerts.

The most anticipated events of the festival are the evening concerts performed in the 420 seat Roman theatre, Teatro Signorelli, led by some of the world’s leading artists.

The festival’s special guest for this year is Anthony Hopkins, whose featured musical compositions and art exhibit entitled Masques, will be on display. Additional featured artists of this year’s festival include Joshua Bell, Stéphane Denève, Nina Kotova, Danielle de Niese, Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Maija Kovalevska, Vlad Mirita, Jaap van Zweden, Michael Guttman and Gisele Ben-Dor.

In harmony with The Tuscan Sun festival’s ideals, the Napa Valley in California gave birth in 2006 to the Festival del Sole Napa Valley, registered as a non-profit charity. The festival features music, gourmet food, famous chefs, winemakers and art, among countless other aspects that contribute to its uniqueness.

Following Napa’s creation of it’s Sun Festivalfestival, Signapore became home to the Singapore Sun Festival in 2007, lasting 11 days and featuring over 250 ininternational and regional artists in nearly 100 events. Highlighted events include film screenings and yoga and tai-chi sessions led by experts.

The spirit of the Tuscan Sun Festival is truly inspiring and celebratory. Information about the festival can be obtained via http://www.tuscansunfestival.com/.

Find Tuscany Rent Direct on Facebook! Become a fan: http://www.facebook.com/business/dashboard/#/pages/Tuscany-Rent-Direct/111415914764