SHIP SCHEDULES HERE FOR LIVORNO, LUCCA, PISA & FLORENCE - 2012-13
uscan Design
Tuscan design schemes are famous
for its abundance in wrought iron, wood and marble. Hand painted tiles are
used throughout the kitchen in backsplashes and countertops. Floors are
marble or hardwood. Walls are plaster, and are gold or yellow. Brick is
sometimes used as well. Cabinetry is made from wood, and a common trait in
Tuscan design is to include wrought iron in the cabinet face to create a
grilled effect. Decorative moldings are used throughout. Common motifs in
furnishings and accents are fruit, particularly grapes, and baskets filled
with food. Herb gardens were planted just outside the kitchen door,
and long tables were placed in courtyards for hours of relaxation while
dining on the local fare, including wine. This tradition of indoor/outdoor
living continued, and the Tuscan countryside became known for its easy
lifestyle and quaint interiors.
In the United States Tuscan style décor translates to a
more upscale, urban look than the early country homes of the Florence elite.
The pot rack may be wrought iron. The backsplash may be made up of painted
tiles and the walls textured and color washed for a rustic effect. The
interior is a warm and inviting place, with deeply upholstered furnishings
contrasted with simple wood benches and footstools. Marble topped tables and
trestle tables are both appropriate and often in close proximity to each
other. Though the colors may vary from the early Tuscan style, the
contemporary colors still have the same impact.
Tuscan Gastronomy
Each region has its own unique cuisine. Driving through the Tuscan countryside reveals some of the key ingredients you'll find in local cooking: olive groves, woodlands of chestnut trees, hillsides blanketed in grape vines, sleepy sheep lazing among ruins, aromatic rosemary and sage bushes lining gardens. Tuscan cooking is simple and seasonal; heavy sauces and butter found in other regions are not used. Tuscans use olive oil generously for cooking, salad dressing, dipping bread, and flavoring soups. Indeed, olive oil is often the star of the gastronomic show, and Tuscan oils are highly esteemed.
Culinary,
Tuscan cuisine, known as "La Cucina Povera Toscana" is a
peasant culture tradition where all of the ingredients used
in recipes are grown locally in family farms & pastures and
then prepared fresh. Food making in Tuscany is an art,
religion, serious business and common talk. This culinary
tradition has earned world acclaim. It is incredibly varied,
pure, bursting with flavor and accompanied by stellar wines.
When not partaking in eating the most delicious Tuscany
culinary--perhaps you have time to Take a cooking class in
Tuscany!
Wine
Tuscany is home to some of the world's most notable wine regions. Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino and Bino Nobile di Montepulciano are primarily made with Sangiovese grape whereas the Vernaccia grape is the basis of the white Vernaccia di San Gimignano. Tuscany is also known for the dessert wine Vin Santo, made from a variety of the region's grapes. More than 80% of the regions' production is in red wine. While Tuscany is not the only Italian region to make the passito dessert wine Vin Santo (meaning "holy wine"), the Tuscan versions of the wine are well regarded and sought for by wine consumers.
ArtMediaeval fortress towns, Romanesque churches, Renaissance palazzi and paintings
Accademia Gallery -
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The Accademia houses Michelangelo's David, easily the most famous sculpture in the world. Once inside, you'll also see Michelangelo's unfinished and powerful Prisoners, along with a few works by Perugino, Giambologna, and Botticelli.
Bargello Museum -
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Primarily a sculpture museum, you'll be treated to early Michelangelo marbles and Giambologna bronzes and then on to a room full of famous works by Donatello, considered by many the greatest sculptor since antiquity.
Pitti Palace -
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The Pitti Palace houses important collections of paintings and sculpture, works of art, porcelain, silver and period costumes. The rooms contain works by Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio and many others. The beautiful Boboli Gardens are behind the palace.
Alabaser Museum -
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Volterra is the city of alabaster par excellence, the tradition dating back to the Etruscans. The Alabaster Museum displays over 300 works of alabaster art, together with antiques and paintings.
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Tours and Guided Visits in Tuscany
Anyone who enjoys traveling and discovering a new
place with an organized tour will find several offers
for visiting Tuscany on short, one day tours
as well as through longer tours, such as as
weekly tour of Tuscany.
Tours in Tuscany can be of several types, from the more
classic ones that visit the most beautiful cities in
Tuscany to the popular food and wine tours and shopping
tours.
Anyone that has never been to Tuscany or who wishes to
visit the region comfortably can select a guided tour to
facilitate their trip to Tuscany's "cities of
art" such as Florence, Siena, Pisa and Lucca
and to the other well-known areas of the regions, such
as Chianti, Val d'Orcia and Maremma.
Tuscany is a land of great culinary traditions, precious
wines and excellent extra virgin olive oil and an
enogastronomic tour is an excellent
method to learn the tastes and traditional products of
the region. In the last few years wine tours
have also enjoyed a great deal of success, offering the
opportunity to visit Tuscany's great wineries and enjoy
tastings of Tuscany greatest wines, often accompanied
with tastings of other Tuscan specialties and
traditional products.
Those who love fashion can also enjoyed organized
shopping tours to the main shops and
outlets of the top Italian and Tuscan fashion designers
found in the region.
Anyone who enjoys being outdoors or in a cycling
aficionada con also enjoy guided itineraries in
Tuscany's natural parks, bicycle tours
and other guided visits on bike.
There are many thematic, small tours dedicated to
Tuscan craftsmanship and the local
production of wine, cold cuts and cheeses.
Select the organized tour you prefer and let yourself be
guided in the discovery of Tuscany!