Posted by Nick on December 8, 2010
Traveling to Italy and spending some time in Tuscany? If so, you may not know where to start when looking for things to do in Tuscany. Try these 5 things to make the most of your time in Tuscany.
1. See art in Florence.
This Italian Renaissance city is home to more than one famous piece of art. The must-see place to visit is the Uffizi Museum.
2. Enjoy Tuscan cuisine.
Florence, Siena and other Tuscan cities are well known for their wine and food. Particularly noteworthy is the Tuscan truffle. You’ll also find the Chianti wine region in Tuscany.
3. Visit medieval walled towns.
The Italian towns of Lucca and Cortona offer great opportunities for visiting a walled town.
4. See a famous horse race
Twice a year in Siena the famous Palio de Siena horse race takes place. While it’s usually over in 10 minutes, it’s a fun way to spend some time in Siena.
5. Take a cooking class
You can learn the secrets of Tuscan cooking so that you can make your own Italian food when you get back home.
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Posted by Nick on November 5, 2010
If you are visiting Italy and will be traveling through Tuscany, you may already be planning on stopping in Florence. Whether you’re just taking a day trip from Milan to Florence or spending a few days in the city, there are a few must see attractions in Florence. Here are some tips on what to see and do in Florence, Italy.
Plan your visit to see Michelangelo’s David at the Galleria dell’Accademia in advance. Lines to get in are usually pretty long and buying your tickets in advance can help. You may still have to wait in line, but it will be a shorter wait.
For a popular lunch restaurant, dine at the Cibrèo Ristorante at the Sant’Ambrogio Market, if you can. An alternative lunch spot you may want to try is Il Latini, which is a popular place to see celebrities.
The Duomo is a popular tourist spot, but what you may not know to check out is the crypt of the cathedral.
Don’t plan on doing much shopping between the hours of 1:30 p.m and 4 p.m. because most of the shops are actually closed for lunch during that period.
Other attractions in Florence that you’ll want to check out if you have the time include:
- the Piazza Republica
- the Pitti Palace
- the Ponte Vecchio
- the Piazza della Signoria
- the Palazzo Vecchio
- the Ufizzi Gallery
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Posted by Nick on September 21, 2010
Planning on visiting the medieval streets and Renaissance palazzi of Mantua, Italy? Here are some tips for your travels.
Where to stay
Hotel Casa Poli – This hotels features 34 minimalist rooms. They have a mixture of Flos and Groppi light fixtures. And the beds have dark blue and bordeaux linens. Doubles start at $216. Find it at 32 Corso Giuseppe Garibaldi or on the web at hotelcasapoli.it
Where to eat
Ristorante Il Cigno – Looking for the best tortelli di zucca (pumpkin ravioli) in town? You’ll find it in this restaurant, which is housed in a 500-year-old palazzo. Dinner for two – $150. Located at 1 Piazza Carlo d’Arco.
L’Aquilla Nigra – Classic and experimental dishes are on the menu here. You’ll see original 14th & 15th century frescoes. The crunchy fried river shrimp with zucchini is an excellent house dish. Dinner for two $180. Find it at 4 Vicolo Bonacolsi.
Where to drink
Bar Caravatti – You’ll want to order the namesake drink here. Enjoy it as you watch the hustle of the nearby Piazza delle Erbe. Drinks for two – $15. Located at 16 Portici Broletto
Where to shop
Agape – For sleek housewares, you must shop here. Think bright orange showerheads and stainless steel wall lights. Find it at 29A Via XX Settembre or on the web at agapedesign.it
Maurizio Corraini – Here you will find an art gallery and shop. You can see titles by Bruno Munari and Enzo Mari. Find it at 7A Via Ippolito Nievo or on the web at corraini.it
What to see
Palazzo Te – In this 16th century palace, you’ll see Mannerist frescoes by Giulo Romano. Romano was a pupil of Raphael. Located at 13 Viale Te or on the web at palazzote.eu
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Posted by Nick on September 20, 2010
Visiting Florence, Italy? Here are the top picks on where to eat in Florence, sleep in Florence and drink in Florence.
J.K. Palace Hotel Firenze – This 20-room hotel was designed by architect Michele Bonan. You’ll see large bookcases and welcoming fireplaces here. Doubles start at $442. Find it at 7 Piazza S.M., Novella
Buca dell’Orafo - This is the perfect spot for a great Italian meal in Florence. Ingredients are selected at the nearby San Lorenzo market by chef Giordano Monni. For a tasty meal, try the chittarini, angel hair pasta with mushrooms. Dinner for two – $95. Find it at 28R Via dei Girolami.
Art Bar – For before or after dinner drinks, this is the spot to be in Florence. It is located in the city center and is frequented by creative types. Give one of their fruity cocktails a try. Located at 4R Via del Moro. Drinks for two – $20.
Posted by Nick on September 19, 2010
If you’re visiting Modena, Italy, you don’t want to miss out on all the great food in the area. If you’ll be in Modena for a few days, here are some of the places where you should try to have a meal.
Antica Osteria del Mirasole at 17A Via Matteoti, San Giovanni in Persiceto. Owner Franco Cimini grills steaks from the region’s cattle at the rustic trattoria. Enjoy a bottle of Lambrusco or Sangiovese, which can be recorked for later, with your meal. Lunch for two – $100.
Sample cheeses at the organic Parmigiano-Reggiano dairy Hombre. It’s located in the suburb of Cittanova at 320 Via Corletto Sud.
Have a nice dinner at Hostaria del Mare. Chef Vittorio Novani makes a great fresh pasta dish with sea urchin, or ricci. Dinner for two – $150. It’s located at 29 Via Castelmaraldo, Modena.
For mornings, you can check out the covered market of Albinelli. It’s at 13 Via Albinelli. If you’re just picking up something for lunch, head to the Panini Schiavoni stall.
For the best chocolate cake possibly ever, visit Pasticceria Gollini. The secret recipe for the flourless torta barozzi dates back to the 1800′s. Enjoy the cake at 2N Via Garibaldi, Vignola.
