Camaiore, the Gem of Versilia

Pubblicato il 26 Luglio 2014 da Genni

01 Lido di Camaiore

Along the Versilia Coast, Camaiore certainly stands out as a rare and precious gem. Lying at the foot of the Apuan Alps, its territory extends uniquely through four different geographic areas: the hills of Seimiglia, Camaiore itself and its valley, the plain of Capezzano and the coast of Lido. In actual fact, few other places in the world can boast a similar combination of landscapes and scenery: from the sea to the hills, from the mountains to the lake, from the beach to the Apuan Alps Nature Reserve.

02 Lido di Camaiore

With over 4 kilometres of fine sandy beach, Lido di Camaiore in the beginning of the 20th century became one of the most popular seaside resorts in Italy with distinguished visitors such as the king Vittorio Emanuele III, inventor Guglielmo Marconi, actress Eleonora Duse and poet Gabriele D’Annunzio. After World War II, Lido became a popular holiday location for both national and international tourism. Today its promenade is a medley of tiny fashion shops, inviting restaurants and delicious ice cream parlours.

03 Camaiore, Badia San Pietro

The centre of the town of Camaiore is considered one of the oldest of the province of Lucca going certainly back until 984 when it was first mentioned by the Archbishop of Canterbury on a trip along the Via Francigena. Today one can visit the incredibly beautiful Romanesque abbey of Badia di San Pietro, already named in documents dating back to 761. Nearby are the 12th-century Church of San Michele and the main church consecrated to Maria Assunta, built around 1260. In the hamlet of Pieve one can visit another exquisite Romanesque church, that of Santo Stefano.

04 Accommodation in Camaiore S241

For those wishing to visit the Versilia coast and its gems we recommend, for a large family group or friends, this magnificent villa for 16 people with swimming pool in Camaiore. An elegant country-seat in the 16th century, today this villa has been renovated with particular attention in maintaining its traditional characteristics and is embellished by stylish furnishings and top-quality fittings. Enjoying an enchanting view over the nearby town and surrounding hills, this luxury holiday home also offers the opportunity to make the most of the nearby beautiful seaside resorts and their night life as well as being in a perfect position for visiting many Tuscan art centres and medieval hilltop villages.

05 Accommodation in Camaiore S241

Pubblicato in Accommodations in Tuscany, Culture and accommodations in Tuscany, Photography, Tuscan lifestyle, Villas in Tuscany | Contrassegnato , , , , , , , | Lascia un commento

140th Palio edition for Casole d’Elsa

Pubblicato il 18 Luglio 2014 da Genni

01 The Palio of Casole d'Elsa

It may not be as old as Siena’s, which apparently goes back until the Middle Ages, but 140 editions is quite a good feat in my personal opinion. The beautiful medieval hilltop town of Casole d’Elsa with its gorgeous Romanesque churches, in fact, has just celebrated its renowned Palio. Unlike nearby Siena, Casole d’Elsa’s horse race has the peculiarity of being ridden bareback on a dirt track, mainly uphill, and ends in a different spot from the start, here called ‘alla romana’ (in the Roman way) or ‘palio lungo’ (the long Palio).

 02 Casole d'Elsa

Held this weekend, July 12-13th, six contradas participate: the white and green Cavallano, the orange Campagna, the black and red Rivellino, the black and white Il Merlo, the white and golden Monteguidi and finally the red and yellow Pievalle. The race is always held on the second Sunday of July in honour of Saint Isidoro, Isidore the Labourer, and its origins are lost in time. Since the saint is considered the patron saint of farmers, this is believed to be an ancient rural tradition.

 03 Palio, the black and red of Rivellino

The week prior to the Palio sees all the contradas celebrating, with many events around town.  On the Saturday the horses are coupled to the contradas and in the evening each quarter has their own eve’s dinner.  On Sunday the contradas parade through town with their drummers and flag wavers in quarter colours, at 6 pm the horses are blessed and then all down to the race track. The celebrations end with much merrymaking and a firework show. The 140th edition was won by the Cavallano contrada riding a horse named Narciso, ‘Narcissist’!

 04 Palio, the white and green of Cavallano

If you’re planning to join next year’s Palio let us recommend these lovely holiday apartments in Casole d’Elsa, in renovated ancient stone farmhouses with gorgeous wooden beam ceilings, terracotta tile flooring and stone fireplaces. The estate has a large swimming pool and provides each flat with its own outdoor area furnished for alfresco dining. Here visitors can relax surrounded by luxuriant Tuscan countryside, go visit the nearby art centres of Colle Val d’Elsa, Siena, San Gimignano, Volterra, Certaldo and Florence and visit some of the most famous wine cellars of the area.

05 Accommodation in Casole S21406 Accommodation in Casole S214

Pubblicato in Accommodations in Tuscany, Culture and accommodations in Tuscany, Folklore and accommodations in Tuscany, Tuscan lifestyle, Villas in Tuscany | Contrassegnato , , , , , , , , | Lascia un commento

Pampering Cortona

Pubblicato il 11 Luglio 2014 da Genni

 01 Cortona, Santa Maria Nuova

The magnificent hilltop town of Cortona has abundantly been described in the pages of this blog, together with its food and wine trails, and various cultural festivals: the Cortona Mix Festival and the now abducted Tuscan Sun Festival. Not for nothing then Cortona is considered one of the most favourite tourist attractions in Tuscany. Every corner conceals a treasure trove.

02 CortonaApproaching Cortona from any road, valley or hill, one’s eye is immediately captured by the vast dome of the Cathedral standing out against the skyline. It is Santa Maria Nuova, from 1507 to 1986 seat of the Bishops of Cortona and today a co-Cathedral in the present Diocese of Arezzo-Cortona-Sansepolcro. Built in the first half of the 16th century, initially by Cristofanello and finished by Giorgio Vasari who lived in this area between 1543-1550, the church is an example of Renaissance Greek cross plan and is surmounted by a main cupola which was only finished during the 17th century.

03 Cortona, Santa Maria NuovaRight beside the Cathedral, immersed in a luxuriant green landscape, is an olive grove estate with two villas for rent, each with its own swimming pool. A third building, dating back to the 17th century and thought to have been built as an adjoining accommodation for the Church of Santa Maria Nuova, houses on the ground floor a common area with traditional Tuscan wood-burning oven and, on the first floor, the owners’ home. Sitting on the typically terraced lands of a hilly countryside, the villas are within walking distance of the historical centre of Cortona, yet enjoy a peaceful and secluded tranquillity.

04 Accommodation in Cortona S274Recently restored, the villas benefit from modern comforts plus an incredible bonus with each bedroom having its own private bathroom fitted with pamper and wellness treatments, such as hot tubs, Jacuzzi showers, Turkish baths, chromotherapy showers and comfort kits with olive oil soaps and aromatherapy essences. After one can continue to relax on the deckchairs around the swimming pools, enjoying the breathtaking view overlooking the valley. Furthermore, to tickle your taste buds the estate offers a personal chef service who will introduce guests to the delights of local dishes, reinterpreted with modern preparation techniques and cooking methods, as well as cooking classes to learn the secrets of traditional Tuscan and Italian recipes.

05 Accommodation in Cortona S274Come take a taste of Cortona.

Pubblicato in Accommodations in Tuscany, Culture and accommodations in Tuscany, Tuscan food and wine, Tuscan lifestyle, Villas in Tuscany | 1 commento

Passo della Consuma, the corridor between Florence and Arezzo

Pubblicato il 3 Luglio 2014 da Genni

01 Passo della Consuma

At a height of 1050 metres AMSL, the Consuma Pass, Passo della Consuma, separates the territory of Florence from Arezzo’s lush green valleys of the Casentino. On one side the Nature Reserve of Vallombrosa, on the other the National Park of the Casentinesi Forests. Kilometres of wild landscapes and luxuriant vegetation. Here is where the residents of Florence escape to during the summer in search of cool air, peace and quiet, gorgeous views and mouth-watering dishes at one of the local restaurants, especially if the mushroom season has been generous. In winter the Pass is covered in snow and the Florentines flock here for walks along the trails and then scuttle to heat themselves in front of the fireplaces in the restaurants with a delicious dish of chestnut and mushroom soup or a Florentine steak covered in mushrooms.

02 Guzzi motorbikes

From spring, instead, the Pass is the acknowledged destination of bikers, be the bike with or without engine. The slope is a real challenge for those on bicycles, a delight for legs and lungs, while the long winding road is the natural gymkhana of all motorcyclists. Generally they stop right at the top, where the Pass road sign is, in front of a wooden chalet which offers beers, wine, focaccia and bruschetta of all kinds and obviously a breathtaking view.

03 Accommodation in Borselli FI S153

Coming up from the Florence side is the tiny village of Borselli, part of the commune of Pelago. Descending down a tree-lined lane visitors will be pleasantly surprised to observe a charming 15th century stone farmhouse, perched like a castle overlooking the most picturesque stretch of the Pomino and Rufina wine trail. This magnificent mansion has 6 self-catering flats, a swimming pool and is surrounded by 20 acres of chestnut woods and olive groves. At only 28 km from Florence, the farmhouse is in the perfect position for visiting the famous art town and surroundings or just explore the countryside on horseback or by foot. The place is also the perfect setting for a romantic wedding. Furthermore the Anglo-Italian hosts offer a wide range of activities amongst which a cooking and wine experience, horse trekking, painting lessons and mind and body workshops with yoga and Tai Chi. Simple pleasures to make your stay in Tuscany very special.

04 Accommodation in Borselli FI S153

Pubblicato in Accommodations in Tuscany, Culture and accommodations in Tuscany, Tuscan lifestyle, Villas in Tuscany | Contrassegnato , , , , , , | Lascia un commento

Trekking it out in Tuscany

Pubblicato il 26 Giugno 2014 da Genni

 01 Val di Cecina

Not many people know that between Volterra and the centre of the Metal-Bearing Hills, le Colline Metallifere, there is a wild and untouched natural area which carefully watches over a wide variety of environments. It is the territory of the Val di Cecina, a region with a high level of natural, historical and cultural value. This district boasts the presence of three major protected areas: the Natural Reserve of Berignone, the Natural Reserve of Monterufoli-Caselli and the Natural Reserve of Montenero, extending over an area of approximately 7100 hectares (71.000 km²) that crosses the towns of Pomarance, Monteverdi Marittimo, Montecatini Val di Cecina and Volterra, in the Alta Val di Cecina area.

 

These wild parks preserve an incredible presence of biodiversities: vast forests and thick undergrowth, crisscrossed by a network of rivers such as the Sterza and the Trossa, determine one of the largest wilderness areas in Tuscany. This unusually varied habitat is home to numerous plants and animals and is distinguished by an endemic flora and in particular by fascinating mineralization and geological formations that attract both geology lovers and hikers.

 03 Riserva naturale Montenero

There are many activities for visitors in this area: sports, leisure and naturalist. The many trails offer either easy bike or horseback tours or hikes that will certainly not disappoint the more challenging trekking lovers. Plus four Sites of Community Importance (SCI) have been identified inside the parks for the delight of bird watchers, plant enthusiasts, and animal lovers.

04 Accommodation in Monteverdi Marittimo S262

If you’re planning to visit these incredible Tuscan gems, we suggest staying at the town of Monteverdi Marittimo, whose origins go back to the early Middles Ages, when in 754 AD the monastery of San Pietro in Palazzuolo was founded. Just outside town there is a beautiful holiday villa with swimming pool for rent which can accommodate up to 12 people, perfect for large family groups or friends. Here you can go explore the natural reserves, relax near the swimming pool or visit the magnificent Etruscan Coast and its beaches, at just 18 km. The perfect getaway from the madding crowd.

05 Accommodation in Monteverdi Marittimo S262

Pubblicato in Accommodations in Tuscany, Culture and accommodations in Tuscany, Tuscan lifestyle, Villas in Tuscany | Contrassegnato , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Lascia un commento