Baci dall'Italia

12/31/2020

Happy New Years to all our friends and family in Bella Italia and around the world.
🎈🇮🇹2021 is going to be an epic year🍾🥂

12/25/2020

Nothing says Christmas in Tuscany like visiting an artistic nativity scene with elaborate settings and historic live re-enactments. Invision the Holy Family at Christmas time traveling through miniature towns, dressed with intricate costumes and life-size camels.

12/23/2020

Its Aperitivo Time ...

An elegant drinking tradition Europeans adopted in the 1920's. This wonderful ritual is truly a time-honored art in France, Spain and of course Italy, where it is said to have originated. While happy hour is more about getting customers through the doors with the allure of lower prices, aperitivo is a slightly more cultured affair.



This tradition begins between the hours of 6 and 8:30, bringing friends and family together to reflect on the day. In true continental style, one drink and a small plate of food is usually nursed over the course of an hour or so.

Aperitivo is intended to open up one’s palate, whet the appetite for the meal that follows, dinner. Italians eat dinner quite late.

Although a wide selection of cocktails are served during aperitivo, the most commonly ordered cocktail is the Aperol Spritz.

We cannot wait to experience this exciting ritual once again, and Italy cannot wait to have us! If not by spring of '21, we're very optimistic things will be rolling by the summer 🇮🇹.

10/05/2020

Tuscany in Autumn

As frequent travelers in Tuscany, we know a thing or two about the climate. So here we’ve prepared an autumn packing list to get you started. From stylish walking shoes that will have you looking good in an Italian Piazza, to perfect suitcase friendly hats and accessories.
Dressing the part in Tuscany ...
Shoes - Think comfort and style. It’s not really warm enough for sandals in autumn, so what do you take to a country that invented stylish footwear?
Remember, you’ll be doing a lot of walking. You can never go wrong with leather ankle boots, always look for ones with anti-fatigue foot-beds. Alternatively, a pair of chic walking shoes with waterproof uppers so you can brave the country paths too.

A light jacket would be fine until the beginning of November or an elegant down jacket once the weather starts getting colder. Easy to pack and cozy, and you can always dress them up with a scarf.
A waterproof trench coat is another great choice. These travel well, have lots of useful pockets, and are more flattering than your average outdoor rain jacket. Get one with a removable hood if you can.
Pants -Jeans, skinny jeans, or leggings are best during the day. If it’s sunny it can get warm so you might end up in a t-shirt at certain points.
Layering - In the evening it can get cool, so a light jumper or even a simple stylish cardigan will work. Basically, smart layering is the key.
Accessories - A wide scarf is ideal to pack for Tuscany in Autumn. A pashmina or shawl can cover your shoulders and makes a perfect accessory if you’re eating alfresco in the evening. Useful on the plane too, easy to carry, and stylish.
Hat – In the early days of autumn there will be plenty of sun about and a hat is indispensable. If you're a cap person, great. If you want something that’s a bit more in tune with La Dolce Vita, a Fedora is it. Look for ones that roll up.
Umbrella – Truth is it can rain in Autumn so this is essential. You need something compact and windproof, that won’t get blown out at the first gust of wind.
Bag – Summer is a time for tote bags, but in Autumn you want a bag with a bit more protection. Ideally, something that’s got separate pockets for all your important documents and that can hold a tablet, a scarf, a travel guide, umbrella and bottle of water.
Sunglasses - essential and very stylish
Travel Wallets – Last but not least, remember to pack a travel wallet to keep all your documents and cash safe while you are on the move.

Well, we're ready to go, we just need the borders to cooperate.

10/05/2020

Chestnut Festivals in Tuscany – the Mugello
PALAZZUOLO SUL SENIO – every Sunday in October
The “SAGRA DEL MARRONE E DEI FRUTTI DEL SOTTOBOSCO” in Palazzuolo sul Senio – on the Apennines near the border with Emilia-Romagna – invites visitors to try chestnuts in every way, shape, and form (as Tortelli, roasted chestnuts, castagnaccio flat chestnut cake), together with other autumn flavors like mushrooms and various local products.
Autumn is a beautiful time to travel to Tuscany. Next year this is on the list.

10/01/2020

Cooking with the locals in Tuscany, a sweet memory. Looking forward to 2021.

09/29/2020

I could not agree more... Sunset aperitif at Il Falconiere is most certainly filled with magical moments..

09/16/2020

Beautiful views while wine tasting in Tuscany

09/16/2020

Who's ready to explore Italy with us in 2021? Contact us for details!

Such a beautiful Tuscan landscape!