Tuscany |
SITES OF IMPORTANT ARTISTIC VALUE AND UNIQUE LANDSCAPES COMBINED WITH MAJESTIC HOTELS AND FASHIONABLE BED AND BREAKFASTS, SATISFY THE NEEDS OF EVERY TOURIST. |
All of the cities of the region are rich with art exhibits, music and theatre events. Majestic hotels, fashionable bed and breakfasts and prestigious historical residences satisfy every tourist's needs. For those who wish to leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind, the green Tuscan hills offer the comfort of nature, where the pristine countryside shows the other side of Tuscan culture. In a vast expanse of vineyards and olive groves, visitors are able to stay over in these areas, perhaps in a Tuscan "agriturismo", enjoying an elegant yet traditional country ambience with all its natural resources. The area basks in its own traditions and cultural artistic supremacy with The Mall, in turn, embracing these customs to provide an exciting addition to your tour of Tuscany.
FLORENCE |
HERE HISTORY AND CULTURE HAVE PASSED THE TEST OF TIME WHERE PAINTINGS AND SCULPTURES MELD IN HISTORIC BUILDINGS AND BARS AND RESTAURANTS HONOUR THE TRADITION OF ITALIAN CUISINE. |
With its historic, artistic and architectural patrimony, Florence offers its visitors holidays rich with endlessly interesting diversions.
other areas |
BEYOND FLORENCE, THE TUSCANY REGION HAS MANY MARVELLOUS CITIES TO VISIT LIKE SIENA, LUCCA AND AREZZO, AS WELL AS SPAS, GOLF COURSES AND THE FRESH MEDITERRANEAN SEA AIR. |
Their vicinity to Italy's major cultural sites make them the ideal base when organising a holiday.
local events |
A three-storey museum covering the history of the Florentine fashion group; from the first collections dedicated to the world of travel, with the first icon, the diamond, later replaced by two interlocking G’s, to the suitcases with the classic green red green stripe, trunks, handbags and evening dresses (www.gucci.com).
one of the worlds top fashion events, including Pitti Uomo (men), Pitti Donna (women), Pitti Bimbo (children). (January, www.pittimmagine.com).
Numerous religious festivals, from the Immaculate Conception (December 8th) to Epiphany (January 6th), as well as Christmas Markets and New Year celebrations, fill the Christmas/New Year period.
there are versions in most towns and cities during the month of February; one the biggest in Europe with colourful parade of floats and masks is the one taking place in Viareggio (www.viareggio.ilcarnevale.com).
a golf challenge taking place in the heart of Florence and involving international professional golfers. (December, www.pontevecchiochallenge.it).
The world’s largest celebration of dance, from ballet to hip hop, Latin-American to tap-dancing! (February, www.danzainfiera.it).
an artist with unique perception of art, fashion, advertising and life, characterised by a constrant strive for perfection. MNAF - Museo Nazionale Alinari della Fotografia (10th January 2013 – 10th March 2013, www.alinari.it).
is an exhibition dedicated entirely to Salvador Dalí with more than 100 works of art by the Master of Surrealism on display, Palazzo Medici Riccardi, (1st January – 25th March 2013 www.thedaliuniverse.com ).
A selection of three important works realised during her formative years, 'Murder Mystery', 'Bus Riders' and 'Doll Clothes'. The original photographs of the series 'Murder Mystery' e 'Bus Riders' have been lost, however in 2000 Cindy Sherman reproduced the works as a series of complete images, Gucci Museum (10th January 2013 – 9th June 2013 www.gucci.com ).
A journey of discovery to the roots of the Siena wine culture, known throughout the world for it’s oenological excellence and it’s relationship with vine cultivation and wine production. (until the 5th May 2013 www.museisenesi.org).
the White Night is a night of culture: from open theatre performances and art exhibitions to musical events, with the streets, historical buildings and squares coming alive until the early hours of the morning. (night between 30th April and 1st May).
The 4th edition of Florence’s Blue Night is an important dedicated to Europe, it’s cultures, traditions, diversities and flavours, forming a part of the Festival of Europe (7th – 12th May).
a series of classical music concerts, ballets and plays, involving many important artists from around the world. (April– July www.maggiofiorentino.com).
a multicultural festival involving dance, music and theatrical events exploring intercultural dialogue. (May, www.fabbricaeuropa.net).
a highly prestigious event celebrating the best of Italy cuisine and dedicated to the study of the cultural and biological diversity of food, including tours, tastings, debates and presentations (March, www.pittimmagine.com, www.fuoriditaste.com).
The celebration of the cricket originated from the pagan festival that celebrated the arrival of the Spring. a festa deriva dalle antiche festività pagane che celebravano l'arrivo della primavera. It developed into the “Calendimaggio”, celebrated during the month of May, Parco delle Cascine (giorno dell’Ascensione - www.firenzeturismo.it).
a festival dating back to the time of the Crusades. A medieval cart is lit, starting an impressive firework display, thus distributing the “Holy Fire” and good luck to the city. (Easter Sunday).
historical festival including a parade, and a medieval crossbow competition (May, www.comune.massamarittima.gr.it)
various events celebrating the arrival of Napoleon on Elba in 1814, including a re-enactment of the landing (May, www.aptelba.it)
search through the unique and the precious, from collectors items to antiques, every third weekend of the month until July. Fortezza da Basso (16th February – 21st July 2013).
is an annual trade fair of great importance for the city of Arezzo, an exhibition of jewellery and precious metals of international renown. (13th – 16th April 2013, http://www.oroarezzo.it/).
The city centre is brought to life by around 115 exhibitors with antiques of all types, every second Sunday of the month and preceding Saturday. (9th March 2013 – 9th June 2013).
Giardino Corsini, artisans from across Italy display their skills and wares, including goldsmiths, silversmiths, clockmakers, glassworkers, etc. (May, www.artigianatoepalazzo.it).
one of Italy’s largest and oldest antiques fair (held the first Sunday of every month, and the preceding Saturday, www.arezzofieraantiquaria.org).
one of the worlds top fashion events, including Pitti Uomo (men), Pitti Donna (women), Pitti Bimbo (children). (June – July, www.pittimmagine.com).
a series of classical music concerts, ballets and plays, involving many important artists from around the world. (April – July, www.maggiofiorentino.com).
an open-air festival celebrating the operas by Giacomo Puccini, held in Torre del Lago, near Lucca, where he spent much of his life (July -August, www.puccinifestival.it).
jazz, cinema and classical music events in the open air Roman theatre (June – July, www.estatefiesolana.it).
Italy’s premier blues event attracting a host of great international artists (July, www.pistoiablues.com).
fine art, film, culinary and wine, fitness and wellness, and local culture and history (August, www.festivaldelsole.com/tuscan.html).
free festival celebrating music from the renaissance and baroque periods (June –July, www.ftma.it).
three day Jazz festival (June, www.sarteanojazz.it).
a week of classical music concerts set in several of the towns in the picturesque area of the Crete Senesi (July, www.accademiadellecrete.com).
a variety of classical music events (July, www.fondazionecantiere.it).
art and music events (July - August, www.laversilianafestival.com).
short film festival reserved for young and upcoming directors, (June -July, www.capalbiocinema.it).
opera festival (August, www.liricainpiazza.it).
(July – August, www.comune.chiusi-della-verna.ar.it).
a festival dating back to the time of the Crusades. A medieval cart is lit, starting an impressive firework display, thus distributing the “Holy Fire” and good luck to the city. (Easter Sunday).
historical festival including a parade, and a medieval crossbow competition (May, www.comune.massamarittima.gr.it).
various events celebrating the arrival of Napoleon on Elba in 1814, including a re-enactment of the landing (May, www.aptelba.it).
the world famous circuit at present hosts the Italian round of the motorbike World Championships (June) as well as being the testing circuit for the Ferrari F1 team (www.mugellocircuit.it).
an international event dating back over 50 years, with choir and vocal ensemble competitons (September, www.polifonico.org).
(September, www.europacinema.info).
international film festival (September, www.cortofiction.it).
international event celebrating the best of “sacred” classical music (September – October, www.opapisa.it).
In autumn, after the grape and olive harvest, a variety of festivals take place in every corner of Tuscany, including the smallest villages, where the new wines and olive oils (as well as other local products such as cheese, honey, zolfini beans, chestnuts etc.) can be tasted and purchased. Tuscan extra virgin olive oil and it’s wines, including Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Nobile di Montepulciano, Morellino di Scansano, are highly regarded for their excellent quality and exported around the world.
a free festival combining wine, food and books, including tasting sessions, music, discussions, cookery lessons, exhibitions and more! (October, www.degustibooks.it).
a market with stands from all over Italy focusing on the famous white truffle (November, www.cittadisanminiato.it).
a medieval festival culminating in a joust, in full traditional dress (September, www.giostradelsaracino.arezzo.it)
one of Italy’s oldest antiques markets (August–September, www.cortonantiquaria.it).
one of Italy’s largest and oldest antiques fair, held the first Sunday of every month, and the preceding Saturday (www.arezzofieraantiquaria.org).
with the course passing most of the main sights! (November, www.firenzemarathon.it).
GET DIRECTIONS