Nights of Archaeology is an initiative which take place during the month of July (from the 3^rd to the 26^th), and features special events and exhibitions in Tuscany.

You don’t have to be an archaeologist to enjoy or understand, but rather have a passion for the past. There are itineraries designed for youngsters, guided walks in natural surroundings and cinematographic screenings, there is something for everyone.

Nights of Archaeology is organized by the Regione Toscana and AMAT (an association of archaeological museums in Tuscany), in collaboration with the Soprintendenza per i Beni archeologici (the supervisory body for archaeological assets in the region).

Events are planned throughout Tuscany in the province of Florence:

• Calenzano
• Dicomano
• Empoli
• Fiesole
• Firenzuola
• Fucecchio
• Gambassi Terme
• Montaione
• Palazzuolo sul Senio
• Scandicci
• Scarperia
• Vicchio
• Florence itself

Here is a short list of very interesting events:

• Cortona (Arezzo) Saturday July 18 8:30 AM Piazza del Mercato iin Cortona – Archaeological Trekking from Cortona to S. Martino a Bocena
• Fiesole (Florence) Archeological area and Museo Civico Archeologico. Via Portigiani, 1 Info: Tel. 055 5961293 Email: infomusei@comune.fiesole.fi.it
  Saturday July 25, 09.00 PM itinerary in the Museo Civico Archeologico featuring the symbols of political and religious power of Roman and Etruscan civilizations 10:00 PM roman dinner in the Archeological area
  Entrance: reservations are mandatory, fee charged
• Gambassi Terme
  Thursday July 9 and July 23 09:30 PM – 11.00 PM Giardino Comunale di Gambassi Terme
  Activities for children: how ti build a medieval shield, and learning how to manipulate terracotta, ideal for youngsters age 6 to 14. Duration, appprox. 1 1/2 hours. Entrance is free, but booking is required at the ufficio Cultura del Comune
• Montaione
  Museo Civico Via Cresci, 17/19 Info: Tel. 0571 699267 699265 Email:cultura@comune.montaione.fi.it www.comune.montaione.fi.it
  Monday July 20 09.30 PM guided tour of the Museo Civico with a treasure hunt for children.
  Entrance is free, booking is required
• Follonica (Grosseto)
  Saturday July 18 09.00 PM Entertainment with music and lectures outdoors with a guided tour of the Museo del Ferro (iron museum) and tasting of local products of the Etruscan civilization. Duration: 1 1/2 hours, free admittance
• Gavorrano
  Thursday July 9 and July 23 9:00AM – 01.00 PM
  Exploration of Castello della Pia excursion with guided tour of Castel di Pietra researched by the University d Siena
  Duration: 3 hours
  Entrance fee: €6,00
• Bibbona
  July 22 to July 26
  Opening hours: 08.30 – 23.30 every day
  Etruscan arts and culture. Closes on August 10
  Free admittance
• Cetona (Siena)
  From July 14 to July 18
  Opening hours: 10.00 AM – 01.00 PM / 04.00 PM – 07.00 PM
  Working as an archaeologist, ideal for children age 6 to 12: simulation of an archaeological site, building a prehistorical home
  Duration: 3 hours
  Free admittance
  Sunday July 19
  9.00 AM – 01.00 PM
  Excursion to the mountain top of Monte Cetona (1,148 meters a.s.l.)
  Duration: 4 hours
  Free admittance, booking is advisable
• Colle Val d’Elsa
  July 23 09.30 PM
  Rassegna Internazionale del Cinema d’Archeologia.

A complete program of the event can de downloaded here.

Find and book a fine hotel in Tuscany with HotelRelais.it

Many visit Tuscany and admire the beauties of the Chianti region, as well as the art cities, but there is another face to this region a completely different view, a natural panorama so rare and unique, home to some of the most impressive marble quarries in Italy and worldwide, which spread throughout the mountains just minutes away from some of the most exclusive beaches and resorts of Tuscany in Versilia and Viareggio.

Visiting a marble quarry is a fascinating experience which brings you back in time hundreds if not thousands of years to the days of the ancient Romans, the first to identify and mine the famous White Marble of Carrara.

Today Marble Quarries are visited by thousands of curious tourists from all over the world …

If you suffer from Claustrophobia this isn’t the place for you !

Specialized companies organize tours of marble quarries – this is a photo taken from within the tunnel leading to the heart of the mountain.

Take a look at what a real marble quarry looks like …

Enormous machines and blocks of marble waiting to be taken away or for a buyer are in every corner of these huge caves …

Here is another photo with some people in the foreground – just look at the size of these caves !

Visiting a marble quarry in Tuscany is a unique experience you may not have thought about or planned for but it’s well worth your time and effort. The ride along the mountain side is exciting and the panorama is unforgettable.

2 of our fine hotels are located in this area.

• Hotel Plaza e de RussieIn its privileged position overlooking the sea, Hotel Plaza e de Russie, a 4 star hotel in Viareggio is the oldest in Viareggio. Erected in 1871, it took the name “De Russie” in memory of the Russian nobility that frequented the beaches of Versilia and lived the glories of aristocracy and of the art movements of the turn of the century. The hotel’s 50 rooms all have hardwood floors and cherry wood furniture, autonomous air conditioning, minibars, and satellite TV. The hotel’s restaurant, La Terrazza, which gets its name from the hotel’s splendid panoramic terrace, creates its delicacies, especially seafood, in a unique setting overlooking the landscape from Tino Island to the Livorno promontory, with the Apuan Alps behind you.
• Hotel BryonThe unique combination of two Liberty villas, a meeting place for nobility from the House of Savoia, the villas were subsequently converted into hotels maintaining their original refined features. Today, the villas are an elegant 5 star hotel in Forte dei Marmi hotel with 29 rooms and suites overlooking the sea or the Apuan Alps, as well as two halls for meetings and conferences that seat 10 and 60 people. The bar overlooks the garden where a large swimming pool attracts guests who don’t feel like going to the beach. Flowers and other plants are in abundance. Within the greenery of the area, guests find that calm atmosphere which is typical of large private residences, but with all the comforts of a 5-star hotel.

La Versiliana Festival 2009 is perhaps the most sought after event taking place in Versilia, Tuscany during the summer. The festival is a variety of events: concerts, opera, ballet, musicals, poetry, all at the highest level.

Some information on the Versiliana Festival

The Versiliana Festival in held every year in August in the charming town of Pietrasanta at the Teatro della Versiliana in Marina di Pietrasanta, Tuscany. The festival takes place within the Versiliana Park, attracting visitors on an international level.

This year the festival celebrates its 30^th anniversary and offers a very interesting entertainment program for those visiting Tuscany during the months of July and August.

Program of the Festival is online here – downloadable copy is available here. A complete description of the event is online at laversilianafestival.com

Seeking a fine hotel in Versialia ? Visit our featured luxury hotels of hotelrelais.it.

• Hotel Byron a 5 star Luxury hotelat Forte dei Marmi inaugurated in 1990 after extensive renovations, this exclusive hotel offers top quality accommodation in 29 rooms and suites overlooking the sea and the Apuan Alps.
• Hotel Plaza e de la Russie a 4 star hotel in Viareggio, in a privileged position overlooking the sea, across from the elegant Liberty-style buildings of the promenade amongst exclusive cafés and theaters.

Villa Caruso Bellosguardo is a splendid villa in Tuscany where a number of musical events will take place during the forthcoming month of July:

• July 1, 9:30 PM the dance group Foundacion Flamenca presents flamenca “Andalusia”
• July 8, 9:30 PM the dance group Flamenco Libre presents the show “Sevilla Flamenca” featuring Juan Lorenzo, and Federico Pietrosi, spanish guitar, Dario Carbonel, flamenco dancer and cajon, Lara Franco and Pilar Carmona, flamenco dancers
• July 15 9:30 PM Concert “Senza Confini” with Flavio Cucchi, classical guitar, Juan Lorenzo, spanish guitar e Ganesh Del Vescovo, classical guitar and sarod
• July 22, 9:30 PM the company “Tango Rubio” presents the show “Il Tango dalle origni al nostro tempo” (Tango, from the origins to our days) featuring Adrian Carlos Fioramonti, guitar, Guglielmo Caioli, double bass, Massimiliano Pitocco, bandoneon, Roberta Pierazzini, dacne, Paolo Angelini, dance, Ilaria Niccolai, dance, Marco Massimetti, dance

An aperitif is offered at each event to make your evening most enjoyable

Further information is available by phone by the Associazione Villa Caruso (tel. 055.8721783) or by Email

If you’re interested in exploring this area of Tuscany and seeking an exclusive place to stay, like a historical villa we suggest you consider Palazzo Mannaioni ex Castello di Montaione On the road to San Gimignano, located 30 Km from Ginestra Fiorentina

There is excitement in the air and great expectations from the forthcoming Opera festival 2009 which will soon take place in some of the most beautiful and exclusive locations in Florence, Tuscany. The festival blends ballet and music at the highest levels and a breath taking location: Giardino di Boboli with a privileged access from Palazzo Pitti.

Here are highlights of the most important events for you to review and attend while visiting Florence:

Aida – Giuseppe Verdi

• Monday June 15, Florence, Giardino di Boboli begins at 9:15 PM
• Thursday June 25, Florence, Giardino di Boboli begins at 9:15 PM
• Thursday July 9, Florence, Giardino di Boboli begins at 9:15 PM
• Tuesday July 21, Florence, Giardino di Boboli begins at 9:15 PM

MaggioDanza

• Wednesday July 1, Florence, Giardino di Boboli begins at 9:15 PM in the framework of the 72^nd edition of Maggio Musical Fiorentino

ZUBIN MEHTA, Messa da Requiem di G. Verdi

• Thursday July 2, Florence, Giardino di Boboli begins at 9:15 PM

Carmina Burana di C. Orff – di M.Ravel

• Tuesday July 14, Florence, Giardino di Boboli begins at 9:15 PM

Roberto Bolle and Friends

• Wednesday July 29, Florence, Giardino di Boboli begins at 9:15 PM
• Thursday July 30, Florence, Giardino di Boboli begins at 9:15 PM

More information on Opera Festival can be found here.

Here are some of our fine Hotels in Florence to make your stay both comfortable and enjoyable at competitive rates !

- Montebello Splendid, offers private parking near porta a Prato
- Lungarno Suites at Ponte Vecchio
- Hotel Bernini Palace near Palazzo Vecchio
- Plaza Hotel Lucchesi on the lungarni.

Give yourself an incredible gift: driving a magnificent Ferrari through the Tuscan hills and under the Tuscan sun!
A unique drive through the most beautiful hills of Italy
Ferrari 599 F1 Gtb Fiorano in Tuscany

Starting from just euro 1,00 per person per HP* you can experience the 620Hp of the most performing Ferrari ever from regular production!

Bookings: 599underthetuscansun@dreamitaly.it

*Terms and conditions: the quote is referred to a party of 4 sharing a 1 day driving experience; parties from 1 to 3 persons have to pay the minimum quote of euro 2480 for the day. The quote includes: the Ferrari 599 in picture for a designed itinerary of approximately 150 miles; a leading car; a tour leader; fuel for the day; delivery and drop off charge; light lunch in a Tuscan trattoria; 1 single driver will drive all miles, more drivers will share the total mileage and driving time; driving expoerience lasts approximately 7 hours in total. Personal deductable is euro 35000 euro in total total. Please contact us for complete terms and conditions and available options. Offer is limited to customers staying at the hotels belonging to the HRTT group.

A “Dining room on the river” to rediscover the great Italian home-style cuisine in Florence

Borgo San Jacopo Restaurant in Florence is a restaurant transmitting a conscious return to the various original and authentic regional specialties of days gone by, revisiting the somewhat lost tradition of Sunday lunch that creates a personal atmosphere in which one can participate.

Considered as a place for friendly get-togethers, Borgo San Jacopo is the ideal mix between a Dining Room and local Club, a restaurant where the service and atmosphere effortlessly generate an ultimate personal relationship, never invasive or pretentious, with guests.

The décor by architect Michele Bönan was inspired by the energetic and sophisticated ‘glam’ of the 50’s, the Italian “new deal” and the birth of “Made in Italy”, an era also closely tied to the extraordinary creativity of Salvatore Ferragamo, the “shoemaker of dreams”.

To aid this interpretation, the walls are graced with re-produced designs, sketches and images of this magical fashion epoch. The two levels of dining enjoy an arch shaped window on the river and have an elongated architectural prospective.

The concept and refurbishment follow the contemporary design evolution of the Hotel Lungarno with which it shares a lounge.

The custom-made lighting reflects the atmosphere of a 50’s film and was designed guaranteeing intimacy and focusing on the centre of the table and its décor, without obscuring the view of the other guests. Two grand mirrors, positioned opposite one another in front of the mezzanine area, generate an infinite space, which transports the magical evening river view to the guests’ tables within the restaurant.

The soft linen and cotton furnishings in varying tones of white with grey mineral notes complement both the oak floors and the black/brown details, confirming a fresh yet classic character. The table décor boasts crystal glassware and fine porcelain that recall those from any fine dresser. The platter service discreetly underlines the home-style feeling.

On the gastronomic front, Borgo San Jacopo offers a legitimate response to society at large’s desire to rediscover the traditions of a bygone era, carefully reviewed and presented in a refreshingly modern, retro architectural setting.

The pleasurable significance and interpretation of the grand classics of Italian Cuisine have been trusted to chef Beatrice Segoni, owner of the renowned “Torcoletto” restaurant in Porto Recanati, Ancona.

Beatrice has admirably accepted the challenge of transmitting her experience and sensibility to Florence with the sound intent of recreating the art of good home style cooking with the utmost respect for seasonal produce and traditional products with which are offered “classics” such as “il fritto”, and home-made bread and pasta.

Special care has been taken to present a Wine List that, without excluding the widely known labels, also includes carefully selected wines from boutique vineyards.

Open exclusively for dinner from 7.30 to 10.30 PM, with the exception of Tuesday, Borgo San Jacopo seats 65 in the dining area plus the lounge which is dedicated to relaxation and conversation, maybe accompanied by a fine liquor, also benefiting from renowned service at the Hotel Lungarno.

Addition information on Borgo San Jacopo

• Info and Booking Ph. +39.055.281661 – Fax +39.055.291114 – Email: bsj@lungarnohotels.com
• Project and Interior Designer: Arch. Michele Bönan
• Project supervisor: Arch. Nino Solazzi
• Lighting design: Arch. Jan H.Van Lierde

Lungarno Hotels means Hospitality in:

• Florence: Continentale Contemporary Pleasing Hotel, Hotel Lungarno, Gallery Hotel Art, Lungarno Suites, Villa Le Rose
• Rome: Portrait Suites

For Meetings and Events:

• Florence: Sala Poccetti a Palazzo Capponi, Sala Guarnieri presso l’Hotel Lungarno

Restaurants

• Florence: Ristorante Borgo San Jacopo, (The Fusion Bar) SHOZAN-GALLERY

Retail

Florence: Hotel Lungarno Details

www.lungarnohotels.com

PR office LUNGARNO HOTELS: Elisa Francini, Tel. +39.055.27266800, press@lungarnohotels.com

Photo by Gary Hayes on Flickr

Siena in Tuscany is an ideal place to visit: historical beauties and monuments can also be visited by planning a tuscany cycling tour. The province of Siena provides many opportunities for those seeking to tour Tuscany on a bike, and has recently announced a plan to enlarge and improve cycling paths to favor bicycle tours. Two new cycling paths are now under construction, from Buonconvento to Poggibonsi, and from Abbadia San Salvatore to Piancastagnaio.

The Percorso dell’Eroica offers an itinerary in Siena on dirt roads, safe for cycling with 90 billboards placed every 5 Km: a pleasant cycling tour in the countryside that can be completed in 2 days or up to 1 week, depending on your skills and training.

Another cycling tour is the Sentiero della Bonifica, a track going from Chiusi Scalo to Chiusi dei Monaci, approximately 65 Km, particularly indicated for those who love mountain bikes.

Tours are organized for groups and our hotels in Tuscany offer holiday packages which include cycling tours.

Of the many luxury hotels in Tuscany taking part in the Hotel Relais Consortium today I’d like to tell you about Hotel Certosa di Maggiano and the famous Il Canto Restaurant one of the most famous restaurants in Tuscany and a must for those seeking refined cuisine at the highest levels.

Il Canto Restaurant was recently reviewed by 2 of the most prestigious guides on Italy: the Guida dell’Espresso awarded an 18/20 score and the Gambero Rosso a flattering 93 points confirming once again “three forks”.

Il Canto Restaurant gets its name from an old farm belonging to the Carthusian monastery still producing olive oil, fruit, and vegetables, the basic ingredients of the many dishes featured on the menu.

One of the peculiarities of this fine restaurant in Tuscany, is the number of places where lunch or dinner is served, depending on the season.

The rustic kitchen decorated with age-old branches and the patio are the ideal place for simple, informal lunches.

Depending on the season, dinner can be served in the dining room which offers a plethora of unique, beautiful furnishings, or beneath the ogival arches of the main cloister.

Cooking is based on Simplicity and authenticity fostering the creation of unique gastronomical delights based on healthy fresh products: olive oil, fruit and vegetables are grown in a garden cultivated by the restaurant

La Certosa di Maggiano was built in 1314 with a long and interesting historical background, involved in the 16^th century war between France and Spain, is now a 4 star hotel and maintains the prestige and historical atmosphere that makes this hotel such an interesting stay in Tuscany.

For more information:

Relais & Chateaux
Hotel Certosa di Maggiano
Ristorante Il Canto
Strada di Certosa, 82/86
53100 – Siena – Tuscany – Italy
Phone +39 0577 288 180 Email: info@certosadimaggiano.it

see also the post about best tuscan restaurants

Liza Minelli makes a return to Tuscany after 15 years.

Liza has successfully concluded a tour in Great Britain and will soon be coming to Italy where she will be performing in Rome and Florence, in cooperation with the Teatro Musicale Fiorentino.

Saturday November 1st, Liza Minelli and her group of 12 elements and a quartet of outstanding singers will perform in a 2 hour live stage show.

Liza has always been a fan of Italy and has recently stated her love for our country where she feels “at home”.

For more info on this fantastic event: www.maggiofiorentino.com