Tuscanway's Blog

As of Monday, May 10th, 2010 the Euro is being exchanged for 1.28 US dollars. This represents a great value for US travelers as the exchange rate is down from the high of 1.58 that we saw in the middle of 2008. This nearly 20% drop is due to a triumvirate of factors including economic weakness in the EU, the rebound of the American economy, and a third group of macroeconomic factors outside the scope of this article (CDOs, Greece, and world manufacturing numbers.)

What does this mean to you? Well, if you are an American looking to travel abroad the strengthening dollar means that European vacations are more affordable than ever. Recently, travelers have looked to alternative, budget destinations such as Mexico, Puerto Rico, or the Bahamas. This trend has fully reversed as Americans are realizing that the $3,000 luxury trip a year ago is down to nearly $2,500 in real dollars. As this is made apparent European travel agencies are seeing a spike in bookings.

Now, where to go in Europe? This author suggests that one need look no further than Tuscany, the divine province of Italy. Tuscany offers a great deal to enjoy to visitors, guests, and natives alike. While activities are limitless (luxury yoga tour anyone?) generally the to-do list falls into art, architecture, food, and wine.
Sprawling grape vineyards throughout Tuscany give birth to some of the best wines in the world. Wine lovers will enjoy tall glasses of chianti classico and eight other unique chiantis along with numerous wines generally found only in Tuscany. The most serene moment in Tuscany for many travelers is enjoying a glass of chianti in the very vineyard in which it was grown. As the wine takes effect nothing is better than a traditional Tuscan meal. Master Chefs abound, and some are even open to sharing their Tuscan cooking secrets with visitors. Visitors who choose Tuscany food and wine tour provider Tuscan Way for instance, cook side by side with Master Chef Carlo Innocenti and imbibe wines paired perfectly with the food by his son and sommelier Romeo.

Days are spent relaxing in the countryside or enjoying the art and architecture of Italy. Tuscany is home to some of the greatest artisans the world over, including Michelangelo, da Vinci, and Donatello (three out of four of the ninja turtles!) Tuscany is an artistic wonderland full of paintings, sculptures, architecture, and artistry found only in the home of the Italian Renaissance. 

With Tuscany more affordable than ever thanks to the dollar gaining relative strength to the Euro now is the time to visit. When choosing a tour operator guests should look for access, capacity, and personality (the Tuscan charm). A great trip provider will have arrangements in place for guests to stay at old-world homes and rustic villas, the ability to effectively handle a group of your size (whether large or small), and a true feeling for Tuscany as it once was and currently is.

In the experience of this author, Tuscan Way is the tour provider to choose. Master Chef Carlo Romeo captivates guests, who stay in his personal villa, with Tuscan lore and culinary secrets. For more about Tuscany in general, or to book a trip, visit http://www.tuscanway.com or call 800-766-2390. Buen Provecho!

Tuscany, located in central Italy, is known for its lively populace, historic art and architecture, and delightful food and wines. With a rich artistic legacy; home to greats such as Michelangelo, da Vinci, and Vespucci, Tuscany is generally accepted as the cultural capital of Italy if not the world at large. While a trip to Tuscany is warranted to truly experience all a Tuscan cultural tour has to offer global interest in Tuscany has made many of the joys of Tuscany accessible elsewhere.

Tuscan Art:
Tuscany has forever impacted the art world. Native sons da Vinci and Michelangelo have spawned admirers, students, and imitators throughout the centuries. The Italian Renaissance, which was birthed in Florence, signaled the opening phase of the Renaissance as a whole, which was a period of great cultural, artistic, and social achievement for Europe.  Those in search of Tuscan art abroad should go to premier museums such as MOMA in New York or the Art Institute of Chicago.

Tuscan Cooking:
Most recently, Georgio Armani opened his boutique hotel in the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalida, in Dubai. Amongst the offerings in the 160-floor building is Ristorante, Armani’s take on traditional Tuscan cuisine. Quality Tuscany cooking is also available stateside at restaurants such as Nino’s or Terraza Toscana, both in New York City. While Armani is sure to rise to the occasion, generally the trip to Tuscany must be made to experience true authentic Italian cooking. The master chefs and their secret recipes, the fresh-from-market vegetables, the home-made cheeses, and the subtle undertones of Tuscan olive oil must all be experienced first hand in Tuscany. For first time travelers to Tuscany let me caution you that Olive Garden will never be the same again after enjoying the fruits of Tuscan cooking.

Tuscan Wine and olive oil:
Tuscany gives is some of the best and most revered red wines in the world. From classic blends to Super Tuscans, which don’t adhere to traditional rules, Tuscany dominates the wine landscape. The growth of ecommerce and the explosion of the upscale wine industry as a hobby have made Tuscan wines available throughout the world. However, one experience that must be taken in is enjoying a tall glass of Tuscan wine in the very vineyard in which it was grown.

Tuscany has made everlasting artistic, social, and culinary contributions to the world, many of which even predate the Renaissance. Much of what Tuscany has to offer is available elsewhere, but the tastes, smells, scenery, and lively culture can never be duplicated. Wine connoisseurs, art buffs, and foodies the world over should all take a trip to Tuscany. When traveling it is vital to enlist a guide with the access and resources needed to show the sweet secrets of Tuscany. I suggest contacting Tuscan Way, the leader in food and wine cooking tours of Tuscany, for more details.

Based on an article in Cosmos Magazine

According to Australian researchers approximately 5% of fine wines are mislabeled. Recently the Aussies employed carbon dating technology, most frequently used to determine the age of artifacts and bones, to learn if bottle labels match the wine within.  Their conclusion is that many collectors’ wines simply don’t match the label. While the practice is not thought to be wide-spread, it is growing and sommeliers are taking note.

The test the researchers used is performed by measuring the amount of carbon-12 and carbon-14 found in the grapes. As plants take in carbon dioxide both isotopes are captured as well. Carbon-12 is the most prevalent carbon isotope and is vary stable. Carbon-14, on the other hand, is radioactive. Interestingly enough, the advent of nuclear power and the atomic bomb come into play here. Until man began his nuclear endevours "all carbon-14 in the Earth’s biosphere was produced by the interaction between cosmic rays and nitrogen in the upper atmosphere," according to Graham Jones of the University of Adelaide. That all changed between the late 1940s to 1963. Atomic explosions significantly increased the amount of carbon-14 floating around in our atmosphere. Since the bomb tests stopped, the fossil fuels being burnt for energy has diluted the radioactive carbon-14 content in the atmosphere. This changes the carbon-12 to carbon-14 ratio in grapes, which can then be compared to known atmospheric measurements. This allows researchers to accurately determine the vintage of wines to within a year.

The practice of vintage wine fraud is growing rapidly, and researches hope that the carbon-dating of wines will nip this in the bud. Wine collectors, connoisseurs, and sommeliers take their hobbies or profession very seriously and see this as a slight to their credibility. With the cost of some vintage wines running into the thousands wine fraud raises legal issues as well as the labeling is clearly misrepresenting the product within.

The most effective method of making sure the contents match the label: a food and wine tour of course! Tuscan Way offers upscale food and wine tours into the heart of Tuscany. Amidst sprawling valleys, medieval architecture, and classic art, guests of Tuscan Way can sample wines in the very vineyard that they were grown in, ensuring an honest, memorable, and enjoyable experience. Visit the world’s finest vineyards to make sure you get what you pay for. Dinners prepared by Master Chef Carlo Romeo with wine pairings courtesy of Sommelier Romeo Innocenti will not disappoint!

Those looking for a memorable Italian food and wine trip should content the good folks over at Tuscan Way. They can be reached online at http://www.tuscanway.com or by phone at (800) 766-2390.

Tuscany is Mother Earth’s sweet gift to us all. Italy is renowned world-wide for its beauty and no place exemplifies this better than the Tuscany region. Home to natural sites including mountains, waterways, and vineyards, Tuscany possesses an old-world charm and natural beauty that is hard to find elsewhere. Man made delights abound as well, with Tuscany being the repository of much of the finest art, food, architecture, and wine found anywhere in the world. A perfect resting point for those traversing Italy, Tuscany has sites and activities to offer for travelers of all varieties.

The Tuscany region encompasses roughly 22,990 square kilometers of natural beauty. Mineral rich soil gives life to the best olive oils and wines, while vast marble mines are responsible for much of Tuscany’s unique architecture. Across the sprawling landscape guests will see a range of natural habitats. The Apuan Alps, the only mountain range in Tuscany, runs the length of Italy’s east coast. It is home to forests rich with pine, oak, and beech woods as well as a range of birds and wildlife. Known for its lush pastures which are a favorite of Tuscan herders, the mountain range does contain wolves, which are in a constant battle with the large sheep dogs the herders employ. Snow lies on the highest peaks of the Apennines year round, which is a source of clear mineral springs. This fresh water is both drunk on the spot and sold as table water elsewhere in Italy.

Tuscany brings much more than water to the table, as it is home to the finest wines in Italy and many of the best recipes. Visitors to Tuscany will tour vineyards, often with the very people that tend the land. Sommelier Romeo Innocenti is gracious enough to open his home and vineyard to guests of Tuscan Way, regaling them with stories of classic Tuscany as it once was. Tuscany must be experienced as a true Tuscan, and the Innocenti family is gracious enough to help. Master Chef Carlo Innocenti offers cooking courses where visitors will prepare dishes side-by-side with him, and then enjoy them in a lavish meal with ever-flowing wine.

Nearly every area of Tuscany matches natural beauty with architectural prowess. Home to castles, villas, and medieval estates, guests should opt for authentic Tuscany lodging as opposed to ordinary hotels. Again, the Innocenti family is happy to grant tourists’ dreams and have opened their home, perched next to the village castle, to guests. During their stay, between meals and wine tastings, visitors should be sure to see Duomos, castles, and cathedrals which dot the landscape.

A reputable, knowledgeable tour provider is a must when visiting Tuscany. Companies such as Tuscan Way possess the know-how and contacts to enable visitors to experience Tuscany as a true Tuscan would. Let them know your interests, and they are happy to set up a unique itinerary including the obligatory food and wine tastings, as well as unique events such as shopping, arts and crafts, yoga, and bike rides through the Tuscan landscape. Every visitor is unique and their trip to Tuscany should be reflective of this. For more about Tuscany, or to book a trip to Mother Nature’s gift to us, visit http://www.tuscanway.com or call Gregorio at 800-766-2390 Tuscan Way – La Dolce Vita in Toscana 2829 Bird Avenue,
Buen Provecho!

Visitors to Florence from February 4th to 7th better bring their sweet tooth. The Artisan Chocolate Fair, an annual event, will be taking place during this time. Full of fun, free activities the fair includes chocolate sampling, shows, art, live music, and games. Look out for the working chocolate lamps; they are a very unique site that would make Mr. Wonka himself jump for joy.

The highlight of the show will be indulging in free samples courtesy of Tuscany’s premier chocolate makers. Going well beyond the Hershey bar, samplings will include chocolate teas, coffees, and other drinks. As is par for the course in Tuscany, all treats will be accompanied by tall glasses of native vino.

Piazza Santa Croce, where this all takes place, will be open from 10 to 10 during this time, giving visitors and Tuscan natives alike plenty of time to explore and enjoy Florence’s chocolate samplings.

While in town, travelers should be sure to experience Tuscany as a native would, the Tuscan Way. What does this mean? Staying in rustic Tuscan villas and enchanted castles, enjoying endless glasses of wine from nearby vineyards, and sharing tales of romance and intrigue over family recipes of the best pasta and sauces in the world. All are “must-do’s” for visitors seeking a real Tuscan experience.

While there are a seemingly endless number of tour providers, they are not all created equal. Few truly deliver the blissful Tuscan experience. The premier Tuscany travel provider is Tuscan Way. They indulge guests with endless food and wine in serene settings. Days are filled with tours, museums, art, and culture, while nights are spend with food and wine, family and friends. A prime selling point is the guides who will accompany guests on their excursions. The Innocenti family, who have opened their doors to guests of Tuscan Way, share both their homes and recipes with visitors.

Whether you are visiting Tuscany for the chocolate fair, food, or culture play it safe and choose Tuscan Way as your travel provider. With a powerful mix of experience, properties, family, and access they are sure to please.

Tuscan Way, the premier Italian travel provider, can be reached on the web at http://www.tuscanway.com/ or by calling (800) 766-2390. Book today and buen provecho!

With Ubisoft’s release of Assassin’s Creed Two many gamers are getting their first look at Tuscany. The game is full of gorgeous scenery complete with sprawling vineyards, classic Italian architecture, medieval castles, and enchanted villas. Visitors to Tuscany marvel at how accurate and lifelike the landscapes of Assassin’s Creed Two are. With that said, the only way to truly experience Tuscany as a native does is to travel their and experience it for oneself. While the adventures of Ezio Auditore da Firenze in Renaissance Italy on the XBOX 360 or PS3 are fun, they are nothing compared to the real thing.

Tuscany, generally considered the birthplace of the Renaissance movement, has a legendary artistic heritage. Visitors can see one of a kind architecture, sculptures, and paintings throughout Florence and the surrounding areas. Perhaps the best known museums in Tuscany include the Uffizi, the Academia, and the Bargello. And yes, you can even visit the very street where Leonardo da Vinci turns Ezio’s codex pages into new weaponry.

While traveling from city to city it is a shame that Ezio doesn’t stop to enjoy a glass, or three, of wine. The sprawling landscapes he traverses are home to some of the finest vineyards on the planet. Guests who opt for a wine tour through Tuscan Way are in for a real treat. A stay at Villa Poggiarello with hosts Romeo and Federica allows guests to become a member of the family, enjoying Tuscan tales late into the evening. Romeo’s focus on “La Cucina Povera Toscana” (Tuscan Country Cooking) ensures travelers leave with full stomachs and smiling faces. On the 100 hectare property guests even sip wine in the very vineyard in which it was grown.

For a taste of village life look no further than Casa Innocenti. Carlo Innocenti has been gracious enough to open his home to Tuscan Way’s guests. Perched on a hill next to the village castle, Casa Innocenti is a four story medieval home complete with 20 rooms, a large wine cellar, and private garden. During their stay, guests are let in on some of the tightest held secrets in Italy. They don’t involve hidden Medici gold, but rather Tuscan culinary recipes passed down from generation to generation.  As a Master Chef, Carlo has the ability to not only prepare some of the best food Tuscany has to offer, but also pair dishes with the perfect wine.

Assassin’s Creed Two is a great game, but the beauty and majesty of Tuscany can only be fully enjoyed by traveling there and sampling the wine, food, and culture that your hosts provide. Tuscan Way has the villas, connections, and experience to offer a truly transcendental experience that will be treasured for years to come.

For a meaningful vacation or food and wine tour to Tuscany contact Tuscan Way. They can be reached by calling 800-766-2390 or on the web at www.TuscanWay.com.

Tuscan Way offers luxury food and wine tours in the heart of Tuscany, Italy. Guests’ experiences include forging close bonds with locals, staying in traditional Tuscan castles and villas, and cooking side-by-side with Master Chefs. All activities are done with the goal of enabling guests to experience life as it really is in Tuscany. On our trips we pride ourselves on delivery an enjoyable, meaningful, and memorable experience that enables our guests to view Tuscany through a native’s eyes. Our experience allows us to offer up some valuable tips travelers may find useful. Tour providers vary widely in the accommodations and activities they offer, see below for four necessities for an amazing vacation.

• Make a life-long friendship with a local

The people are what make the nation. Sightseeing, hikes, and adventuring are great, but often the guide is even more memorable than the scenery. Find a true native to guide you through the ins and outs of the region. This is the only way to ensure that you experience every last hidden treasure that your destination has to offer. Whether seeking friendship or romance, make sure your provider offers ample opportunities to interact with locals.

• Do at least one “only in…” activity

Tuscany offers a lot of activities. Bike riding, art tours, yoga, and cooking courses are all well sought after events on our trips. As enjoyable as they are, typically the most memorable experiences are ones that only happen in Tuscany. For many of our visitors, drinking a tall glass of wine in the vineyard in which it was grown is the memory that lasts forever. “Only in” activities depend on the location of course; from African safaris to Carnival in Brazil, your tour provider needs to make sure to offer you the full native experience.

• Delve into the local food and drink

Every culture has unique food and drink. Lucky for us, Tuscany has the best of both. In the entire world. From hand-made pastas to exclusive wines, every meal is a delight. To truly get inside of the mind of a native, guests should dine with them. On our culinary trips we even partner guests with Master Chef Carlos Innocenti, who may just let you in on some of Tuscany’s cooking secrets.

• Travel global, sleep local

Every region of Tuscany is a unique cultural experience. Honestly, other tour providers offer day-time activities as well. However, as the sun sets they park you in the Holiday Inn. We go the opposite route. Tuscan Way offers stunning accommodations that give a native experience. From staying at the Innocenti’s medieval home (located on top of the hill, next to the village castle) to La Locanda Del Prete, a charming inn in Southern Tuscany. On your next vacation, make sure to find a provider that offers the blend of luxury and atmosphere that you seek.

We hope you find these tips useful. For more about Tuscan Way or the tours we offer, please visit us on the web at http://www.tuscanway.com. Buen Provecho!

Beyond the Food and Wine

To truly experience Tuscany one must see it through a native’s eyes. Tuscany, Italy is a place of rolling meadows, expansive vineyards, and rustic villas and castles. Tales are told over tall glasses of wine and endless plates of home cooked food. Tuscany offers a range of festivals and events for its residents, where guests are welcomed with open arms. Some of these include:

The feast of the thrush (Sagra del Tordo), occurs during the last weekend of October. Complete with archery, music, and a feast, the event is held within the walls of the castle. Food, wine, and artifacts are sold by local vendors, many of whom come complete with medieval costumes.

Sagra del Fungo e della Castagna (Mushroom and chestnut festival) is an annual festival that takes place in late October. With antique tools the village divides into two groups with the goal of cutting full logs into stools and tables. They than eat a lovely polenta dish which the rest of the team has prepared. Visitors can see this while taking nature walks where mushrooms are identified and eaten. Guests will leave full due to the range of dishes (mainly containing mushrooms and chestnuts) that are for sale.

The last three weekends in November is La Sagra del Tartufo Bianco, or the White Truffle Fair. Here visitors can enjoy a wide selection of truffles, many of which are only available in Tuscany. Foodstuffs containing truffles are aplenty, including wine, pecorino, salami, olive oil, grappa and more.

Between December 5^th and 13^th The Florence Biennale takes place. The international contemporary art exhibition is held every two years in Florence. This 7th edition takes place in the historic Fortezza da Basso and hosts artists from all over the world. For this reason, in 2001 The United Nations recognized the Florence Biennale as an official partner in the program “Dialogue Among Nations”. In these difficult times for humanity, Kofi Annan expresses, “Art opens new doors for learning, understanding, and peace among people and nations”. The Biennale is run by Arte Studio, whose first contemporary art exhibition occurred in 1986, brothers Pasquale and Piero Celona, of Arte Studio, serve as President and General Manager of the Biennale. In 2007 there were 840 artists from 76 countries, and over 17,000 visitors.

All of these events can be enjoyed alone, but are much more meaningful when accompanied by a native Tuscan guide. They know the land, its people and its history, allowing for a truly memorable experience. To experience Tuscany as a true Tuscan please contact Tuscan Way. They can be reached by calling 800-766-2390 or on the web at www.TuscanWay.com.

How Tuscany Saved My Soul

I know 2009 may be tough for everyone, with the global economic meltdown and whatnot, but this year seems to be a particular challenge for me. In the course of a few months I managed to: receive a sizeable pay reduction at work, have trouble in paradise with the girlfriend, experience the untimely loss of a dear friend, and even a car crash. If anyone was in dire need of a vacation it was me. With two weeks of (mandatory!) vacation days I decided a trip to a far-away, serene destination was in order. The only requirements I set for myself are that the location be peaceful, have activities to do during the day, and be somewhat affordable.

After spinning the globe around for a day or two I had developed a short list of Kenya, Greece, and Italy. They are obviously very different places with unique vibes.  As an animal lover, the call of the wild in East Africa was strong, but I decided a bit more pampering was in order. Greece was a final contender as well, but ruled out due the student riots occurring during my booking process. My mind was made up, off to Tuscany I go! Buon viaggio indeed.

I found a local trip provider that came highly referred by some friends (http://www.tuscanway.com) and passed along my info. When their salesman called to follow up I knew Tuscany was the place for me. In a heavy (but understandable) Italian accent he regaled me with stories of endless food, wine, and romance (more on that later) being enjoyed on the Tuscan landscape. I’m in. Everything he said came true, and even a bit more. After a bit of QA with Gregorio (thanks again!) I decided on taking their Villa Poggiarello trip.

This trip had me staying in a villa that manages to pull off being both modern and rustic in the same breath. Along the Mediterranean shore I slipped into my Tuscan persona, Leonardo, as I enjoyed wine tastings, food courses, and art tours. I even took a yoga class, which I have kept up with since my return back to the US. My wine memory comes courtesy of my sommelier, Romeo, when I asked where a particular glass came from. He let out a soulful laugh and pointed down. I was standing in the very vineyard. Food memories are just as fond, enjoying la cucina povera Toscana with the other guests as native Tuscans regaled us with endless stories of living life the Tuscan way. To the best of my new understanding, the Tuscan way of life involves treating yourself to endless indulgences in a setting where time moves at the perfect speed. During my third night there I went into town at night to enjoy a glass of wine in a local café, where I met Alessia, I will forever cherish our time together. We went on several dates during the rest of my stay, and she is coming stateside to visit this January. Most of the other guests were couples, so it was nice to have a partner for the rest of my trip.

In short, Tuscany was everything I was looking for in a vacation. I came back well rested and spiritually charged. Tuscany helped me get through a rough spot in my life and so I am forever grateful to Alessia, Gregorio, Romeo, and the folks at Tuscan Way who made the trip possible.

Ciao,

Lenny Barnes

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Tuscan Way is the leader in offering wine and culinary vacations to Tuscany, Italy. Our aim is to provide very personal, pleasurable and memorable experience s for all of our guests that leave them feeling invigorated and refreshed. We accomplish this by working with small groups of travelers and introducing them to the locals so that they can really see and experience Tuscan culture as it really is. Tuscan Way can be reached via web at http://www.tuscanyway.com or by calling 800-766-2390.

1. Enjoy a glass of vino while relaxing in the vineyard in which it was grown

Tuscany is the motherland of fine wines. Climate and soil seemingly purpose built for growing grapes mix with time-tested, palate-approved Tuscan techniques to create an unforgettable experience. Taste DOCG certified wines in the vineyards from which they came! The wine is amazing, but equally important is your sommelier. Enjoy your experience with Romeo Innocenti of Tuscan Way as he guides you through the many different types of Tuscan wines. On your next Tuscany wine tour drinking wine from in the vineyard from which it came is a must do.

1. Listen to a tall tale told by a native Tuscan

Since the Legend of King Rachis and even before, Italy has been full of great stories and cheerful locals eager to find a listening ear. While in Tuscany visitors must be sure to hear a native, true Tuscan spin a story about days long past. From political happenings to tales of love lost and rekindled there is a story for every guest. Enjoy a tall glass of wine with your new Tuscan soul mate as he or she regales you with stories that happened in the very same castles, villas, and vineyards that you will be spending time in during your Tuscany food and wine holiday.

1. Have a sweet dream while resting in a historic Tuscan abode

Dreams are the window into our souls. There is no better place on Earth to have a pleasant dream than in a medieval Tuscan home, charming inn, or sprawling country villa. Only the very best Tuscany tour operators have exclusive access to some of the best estates Tuscany has to offer. Lay your head down in Carlo Innocenti’s private home as you drift off into sleep. Casa Innocenti , perched on a hill next to the village castle, is a perfect place to unwind after a full day of Italian food and wine. La Locanda Del Prete, Carlo’s inn in Southern Tuscany, offers a striking view of Arcidosso as you drift off. Guests can also opt for staying in the Villa Gaia Estate, which offers luxury accommodations surrounded by olive groves. Wherever choose to rest after your days in Tuscany, you are sure to have a magical experience on your Italian food and wine tour.

1. Share a fine Italian dinner with a Tuscan Master Chef

The authors of this article would like to thank Tuscan Way, the leader in Tuscany food and wine tours, for sharing their story with us. For more about Tuscan food and wine holidays please contact Tuscan Way at www.tuscanway.com or by calling 800-766-2390. Your Tuscan dream holiday awaits.