Experience Tuscany

With the approaching of the spring season the number of fairs are increasing by the day and moving from indoor locations to the outdoors in piazzas and town streets. There is a great number of Tuscan towns that add to the many events with their local flavor and personal twist their one of a kind fair. Often these fairs are bound to an ancient tradition, while in other cases they are a relatively recent addition to local folklore.
It is impossible to list all the Tuscan town fairs of March here, so you will find a highlight of the main ones, those bound to the territory, so to let you best discover the local culture and history.

In Rignano sull’Arno the Sagra delle Frittelle, or rice fried pancakes, dominates every weekend until March 28. The delicious frittelle will be accompanied by local VinSanto. Also Montespertoli every weekend offers bomboloni and frittelle from March 7 to the 21st.

In Scarperia near Florence the Sagra del Cinghiale, or wild boar fair, is perhaps the first of the year. Opens on March 6 and close on the 14th. All entries are served with boar meat cooked in various ways. Tuscany has a long boar culinary tradition.

From March 11 until the 21st in Arezzo you will find locally brewed artisan beer at the Festa della Birra: live music, good beer and good food will be the protagonists of this event at Teatro Tenda in Arezzo.

On the Abetone mountain on the 13th the spectacular ski torchlight parade will come down the easy and panoramic Selletta slope, all th eway until the main square of the town. Prior to the parade is an early buffet dinner with local products and cinnamon hot wine. The event is open to all.

The weekend of 13 and 14 will finally be the time to discover the black marzolino truffle. This wonderful product is celebrated in Borgo San Lorenzo near Florence with recipes that enhance the taste of truffles.

In Florence is the “Taste” event. Three days at the Stazione Leopolda to discover the traditional tastes of Tuscany and Italy exposed by the best producers selected by the organizers. 190 producers from all over Italy make of this event a must-attend.

From March 13 to the 21st opens the Palio dei Somari, or donkey race, in Torrita di Siena. The Palio is on the 21st, but during the previous weekends the town offers many entertainment occasions.

You should not miss the Torciata of Pitigliano from the 13th to 21st of March. The two weekends are rich of events, and on the 19th a town bonfire burning a dummy made of winter vegetables and other field products is burnt in the main square while a merry go round of people salutes the coming of the new spring season. This is an ancient tradition that has recently been recovered.

More events in Tuscan towns tomorrow…so much to do in Tuscany, so much to write!

“Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the fire inside is so delightful…” if Sammy Cahn were in Tuscany today he would surely compose the same words he did back in 1945! Tuscany is covered with snow from north to south and east to west, at any altitude. The Siberian influence is making this March 2010 a little crazy. One week ago temperatures were around 17 Celsius (about 70 Fahrenheit) and all of the sudden they dropped below zero Celsius (32 Fahrenheit).
Snow in Tuscany is a pretty common phenomenon, but March is a little too late to have such a widespread snowstorm. In any case the spectacle is absolutely lovely, even because in most cases the snow is quickly removed from city streets and sidewalks, and driving or walking in the city is safe.
This is probably going to be the last Tuscany snow, at least at lower altitudes. Mountain towns and resorts will almost certainly have a few other snowfalls, so if you like to sky you are sure to find snow in Tuscany until late March. Some time has passed from the first Tuscany snow of this winter season. It was December 19, 2009. Not even three months later the last snow falls on Tuscany closing the season with a bang.
All in all, the cold weather in Tuscany does not last much, but enough to enjoy the winter season and the good sides of it. Enough for this year with bringing wood to the fireplace, preparing hot hearty soups, dressing with warm clothes and visiting winter markets. The lengthening hours of daylight give the clear sign that spring is knocking and it is time to start living outdoors, making day trips and picnics, staying out late to enjoy town fairs and their dancing town parties.
So to the question “Does it snow in Tuscany?“, you can certainly reply “Yes!“, but just enough to enjoy all the seasons of the year. This is the last snow in Tuscany: so long Winter, welcome back Spring!

There is a new way of discovering Tuscany through routes off the tourist track that preserve unaltered landscapes. It is the exploration of Tuscany by Train that gives you the chance to get to know the region crossing lands open only to the more adventurous ones that on foot or by bike can reach these lands.
But do not be mistaken, this kind of Tuscany train travel is not with everyday trains on regular traveler railways. These trains are old and completely restored. Some are diesel trains, some are steam trains, all brought back to their antique state. The railways are also dead lines that instead of being dismantled were restored and maintained to allow the grandparents of today’s high speed engines to bring you to the discovery of Tuscany by Train. These lines cross beautiful landscapes. These railways are scattered all over Tuscany. They once constituted the backbone of people and goods transportation. The elderly of those villages that were once served by the lines still remember when they used to function regularly, and their sadness when they were closed.
So it happens that local territory associations and tourism promotion agencies have picked up the challenge of creating a wonderful opportunity for Tuscany train travel, and their success is confirmed and increased by each passing year.
Just yesterday was the most scented trip of all! The train covered the line from Siena to Asciano until Monte Antico and back in the evening. This is the season of black truffles, the so called Marzuoli or Scorzoni, less sophisticated than their white counterpart that grows in Fall, but delicious nonetheless. This is not the only truffle trip, and you can get more information on next journeys calling +39 0577 207413 or writing to trenonatura@ferrovieturistiche.it.
In Northern Tuscany you can participate to the Pontremolese journey, or take part to the Lunigiana Greenway from the San Carpasio abbey to Aulle. For info call +30 329 8147086 or write to matteotollini@interfree.it.
As previously said, you can also walk through these lands, and from Orbetello to Porto Santo Stefano on the Tuscan coast you can hike the old railway line; get info on this activity at +39 349 4409855 or write to trekpertutti@thesan.net. Biking is also an option along the train line Pisa, Tirrenia, Livorno, and if you want to participate call +39 328 2751552 or wite to alessandro.barbini@poste.it. You can also bike along the Arezzo, Palazzo del Pero, Molin Nuovo, Pieve a Ranco calling +39 329 4309009 or writing to info@gcardinali.com.

All the above Tuscany train travel trips are on a one-day schedule basis and will give you the true chance to discover Tuscany by train or using other ecological means of transportation in contact with the uncontaminated Tuscan nature.

Just opened a new section on ThriftyTuscany.com dedicated to Tuscany special offers and accommodation rentals offered at lower prices for a limited period only.
Easter is coming soon. Although that particular week is usually considered a period of high season, there are many properties that offer special discounts for your Easter holiday in Tuscany without forgoing any quality.

Like Relais Il Fienile in Bibbiena near Arezzo, located in a wonderful and peaceful location immersed in a natural environment, yet close to art and history cities. It is the ideal base to enjoy the natural Casentino mountains, unique for its parks with breathtaking scenery to explore hiking, biking, or simply strolling through its large grasslands.
The Relais il Fienile bases its hospitality principles on Character, Courtesy, Calm, Charm, Cuisine, wisely mixing these ingredients to prepare the perfect relaxing holiday. Your Tuscany stay will be an enchanting experience.
The details of this offer are the following:

Valid from April 2 to April 6, 2010.
- 5 days, 4 nights in double room. Half board service 268 Euros per person. B&B service 184 Euros per person.
- 4 days, 3 nights in double room. Half board service 216 Euros per person. B&B service 153 Euros per person.
- 3 days, 2 nights in double room. Half board service 154 Euros per person. B&B service 112 Euros per person.

Children’s beds in room with parents are 38 Euros per day with half board service and 17 Euros per day with B&B service.

Visit Tuscany apartments and rooms Relais Il Fienile to view pictures of the property, get a more detailed description of this Tuscany rental anmd contact the owner directly to reserve. As usual, Relais Il Fienile is a Tuscany rental by owner from ThriftyTuscany.com.

The Sienese cuisine, and that of nearby areas, is much characterized by the research of natural flavors and the addition of special spices. The frequent use of wild fennel, tarragon, salad herbs that grow wild in certain fields, spices that elsewhere are forgotten, are a sign of loyalty to the most deeply rooted traditions of ancient Tuscan food, which have always been the subject of particular attention in the Sienese land and deserve a special recognition. How to forget old recipes such as the tarragon sauce, the Migliacci made with pig blood, and the Cipollata recipe?
Ultimately, the cuisine of Siena can claim to be the true Tuscan cooking, one that has been enriched over the centuries without ever abandoning the deepest roots of each dish. The people of Siena is well aware and proud of such tradition.
Here you can recover this tradition too, learning the delicious Cipollata recipe!

Ingredients:
- One kilo of white onions
- 400 grams of pork ribs
- 200 grams of stale home-style bread (stale)
- 100 grams of extra virgin olive oil
- 50 grams of bacon
- 50 grams of fresh Tuscan sausage
- A stick of celery
- A clove of garlic
- A carrot
- Salt

Preparation:
Place the pork ribs in a pot, add the carrot cut in half, a piece of celery and half onion, then cover with a liter and a half of water. Season with salt and set the pot on the heat and cook until the meat comes off the the ribs. Strain the broth, strip the flesh off the ribs and put the meat on a separate plate. In the meantime the pork was cooking you should have chopped all the onions, and placed them in a large bowl, then kept under a thin but continuous stream of running water for 15 minutes. While the onions are washing, pour the oil in a saucepan, add the chopped bacon and the peeled and chopped sausage. Brown them for a few minutes then add the drained onions. Allow them to dry without a lid on, then pour two ladles of the broth you have prepared, cover and cook over moderate heat, occasionally adding more broth. After about an hour and a half of cooking, add the onions to the meat cut into small strips, then add the remaining broth and keep cooking for about 15 minutes. Get a soup bowl and cover the bottom with toasted bread slices rubbed with garlic (rub after toasting), then pour the Cipollata in over the bread. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving, to allow the bread to absorb the broth.

Easter is approaching fast, April 4, 2010 will be in less than a month from today. Easter in Tuscany, like in the rest of Italy, is a very important part of the local tradition. There are a number of appointments and rituals that take place each year during the period that precedes the Easter Sunday.
Tuscany is located at a latitude that almost always grants fair weather when Easter comes. Therefore during this period there are quite a number of outdoor activities that happen in towns and cities. With the approaching of Easter Sunday, the number of events becomes more and more centered around the religious meaning of the festivity. Tuscany is a very Catholic part of Italy, therefore here you will be able to attend many religious reenactments of the Passion of Christ (for which is meant the imprisonment, torture and final crucifixion of Jesus). In religious terms, Easter is the resurrection of Jesus Christ from death, and in pagan terms it is the festivity of spring, the resurrection from the dark and cold winter of all living things. The two meanings often coincide in many towns of Tuscany. For example on March 21st, the spring equinox, is the festivity of Saint Benedict and Aulla, near Massa, celebrates it with a town fair filled with kiosks and local flavors. A similar event of ancient pagan origins happens in Cardoso and nearby villages of the Serchio Valley. The Monte Forato, or perforated mountain, presents a large and thick arch through which the setting sun appears after disappearing for a few moments after the rocky arch, thus creating the wonderful effect of a double sunset. This effect only happens during a specific time of the year in spring when the hole is aligned with the setting sun. Ancient traditions celebrated the event as the coming of spring and the end of deadly winter months. Nowadays the mountain still attracts many to witness the spectacular phenomenon.
More Catholic celebrations are the reenactments that happen on the Thursday immediately before Easter or on Good Friday. The processions reenacted in Radicofani, Castiglion d’Orcia, Piancastagnaio and Abbadia San Salvatore are among the most famous in Tuscany. The medieval alleys of these mountain town are lit with oil torches only, and the scenic effect exalts the sad parade of people in costumes following “Jesus” carrying the cross. The procession can be attended with respect for the religious meaning of the event. Castiglion Fiorentino celebrates with La Volata, the flight, where the crucifix is brought by many running into the Collegiata church giving the impression to fly over the spectators. Quite a spectacle to attend.
The most common way to celebrate Easter in Tuscany is to be with one’s family, but it can also be celebrated with others as there is a saying in Italy that states “Christmas with your family, Easter with whomever you want”. On that Sunday morning boiled eggs are blessed in church and then brought back home to be eaten first thing at lunch following a short prayer. The following day, Easter Monday, is dedicated to outdoor excursions and day trips, often to the seaside or dedicated to the discovery of a local town fair, as many are available on this day. In a few days here you will find here a list of all the places to visit on Easter Monday, to make your Easter in Tuscany more interesting!

The upcoming spring season brings to Tuscany a number of international music artists whose names are renown worldwide. Groups and soloists alternate in the most beautiful arenas and concert halls of Tuscany to present the spectators with their latest works.
The following calendar is not meant to be comprehensive of all the international artists and music concerts in Tuscany during the 2010 season, but it includes many of the main music events of the region.

March 11 Vanessa Peters in concert in Florence. Appreciated for her voice and defined delicious and enchanting, she was voted among the ten best voices in Austin, TX.

March 16 Pat Metheny in concert at Saschall in Florence. After a career dotted with successes and and 17 Grammy Awards, the great US musician presents a revolutionary solo concert with his latest creation named Orchestrion.

March 18 Philip Harper quartet in concert in Terranuova Bracciolini. The concert is inserted in the Valdarno Jazz contest 2010.

March 21 Chris Proctor in concert in Florence. International critics set the style of US guitarist Proctor among the best examples of American fingerstyle of the last 20 years.

March 24 Andy Timmons live in Pisa. The extraordinary US guitarist is famous for his unique live exhibitions that exalt his great artistic charisma.

March 25 Gospel Night at Teatro degli Industri di Grosseto. In concert Cheryl Porter Quartet with Sisters & Brothers.

March 26 Jon Hopkins at Città del Teatro di Cascina. Second event of electronic music at Fosfeni 2010.

March 27 Anoushka Shankar & Band live in Florence. The daughter of the immensely famous sitar player Ravi Shankar, she will be in concert with her Indian players music band.

March 29 Woody Allen and his New Orleans Jazz Band in Montecatini Terme. This is an exclusive jam session and a unique occasion to appreciate the music talent of the great US director.

April 6 The Hidden Cameras in Florence. The band of Joel Gibb and company arrives in Florence presenting one of the most interesting formations producing a style that fluctuates between folk traditional musics and contemporary rhythms.

April 15 Why? in concert in Florence. The US indie rock band presents live their last album Eskimo Snow.

April 17 John Scofield in concert at Teatro Guglielmi in Massa. John Scofield is considered one of three greatest jazz guitarists with Pat Metheny and Bill Frisell. His influence started during the Seventies and today it is strongest than ever.

April 23 Pierre Bensusan live in Florence. Live one of the greatest acoustic guitar legends in the world.

April 27 The Unthanks live in Florence. The duo’s latest artistic production out since the nd of 2009, Here’s The Tender Coming, expands the stylistic horizons of their work with piano and orchestra sounds.

May 8 The Mike Stern band in concert at Teatro Guglielmi in Massa. Mike Stern, one of the greatest guitarists of all times will be accompanied by a super band during a historic event for the hosting town.

May 26 Gotan Project live in Florence. The band that rediscovered and brought back under the spotlight tango music with electronic music influences is back live in Florence.

July 10 Mark Knopfler in concert in Lucca for the 2010 tour. Knopfler presents his new album Get Lucky in Lucca.

July 25 Andrea Bocelli in concert at Teatro del Silenzio of Lajatico. This will be the fifth and last edition of this event that has become one of the most important ones in the international live music landscape.

More appointments to come in the next months.

A new fantastic contest to extend your holiday in Tuscany for free and learn the crafts that have made Tuscan manufacturing and arts great in the world. The tradition continues thanks to the effort of many artisans that pass their craftsmanship along to those willing to learn.
Photography, cooking, painting and ceramic are the courses on which this contest focuses. 4 arts and crafts that combine the most antique Tuscan traditions with more modern ones. The winners of the contest will learn the rudiments and secrets of these forms of art enriching their Tuscan experience with invaluable knowledge.
Each prize also includes 2 nights in Tuscany in a superior room B&B, each in a different part of the region. Each location is bound to a specific craft for local traditions or peculiar characteristics of the land. The photography course will take place in the Siena area, due to the wonderful scenic properties of this territory. A professional will guide you and teach you how to shoot professional pictures. You will be enlightened on the art of painting in Florence, the cradle of Renaissance. Ceramic is reserved to the Maremma in Sorano, where there is a renown ceramic school. The cooking class is going to be in Barberino del Mugello, an area renown for the sapient mastery in the art of cooking.
For more details on prizes and the rules of the contest click here or open this document.

To participate, as usual, you need to send four electronic postcards to friends or relatives. Each of these that will participate in turn will give an extra chance to win. Go here to complete this step. After registration and sending the post cards you will be asked a little more details about yourself, and you are done! This contest is open from February 13th to April 14, 2010. Hurry, and good luck!

The month of March offers many advantages to women that want to take advantage of a short pre-summer break and relax at one of the many thermal spas in Tuscany.
Either for a few days or for the entire month of march, the majority of Tuscan spa resort offer one or multiple special packages dedicated to women’s wellness and relax. You can choose to stay one or more nights, or take advantage for only a day spa with treatments and thermal baths. Here are all the spa special offers and packages dedicated to women for March of 2010.

Please note: all the links to the official websites below are in Italian as it was not possible to find the corresponding page in English. However, the staff of each resort speaks English and you will have no trouble getting detailed info by email or phone.

San Giovanni Terme in Rapolano Terme near Siena: The packet “Daily You” includes one entrance to the thermal pools, one light lunch and one treatment all at 80 Euros per person. Valid for the entire month of March 2010. The “Mimosa Packet” includes two week days and one night in a comfort room-type, one treatment, thermal pool access and fitness room access for two days at 155 Euros per person. Valid for the entire month of March.
In addition on March 8th women enter for free showing the wellness STR card membership, and no single room use surcharge is applied for double hotel rooms for the entire month. More info at www.termesangiovanni.it.

Antica Querciolaia in Rapolano Terme near Siena: Overnight stay at 120 Euros per person in a double room with dinner and breakfast, including entrance at the spa until late night, massages and healing muds. Your stay will be at Hotel Posta del Chianti on the night of the 8th. More info at www.termeaq.it.

Terme di Saturnia in Saturnia near Grosseto: From March 6 to the 9 at 210 Euros per person you can have a day spa including spa manicure, hydralift, and herbal hair treatment. For golf lovers, a miniclinic of three days is also offered at 450 Euros per person including golf classes, video analysis of your swing, practice, thermal baths and final tournement. More info at www.termedisaturnia.it.

Fonteverde in San Casciano dei Bagni near Siena: For the entire month of March 2010 you can choose three midweek days or two weekend days at 597 Euros per person. Although the price is quite remarkable, also your accommodation, services and care offered are of the highest quality. The package is for women only and includes treatments specifically targeted to women. More info at www.fonteverdespa.com.

Grotta Giusti in Monsummano Terme near Pistoia: From March to May women are offered a special treatment at Grotta Giusti. 720 Euros per person will grant you three days of absolute bliss and the priviledge of being spoiled in a wonderful accommodation and served the best beauty and wellness treatments. If you bring along a female friend you will be both offered a rich dinner at the prestigious restaurant of the hotel. More info at www.grottagiustispa.com.

Terme Sensoriali in Chianciano Terme near Siena: On March 8 women are admitted for the entire day at only 30 Euros per person. For an additional 85 Euros you will be able to get a special scrub treatment and admittance to the Salone Sensoriale. More info at www.termechianciano.it.

Terme di Casciana in Casciana near Pisa: The Pour Elle package offers a day spa treatment with massage, entrance to the thermal pools and a present at 80 Euros. The Pour Famme package at 110 Euros per person adds a facial treatment. More info at www.termedicasciana.com.

Terme Bagni di Lucca in Bagni di Lucca near Lucca: For the entire month of March 2010, Day Spa with Mimosa package to stay overnight at only 159 Euros per person. Half board, treatments, and thermal baths included in the price. Reductions for groups of 6 plus women. More info at www.termebagnidilucca.it.

Take advantage of these fantastic offers dedicated to women for a splendid Tuscany spa relax.

Easter is coming soon, precisely on April 4, 2010. A great idea would be to spend your Easter holidays in Italy, and more precisely in the Tuscany region. During spring time Tuscany is a great place to be. This time of the year brings along thousands of typical events to take part to, traditions to discover. Most importantly you will be able to attend the awakening of the wonderful natural setting of Tuscany. During Easter the gray and brown fields become covered with intense green little plants that later in the year become wheat or other crops to harvest. The first pale leaves gather more intensity from the warming sun to become of an intense green that adorns river ways and side-roads. The rising temperatures and lengthening hours of daylight make it even more pleasurable to be in the outdoors visiting wonderful settings like Siena, San Gimignano, Florence, Pisa, and many more thousands of delicious towns and villages of Tuscany.

If you need few ideas where to spend your 2010 Easter in Tuscany, the best thing is to stay in one of the many holiday rentals. The Casentino mountains, for example, offer great accommodations in Tuscany by owner. Like Bio Agriturismo Il Vigno, an organic farm house near the Casentino mountains park and the La Verna monastery, a place of great religious faith and immense beauty.

If you would like to take advantage of the still white Tuscany mountains, you can go even further up on the Abetone mountain of the Pistoia province. For the remainder of the 2010 ski season in Tuscany you will be able to take advantage of great hotel and ski lift discounts while enjoying an unmatched natural landscape.

The warming season, however, can make you roll directly on the Tuscany coast in the wild and beautiful Maremma. Here much of the natural setting is protected, and the landscape preserves a great charge of romantic beauty. Seeing the wild horses run free, or walk bare feet on the sandy beaches of Tuscany are emotions to divide with some one special.

Just like the rejuvenating and relaxing experience of trying one of the many Tuscany thermal spas. Rapolano Terme, Cascina, Grotta Giusti, Bagni Vignoni, Saturnia, and many more are the thermal resorts scattered all over Tuscany that can offer you complete accommodation packages or just a day spa with treatments.

And why not spending your Easter in Italy crossing a section of Tuscany with a Vespa? The Etruscan coast near Pisa is a wonderful and off-the-beaten-road area to discover in a fun way with this tour dedicated to Vespa and motorbikes enthusiasts.

Spending your Easter in Italy dedicating a large chunk of you holiday to Tuscany is one of the best treats you can do to yourself. You will want to come back over and over!