Experience Tuscany

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.

Unusual. This is probably the mildest adjective you may think of. Crazy but brilliant surely follow the train of thoughts of anyone that for the first time hears about and sees the Ponte Vecchio Challenge.
It’s been ten years now that every year in December from the 18th to the 20th golfers from all over the world challenge each other on a very unusual “green”. These champions have to use all their precision golfing skills to make it from Ponte Vecchio to green platforms, and try their best not to make a…whole into the water! The tee is indeed off Ponte Vecchio straight over the water surface of river Arno. Special platforms with synthetic grass are anchored to the bottom of the river and float on the water surface. These are the patches of green that golfers participating to the Ponte Vecchio Challenge have to hit and make the ball stay on. It sounds and is extremely difficult, as these little island are not at all large. Players can choose among three distances from the Ponte Vecchio; the further the more points they can gain. The game develops along the course of two full days and the Round Robin Medal game formula is employed. There is a total of 12 players, each representing their own nation. They are divided into 4 groups by draw, and the first round is played as teams. The best of each group passes the first round to go into semi finals and then finals against the winners of the other groups.
The 2009 edition was won by Norwegian Ian Are Larsen, that also won the 2008 edition. Who will win the 2010? If are passionate about golf, do not miss the next December 18 to 20 in Florence! This is a great time to be in Tuscany to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere at its peak and see the wonderful city of Florence under clear winter skys in all its beauty. The inauguration ceremony is also a nice event to attend on the morning of December 18. Sky divers drop from above to land exactly on the first golfing platform.
If you would like to have a better idea of all this event in Florence, Tuscany, entails watch this video as it gives you greater insight on the Ponte Vecchio Challenge.

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With Ashes Wednesday Carnival is over and Lent starts, the forty-day period that precedes Easter Sunday five weeks from tomorrow. There is a very Florentine biscuit that is prepared only during this period of the year, the Biscotti Quaresimali, or Lenten Biscuits. They are without doubt one of the most typical sweets in Florence during the Easter period.
Delicious chocolate cookies shaped to resemble the capitalized letters of the alphabet are prepared by the best bakeries and also sold in supermarkets only during this time of the year.
If you are looking for traditional flavors of the Florentine cuisine during Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, then you should stop in one of the several good artisanal bakeries of the city and experience the delicious Lenten Biscuits. By the way, children love them not only for the chocolate but because they are great to play with and eat! The best thing to do is try homemade biscuits, but grocery stores in the city carry Lenten biscuits made by small local businesses that keep the quality level high.
But of course if you are not going to be in Tuscany or anywhere near Florence during this time of the year you will need to prepare the biscuits at home, and if you like cooking here is the traditional recipe for the Florentine Lenten Biscuits.

Ingredients:
- 150 grams of white flour
- 2 egg whites
- 180 grams of powder icing sugar
- 30 grams unsweetened cocoa
- Orange peel

Preparation:
In a bowl, mix the sugar, flour and cocoa. Separate the egg whites from the yolk, and in another bowl whip until they have assumed a quite stiff consistency. Then mix the egg whites with the mixture of sugar, cocoa and flour until you get a creamy and not too solid dough. Now add the orange rind that you have previously grated. Be careful not to grate the white part but the orange peel only.
Grab your pastry bag (if you do not have one you will have to get it) and start shaping the dough into alphabet letters straight on the baking pan. Set a baking sheet on the pan first for best results. Heat the oven at 150 Celsius then set in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Your Lenten Biscuits are ready!

The great thing about being a movie gore is that you get to combine your passion with a lot of things. Just like you can combine going to Florence and find the settings where famous movie scenes have been shot. Movie locations always bare a great fascination, especially if the movie is a good one that you like to watch over and over. You get to become very involved with the story, live things in first person, and the same happens for the settings. What would be like to be there in person? What does that look like in actuality? Did they add anything for filming sakes? Would I feel just the same when I get there? As for the latter, sometimes it does sometimes it does not. But when you are in Florence chances are that the feeling will be the same. There is little to be changed (or that a filming troupe is allowed to change) when shooting a movie in Florence. Therefore the real place will definitely give you a great impression.
In Piazza del Duomo is the church of Santa Maria del Fiore, one of the most famous symbols of Florence, where Jane Champion set one of the most evocative and ambiguous scenes from the 1996 movie Portrait of a Lady, adapted from the novel by Herny James, with John Malcovich and Nicole Kidman. It is the scene in which the enigmatic adventurer Gilbert Osmond seduces the young Isabel Archer. Many Anglo-Saxon directors chose Florence and Tuscany as the location for their films, the predilection of Florence has been a British affair for nearly a century.
In Piazza del Duomo Roberto Rossellini in 1946 filmed Paisa and William Dieterle in 1950 October Affair. Another famous movie filmed in Florence is the 1985 Room with a View, with an unforgettable James Yvory based on the novel by Edward Morgan Foster. The two young protagonists, two British actors in love with each other, are Helena Bonham Carter and Julian Sands. The two protagonists visit the city of Florence starting from the historic pension Bertolini, and visiting the Piazza della Signoria, the river Arno and the Church of Santa Croce. Even the 2001 Hannibal, the second chapter of the saga filmed by Ridley Scott. Hannibal chooses Florence as his favorite residence, and we see him walking in Piazza Santissima Annunziata. The Basilica di San Miniato al Monte was chosen for two almost antithetical movies, Elective Affinities taken from Goethe’s masterpiece by Taviani brothers, and Obsession by Brian de Palma, a tacit remake of Hitchcock’s Vertigo.

After listing the Sushi places in Arezzo, here is a list of the Japanese restaurants in Florence. The city center of Florence offers a nice variety of Japanese restaurants where to taste not only great sushi and sashimi dishes, but also other typical Japanese dishes like Okonomiyaki, Tempura, Teriaky, Soba, and more. The growing popularity of the Japanese cuisine in a land that is so attached to its culinary origins is the expression of the times changing and evolving the traditionally closed Italian and Tuscan culinary tastes into accepting globalized tastes and foods. Florence has always been the mooring dock of all those entering Tuscany as visitors or immigrants. From here each day depart many people to find a stable position elsewhere in Tuscany. Many stay in Florence, thus creating a very large multi ethnic community that through the years has educated the younger ones to accept and integrate different uses and tastes.

Without further ado, here is the list:
Yagura: It bases its experience in the Japanese tradition innovating with a chef from one of the of the best restaurants in Tokyo. The chef specializes in developing real works of art made with fish, lots of recipes from sushi to sashimi, onigiri, hot Okonomiyaki, Tempura chops and more.

Aji-Tei: Located near the Fortezza da Basso, it creates original dishes in a classic modern-style japanese setting, with bamboo garden and minimalist ambient. It offers romantic sushi and sashimi nights as well as special prices at lunch time and in special occasions buffet dinners. The restaurant also offers Japanese cooking classes.

Tomo Sushi: Located near the Cavalli headquarters at the fringes of Florence, this Japanese restaurant specializes in sushi and sashimi with a great variety of many other courses, tempuras and soba. The location is not the most handy, but buses to there are frequent. The ambient is minimalist and friendly, also offering tatami sitting with under-the-table leg room for westerners that wanto to enjoy some privacy in rooms divided by rice paper sliders. Traditional music from Japan accompanies your visit at Tomo Sushi.

Eito: The former name of Tokyo. The true Japanese cooking, first class ingredients and a refined ambient in the heart of Florence. One step away from the Santa Maria Novella train station this restaurant offers one of the best sushi and sashimi of Florence, with a cool sushi bar and friendly service. Prices are just a little above average.

Momoyama: A painstaking attention to design drives the passion behind Momoyama, where you can find innovative Japanese dishes besides the classical ones. Especially dedicated to sushi and sashimi, this Japanese restaurant sits its guests in rooms lit by colored lights with classic Tuscan vaulted brick ceilings.

Kome Barbeque Restaurant Kaiten Sushi: Perhaps the best sushi restaurant of Florence. Located near Piazza Santa Croce, it features a great sushi bar with circular sliding mat. The owner welcomes you making you feel at home, in a wonderful atmosphere. The huge sliding sushi bar offers full dishes already prepared to pick and eat on the spot sitting on comfortable chairs instead of stools.

Wabi-Sabi: It offers a nice outdoor patio and a minimalist indoor ambient, mainly lit by candles. A very romantic restaurant with extremely tasty sushi and traditional dishes. The sitting area is mainly tatami style with comfortable leg room under the table. The staff is very friendly and helpful, and the sushiman creates delicious plates.

For more details on where to find all the Japanese restaurants in Florence, please find the map below with directions to and from each one:

View Florence Sushi Japanese Restaurants in a larger map

From February 4 to the 7th Florence in Tuscany is hosting the 2010 Chocolate Fair in Piazza Santa Croce, in the heart of the city. The yearly event is much awaited by chocolate lovers. Even if one does not have a sweet tooth, the fair offers many events and stages to learn more about chocolate and entertain visitors in the splendid setting of one the most beautiful squares of Florence. A fun and welcoming atmosphere awaits you. The almost 40 artisans of chocolate from all over Italy are ready to welcome you with their creations and innovations.
The chocolate fair starts on the 4th, but it will be introduced by a dinner at 9pm on the evening of the third of February with cocoa as the main spice or ingredient. If you would like to participate, the price if 35 euros per person including beverages at the Ragazzi di Sipario restaurant, and reservation is mandatory at info@fieradelcioccolato.it
On the 4th the fair will open at 10am with a photo gallery on chocolate workmanship and one on cocoa cultivation in Cameroon. At 3pm you will be able to taste chocolate through a guided sampling on the history of chocolate titled “When Cocoa Became Chocolate”. Free of charge, limited to 30 people, reservations at info@fieradelcioccolato.it. The evening will be over with an interesting vegan aperitif titled Chocolate Vegan Finger Food.
On the 5th the day will start on the Santa Croce parvis, where participants will be given a gentle gymnastics lesson followed by bread and chocolate offered to all. Limited to 30 people, reservations at info@fieradelcioccolato.it. At 4pm will follow a demonstration of chocolate in cuisine titled “The Simplicity of Chocolate” with tastings. Free and limited to 20 people, reservations at info@fieradelcioccolato.it. At 7,15pm the Teatro della Pergola in Via della Pergola will accommodate those who love to dance.
The day of the 6th will start again with gentle gymnastics on the Santa Croce parvis. Followed by bread and chocolate, limited to 30 people, reservations at info@fieradelcioccolato.it. At 2pm on the same parvis there will be a Medieval Sward Challenge simulation, that will actively interact with spectators. At 7,15pm the Teatro della Pergola is again open to dancers.
February 7th, the last day of the fair, will start at 11am in the sampling area, where 4 chocolate master will be interviewed on the art of chocolate-making. Free samplings will follow. At 3pm in the same sampling area will be staged a demonstrations on the consistency changes and temperature contrasts of chocolate during the elaboration process. Free but limited to 30 people, reservations at info@fieradelcioccolato.it.

Chocolate is good for your mood, heart, blood pressure. Florence is good for your knowledge, romanticism, sense of beauty and relaxation. You have no excuses not to be at the chocolate fair in Florence!

Here some pictures of the 2009 edition:

One of the most famous squares in the world dedicated to the great Florentine artist, it is a must see for scenarios that are unique and unrepeatable over the historic center of Florence. The skyline of the view starts with the profile of the Church of St. Cross, one of the greatest achievements of Italian Gothic and continues with the monumental facade of the National Central Library. Among the red rooftops of the city emerge the imposing Brunelleschi’s Chappel of Florence’s Cathedral, the elaborate bell tower by Giotto and the medieval tower of Palazzo Vecchio. In one glance all the magnificence of the Italian Renaissance. In this scenario framed by the winding Arno, able to increase the charm of the place with its many bridges. The charming Ponte Vecchio and the elegant Ponte Santa Trinita, decorated with marble statues. A landscape without equals, a fascination enhanced during the evening and night. The sunset lights up the profiles of palaces, the river and the bridges stand out in the darkness and silence of the city, transporting the viewer in an unsurpassed romantic atmosphere.
Piazzale Michelangelo is the most famous panoramic spot over Florence. The square is dedicated to one of the most important artists of the Florentine Renaissance, Michelangelo Buonarroti. It can be accessed from Viale Galileo, Michelangelo avenue or from Piazza Poggi climbing the stairs of the monumental Rampe del Poggi.
The construction of the square was part of the urban renewal when Florence became the capital of Italy. Works started in 1873, and the square was completed two years later. The designer, the architect Giuseppe Poggi, thought the entire square as a monument to Michelangelo. The neo-classical loggia was proposed as a museum where to bring together all the works of the great artists of Florence. Eventually the idea of the museum was no longer valid and in 1876 the lodge was immediately turned into a restaurant-cafe.
Behind the restaurant “La Loggia”, a staircase leads to the Franciscan church of San Salvatore al Monte alle Croci, an important Renaissance building that owes its current appearance to architect Simone del Pollaiuolo. The facade has a stark appearance and at the same time graceful. Inside you can see a deposition attributed to Giovanni della Robbia and a Pieta attributed to Neri di Bicci.
The esplanade offers various recreational traits, with many restaurants, cafes and bars of class. Piazzale Michelangelo can be considered the panoramic terrace of Florence par excellence, a favorite destination for residents and tourists who want to enjoy the beautiful Florence from a lovely view. Furthermore, especially during summer time the Piazza becomes the theater of the most important shows and big concerts.

The Roman Catholic festivity of Epiphany is celebrated on January 6th. Although it’s religious significance is that of revelation to the world of the coming of Jesus, this festivity has also very strong popular roots and is represented by what in Italy is called the “Befana” (that is also the name of the festivity in the Italian language). This old, ugly lady dressed with torn and very poor clothes comes flying on the back of a broom. Although her appearance is that of a witch, she has a good heart. She comes to reward the good children with small presents like candies of all sorts and small toys, and to bring coal to the bad children, as an admonition and exhortation to behave during the coming year. Often times a relative or a friend dresses up with a mask and appropriate clothing to make an appearance as the “Befana” for the youngest children. Fear and bewilderment mix up in children, which are happy to receive their presents and do not recognize the relative who’s carrying them. Other times, but this is a more international custom, the “Befana” during the night fills the stockings that are left hanging by the fireplace. It is hard to recover the origins of this figure, which has a mix of pagan and mythological origins. Traditionally the figure of “Befana” is burnt, as a small puppet or a huge one in town fairs. The reason might lay in the fact that on January 6th was celebrated the rebirth of nature, dying as an old lady and reborn from it’s own ashes as a young self.
There are many happenings scheduled for the 2010 Epiphany in Tuscany. Since the 6th of January 2010 is falling on a Thursday, there is going to be a long weekend to enjoy day tours and relaxing days at a thermal spa or in a romantic bed and breakfast in the Tuscan countryside.
The entire Tuscan region during the days of the 5th and 6th celebrates with events and town fairs. Among the most significant ones is the Wise Men on Horse in Florence. The three kings will arrive on horse at the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore after departing from Piazza Pitti and passing by Piazza della Signoria. The parade will stop to bring presents to Christ in the living nativity scene.
Pistoia and its firefighters create great expectation with their “rescue of the Befana”! Each year this event attracts more than 7000 people from everywhere. The poor old lady after loosing control of the broom, winds up on the belfry of the cathedral of Pistoia. After asking for help everywhere she starts calling for the firefighters, that come running in the square with their emergency engine! After securing her, she comes “flying” down in the square where she distributes sweets and candies to children.
The Christmas holidays are almost over, and Epiphany will close these special days of the year. Take advantage of these days to make a short trip to Tuscany to recharge your batteries for a powerful 2010!

So we have looked at what is going on on New Year’s Eve in Florence, Siena and part of the Mount Amiata, but what else will happen in the rest of Tuscany on that special night?
For one thing Florence will also have a concert of the Italian artist Lucio Dalla at the train station Santa Maria Novella, while the Florence Chamber Music Orchestra will play in Piazza della Signoria, and jazz bands will play in the streets of the city center.
Music will also be the protagonist in Pistoia and Pisa. Pistoia hosts a multi ethnic band, while street performers will stage theater and concerts in the Cathedral’s square. In Pisa it will be a series of local groups to liven up the evening and the night. The Working Vibes concert has been canceled. Both events are free entrance for all.
Near Siena in Poggibonsi there will be live music and a dj set in a fantastic medieval setting. The city keep will be open for this special occasion only, and guests will be able to enjoy dancing and relaxing in this wonderful setting. Free for all!
Viareggio celebrates with “Happy New Year Viareggio 2010″ with comedians and the final celebration with fireworks sinchronized with music and confetti.
Arezzo offers six squares with six different types of live music. At Caffè Costanti from 7 pm there will be an aperitif with drinks and finger food with all the artists that will entertain in the six squares, so you will get to know them personally. Ethno, Ska, Electronic, World, and Disco music for all. The wee ones will have fun from 8,30pm in a miniature city at Cicciottà in Piazza della Libertà.
Grosseto will also be filled with music. Piazza Dante will be pervaded by revival blues music from the 30’s and 40’s and film musics from the 70’s. Piazza del Sale is going to give space to dance electronic music all night long, while street bands will give color and sound with dances and fun. Two disco buses will connect the suburbs with the center. A DJ set will be live all night and give life to a club on wheels.
Monteriggioni has organized a less grand but nevertheless romantic New Year’s Eve with a Blues concert in the square of the castle, roasted chestnuts and hot spiced wine for all. At midnight fireworks will welcome 2010! Free entrance for all.
Lucca will gift everyone with free entrance to 4 hours of live music and entertainment in Piazza Napoleone, at midnight there will be the first welcome to 2010, then 17 minutes and 58 seconds later there will be the New Year of Lucca, as that is the real solar midnight of that meridian. Fireworks and champaign will follow.

Wherever you will be, Happy New Year to You!

The New Year’s Eve in Florence is unforgettable. A magic night celebrating in one of the most beautiful and famous cities of the world. Find out what are the events not to be missed for a New Year in Florence tailored to your tastes. Below you will find the events and festivals that are organized in the city. Take only a few minutes to consult them all, here you will find all the detailed events taking place in Florence on the evening of New Year. You can choose among several initiatives that take place in Florence’s center, or on its rolling hills: villas, clubs, restaurants, clubs, castles, and more. Any event you decide to join in, no matter how crazy it may be, remember that New Year is a state of mind. Our advice is to live with your heart besides the people you care for, and it will be a success!

For the last night of the year, the Saschall theater of Florence hosts the Papete disco tour. From 9 to 11,30 pm a delicious dinner will be served and animated by shows and performances, then house and commercial music until 6 am. Free parking, and free shuttle from the train station of Santa Maria novella. 3000 people max, presale only: entrance 45 Euros, entrance and private table 75 euros, dinner and entrance 110 euros, dinner and private table 140 euros. For reservations: matteo.ulivi@hotmail.com

The Disco Restaurant MaCio offers an extra classy elegant dinner for a restricted number of people. The after dinner will be open to the public and the new year will be greeted dancing. Elegance is required and a reservation is mandatory. Entance 20 euros, entrance and private table 40 euros, dinner and entrance 110 euros, dinner and private table 130 euros. For reservations: mbenifei@hotmail.com

Cavalli Club offers an exclusive night with after dinner dancing. Located in an former church in the center of Florence, an exclusive dinner will be offered from 9 to 11 pm. At 11 pm dancing will start with club music. Reservation is mandatory. Dinner, entrance and private table: 180 euros, entrance 50 euros, entrance and private table 80 euros. For reservations: matteo.ulivi@hotmail.com

Elegant New Year’s Eve at the YAB (You Are Beautiful), a trendy, glamourous joint. VIPs and entertainment, a deliciously refined dinner, and happy music from 11,45 pm onwards. Entrance and dinner 120 euros, entrance 50 euros. For reservations: mbenifei@hotmail.com

The Otel offers the only variety dinner show for the New Year’s Eve. The theme is 80’s music, sung, choreographed and danced by the artists of Otel on their stage. The dinner/show is followed by dances from 11 pm onwards. Dinner and entrance 140 euros, entrance 30 euros, entrance and private table 50 euros. For reservations: matteo.ulivi@hotmail.com

At Palazzo Budini Gattai a classy Renaissance dinner awaits the most sophisticated of you. Each entry will be introduced by a piece of an immortal literate from Florence and accompanied by live stanza music. Hosts dressed in Renaissance costumes will lead you to your table and serve you the dinner. Midnight will be celebrated in the music room with live music and grappas and wine samplings accompanied by typical sweets. Entrance after Midnight is 45 euros. Dinner and entrance is 160 euros. For reservations: mbenifei@hotmail.com

The Space Club offers a very comfortable environment divided on two floors. The first floor is a large disco-pub with R&B and Hip Hop music, the second floor is a discotheque with all kinds of music. No dinner is served and the entrance id 30 euros per person. For reservations: matteo.ulivi@hotmail.com

The Tenax Club offers a ten-hour non-stop dancing session directed by Dj Marco Carola, of renown international fame. The buffet dinner starts at 9 pm and dances start at 11,30 pm. Dinner, entrance and private table 100 euros, entrance and dinner 65 euros. For reservations: mbenifei@hotmail.com

At Palazzo Gaddi is offered a special New Year dinner with live music followed by entertainments and then dances from 11,30 pm. Disco music and a DJ set will liven up the night, the bar will be free all night. Entrance and bar 50 euros, Dinner entrance and bar, 130 euros. For reservations: matteo.ulivi@hotmail.com

Located in the city center, the Twice ristotheque offers a refined dinner and dancing after-dinner with DJ set. Dinner and entrance 60 euros, dinner and private table 200 euros total, entrance 35 euros. For reservations: mbenifei@hotmail.com

Seventies and Eighties music is celebrated at the Central. A sumptuous dinner will be followed by a crazy dancing night with DJ and the availability of private lounges. Dinner, entrance and private table 90 euros, dinner and entrance 60 euros, private table 50 euros, entrance 35 euros. For reservations: matteo.ulivi@hotmail.com

A classy and yet welcoming for all ages New Year’s Eve awaits you at Villa Gaudia, where a sumptuous and refined dinner will be served from 9 pm with a cocktail in the winter garden. At 10 pm live music will entertain and at 12 revival music will let you dance, while from 11,30 pm the lower room willwelcome house and disco music lovers. Entrance 60 euros, entrance and private table 80 euros, entrance and dinner 120 euros, dinner and private table 140 euros. For reservations: mbenifei@hotmail.com

A classy dinner and a DJ set with disco music awaits you at Villa Montalto near Florence. The refined dinner will begin at 8,30 pm and will be over at 11,30 when the DJ set will start the dances. Entrance 60 euros, entrance and private table 100 euros, entrance and dinner 130 euros, entrance and private table 180 euros. For reservations: matteo.ulivi@hotmail.com

New Year’s Eve in a castle is the dream of many, and this is reality near Florence at Castel di Poggio, where a regal dinner will be followed by dances on two floors to satisfy all music tastes. The dinner is either served or buffet-style and starts at 8,30 pm, while dances start at 11,30 pm. Served dinner 120 euros, buffet dinner 70 euros, entrance 40 euros. For reservations: mbenifei@hotmail.com