Comments on: Top 5 Florence spots away from tourist areas http://www.venere.com/blog/florence-non-tourist-spots/ It's our business where you sleep! Sun, 29 Nov 2009 01:13:45 +0100 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 By: celeste http://www.venere.com/blog/florence-non-tourist-spots/comment-page-1/#comment-1097 celeste Thu, 23 Oct 2008 07:46:19 +0000 http://www.venere.com/blog/florence-non-tourist-spots/#comment-1097 Craftmen of the Oltrarno - Fascinating old workshops and attractive arts and craftsThere are a thousand ways of exploring the “other Florence” of the city centre, the working class neighbourhood of Oltrarno and its craft workshops. Without a doubt the best way is to move around on foot, wandering through the maze of narrow streets and alleys in search of the expert craftspeople who are keeping alive traditional working methods and handing them down to future generations. With its historic workshops, its pool of manual skills and the original artistic craft items that are made there, the Oltrarno is the essence of artisan Florence. Everything is still patiently and meticulously carried out by hand. In the maze of workshops occupied by craftspeople and small businesses, imagination and creativity reign supreme, and a mix of manual ability, intuitive flair and good taste yield some truly unique results. The Oltrarno is an open-air museum and an extraordinary legacy of traditions. The Chamber of Commerce and the Florence Tourist Office, in conjunction with the Province of Florence and Florence City Council, organize tourist itineraries led by professional tourist guides. These offer a close-up view of studios and workshops in one of Florence’s most authentic neighbourhoods. Accompanied by a professional guide, tourists visit three of the workshops in any given itinerary, or alternatively strike out on their own, choosing from an extensive list of possibilities. The tours last about three hours and take place on Monday and Thursday afternoons. The cost is € 10,00 per person. The assembly point is in Piazza Pitti at 3pm (or elsewhere, as established by the booking office).The itineraries run throughout the year, with a break in the summer (from the last week in July through to the second week of September, inclusive) and during the Christmas and New Year holidays. The programme comprises just three studios per itinerary, chosen according to the availability of the craftspeople. This is so visitors can fully appreciate the skills and workmanship involved.Information and bookings: Q.N. Holidaysvia del Moro 95R - 50123 FirenzePh. 055 2654587info@qnholidays.it The delights of Chianti – crafts, beautiful countryside, typical Tuscan fare and some of Italy’s finest vines In the public imagination the word ‘Chianti’ conjures up images of gentle hills clad with vineyards and glasses brimming with good wine. In the Chianti area, which in the Province of Florence comprises the four municipalities of Barberino Val d’Elsa, Greve in Chianti, San Casciano in Val di Pesa and Tavarnelle in Val di Pesa, valleys alternate with hills but also with bleak, solitary, thickly wooded hillocks. The Chianti area is rich in history and tradition, and in centuries gone by was the scene of violent conflict between the powers of Florence and Siena. Its appearance has been strongly marked by human intervention, in terms both of the shape of the land and of its rural and village architecture. As you drive, cycle or walk through the area you come across castles, tiny villages, solitary abbeys, farmhouses and villa estates, all of which are steeped in history. Many are also little treasure troves of art works. But Chianti is worth exploring not only for its natural and artistic beauties but also in order to learn about its fine arts and crafts traditions and the food and wine products that have made it so famous. The APT of Florence, the Chamber of Commerce and the Province of Florence have organized, with the invaluable assistance of the four municipalities in the Florentine area of Chianti, two theme-based itineraries. The organizing bodies provide the bus and a tourist assistant. Participants are asked to make a contribution of € 15.00 per head for each itinerary. The itineraries will take place every Thursday and include visits to parish churches, castles, museums of sacred art, craft workshops and oil- and wine-producing estates, offering an all-round view of what the Chianti area has to offer. For information and bookings: Agenzia Machiavelli Viaggi via Machiavelli, 49 San Casciano Val di Pesa tel. 055 8228073 e-mail: chianti@machiavelliviaggi.it Craftmen of the Oltrarno – Fascinating old workshops and attractive arts and craftsThere are a thousand ways of exploring the “other Florence” of the city centre, the working class neighbourhood of Oltrarno and its craft workshops. Without a doubt the best way is to move around on foot, wandering through the maze of narrow streets and alleys in search of the expert craftspeople who are keeping alive traditional working methods and handing them down to future generations. With its historic workshops, its pool of manual skills and the original artistic craft items that are made there, the Oltrarno is the essence of artisan Florence. Everything is still patiently and meticulously carried out by hand. In the maze of workshops occupied by craftspeople and small businesses, imagination and creativity reign supreme, and a mix of manual ability, intuitive flair and good taste yield some truly unique results. The Oltrarno is an open-air museum and an extraordinary legacy of traditions. The Chamber of Commerce and the Florence Tourist Office, in conjunction with the Province of Florence and Florence City Council, organize tourist itineraries led by professional tourist guides. These offer a close-up view of studios and workshops in one of Florence’s most authentic neighbourhoods. Accompanied by a professional guide, tourists visit three of the workshops in any given itinerary, or alternatively strike out on their own, choosing from an extensive list of possibilities. The tours last about three hours and take place on Monday and Thursday afternoons. The cost is € 10,00 per person. The assembly point is in Piazza Pitti at 3pm (or elsewhere, as established by the booking office).The itineraries run throughout the year, with a break in the summer (from the last week in July through to the second week of September, inclusive) and during the Christmas and New Year holidays. The programme comprises just three studios per itinerary, chosen according to the availability of the craftspeople. This is so visitors can fully appreciate the skills and workmanship involved.Information and bookings: Q.N. Holidaysvia del Moro 95R – 50123 FirenzePh. 055 2654587info@qnholidays.it
The delights of Chianti – crafts, beautiful countryside, typical Tuscan fare and some of Italy’s finest vines
In the public imagination the word ‘Chianti’ conjures up images of gentle hills clad with vineyards and glasses brimming with good wine. In the Chianti area, which in the Province of Florence comprises the four municipalities of Barberino Val d’Elsa, Greve in Chianti, San Casciano in Val di Pesa and Tavarnelle in Val di Pesa, valleys alternate with hills but also with bleak, solitary, thickly wooded hillocks.
The Chianti area is rich in history and tradition, and in centuries gone by was the scene of violent conflict between the powers of Florence and Siena. Its appearance has been strongly marked by human intervention, in terms both of the shape of the land and of its rural and village architecture. As you drive, cycle or walk through the area you come across castles, tiny villages, solitary abbeys, farmhouses and villa estates, all of which are steeped in history. Many are also little treasure troves of art works. But Chianti is worth exploring not only for its natural and artistic beauties but also in order to learn about its fine arts and crafts traditions and the food and wine products that have made it so famous.
The APT of Florence, the Chamber of Commerce and the Province of Florence have organized, with the invaluable assistance of the four municipalities in the Florentine area of Chianti, two theme-based itineraries.
The organizing bodies provide the bus and a tourist assistant. Participants are asked to make a contribution of € 15.00 per head for each itinerary.
The itineraries will take place every Thursday and include visits to parish churches, castles, museums of sacred art, craft workshops and oil- and wine-producing estates, offering an all-round view of what the Chianti area has to offer.
For information and bookings:
Agenzia Machiavelli Viaggi
via Machiavelli, 49
San Casciano Val di Pesa
tel. 055 8228073
e-mail: chianti@machiavelliviaggi.it

]]> By: Patricia Weiss http://www.venere.com/blog/florence-non-tourist-spots/comment-page-1/#comment-697 Patricia Weiss Fri, 25 Jul 2008 08:09:23 +0000 http://www.venere.com/blog/florence-non-tourist-spots/#comment-697 Dear Katie, My husband and I are going to Florence in 10 days, for a week. I was looking for a swimming pool that is public. I heard there is one in Cascine park. Do you know if that is open in August? Also, I am playing violin at the Golden View restaurant, with their jazz trio, just sitting in. Do you know the Golden View? they seem very nice. Is everything closed in August?what do you do for exercise? are there any gyms?Thanks so much! Patti Dear Katie, My husband and I are going to Florence in 10 days, for a week. I was looking for a swimming pool that is public. I heard there is one in Cascine park. Do you know if that is open in August? Also, I am playing violin at the Golden View restaurant, with their jazz trio, just sitting in. Do you know the Golden View? they seem very nice. Is everything closed in August?what do you do for exercise? are there any gyms?Thanks so much! Patti

]]> By: Katie http://www.venere.com/blog/florence-non-tourist-spots/comment-page-1/#comment-478 Katie Tue, 03 Jun 2008 12:28:26 +0000 http://www.venere.com/blog/florence-non-tourist-spots/#comment-478 Angela, I am so glad!! It is the way to travel in Italy, to all the small towns without BIG crowds of tourists. Anything else you want to know about Italy or traveling around Florence, please feel free to contact me! I am arriving soon, I can't wait to get back to my second home!! :) Buon Viaggio!! Cheers, Katie :) Angela,

I am so glad!! It is the way to travel in Italy, to all the small towns without BIG crowds of tourists. Anything else you want to know about Italy or traveling around Florence, please feel free to contact me!

I am arriving soon, I can’t wait to get back to my second home!! :)

Buon Viaggio!!

Cheers,
Katie :)

]]> By: Angela http://www.venere.com/blog/florence-non-tourist-spots/comment-page-1/#comment-476 Angela Tue, 03 Jun 2008 05:17:44 +0000 http://www.venere.com/blog/florence-non-tourist-spots/#comment-476 Thanks for the tips! My husband and I will be flying in and arriving Wednesday morning. We are definately looking for towns and areas where there are few/no tourists and unique experiences. Can't wait! Thanks for the tips! My husband and I will be flying in and arriving Wednesday morning. We are definately looking for towns and areas where there are few/no tourists and unique experiences. Can’t wait!

]]> By: Katie http://www.venere.com/blog/florence-non-tourist-spots/comment-page-1/#comment-471 Katie Sun, 01 Jun 2008 21:52:59 +0000 http://www.venere.com/blog/florence-non-tourist-spots/#comment-471 Andy, I am glad to help! Please ask for Pascuale and tell him Kate from Chicago sent you. :) Lucca is fabulous too. Have a great trip! I'm hear if you need some assistance! a presto, Katie:) Andy,

I am glad to help! Please ask for Pascuale and tell him Kate from Chicago sent you. :)

Lucca is fabulous too. Have a great trip!

I’m hear if you need some assistance!

a presto,
Katie:)

]]> By: Andy http://www.venere.com/blog/florence-non-tourist-spots/comment-page-1/#comment-470 Andy Sun, 01 Jun 2008 15:47:54 +0000 http://www.venere.com/blog/florence-non-tourist-spots/#comment-470 Thanks for the tip, Katie. Bevovino sounds great and seems perfect for that first evening! I'm arriving on the 5th too and will be in Florence for five days before heading on to Lucca for two. I'll be sure to let you know if I have any other questions! Thanks again and buon viaggio to you too, Andy Thanks for the tip, Katie. Bevovino sounds great and seems perfect for that first evening!
I’m arriving on the 5th too and will be in Florence for five days before heading on to Lucca for two.
I’ll be sure to let you know if I have any other questions!
Thanks again and buon viaggio to you too, Andy

]]> By: Katie http://www.venere.com/blog/florence-non-tourist-spots/comment-page-1/#comment-466 Katie Sat, 31 May 2008 18:01:04 +0000 http://www.venere.com/blog/florence-non-tourist-spots/#comment-466 Andy, Well there is a great little place to eat dinner near San Minato. It is called Bevovino. It is located in the San Niccolo zona. My friend Pascuale works there as a waiter. It is FABULOUS food and great, friendly staff. How long will you be in Florence? Because I arrive on the 5th of June and will be around, if you needed more assistance. Any more questions, please ask! Buon Viaggio, Katie :) Andy,

Well there is a great little place to eat dinner near San Minato. It is called Bevovino. It is located in the San Niccolo zona. My friend Pascuale works there as a waiter. It is FABULOUS food and great, friendly staff. How long will you be in Florence? Because I arrive on the 5th of June and will be around, if you needed more assistance.

Any more questions, please ask!

Buon Viaggio,
Katie :)

]]> By: Andy http://www.venere.com/blog/florence-non-tourist-spots/comment-page-1/#comment-465 Andy Sat, 31 May 2008 17:11:59 +0000 http://www.venere.com/blog/florence-non-tourist-spots/#comment-465 Hi Katie You mention quite a few places in the Oltrarno area here. I am going to Florence next week and am staying up from San Miniato al Monte. I will not be arriving until the evening so probably won't have time to wander round the main part of the city to find somewhere good to eat that first night. Do you know of anywhere nearby or I am better just grabbing some foccacia, salami and formaggi on the way? (Good advice about using the buses too by the way!) Cheers, Andy Hi Katie
You mention quite a few places in the Oltrarno area here. I am going to Florence next week and am staying up from San Miniato al Monte. I will not be arriving until the evening so probably won’t have time to wander round the main part of the city to find somewhere good to eat that first night. Do you know of anywhere nearby or I am better just grabbing some foccacia, salami and formaggi on the way? (Good advice about using the buses too by the way!)
Cheers, Andy

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