Locations and Excursions
Italia
The Italian welcome is as warm and traditional as a glass of fine wine. Maybe that is why travelers of ancient times gave the country its first name: Land of Wines. Italy is one of the most popular vacation countries in Europe and is an international playground for visitors from around the world.
From the sunny southern slopes of the Alps to the lush orange groves of Sicilia, Italy offers an enormous variety of natural scenery and historical backgrounds. Because a good part of Italy grew up as a collection of independent city-states, customs and food vary greatly from region to region. This rich history is preserved in the colorful folklore festivals that take place in all of Italy's regions throughout the year.
Additional Information from the Italian Tourist Board
Tuscany
Tuscany is well known for its wines including Chianti, Morellino di Scansano, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Brunello di Montalcino, but its history and culture are nothing to overlook. Tuscany is considered to be the origin of the Renaissance movement, and its artistic heritage includes architecture, painting and sculpture collected in dozens of museums, towns and cities across the region. Not surprisingly, it is also the birthplace of many famous Italian artists and inventors including Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. So if you are going to Tuscany to sip a little wine or see it while experiencing breathtaking views or to see the creations of great artists, please consider seeing it with us.
Florence
Florence, the capital of Tuscany, spreads on the banks of the Arno River. Located in the middle of the Italian Peninsula and on the main national railway line, it is the ideal city to begin your adventure discovering the treasures of Italy.
Whether you are into the "finer" things in life or looking for a rustic experience in the Italian countryside, Florence will accommodate you needs. Please join us at one of Florence's most beautiful hotels, the Hotel Londra
TopHotel Londra
The Hotel Londra is a deluxe 4 star hotel located in the heart of Florence. It is situated right next to the "Santa Maria Novella"- one of Florence's most popular churches and only 300 meters from the Fortezza da Basso. Located next to the Florence's main railway it offers easy access to the main tourist attractions and the rest of the city. Guests can easily explore the surrounding area by foot and take in the feel of the city.
Guests can relax in the luxurious surroundings. The hotel also has its own gym and fitness center which includes a sauna which can be accessed for a reasonalbe extra charge. The gym provides the latest Techno-Gym running system, rowing and weights.
The Giglio Restaurant and Patio Lounge serves a range of Italian, Tuscan and international dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The aperitif and after dinner is offered at the hotel's American Bar called "One". Complimentary newspapers are available in the lobby, and Internet access is also provided for guests. The multilingual staff at the 24- hour front desk can provide further information on local attractions.
The six-story Hotel Londra features 158 classic and superior guest rooms all of which are modernly furnished with private balconies, soundproofed windows and all the extra amenities you would expect in a modern hotel. All rooms include a minibar, satellite television, direct-dial telephone, high-speed Internet access and an in-room safe.
Additional Information from the Hotel Londra Website
Siena and San Gimignano Tour
Take a beautiful excursion with us through the delighful hills of the Chianti countryside, with an ever-changing scenery of vineyards and olive trees. Upon arrival in Siena , we will embark on a guided tour of the old city center. Walking along the small medieval streets, one can admire the splendid palaces. The tour will end up at the Cathedral where you can visit the splendid interior including the Libreria Piccolomini and the adjacent Museo dell'Opera Metropollitana. The guided tour will conclude in the Palazzo del Comune , one of the most beautiful buildings in the world, where you will promenade through the Piazza del Campo . This famous square has been the inspiration for millions of painters and photographers. There we will enjoy some free time to have a glass of vino and maybe a bite to eat (lunch and beverages not included).
Then we will depart for San Gimignano , a tiny city that has remained intact throughout the centuries. Situated on a hilltop, it is famous for its numerous towers, frescos and other art treasures. We will provide some free time so you can enjoy and discover this fascinating city. During the return journey, along the way visitors can admire the old medieval village of Monteriggioni enclosed by its famous walls which are still intact.
And history is always in season in Italy: tour historic buildings and view the world's greatest art treasures, for this is a land that has been writing and preserving its history for over three thousand years. So come discover Tuscany with us…
Any season is a great season to visit Italy but the fall is ideal because it is harvest time. Winery’s around the country are harvesting their bounties in hopes of producing the next great wine.
Come with us and visit the Verrazanno Winery!
Verrazzano Winery
All will be intrigued by the Verrazzano Winery, particularly those fond of New York. Why? Because this is the birthplace of Giovanni da Verrazzano, the man who sailed to the New World and discovered the bay of New York along with much of the east coast of the US. To commemorate this voyage the Verrazzano Bridge was named after him. Situated between Florence and Siena, Verazzano's history goes back much further. It was originally an Etruscan settlement which later fell under Roman rule until finally becoming the property of the Verrazzano family in the 7th Century. It's ancient tradition of winemaking and vineyards are documented as far back as 1170. One can easily imagine stepping back into the 12th Century while strolling around the huge stone water reservoir with its tall medieval towers. If you are lucky you may even see a wild boar roaming in its parkland.
A visit to the winery is a combination of a superb blend of history, winemaking and wonderful views. Stroll around the grounds with Gino Rosi, Verrazzano's English speaking guide. One can enjoy wine tasting accompanied by typical Tuscan farm products while lounging in the elegantly furnished restaurant. The magnificent views of the vineyards and surrounding countryside will take you breath away. Giovanni da Verrazzano was one of the founding members of the Chianti Classico Consorzio, founded in 1924. Of particular interest is the historical stone vaulted cellars and the large quantity of wooden barrels and barriques. Luigi Cappellini, Verrazzano's owner, claims to own some of Tuscany's oldest and largest wooden barrels. Don't miss the historical bottle library and the "Vinsantaia" where Vin Santo is made. Also of interest is the "Orciaia" where olive oil is produced and where you can see a large collection of traditional Tuscan terracotta olive oil jars.
Additional Information from Verrazzano Winery
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