Although situated midway between the two important cultural centers of Florence and Siena, Greve-in-Chianti has retained its own unique character and architecture. A wide variety of historic residences, churches and castles built between the 5th and the 15th centuries remain in the town and […]
The ancient Etruscan settlement of Montalcino, Tuscany is perched high on a hill with a commanding view of the valleys of the rivers Orcia, Asso and Ombrone. During its more than two millenniums of recorded history, the town has experienced much turmoil and strife. […]
Pienza started out as a modest village surrounding the Castello di Corsignano, a castle built around the middle of the 8th century. But soon after Eneo Silvio de Piccolomini became Pope Pius II in 1458, he began to realize his ambitious plans for the place of his birth.
The first historical records of Radda date to 1003 (mention was made in an edict issued by Emperor Otto III), but human settlement in the region goes back to Etruscan times. Pottery shards and remains of stone houses found in the area attest to an original 6th century B.C. settlement. By the 1st century AD, Romans had taken over the area, and they in turn succumbed to Barbarian invasions during the 5th century.
The walk described below is one of the walks included in our Self-Guided Le Marche Hiking Tour. These are the actual instructions given to our clients when they take this tour.
Described is one of the walks included in our Self-Guided Tuscany Hiking Tour. These are the actual instructions given to our clients who take this tour.
How do Italians name their children? Generally speaking, there are three main categories of Italian names: Roman, religious, and “innovative”. But perhaps even more important are the nicknames.
How do Italians traditionally get married? What’s a wedding like in Italy? Find out from an insider.
Italian funerals: there’s always one happening, they are very public events with an open invitation to attend, and sometimes, even if you didn’t plan to go, you end up going – as you’ll see from my story . . .
Welcome to the memories and musings of Ken Cosentino, our resident Siciliano who hails from upstate New York – but who’s soul is rooted in the traditions of his parents’ fatherland, Sicily. In his occasional postings, he takes us on a tour of what it’s like to grow up with one foot in the United States and the other in the Old Country.