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BY ROBERT MEUTE
I was born in an Italian American family. My grandparents immigrated from Italy to the USA. It’s no surprise that I’m very passionate about everything Italian. I plan culture, food and wine tours to Italy for any person or any group interested in traveling there. The charming villages, stunning landscape and the Medieval architecture make for a dream trip.
Life in Italy revolves around food. There is a saying that the worst food you can find in Italy is still better than any Italian food you can find at home. Italians have set the bar for creating delectable dishes and making the finest wines. What is the secret? It’s using quality ingredients in peak season.
One of my favorite regions in Italy is Tuscany. It’s the home of Michelangelo’s David, the famous Renaissance banking family, the Medicis and home to many world renowned Italian designers like Salvatore Ferragamo, Roberto Cappuci, Guccio Gucci and Emilio Pucci. It’s the very essence of a shoppers paradise. Italy is not only known for retail therapy, but also the ultimate destination to please the most discerning palette. My love for cooking began a whole new chapter in my life after traveling to Tuscany. I spent several summers traveling from Florence to Siena and all of the charming towns in between. I learned that traditional recipes follow the seasons and quickly adapted to this lifestyle. I also learned about the delicious and smooth tasting Tuscan Wines.
Florence, Pisa, Siena, San Gimignano, Luca, Montepulciano and Livorno are only some of the magnificent cities in Tuscany that you can visit.
Tuscany is known for its Truffles. These sought out delicacies are available two times a year, in the spring and in the fall. A basic description of them would be a subterranean mushroom. They never break the ground and are usually located near trees or rocks. Animals such as pigs or dogs are trained to “sniff” them out. You can go on a Truffle hunt and tasting in Siena, and there are Truffle festivals.
Near Siena, the olive harvest begins mid-October. I suggest taking a tour of an olive oil mill to taste the wondrous oil as it is coming off the press. The taste and perfume of the Extra Virgin Olive Oil is like none other. A most memorable experience.
Visitors to Italy find that what is in season is plentiful, and what is not in season is all but non-existent. I now savor seasonal produce. When it is out of season, I anxiously await its return the following year, knowing that another vegetable or product will take its place. Eating seasonally will elevate your food experience while traveling in Italy.
Speaking of tours, let’s begin our Italian escape. Sit back and relax with a glass of Tuscan wine, a bowl of fresh olives or an antipasto and begin our journey. Most Tuscan trips begin and end in Florence. In order to see the very best Tuscany has to offer it’s best to visit the region by car or tour bus. However in the cities, train connections between major towns in Italy are quite good. You can even fit a day in Rome by using the famous bullet train that will take you to Rome in an hour. You can easily adapt your needs to your way of traveling.
FLORENCE
Truly one of the most beautiful places in Italy. The world famous Duomo is the heart of the city. The enormous red-tiled dome, which is the biggest brick and mortar dome in the world is a symbol that has defined the city for over 500 years. It’s the staple of Florence’s magnificent skyline. The Ponte Vecchio, or “old bridge,” is a medieval stone bridge over the Arno River. It’s enclosed for foot traffic and noted for its many artisan shops including jewelers, art dealers and souvenir sellers.
The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most important Italian museums and holds a collection of priceless works, particularly from the Italian Renaissance. You can also stroll through old town and walk to Piazzale Michelangelo for the best view of the city. Also, during the Renaissance period it was customary for famous or wealthy patrons to be buried inside their church rather then out in the garden.There is a small church, the Basilica di Santa Croce, which is a minor Basilica of the Roman Catholic Church. It was originally located outside the city walls in marshland, only one thousand feet from the Duomo. When you enter, the first thing you notice is the famous paintings and frescos and then realize with astonishment who is buried right beneath your feet. It’s an indescribable feeling to know that you are now in the presence of some of the most illustrious Italians, Michelangelo, Galileo, Dante and Rossini. It’s an emotional experience you will never forget.
TIP: Did you know that you can book a priority entrance ticket to the Dome. This saves lots of time, as the lines can be quite long.
SIENA
From Florence we drive to Siena, distinguished by its medieval brick buildings. A must see is the Piazza del Campo which is the main public space, regarded as one of Europe’s greatest medieval squares. It’s been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This location has been used in many, many movies that you will surely recognize. Of course there is a Cathedral in Siena, the Duomo di Siena. The finest Italian artists completed works inside the cathedral. Siena is famous for the Palio, a horse race considered to be the world’s oldest horse race.The Palio started in 1238 with pageantry, civic identity, and Sienese pride. There are seventeen districts and each district has a horse and a bareback rider. The intense rivalry lasts only seventy six seconds twice a year but to the citizens it is not just a race it’s war. Needless to say there is mouthwatering , homemade Italian food and wine in each district and you’re invited.
Tip: The race can be seen in the last James Bond movie, “Quantum of Solace.”
MONTEPULCIANO
Wine, anyone or everyone? How can you not when surrounded by Italian vineyards known around the world. On the way to the Italian countryside you will experience the most scenic road in all of Tuscany.
This is the road with the typical (Is there such a thing?) Tuscan landscape that you see in a postcard or travel magazine. There are many charming towns in this area. Old town San Gimignano is right out of a Medieval fairytale. Volterra is nearby, and the perfect place to have a nice Tuscan dinner. The Hotel La Locanda is one of the nicest in the area. Budget wise, you can even stay in a hotel located inside a 15th century Franciscan monestary, the Christo Delle Monache in Volterra. I might add that hotels in Tuscany are very reasonable and a four star is equivalent to some five star hotels in the states. Therefore a three star could be a great opportunity at a wonderful price.
PISA
Next stop is Pisa, as in the “Leaning Tower of Pisa.” It truly is a sight to behold and an unbelievable architectural feat. And yes, it really is leaning. The Pisa town center is less crowded and the Borge Stretto has many restaurants, cafes and shops.
TIP: Rather than staying in Pisa, head towards Lucca. It has terrific atmosphere and many nice hotels. Hotel Palazzo Alexander is a standout. Luca has some of the best Italian towers that truly exemplify Tuscany. Casa di Puccini, where the great opera composer was born is now a house museum.
LIVORNO
This Italian port city is known for its fresh seafood. It’s considered the gateway into Tuscany. There are rolling hills and shady olive groves. The charming seaside town is known as the “new” Venice, because of its system of canals. It’s another great medieval city that is known for its Renaissance artistry. Names like Donatello and Da Vinci are well represented. Tuscan summers are hot. The weather in late fall, in winter, and early spring is more suitable for visiting the big cities.
Italy is one of the world’s premier destinations for food, wine, art , history and romance. We would love to plan a trip and invite you to join us on our annual trip to Italy, a very seductive destination. In short, Tuscany cooks, and the world eats!
Ciao… come travel with us!
Robert Meute
512-416-6730
