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Tuscany Travel Blogs

Background: Italy became a nation-state in 1861 when the city-states of the peninsula, along with Sardinia and Sicily, were united under King Victor EMMANUEL II. An era of parliamentary government came to a close in the early 1920s when Benito MUSSOLINI established a Fascist dictatorship. His disastrous alliance with Nazi Germany led to Italy's defeat in World War II. A democratic republic replaced the monarchy in 1946 and economic revival followed. Italy was a charter member of NATO and the European Economic Community (EEC). It has been at the forefront of European economic and political unification, joining the Economic and Monetary Union in 1999. Persistent problems include illegal immigration, organized crime, corruption, high unemployment, sluggish economic growth, and the low incomes and technical standards of southern Italy compared with the prosperous north.

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By shirleyvalentino
September 24th 2009

The best ten Europe » Italy » Tuscany » San Gimignano

Gelato:
so many varieties

I would have liked to have written a log daily, but travelling and being that organised is hard work, and the whole point is I am on holidays. so the best ten " loves" are as follows: 1. food : fine pizza 2. History and discovering the rich civilization 3. The beauty of some artifacts e.g. Trevi Fountain 4. The church towers and the Sistine chapel 5. Antipasta 6. Chanti wines 7. Fashion style 8. Cute design of coat hooks 9. Rivalry between artisans of yesteryear 10 . Quality music [View Full Entry]

By Snap Shot Stacey
September 24th 2009

Cinque Terre - THE Hike Europe » Italy » Tuscany

Town number 1

Let me begin this entry by explaining just how unfit I am. V.E.R.Y! So for me to complete a four hour hike (half of which was somewhat treacherous because it had rained earlier in the day, my hiking shoes had poor grip and I was wearing a skirt) is quite an achievement and one I'm very proud of! It was also made somewhat easier by the absolutely STUNNING views to be had! The only reason I even knew about this part of Italy was because of a guy I met in Milano on my first day in Italy. What a lucky [View Full Entry]

By Snap Shot Stacey
September 24th 2009

My first wine tour! Europe » Italy » Tuscany » Siena

Thea and I

Though it could barely be called a tour as we only went to ONE winery! (And sadly all we tasted was reds until I requested a white). Thea (a 19yr old from Melbourne who happened to be checking into my hostel at the same time as me) and I decided to do the Brunello Grand Tour for only 35 euro's. We spent the first part of the trip at the Montalchino winery where the owner Mario took a different woman on his arm for each part of the tour. (I was the last and the youngest! Lol) Personally I really didn't [View Full Entry]

By majik
September 24th 2009

Siena/Volterra Europe » Italy » Tuscany » Volterra

Siena Piazza

Siena/Volterra 19th Sept We drove three hours north into the beautiful Tuscan countryside. Our first stop was Siena. What a picturesque town, with winding narrow streets and a lovely sloping piazza in the centre. Matt even stopped off for a hair cut at a local Italian hairdresser, who spoke no english at all. We then headed deeper into the countryside, to stay at the small town of Volterra. We didn't spot any vampires, but lots of locals at the pizzeria and bar. Our room at La Forsteria was good value. [View Full Entry]

By European Escapades
September 21st 2009

A Week In Tuscany Europe » Italy » Tuscany » Montepulciano

P1000444

Now that we had wheels, and the shops re-opened (Monday), we decided to head into Foiano Della Chiana to buy some supplies for the rest of the week. I am certain that driving on the opposite side of the road to what you are used to is quite stressful but I can almost guarantee that being a passenger in such a situation is even MORE stressful!! I was so tense and tight by the time we got there I resembled something out of a Frankenstein movie!! Suffice it to say, we made it there in one piece. However, (yes, there is [View Full Entry]

By RPR
September 21st 2009

Florence Europe » Italy » Tuscany » Florence

Florence, the city of the Renisance, Michaelangelo and lots and lots of statues of naked men! Was a beautiful city, very picturesque, the art was amazing, as was the main cathedral (thought I would be cathedraled out by now). Went for a long walk through the Bibliato gardens, and had a great day all round. Topped the day off with a visit to the Tuscan Hills for a great dinner which I got to share with a very pretty lady ;) does life get any better? [View Full Entry]

By kat 87
September 20th 2009

Having fun Europe » Italy » Tuscany » Florence

Monastery
a good bike ride outside of Montegrotto Terme

Maybe this could be my "breakthrough" week since being in Italy... I tried strange foods, did some more traveling and met more people by overcoming some shyness. To start off, last weekend I spent Saturday riding the mountain bike around the Euganean hills surrounding Montegrotto Terme, this time finally finding the Monastero Santa Maria, that should have been an easy 45 min bike ride but took me much longer because it's route isn't labeled and I kept having to ask Italians for directions. Here's my thing with directions in another language... I understand the basic context of a convers [View Full Entry]

By European Escapades
September 17th 2009

Glaway to Pisa Europe » Italy » Tuscany » Cortona

Thatched Roof Cottages - Ireland

After leaving Galway we travelled to Killarney, via the Cliffs of Moher and Limerick. The cliffs were spectacular, with the craggy rock faces a stark contrast to the brighter than bright lush green grass that adorned their tops. We walked as far as we could (or were allowed) and were amazed at how many people had jumped the wall and ignored the ‘Do not enter/private property’ signs, to get a closer encounter with the edge of the cliff. We were further amazed at the security guards just standing watching, but were informed by them (on inquiry) that it is not for [View Full Entry]

By European Escapades
September 17th 2009

Tuscany Europe » Italy » Tuscany » Cortona

The Villa in Tuscany

Tuscany….ahhhh! Arriving at the Villa was everything I imagined, and more! After entering the large black iron gates and travelling up a tree lined drive-way, there it stood; a most magnificent old, two story house, set in the middle of no-where, overlooking hills, pasture land, and rows of sunflowers, cypress and olive tress. The building is an off white colour, with massive thick wooden entrance doors, and bottle green shutters on all of the white trimmed windows. There are five bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, with an array of other rooms serving as kitchen, formal dining and living roo [View Full Entry]

By bev barry
September 17th 2009

Fun Adventures Europe » Italy » Tuscany

Everyday leaves us enjoying Tuscany in new ways. Weather during the day has been in the mid 70's to low 80's with some rain periodically later in the day. One late afternoon and evening we had heavy rain, thunder, and lightning. But nothing has stopped us from eating most days out by the pool overlooking the Tuscany hills and valleys. We have had just the 2 of us at the villa and for a few days we grew to 12! Always a challenge to plan and feed the different size groups but everyone has pitched in and helped in some way. [View Full Entry]

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