Invitation to Tuscany

Our good friend, Pauline Priore, extends to you a special Invitation to Tuscany. Her services include preparing personalized programs and itineraries for those who disdain large standardized tour groups and want an insider's look at Italy, tailored to their specific curiosities, necessities and interests.  She has served as a personal guide, interpreter and shopping consultant.  Pauline can organize weddings; "dawn to dusk" cruises on the Mediterranean Sea, culinary classes, and art gallery tours.  She has arranged "Grand Premio" weekends visits to the Ferrari and Maserati factories, sculpturing experiences after a visit to Carrara's marble quarries, Chianti Classico wine estate tours, hot air balloon rides with a champagne breakfast, and a host of "your wish becomes my command" requests.  Whether the art treasures of Florence or the best wineries of the Chianti are on your wish list, Pauline can create a tour just for you.

In her own words, Pauline tells us that

Thirty years ago, in spite of the complications of learning a new language, and beyond the stereotypes of spaghetti and pizza, I fell in love with ITALIA!!!. Italy breathes history, art, culture, curiosity and sophistication and offers unlimited culinary thrills (outstanding food and excellent wines) that exalt the charm and uniqueness of this special place. There are realities in Italy so richly textured and so multi-faceted that they must be slowly savored, carefully touched and fully experienced to be understood, believed and appreciated.  My  "love story" is still ever sparkling and I would love to share it with you!

Nearly 400 years ago, a famous Frenchman, Richelieu, declared that Italy was the heart of the world.  Then as now, much of the world's artistic wealth is in Italy and fully half of those treasures are located in Tuscany.  Like all masterpieces, Tuscany can be enjoyed on many levels, repeated over and over again, tasted, observed, talked about, compared to, criticized and admired.  Yet, it continues to emanate its enduring charisma and special memories.

Pauline creates her tours based on your desires and expectations.  She believes in the Renaissance "bottega" school of thought...each guest arrives with a different cultural background and preparation. She envisions her role to enable you to "Experience the real Italy."

*. A private walking tour of Florence may include Piazza del Duomo, Santa Maria del Fiore Church, Baptistry & Ghibert's Doors, Piazza SS. Annunziata, Ospedale degli Innocenti, Santa Maria Novella Square & Officina, Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio and Santa Croce Church, Mercato Nuovo, Piazza della Repubblica, Palazzo Pitti, Accademia where the David is displayed, Piazza San Marco, Chapel of the Magi, Chapel of the Medici Princes, Piazzale Michelangelo, Oltrarno - Santo Spirito, etc., etc.and a little shopping - why not !?!

*. Pisa/Lucca - Piazza dei Miracoli (5 minute photo/souvenir) and Lucca - Pisa is just a 20 minute ride from Lucca. Lucca is quite charming and unique! Napoleon's sister Elisa married Felice Bacciocchi who was from Lucca so there's a majestic mixture of French and Italian allure in Lucca - tour of the city and perhaps a country villa?

*. Chianti Classico Tuscany - a visit to a wine estate in the DOCG Chianti area with time at the Castello di Verrazzano which is one if the three oldest and most prestigious wine estates in Tuscany's Chianti Classico Gallo Nero - Black Rooster area.  We can include visits to villages such as Greve, Castellina and Monteriggioni together with a tour of Siena. Other suggestions are Montalcino and the Abbey of Sant'Antimo where Gregorian chants are sung at the vespers.  There are excellent wines here; the Rosso di Montalcino and, of course, the renowned Brunello.