RISTORANTE

FLORENCE -

IN THE CENTRE

TRATTORIA 4 LEONI, Via dello Sprone, Florence.

www.4leoni.com

JUST OUT OF TOWN

IL BARRINO, Via V Gioberti, 71 r, Firenze.

VECCHIA BETTOLA

C'ERA UNA VOLTA, Lucardo, Montespertoli.

This ristorante offers a menu which is a pleasing combination of all the traditional, tuscan dishes along with some unusual options. A simple, well kept ambience, with large picture window to watch the spectacular sunsets across the florentine hills. There is also a small terrace for al fresco dining.

LA TRATTORIA DEL PESCE, Bargino.

This elegant well established fish restaurant was born with the idea of bringing tastes of the sea to the Chianti hills, located conveniently mid way between Florence and Siena. All ingredients are fresh and genuine. During summer months tables are set on the terrace which offers splendid views across the hills of chianti.

PIZZERIA L'ARCHIBUGIO,  Barberino Val d'Elsa.

On the splendid terrace of this pizzeria, located in the heart of the village are served the most wonderful pizzas with a fine, crispy base.

LA FATTORIA, Romita near Tavarnelle Val di Pesa.

LA PERGOLA, Radicondoli.

Situated in the historic centre of Radicondoli, La Pergola offers a delicious menu, specializing in exceptional pizza. 
The young dynamic owners ensure a lively, informal atmosphere with live music and art exhibitions.Views from the terrace really take you breath away.

www.lapergoldiradicondoli.it

OSTERIA CAFFE CASOLANI, Casole d'Elsa.

This well established trattoria, located in the main street of the delightful village of Casole d'Elsa, offers both a carefully chosen set menu and a fantastic selection of wines. During the day light lunch is served.  The informal atmosphere created by the owners ensures an authentic experience.For Jazz events during the summer please see www.caffecasolani.com

OSTERIA DEL BORGO, Mensano.

Located in the heart of this tiny village, a stop for those who are looking to explore the treasures off the beaten path. Home made traditional cuisine made with carefully selected fresh seasonal ingredients. The desserts are superior! Please note you may also by groceries in the shop which is opposite the ristorante.

DO walk up to the park at the top of the village to take in the view.

www.osteriadelborgomensano.it

SIENA

NAMASTEY INDIA, Via di Pantanera, 32, Siena.

For those accustomed to variety this indian restaurant offers a good and interesting alternative to the tuscan menu.The restaurant is located very close to the Piazza del Campo.

BAR ORSO, Monterriggioni.

Located just off the dual carriageway between Florence and Siena at the exit for Monterriggioni. This bar is generally a hive of activity. The service can be challenging but the delicasies on offer are of excellent quality, hams, salami, cheeses, vegetales in olive oil, roast meats, pasta dishes and many more, all of which are displayed so you can select exactly what you would like to eat.

WHILE YOU ARE OUT AND ABOUT

Visit the local markets which are held in the mornings. They offer lots of wonderful fresh produce.

MONDAY

TUESDAY Poggibonsi. Park by the COOP at the exit off the Firenze-Siena superstrada for Poggibonsi.

WEDNESDAY is market day in Siena. Try lunch in the Enoteca inside the walls of the Fortress/Fortezza after wandering through the market.

THURSDAY San Gimignano hosts a small market in the town centre.

FRIDAY in Colle Val d'Elsa (lower town) is market day. Also take time for a worthwhile visit to the upper town.

Italian ice cream is delicious and is readily available. Extra special gelaterias include -

LA SORBETTERIA, Piazza Machievelli, Montespertoli.

GELATERIA DI PIAZZA, Piazza della Cisterna, San Gimignano.

GELATERIA CAFFE DELLE CARROZZE, Piazza del Pesce, just by the north side of the Ponte Vecchio, Florence.

FESTIVALS are held throughout the year in Italy in the main towns and also in the smallest of villages, although mainly held during the months.

Some of the highlights include -

Miglia Miglia

JUNE - The Firework display held on 25 June in Florence is the highlight of the festival which celebrates the patron Saint of Florence San Giovanni.

JULY - The street theatre festival in Certaldo mid July.

OCTOBER - Wine festival - first weekend of the month. Mensano, near Casole d'Elsa.

OUT AND ABOUT

Partake of italian style breakfast of cappuccino and pastries at the bar, either a quick 'city' option, the OPEN BAR, near the PONTE VECCHIO in FLORENCE have delicious pastries or alternatively enjoy a leisurely start to the day in a

At the other end of the day enjoy the 'APPERITIVI'.  Wherever you are join in and enjoy the italian tradition of apperitivi before dinner, in the Piazza del Campo', Siena or Piazza della Signoria, Florence while the children chase the pigeons or in the village bar local to where you are staying.

Explore southern tuscany and see the Abbazia di Buonconvento, Abbazia di Torri, San Biagio, Montepulciano,

Visit the lakes  in Umbria LAKE TRASIMENO, in Lazio LAKE BOLSENA.

Take a trip to the COAST and see the elegant resort of FORTE DEI MARMI north of PISA, with it's elegant caffes and designer shops of visit the nature reserve further south at ALBERESE or see the small bay at BARRATI just below the etruscan site of POPOLONIA.

ACTIVITIES WITH CHILDREN -

Pool Colle

Monte San Savino

For TAILOR MADE ITINERARIES

For tailor made itineraries please look at www.tuscanybygc.com

GianCarlo has some wonderful ideas and will accompany you on tailor-made excursions which include winetasting.