Travels

Pisa

A university city only 30 minutes away from Lucca, this river town holds the Luminara, the festival of lights to celebrate their patron saint St. Ranieri. Over 70,000 candles in glass containers decorate the buildings that line the Arno River. Both sides of the river have festive carnivals taking place simultaneously.

At midnight an hour of fireworks erupt to cap off the celebration.

Florence/Firenze

Firenze is the birthplace of the Renaissance. Considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world, it has been declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations. The old city is divided by the Arno River over which spans the Ponte Vecchio, a Roman-Era bridge lined with tiny shops.

It’s churches and museums, notably the Uffizi Gallery, hold many of the worlds greatest art treasures. The city itself is a work of art, but Firenze is not just a living museum, It is one of the world’s top fashion capitols with a vibrant creative and social scene.

Siena

Is a jewel box nestled in the Tuscan hills. Dating from 900bc it’s Piazza del Campo hosts an annual horse race known as the Palio. A memorable scene in he James Bond film Quantum of Solace was shot in Siena with the Palio as a background. The narrow winding streets of this walled city hold a vibrant urban community rich in arts and culture. This intimate city is both beautiful and overwhelming, understandably declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Bologna

Home of one of the oldest universities in the world, this city hosts thousands of students amidst a great mix of art and architecture. Hosting major museums and galleries it’s center is dominated by the Piazza del Nettuno. Just off the Piazza is the Morandi Museum featuring the work of Giorgio Morandi, a unique 20th century Italian painter.

The Gori Collection

Giuliano Gori’s Fattoria di Celle is a collection situated on the grounds and in the buildings of an extensive outdoor museum of site specific contemporary art. Works are located in the villa, the nearby chapel, and though out an English-style park, and area of roughly 60 acres that includes a number of 19th century follies such as a tea house, two small lakes with crags, and a waterfall.