Exploring Southern Tuscany

Sommelier and Taste of Tuscany Host, Mark DeWolf

After almost ten tours to Italy, I’ve come to have a sense of the real Tuscany. Far away from the hustle and bustle of Florence, Siena and Pisa the small towns and rolling countryside of Southern Tuscany offers a taste of what I think is the true Tuscany. Life moves at a different pace here amongst the chamomile, vine and poppy decorated hills south of Siena. In the villages of Montalcino, Montepulciano and Pienza there is a sense, despite their fame, that little has changed. Elderly couples walk the same cobbled streets they have for decades while shop owners sell the same wares they have been for generations. Here are some quick tips for visiting Southern Tuscany’s famous little towns.

Montalcino – Tuscany’s most famous wine town is surprisingly sleepy given its illustrious name in the wine world. This is thanks in part to Banfi; a winery some twenty minutes outside the town towards the coast that sucks in North American tourists in search of the comfort of an Americanized wine experience. For those willing to travel the road less travelled take a drive towards Sant’Antimo. On this winding road you’ll find Biondi Santi; the first winery to produce Brunello di Montalcino. Don’t expect to just drop in, as Italian wineries unlike those in North America are rarely open to the public. Biondi Santi conducts tours by reservation. On our tour we were greeted by Franco Biondi Santi himself, who at the youthful age of 87 continues in his role as chief winemaker at the property – connections has its privileges. On the same road, is Frattoria Barbi which is more easily accessible than Biondi Santi and shares almost as long a history. A tour through its cellars is well worth taking. In the town itself, head to the fortress at the top of the hill. Here you can sample on a wide range of Brunello and few euro extra you can climb to the top of the fortress for some spectacular views of the Tuscan countryside far below. Montalcino has a number of dining options but the best is Boccon Divino where the view, wine list and cuisine are nothing less than spectacular. Be sure to ask host Marianna to recommend one of her husband Roberto’s wines. Roberto Cipresso is one of Montalcino’s most sought after winemakers.

 

Chianti Vineyard

Montepulciano

– This quintessential hilltop town is well worth a couple hour stroll but be sure to bring your good walking shoes as it is impossible to avoid steep climbs here. Wine shops abound in this town famous for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano; the more approachable and fragrant cousin of Brunello. While wine abounds here, the greatest treasure doesn’t come in liquid form. Bottega del Rame on Via dell’Opio nel Corso is home to Tuscany’s best kitchen wares. Cesare Mazzetti, the 72 year old owner of the shop uses 150 year old tools to craft one of a kind copper pots and other kitchen ware that Saveur magazine described as “As good as gold”. When in Tuscany, I don’t save room in my luggage for wine. I save it for Mr. Mazzetti’s copper pots – as a sommelier, that is a strong statement. If you have a car and are inclined to travel, head outside of town to Avignonesi winery on the outskirts of the Montepulciano appellation. Here within the vine covered walls is one of the regions oldest and most respected wineries. Be sure to arrange a tour of their Vin Santo cellar and if your pocket book allows, buy one for a celebratory meal as Avignonesi’s dessert wines are world renowned.

Pienza – take one whiff of Pienza and there is no question that this is Tuscany’s cheese capital. From fresh to aged, peppered and walnut and chestnut leaf wrapped versions, it is impossible to get away from cheese in this town. When it tastes as good as it does, why would you want to? Don’t plan on a long visit to Pienza as there is essentially a single street with all the shops and many of the restaurants. I recommend using Pienza as convenient mid-point of the day. Plan on arriving around 12:00, touring the town for an hour and then heading for a lunch at one of the many trattoria. Most shops in Southern Tuscany close between 1:00 and 3:00 so visiting the town and then having lunch at 1:00 will allow you to ensure you arrive at the next town when the shops have reopened. Be sure to head behind the church on the main street for some wonderful pictures of the Italian countryside.

Join Mark DeWolfe on the Taste of Tuscany, Italy Tour
October 2-10, 2009. 
*Only 2 rooms remaining.

Contact your Maritime Travel Counsellor today for more information.
For trip details please visit:  www.maritimetravel.ca/contentpage.asp?PageID=50 

Eastern Mediterranean: Sand, Surf and Spice!

Old world charm, stunning beaches and exotic cuisine the eastern Mediterranean is a sun lover’s paradise. Bordering the Eastern Flank of the Mediterranean, it is home to some of the world’s most exciting and spectacular cities including Cyprus, Istanbul, Egypt, Rome, Venice, Florence, Naples, Athens, Dubrovnik, Aleppo, Damascus, Beirut, Jerusalem, Amman, Cairo and Alexandria. To help guide you through the many wonders of the eastern Mediterranean let’s look at three of the most popular destinations. 

Heather Mizzi at Piazzale Michelangelo

 

Paphos, Cyprus
Paphos is a coastal city in the southwest of Cyprus. It is the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty.  The breathtaking beaches must be one of her many gifts to this awe-inspiring country.

Cyprus is a popular sun destination with over 2.4 million tourists per year. And it is gaining popularity as a cycling and trekking destination. It is truly the best way to discover the most unspoiled parts of the island. The eastern coast is famous for its fine white sandy beaches with shallow turquoise waters. Deep water bays are perfect for snorkeling or diving.

• Cyprus lies in the eastern Mediterranean and is the third largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily and Sardinia. • Preferred currency:  euro
• English is spoken by 90% of the people in both Northern and Southern Cyprus.

Istanbul, Turkey
Old world meets new world in Istanbul. You can shop the day away in ancient old world bazaars and at night join the many tourists and locals at one of the ultra modern night clubs like Crystal, Istanbul’s premier hot spot.

Istanbul appeals to all types of travelers with religious tours of Seven Churches of Apocalypse to adventure tours like Jeep safaris and rock climbing. Istanbul has it all!

• The summer months in Istanbul are warm and humid with very little rain especially between July-August. Spring and autumn are mild and are considered the best time for visitors.
• Istanbul is one of the biggest cities in the world, with a population of over 13 million.
• The New Turkish Lira (YTL) is the currency used in Istanbul though the euro and US dollar are also accepted at places frequented by tourists.

Florence, Italy
Dashing is how I would describe Florence, Italy. It’s rare to see an Italian looking drab.  Fashion and design are just one of the many wonders of Italy. Wine, leather and fine cuisine are high on the list too.  Unless it was a sour grape from a Tuscan vineyard (which I doubt could happen!), I don’t know of anyone who has left Italy with a bad taste in their mouth.

Florence is one of the emerald cities of Italy. The smell of leather and pasta collide as you walk towards the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore in the historic city centre.   Pucci, Escada and Gucci come into view as you make your way to the Piazzale Michelangelo. The hike to the top is worth the trouble to see the panoramic view of this lover’s paradise.

• Florence is actually Firenze pronounced: fi-ren’-zay. It is located in the region of Toscana (Tuscany)
• The population of Florence is around half a million
• The euro is the preferred currency.
• English is spoken by many locals however they appreciate it when Italian is attempted.

Tranquil blue seas, exotic cuisine, spice bazaars and more await you in the eastern Mediterranean!

Check out www.insightvacations.com  for the latest travel packages to the eastern Mediterranean.  Your Maritime Travel agent will be pleased to assist you with any inquiries you may have about your travels.