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Italian food recipes

Italian food is world famous, and perhaps one of Italy’s greatest contributions to the world today is Pizza. Made quite by chance, Pizzas are now synonymous with take away food. However there is a lot more to Italian cooking than Pizzas and a true Italian connoisseur will tell you that a Pizza is perhaps the most basic of Italian cuisine. If you are looking for a truly authentic Italian experience, then a few authentic Italian dishes like Bruschetta Al Pomodoro are far more exquisite and enjoyable.

In fact after Pizza the most popular Italian dish is pasta, with so many types of pasta available today every single type has its own distinctive flavour and method of preparation. If you love Italian food then the best way to savour it is to cook it yourself, the reason is that so called ‘authentic’ Italian restaurants are simply offering fast food in plusher surroundings, only a handful of Italian restaurants offer authentic Italian cuisine.

To begin with the first thing you need to get a hold of is a good recipe book or a website that offers Italian recipes, a good place to start is www.italianfoodrecipes.eu, the site has some rare recipes, and the cooking techniques are all authentic Italian. In addition to finding the right site you also need to understand which recipes to begin with and which one’s to try later. Not all Italian recipes are designed for beginners and you should read through the recipe, and only when you are comfortable with the recipe should you start working on it.

Another thing, that is as important as the recipe is the ingredients you use, the best place to start buying ingredients is from a store that stocks Italian ingredients, using olive oil and virgin olive oil can make all the difference in Italian cooking. In fact a common mistake most novices make is assuming that substituting ingredients in Italian cooking is okay, this is not true, even in Pizza the kind of cheese you use makes a lot of difference. If you are looking for a really authentic Italian experience, you should make sure all the ingredients you use are exactly as they are mentioned in the recipe.

Italian cooking is nothing short of an art form, and some of the most delicious and exotic dishes are from the homeland of Italy, in fact the most impressive part about Italy is that every region in Italy has its own distinctive dish, even if a dish is common the style of making the dish varies from region to region. If you are looking to make the most of your Italian cooking experience make sure you understand the recipe, feel comfortable making it and always use the recommended ingredients.

If you are still not sure which Italian dish to start your Italian cooking with, you can always start with the tried and trusted Pizza, in this case also make sure you try to make the Pizza as Italian as it can be by using the right ingredients and the perfect recipe.

Many people believe that one type of pasta is as good as the other, this is not true. Every type of pasta has its own distinctive flavour, and usually has a special dish associate with it, in fact if you visit any Italian recipe site you will notice in most cases they clearly mention which type of pasta to use. In fact Italian chefs choose pasta based on the sauce they are using, it is believe that a particular kind of pasta brings out the flavour of some sauces where others cannot. There is no denying that in due course you will end up cooking pasta, and it is important to stick to the recipe as the type of pasta you use can make a difference. Remember always stick to the recipe, experiment only when you are confident.

The Top Ten Best Tourist Spots In Italy

Italy is one of the most popular places to visit in the world. It’s a favorite of millions of tourists worldwide. And who can blame them? Nobody can resist the charms of Italy’s culture and architecture. This boot-shaped country was, after all, the home of the Legendary Romans and the Heroes of the Renaissance. Indeed, if you’re going to go to Italy, be prepared to have your breathe taken away by the sheer beauty of the place.

1.) The Coliseum

No other civilization in the world could top the Romans in terms of strength and power, and indeed, the Romans practically conquered the world. And for their entertainment, the Romans had the world. They had the Coliseum where the prizes of their conquests, lions and other exotic animals were made to battle with the gladiators. Indeed, if you stand within the walls of this gigantic complex, you can almost feel the spirit of celebration that once rang through the place.

2.) Piazza Campidoglio

The Piazza Campidoglio, or the Capitoline Hill, was the seat of power of the Ancient Romans. And up until today, it still stands as Italy’s center of politics. It holds the famous statue of Castor and Pollux and various structures designed by the great Michaelangelo himself like the double staircase and other buildings.

3.) The Roman Forums

Also, there’s nothing more exhilarating than to visit the place where democracy was born. The Roman Forums, where the Roman senate once held their heated debates discussing everything from large-scale wars to petty squabbles, are also popular tourist attractions. Here, you can find the Forum of Caesar and the Forum of Trajan, and there’s also the Palatine Hill and all the other temples dedicated to the various gods and goddesses of the ancient Romans.

4.) The Pantheon

The Pantheon is one of the best places that you can visit in Rome. It’s teeming with beautiful architecture, beautiful sculptures, and beautiful statues. This magnificent building is also the home of the grave of the famous painter, Raphael.

5.) The Trevi Fountain

This world renowned fountain is famous for its sheer beauty and size, and it features several sculptures, including one of Neptune coming out from underwater, riding on a sea shell that’s drawn by two horses with wings. It’s featured in Dan Brown’s famous novel, the Da Vinci Code. Also, toss a coin into it while facing away from it and it is said that you will be guaranteed a return to the great city.

6.) The Grand Canal in Venice

There’s nothing more Romantic than going on a boat ride through the famous canals of the floating city of Venice. These quixotic canals are featured in various movies and are a favorite of newlyweds all over the world. It’s also a great way to take in all the sights of the beautiful city.

7.) The Sistine Chapel

The Vatican, though it’s considered as an independent country in itself, is still found in the heart of Italy. And, there, you’ll find the great Sistine Chapel where extraordinary pieces of art can be found. There, you’ll see the works of Michelangelo and Botticelli.

8.) St. Peter’s Basilica

Also, if you’re a fan of great architecture, you will have to see the famous St. Peter’s Basilica. It’s the largest Catholic Church in the whole world, and it’s simply teeming with beautiful paintings, frescoes, and statues. You can also see this Basilica’s famous dome which is literally filled with works of art.

9.) St. Peter’s Square

And of course, if you’re going to St. Peter’s Basilica, you might as well walk a few steps to get to St. Peter’s Square. This beautiful plaza is designed by the famous artist Bernini. It is also featured in Dan Brown’s novels.

10.) The Vatican Gardens

The Vatican Gardens as beautiful as they are large. This grand paradise is filled with beautiful sculptures, fountains, and flowers. It’s a great place for sightseeing and picture-taking.

Why I love Italian Designer Shoes

Italian designer shoes are always in style! With today's changing fashions it can be tough figuring out what type as well as style to purchase and wear. But it doesn't have to be when you purchase and wear quality! Quality never goes out of style. Even with a different style, quality brings a classic look to every wardrobe. And you can be assured; classic quality will never go out of style.

Smart dressers do not follow trends blindly. Instead, they purchase the aspect of a particular trend that appeals to them and incorporate it into their existing wardrobe. I love Italian designer shoes in particular because of their finely crafted detailing. but also because of the consistent, exceptional quality. That means I'll be wearing the best, most intricately designed pair of shoes with classic looks that will not fall flat with my wardrobe. In any style I choose!

In reviewing Italian designer shoe maker, Gianna Meliani, it is discovered that Gianna designs and takes care of her own collection. Her collection is completely produced in Italy, by the shoe factory Gemini, that belongs to Bruno Meliani, Gianna's father. The shoe factory Gemini, was born in 1971 and passing through many legal transformations, is now completely administrated by Mr. Bruno Meliani.

The shoe making activity begins from the creation right through to the production, (cutting joining, assembling) and commercializing fine women's shoes. In order to produce, higher quality shoes, Gianna chooses the most precious kind of leather like calf, kidskin, python, crocodile and so on... Selectivity is what gives this and other great Italian designers an edge in the market as well as a hit with the most satisfied customers who wear them! Gianna Meliani shoes' collection is sold everywhere in the world. The firm produces mainly the Gianna Meliani collection however; it has worked and is still working with many other famous labels such as: Anne Klein, Anne Klein II, Yves Saint Laurent, Gucci, Max Mara, Michael Kors, Burberry, Paul Smith and more.

"The weight of the body falls on the arch like a plumb line" - wrote Ferragamo, a company which designs shoes, winning the "Neiman Marcus Award" the Oscar of the fashion world and has been in the shoemaking business since 1925. Salvatore Ferragamo a designing shoemaker in Italy is an example of Italian attention to detailing quality in designer shoe wear. You can search the world over and find the absolute best, comes only from Italy. This company became an essential stop off for personalities such as Greta Garbo, Sofia Loren, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and Audrey Hepburn who all had their shoes made to measure there. Ferragamo saw machinery production as indispensable for the less elaborate work but believed all the rest should be done by hand and under strict human supervision.

No other shoe designers can the world compare to the Italian designers exclusivity in creating the highest quality, detailed, designer shoes. No other companies can compare their history with any favorable measure to the Italian design shoemakers in Italy. Yes the complete attention to detail in design along with the highest quality of materials and craftsmanship is why I love Italian designer shoes!

Five Things To Do In Lombardy and Italian Lakes

A country of pasta and wine, sunshine and snow, renaissance palaces and roman ruins, Italy is as beautiful as it is complex, making this region of Italy so popular for people to come and have a self catering holiday here in a rental villa or a rustic rural house. Lombardy is an Italian region which occupies a major part of Po Valley.

Orobic Alps, Rhaetian and Lepontine form its northern borders and it has a hilly district having major Italian lakes from lakes of Iseo, Como and Varese to Easter slopes of the Lago Maggiore. This area is rich in water mainly because of Po and the affluents. The capital of the region is Milan and the major cities are Brescia, Bergamo, Varese, Mantua, Pavia, Cremona, Sondrio and Como.

The first thing you can do in Lombardy is to view its Romanesque architecture. Each major city of Lombardy has beautiful examples of this type of architecture and the most stunning monument from the Gothic period remains the Cathedral of Milan.

The period of Renaissance has left some sumptuous churches and splendid palaces in Lombardy that are worth seeing if you have visited the place. The Lombard paintings received their greatest splendor in the 15th century.

There are several art museums in Lombardy which include several sections dedicated to applied arts, sculpture and painting. The Brera Gallery exhibits some of the all-time painting masterpieces and the Poldi Pezzoli museum has a rich collection of paintings from great masters, art objects, fittings and jewelry. Painting masterpieces can also be seen in the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana.

The second thing that you will not resist from doing in Lombardy is participating in activities such as skiing and snowboarding. Being a region of snow, these activities are an all time favorites for the visitors of Lombardy.

There are even institutes that provide instant training to people who do not know how to ski or snowboard. Other activities that you will love to do include cycling, hiking, trekking, camping and wildlife viewing.Rental accommodation can be found in the towns or a chalet in one of the sky resorts.

Shopping is the third thing you will love to do in Lombardy as a visitor. Apart from Milan, there are other places also that provide great shopping facilities for the shopper's minds. Bergamo has the biggest shopping center of Italy named as Oriocenter and it offers everything that you can shop for including foot stuff, jewelry, clothes and Italian leather goods.

Bellagio also has several stores in its central district where you can buy some expensive leather and fashion goods. Visit the Strada Nuova area of Pavia which is a major pedestrian and shopping area of the town.

Some of the major Italian lakes include Lake Garda, Lake Como and Lake Maggiore. The fourth thing you can do here is to be on a steamer that cruises between stately gardens and resort towns. Also visiting the famous gardens of Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Borromean Islands is worth it.

The fifth thing you must do in Italian Lakes is to become a part of the film and music festivals, sporting competitions and local events that are held in the area all year through.

There are also several villas, villages and historic towns that are able to satisfy you if you are interested in exploring the culture of the area. The diversity of this region make it so accessible and easy for families to have a self catering holiday here.

Five Things To Do In Le Marches

If you are looking forward to lakes, beaches, mountains, cladded slopes, medieval towns, architecture, castles, museums and skiing, all at one place, Le Marche is the perfect place to be this vacation. This travel destination is mostly the agricultural area that is covered with greenery. Situated in the very heart of Italy, this place is truly a wonder. A large number of people from various parts of the globe visit this destination in order to spend quality time with their friends and family. The top five things to do in Le Marches include visiting the beaches, walking through the brilliant parks, talking pleasure in the Le Marches events, enjoying the sports and visiting the historical sites.

This area of Italy divided into five regions make it such a popular area for renting holiday accommodation. There are rentals in the mountains or villas overlooking the beautiful sea. The Le Marches area provides a brilliant range of activities and sports for the travelers so that they can have an excellent vacation time. The sports that can be enjoyed by the adventure enthusiasts include horseback riding, biking and hiking. The travelers can easily explore the entire Monte Conero while riding on the horse back.

There are clubs that offer daily riding and hiking for the interested, keeping aside their level of capability. Also, discovering the hiking paths and tracks in Le Marche regional parks is a great activity to perform. Even biking is among the favorite sports for a large number of tourists as well as the local Italians. The gentle and sloping hills serve as the ideal setting to carry on the hiking activity. Taking pleasure in the Le Marches beaches is the next best thing to do. There are various options of Itlian beaches in the Le Marche area. These beaches range from the vibrant Senigallia to the family oriented San Benedetto to the secluded ones of the Monte Conero Coast. The month of august is the time when many travelers gather on the Le Marche beaches.

If you are one of those who desire to spend relaxing, private moments, warm seas and pleasant weather with your loved ones, the months of June, July and September are best to visit the Le Marches. This travel destination is also known for being the home to various Blue Flag Beaches, the quality seal that is provided on the basis of water quality, safety, environmental management and cleanliness. Among the other things to do in Le Marche, a visit to events and food festivals is a brilliant way to know the culture and history of this region. Each and every village and town of Italy proudly conducts its own celebrations and events in order to characterize the local culture and traditions. Most of these festivals take place in the summer season. Every festival celebrated at this destination is highlighted by different renaissance or medieval costumes.

Visiting the historical sites and attractions of Le Marches is the fourth important thing to do. Some of these sites include Raphael's Birth House, Villa Imperiale, Museo Villa Colloredo Mels, Church of Santa Maria and Santa Casa and Basilica. Also, walking or cycling on the footpaths of Sibillini National Park and other regional parks like Parco Regionale della Gola and di Frasassi is a fantastic thing to do in Le Marches. These footpaths are specially designed for all those who wish to go nearer to the nature. So, plan your next rental holiday to Le Marches and experience a truly wonderful time.

There is such a lot of places to go and see in the Le Marche region making it a sort after choice when renting holiday homes or villas. The choice of food and wines make catering a very easy and pleasurable experience for the whole family, keeping everybody relaxed and ready to explore this beautiful region of Italy.

The Wonders Of Italian Architecture

Italy is a magical country to visit and spend time; every region has something new to offer whether it is its food, the people, the history or its architecture. Too many people the architecture of a country is it's main attraction and this could easily be said about Italy with it's millennia old stones, sumptuous remains of mysterious Etruscan kings, witnesses to ancient pagan rites, memorials to a history whose origins is lost in the mists of time. Ancient temples that have stood for thousands of years and have amazed all those who run a hand over their immortal columns, such as the temples of Agrigento and Selinunte. Entire cities that remain like some marvellous stage set to tell us about life as it was in the distant past.

A life cut short, in ancient days, by the dramatic whim of a volcano, such as Pompeii and Herculaneum, or by the implacable advance of malaria, as in Ostia Antica and Paestum. Walls and buildings that have been witness to a boundless power, that of ancient Rome and its countless conquests. Places still capable of moving us deeply owing to the ingenuity of their construction and the peerless historical heritage that they embody. Italian squares or piazzas that seem to be picture perfect stage sets all complete with outdoor cafes to enable you to sit and watch the world un-fold in front of you. Buildings that were created to enchant and impress visiting dignities from an age gone by with luscious facades and interiors that house unimaginable riches and art treasures now have the same effect on those tourists visiting Italy.

Towers constructed to bear witness to power that now regale unforgettable panoramas to those bold enough to climb to the top. Streets resembling open-air museums. Bridges that create seem-less bonds between the banks of rivers such as the Rialto in Venice or Ponte Vecchio in Florence. Walls originally designed to defend a city have later been turned into wonderfully imposing rings that have been giving communities a sense of security for centuries. Ample flights of steps from which to savour the spectacle of a city's life. The taste for beauty is all pervasive, from the tiny village, to the old town, to cities great and small. Beauty touches every nook, every vista, everything. The ancient Italians left a world of elegant architecture and monuments behind for future generations to stare in amazement at.

Italy has a wealth of religious architecture, towers and churches launched towards the sky. Striking spires, dainty cupolas, artistic facades, and bell towers jutting up towards the blue sky and towards an Italian heaven, mysterious naves that guard artistic masterpieces ancient and modern. Visit any Italian city, town or village and you will see churches everywhere, guardians of and witnesses to a faith thousands of years old and then tiny chapels on the mountain tops, solitary shrines on street corners, statues and frescoes for the protection of the home. Small signs of popular devotion that stand as corollaries to the magnificence of the cathedrals. Italy loves religious architecture.

A series of masterpieces that tell the entire story of western architecture: from the elegant Romanesque forms of Santa Maria all' Aquila to the fanciful Gothic spires of the beautiful Cathedral in Milan, from the perfect example of Renaissance architecture in Florence Cathedral to the baroque wonder of Lecce Cathedral. Each one with its trusty bell-tower at its side to announce its presence; including the most famous one in the world: the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Bed and Breakfast Firenze

Firenze (Italian for Florence, as it is popularly known) is one of the most picturesque towns that Italy has to offer, with a rich tradition, and finger licking cuisine, Florence was once the capital of the kingdom of Italy. Florence was also officially declared a world heritage site by UNESCO and is known as the home of the Italian renaissance. Florence is a city that is synonymous with art and architecture, and there are specialized historic tours that discuss just the various events and places that are linked to Firenze, and not just art and architecture, Florence is fast becoming known for its quaint streets and its classy bed and breakfasts.

Things to do in Firenze

The biggest tourist attraction in Florence is the cathedral also popularly known as the Duomo, the cathedral has a massive dome like structure, and is not just a regular tourist attraction, but is also a place that most religious tourists should visit. Located in the heart of the city, is the statue of Neptune which is another tourist attraction, the water even today is provided by aqueducts systems similar to the ones used thousands of years ago in the Roman empire.

The Arno river has some of the most beautiful bridges located on it, and a walk through Florence is not complete without visiting some of the beautiful river bridges. The biggest contributing factor to Florence's destination as a spot that is loved by art lovers, is the fact that Firenze has art galleries that are dedicated to specialized art forms like painting, sculptures and more. It is a pretty good idea to enroll yourself with one of the specialized museum tours that take tourists to all the major museums that make Florence the special place it is.

Bed and breakfasts in Florence

Apart from the popular hotels that are located in Florence, more and more tourist recently have chosen to live in the quaint and comfortable bed and breakfasts that are located in and around Florence, the most attractive thing about these bed and breakfasts is that they are well known for their authentic Italian experience, and are also becoming more and more popular for the authentic Italian cuisine that they offer. No trip to Italy is complete without experiencing an Italian bed and breakfast.

The biggest advantage that bed and breakfasts have over Italian hotels, is that they are reasonably priced, and depending on your preferences you can either get a bed and breakfast that is located in the heart of Florence, of if you like the quiet countryside you can check yourself into some of the extremely popular bed and breakfasts that are located on the outskirts of Florence. Almost all bed and breakfasts are equipped with modern amenities like televisions, individual phones in each room, and some classical bed and breakfasts actually offer you swimming pools and patios to enjoy your time under the Tuscan sun.

So if you are planning a trip to Florence, you must look up some of the popular bed and breakfasts, and enjoy the authentic experience of Italian cuisine and an Italian bed and breakfast.

Traveling Single and Happy in Italy

Want to travel to Italy but nobody you know wants to go? Have specific dates for your holiday in Tuscany but none of your traveling friends can get away then? You're not alone--you're part of the fast growing single traveler market. As a frequent single traveler in Italy for many years, here are my tips on companionship, safety, money matters, and quality of life for traveling solo in Italy.

Companionship

1. Look for restaurants or hotels with communal tables. Sit down, relax, eat with whoever is there, smile and start a conversation. Sharing food and wine around the table opens people up and conversation flows easily. Also look for restaurants with tables close together so it's easy to strike up a conversation with fellow diners. For example, I've enjoyed staying a family-run B & B in Sorrento where I've happily chatted to people from all over the world around their big dining tables.

2. Offer to help other travelers as a spring board to start a conversation. For example, while traveling on the Amalfi Coast on a bus to my hotel in Praiano, I overheard a man asking about the area. Knowing the coast, I gave him directions and advice. It turned out we were staying at the same hotel. That evening we shared a lovely dinner of fish and cool, white wine and a good conversation on a restaurant patio at the sea's edge.

3. Break up your time alone with half or full day guided tours that focus on something you're passionate about like food, art or gardens so you have fun with people with similar interests. For example, in Florence you'll find city walking, cycling, garden, leather & gelato, history and food tours.

4. Find tours that cater to single travelers. For example, two Italian families offer cooking tours, one in the Chianti hills and one in Sorrento, and accept solo travelers for any dates they request. Generally other people are staying in their B & Bs so you have congenial company. A family member takes the single traveler on the same excursions as a group.

Safety For Solo Women

5. Use your common sense and intuition. No matter what hour of the day, if a street is deserted you may not want to walk there. In general, stick to streets where other people are walking. Strolling along the Arno River in Florence at 10:00 p.m. admiring the reflections of illuminated buildings along with lots of people is wonderful. Walking down a deserted little street in Palermo in mid-afternoon may not be wise.

6. Out and about, dress down in ordinary clothes and leave your jewelry at home, so you avoid becoming a lone and profitable target for theft. 

7. Take a handbag with a shoulder strap you can put diagonally across your chest. Wear a money belt under your pants. Be alert to who is around you, especially in crowded places where pick pockets thrive.

8. Walk with a strong, confident bearing, so you don't look like a victim. All the above apply in any big city. In small country towns you can relax, since little happens there.

9. What about men chatting you up? Just like at home, stick to public places until you're comfortable with him. If you're not interested in him, politely say "no thanks" as many times as it takes.

Over the years, I've found Italian men respect my boundaries. I only got into one "tight" situation in my 20s where my fast running made up for my clueless behaviour. Other times I've met new friends and big loves of my life.

Money Matters

10. Find tours that have no single supplement. They do exist. Many tour companies in Italy match you up with a roommate. For example, I went on walking tours in Tuscany and Sicily, shared rooms and found hikers are generally a nice, down to earth, fun bunch. Be open to new people, make new friends by getting to know your roommate and avoid the supplement.

11. When looking for a hotel in Italy, I like to e-mail the hotel directly about a single room and not book online. When you email, fax or call them, you can ask for a double room for single use (often a small double at a lower price than a double room) or for a single room. Since single rooms are scarce, asking for a double for single use will often get you a room.

By email or phone you can also make other special requests like a quiet room not overlooking the street.

Quality of Life

12. To give yourself the best eating experiences in Italy, go to restaurants on the early side (12:30 for lunch, 7:30 for dinner or 7:00 in big tourist cities) and get the best seat. For example, at these hours in the beautiful Cinque Terre town of Vernazza, I find no one minds if I occupy a table for two with a front row view of the sea at a restaurant patio on the main piazza.

13. Accept help and reach out to other travelers. If someone offers to help you carry your suitcase up the stairs in a train station, say yes, thank them and give them a big smile. Look around for other travelers who may appreciate your help in small ways.

As a single traveler, if you extend your friendship to fellow travelers or local people, especially in places conducive to conversation, look for people with your interests on tours, take sensible safety precautions and pay attention to your quality of life, you'll have a fabulous time and some fun adventures in Italy.

Motor homes in Italy

In 1915, the first motor home was built by a rich New York couple. The real craze for motor homes began in the 60s, although several automobiles were modified to incorporate cooking utilities and sleeping gear. Basically, there are three categories of motor homes namely, Class A which is a bus type custom body on truck chassis ,second is Class B which are conversion vans and third is Class C which is pickup chassis or custom body on a van. 

Class A motor home has 1-bedroom.Class A is perfect for couples. The dinette can be made into another bed. Class B vans are good as they can be parked anywhere. In these the roof can be extended upward but size is somewhat similar to that of a Ford van. It sometimes includes toilets and shower. These motor homes are luxurious for traveling .The tourist can travel with their dogs without having to hunt for a dog-friendly hotel. Tourist can get motor homes in Italy very easily. Italy is so diverse that traversing in a motor is an experience of all times.

Tourist can stay in good farmhouses, and can enjoy their trip. These farmhouses add more comfort to the vacation. Az. II and Querciollo are the two farmhouses that have all the amenities and luxuries for the tourists.

Az. Il Querciollo

Az. Il Querciollo is situated at the heart of Valdichiana. It is an old farmhouse of 18th century. It is a captivating farmhouse which is surrounded by sun flower and wheat fields, grains, vineyards and olive oil. There is an old courtyard which in its epoch was known to be social center of farming life style. Az. Il Querciollo is a beautiful farmhouse that was built in the area of an old farmyard. The farmhouse is the place where one can experience the true beauty of nature. 

The farmhouse which is in the heart of rural culture was renovated without loosing its original characteristic and charm. It turned into six beautiful, comfortable and cozy apartments that have all the modern days’ amenities like microwaves and satellite TV, with furnishings with antique furniture. It is surrounded by valleys, and is sited in a way that allows the full view of the surrounding. In every season, the valley offers diverse astonishing views. 

Every season has its own magical colors like in summer there are ripe wheat which look lustrous in golden yellow color and the very bright green color of spring, in autumn season the ochre of the earth that is ready for sowing after ploughing .In a bright sunny and panoramic location there a nice pool that is equipped with deckchairs, sun umbrellas and sun beds. There is a very beautiful garden, large in size with a wood oven, garden furniture, small lake for fishing, a barbecue, mountain bikes, and a play area for children.

Agr. Crosticia

Agr. Crosticia is an astonishing farm vacation residence .This is a building that has been brought to a new life by expertly and cautiously renovated and restored.This beautiful farmhouse is near Castiglion Fiorentino, fully covered with Appenines gentle hills and the Valdichiana's green plain. It is very close to the nature with all the natural and beautiful scenery around it. This is an ideal place for those tourists who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Tourist will find that this farm house is equipped with all the modern days̢۪ amenities without loosing the touch of an ancient farm house. It has a nice vibrant blue swimming pool, olive oil trees with very bright silvery green color. This thing displays the owner's good taste and helpfulness, who assures a tranquil and restful vacation in Italy. L'Oliveto, Il Poggetto and Il Rio are the three beautiful apartments of Agr. Crosticia.

All these apartments are furnished expertly with mostly rustic furniture and, modern amenities and comfort. It has lovely gardens, including garden furniture and a beautiful swimming pool. It provides its guest the offer, to buy and taste organic products such as Jam, vegetables, chestnuts, wine, oil and honey. Agriturismo la Crosticia was once inhabited by farmer. Between the verdant Val di Chiana and beautiful hillside of Tuscan Apennine lies a estate near the Castiglion Fiorentino.There are three apartments of Agriturismo La Crosticia which is comfortably and tastefully furnished .It is possible to buy and taste the local products of this place. These vacation houses are a beautiful place for spending vacations in Italy with all peace and tranquility.