Summer is upon us!

We have wrapped up yet another fantastic school year and shifted right into summer mode. Which means an extra hour of sleep in the mornings (yay!) and a mix of summer fun at our neighborhood pool, backyard barbeques and you guessed it…travel!

My goal for my family this summer is to RELAX. We get so over-scheduled and busy during the school year that sometimes my kids (and myself included) don’t know how to just sit back and simply enjoy the slower paced things in life.

So, while I am taking a mix of personal and work trips this summer, I plan to build in some days with no plans, no agenda and see what unfolds.

Do you have a summer goal?

TOP 3 FLORENCE TOURS

As promised in our last newsletter, below are some of our most highly regarded tours in and around the city of Florence just to give you a sample of what is possible with our custom built itineraries:

1. Chianti Tour with Truffle Hunting Experience – Chianti is known for its wine, food and of course the wonderful landscapes and amazing scenery but it is also a renowned truffle region. Your truffle hunting adventure will start with a pleasant drive through the rolling hills and luxuriant vineyards leading you to Passignano. After a relaxed stroll through the estate, you will reach the Ristoro L’Antica Scuderia. Once there, a licensed truffle hunter will lead you on a truffle walk in the forest and whilst sharing knowledge and practical skills on how to spot these precious treats. Going back to the Ritrovo L’Antica Scuderia, you will savor a truffle-themed lunch, with various dishes prepared using local ingredients. After lunch, you will proceed to Greve, a delightful borough so perfectly nestled in the scenery that it deserves the title of the Gate of Chianti. Your next stop will be in San Casciano, a fortified town surrounded by vineyards and olive groves after which you will start your journey back to Florence.

2. Traditional Italian Cooking Class In The Countryside Of Florence – Tucked away in the hills around Florence, surrounded by olive trees, you are welcomed into a local home. In your 2-3 hours hands-on cooking class, you will first learn to make pasta from scratch. Including an introduction to two machines that are normally used for making Italian pasta and an explanation of how they are used and what the differences are. Once the pasta is done, you will start making the sauce. This could be a simple fresh vegetable sauce with aromatic herbs or, when fish is liked, a sauce with sardines Sicilian way. Then you will help make a vegetable flan or to cook one of the local favorites, called baccalà con porri e cavolo viola (pan stewed cod with leeks and purple cabbage). For dessert learn to make a simple cake called castagnaccio, which is a chestnut flour cake topped with pine buts and baked, or in summertime a panna cotta with strawberry coulis. End your meal with a cup of freshly brewed coffee and new found friendship.

3. Private Shopping Experience – The REAL home of fashion is Florence. You will meet your personal shopper in an authentic Italian café where you can chat together about YOU. About what you want to achieve in your time together, who you are, your color and style preferences, the look you want, about what works for different personalities, and body shapes. Then together you will explore the beautiful hidden treasures of Florence. Armed with what you desire, she will show you the best shops and boutiques in Florence which will fit you perfectly. She will create your outfit(s) from start to finish and offer you style recommendations, how to mix clothes, colors and accessories in the style you desire. You will walk away with a look you are proud of, and the skills to continue your fashion journey.