Travel Tips

Black Truffle Hunting Norcia Umbria

The guests In the green, in the silence of nature and in the beauty of its landscapes will live in Norcia a day as a real “quarryman”.

Discover truffles with a a guided hunting tour by professional guide.

Hunting truffles in Italy
Truffle hunts in Umbria

The itinerary that our guests will travel will be immersed in the green heart of Umbria, in Norcia one of the areas of central Italy with the highest index of biodiversity.

Norcia is in the middle of an area very rich from all points of view and the visitor who arrives there is always surprised by the characteristics of the territory, by the beauty of the landscape,by the local products of gastronomy.

Together with our faithful “friend” fours we walk with our groups on the field and in this way they will make a unique experience and they will observe how it performs the search of famous black truffle of Norcia.

After the tour our guests will eat and test the intense flavor of truffles and with a good glass of wine eat many other tasty local delicacies.

So, In the green, in the silence of nature and in the beauty of its landscapes our guests will live in Norcia a day as a real “quarryman”.

The truffle hunt is guided by Stefano. Professional and licensed guide in Italy. He will take care of making you discover the beauty of these mountains. 

norcia
Visit Norcia in Umbria with a walking tour – source

 

Walking Tour in Padova Full Day

Padua is perfect for everyone and anytime! With this tour you’ll be able to admire and see the most important sites of this city, full of history, ancient building, porticoed street, churches but also fashionable shops and elegant cafès and restaurants.

Discover the charming city of Padova, 30 km away from Venice.

We start our tour admiring the St. Anthony Basilica, full of treasures of art of all kinds, from the Donatello’s bronze artworks, medieval frescoes and Renaissance Venetian marble sculptures.
After a pleasant walking inside the daily market in the major squares, we continue inside the majestic Palace of the Reason (Palazzo della Ragione), medieval building completely decorated with frescoes.
The University and its ancient courtyard (15th century) and the historical Caffè Pedrocchi, wonderful example of neoclassical architecture.

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Walking tour of Padova – source

 Lunch break in a typical restaurant.

Visit of the Scrovegni Chapel, a jewel of art and history, frescoed by Giotto at the beginning of the 14th century.

Duration of the tour: 4 hours (lunch break included)
Meeting point: Bus and car parking in Prato della Valle or pick up at the guests’ hotel.

Why visit Padua.

Padua is perfect for everyone and anytime! With this tour you’ll be able to admire and see the most important sites of this city, full of history, ancient building, porticoed street, churches but also fashionable shops and elegant cafès and restaurants.

Lago Maggiore Tour and Cooking Class

I am a professional tourist guide since 1999, I was working in Mexico where I was living until 2011, for italian, english and spanish tourists. I’ve been working both with goups and individuals tours, throughout all Mexico, in particular Mayan area in the South-West and sometimes Guatemala. When I came back to Italy I experienced the opportunity that Righousekitchen was offering me, to become teacher for their cooking classes to the children. I also organize birthday parties, events entertainment both with children and adults, where we prepare most of the typical italian dishes, and Mexican dishes. It is really exciting and satisfactory, people really enjoy prepare food, learn new receipes, expecially italian cooking ones. also the moment we seat down and enjoy our home made food!

Meeting at your hotel. Leaving at 9 o’clock in the morning to visit the Lago Maggiore most beautiful attraction in the area near Varese, boat tour of the lakes included. Lunch not included (Light brunch suggested). After the tour, in the afternoon, we continue to Busto Arsizio, at the Righouse Shop where you can find all the best of Made in Italy for your home. Time for shopping, then we transfer to the second floor to begin our cooking class in a real professional kitchen. We will prepare a real 3 courses dinner (Italian menu: welcome cocktail, entries, 2 main dishes, best wines, and all fresh and genuine ingredients included). After dinner transfer back to your hotel.

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Lago Maggiore tour and cooking classes – source

 Guide name and profile:

Stefania 

I am a professional tourist guide since 1999, I was working in Mexico where I was living until 2011, for Italian, English and Spanish tourists. I’ve been working both with groups and individuals tours, throughout all Mexico, in particular Mayan area in the South-West and sometimes Guatemala. When I came back to Italy I experienced the opportunity that Righousekitchen was offering me, to become teacher for their cooking classes to the children. I also organize birthday parties, events entertainment both with children and adults, where we prepare most of the typical italian dishes, and Mexican dishes. It is really exciting and satisfactory, people really enjoy prepare food, learn new receipes, expecially italian cooking ones. also the moment we seat down and enjoy our home made food!

Bologna: Stay at Food Lover’s Farm House.

family experience

If you want to enjoy breathtaking landscapes, endless mountain walking and hiking, good food and you want to relax while you are in Italy you should try at least once Piana dei castagni agriturimo. It is a remote location but at the same time easily accessible from Bologna and Florence. Set to offer the best vacation in Italy ever.

This farmhouse built at the end of the eighteenth century offers typical family hospitality. It has 4 rooms all with private bathroom (shower), TV and some have a refrigerator.

It is a remote location at 800 meters of altitude. Just 2 km from the main roads and motorway that connects Bologna with Florence. It is located near Castel d’Aiano) and it is an ideal place for relaxing holiday nature and good food.

The also offer organized trekking to explore what were the routes of the Gothic Line, or the ancient Via Cassia and not least the paths and landscapes that inspired the painter Giorgio Morandi.
They are also near to very important art cities such as Florence (90 Km.) Modena (60 km) and Bologna (45 km)
Visitors can easily reach the museums and galleries of famous car manufacturers such as Maserati, Lamborghini, Ferrari and Ducati.

Special care in the preparation of breakfast with local honey, fresh eggs and pastries and home made jams.

Guided Walking Tour of Padua

Thanks to my long experience first as Tour Leader and now as Local Guide I can suggest you itineraries that will fit you as best

Guide Name: Angela Bianco

Just a short ride from Venice lays Padua, a town rich in history and one of the cradles of humanist thinking. This walk introduces us to the beauty of this town, which includes the most famous work by Giotto – the Scrovegni Chapel will be our meeting point. We will spend the day exploring the most glorious era of Padua, the 14th and 15th century. In the near Eremitani’s church we will learn about the impact of the artist Giotto and his followers, as well the cultural and historic traditions of the city, which is home to the second oldest university in Italy now Bo’ Palace. In our time we may wander through the charming historical center, perhaps stopping for a café in the famous historical Caffè Pedrocchi where we taste its specialities (caffè Pedrocchi or zabaione cream). We will visit the Padua’ Baptistery, painted by Giotto follower Giusto de Menabuoi, this beautifully ferscoed building with provide a striking counterpoint to the Scrovegni chapel.
The later part of the walk will be spent discussing the rise of the Renaissance in Padua with the impact of Donatello and Titian exerting strong influnce in the city visiting the Basilica of Saint Anthony.
We can end the tour in the more relaxing historical oldest european Botanical Garden with its recently new wing with exotic plants, the only one “Unesco” in Padua’s city.

Thanks to my long experience first as Tour Leader and now as Local Guide I can suggest you itineraries that will fit you as best

Walking Tour of Vicenza

Thanks to my long experience in the touristic field first as Tour Leader and now as Local Guide I can suggest you what can fit you best to enjoy a visit in my region

Guide Name: Angela Bianco

Vicenza is one of the best preserved monumental city centres in Italy.
Our visit begins at Vicenza’s high street, Corso Palladio. In and around this street can be found many palaces designed by Palladio (Palazzo Bonin-Longare, Palazzo Piovene, Palazzo Porto-Colleoni, Palazzo Thiene) and the visit aims at following a chronological order to see the evolution of his style. The Piazza dei Signori offers two great examples of his early work (the Basilica) and his later period (The Capitaniato). We may divert from Palladio to explore some of the other jewels of Vicenza, from Santa Corona, one of the earliest Gothic churches in the Veneto, which hosts a relic of the Thorn of crowns and an important altarpiece by Giovanni Bellini to experiencing local specialities such as baccalà alla vicentina. The visit then returns to Corso Palladio and continues with Palazzo Chiericati and Teatro Olimpico, the earliest indoor theatre in Europe.
From the city centre we will head to Villa Rotonda, the most famous of Palladio’s villas. This can be done as a leisurely walk or via taxi, depending on the group’s desire. This walk can also be extended to include the nearby Villa Valmarana ai Nani, decorated by G.B. Tiepolo.

Thanks to my long experience in the touristic field first as Tour Leader and now as Local Guide I can suggest you what can fit you best to enjoy a visit in my region

Bologna: Trekking and Food tour on Apennines Mountains

family warmth of the passage of time in an old country house Italian

Itinerary of 3 days, and ideal for a group of 6-8 people.

Guide name: Valeria Vitali

First day trekking: through chestnut woods and fields to get to the first visit to “caseificio” and observe the progress of Parmigiano Reggiano, then the ancient village of Pieve di Roffeno (one of the oldest in the province of Bologna) and continue with the visitof organic animal husbandry Mora Romagna (pork raised in the wild slow food). After a brief tasting it starts and after visiting even the Tabernacle oldest archdiocese of Bologna (in the church of St. Martin of Tours) return and dinner.
Second day: the history and tradition of the woods and the chestnut (bread tree), visit to an organic farm for the production of yoghurt and preparation of “TIGELLE” ancient mountain bread.
Third day: free choice: Park Sassi Roccamalatina and neighboring villages, vinegar in Vignola and neighboring villages, Castelvetro and lands of Lambrusco or peace and tranquillity in our garden observing landscapes Morandi painter.4madonne

 

Wine Tasting Around the Lake Garda Hills

Architect, 55, wine maker since 1981, I’m involved in the wine and food business exporting my wines all over the world

Le Vigne di San Pietro is a wonderful boutique winery located in a botanic garden on the hillside south of Garda Lake near by Verona. The owner, an italian architect, will be with you in the vineyards to explain his vision about wine and he will drive a wine tasting in the beautiful villa above the cellar. The area is very pleasant for a tour by car or by bike. Borghetto, one of the most beautiful historical village of Italy, is near by. In summer, in Verona, they play opera in the ancient Arena Roman theatre. The visit and the wine tasting are made on reservation only.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owuVLtrDi3s

Owner: Carlo Nerozzi Architect, 55, wine maker since 1981, I’m involved in the wine and food business exporting my wines all over the world.

Lake Garda and a wine tasting at local producer of Amarone can be reached easily from Verona. So if you are here for the Opera or the weather why don’t you consider taking a wine tour with tasting in the are?

 

Food Lovers Tour in Florence

I am German, 49 years old, deeply in love with Italy. I live in Florence for 30 years and I am an Art History major, with 24 years experience as guide and tour manager.

Florence does not only offers art, culture and architecture but as in any other Italian city it offers a vast array of foods and wines. This tour offers a possibly to explore gelato, espresso, chanti wine, and a visit to the central food market in the city. Not to be missed by any food lover!

Tour Guide: Juliane

I am German, 49 years old, deeply in love with Italy. I lived in Florence for 30 years and I am an Art History major, with 24 years experience as guide and tour manager.

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Florence market food and wine tour – source

Customized private tour, not more than 8 participants.

Highlights of the tour: Central Food Market Hall of Florence, visit and tastings:
Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar, Truffles, Tuscan Specialities.
Walking tour along all the most important monuments: Duomo, Signoria Square, Ponte Vecchio. Stops for more tastings: gelato, lesson on Italian Coffee, Wine, Prosecco or Grappa, street food such as tripe and good Italian Panini.

Possibility to include the David of Michelangelo.

Duration: about 4 hrs

Meeting point: Pick up in your hotel, or at the Bell Tower of the Duomo.
Entrance fee for the Accademia Museum (David): 16,00 E. per person

Best Street food in Florence.

My trip to Florence, Italy was an adventure to remember. Among the sight-seeing, walking, shopping and general absorbing of this aesthetically pleasing city, I found some of the most delightful little street food vendors and places to get some of the best and most traditional foods Florence has to offer. To really take in and appreciate this Italian city for what it truly stands for, food wise, these were the best examples I could have tried. Known well for its consumption of wines, cold meats and cheese,
Florence is very well fed on flavoursome food and drinks. Eating here is an
absolute experience and they pride themselves on their many choices. Most
vendors will use the local produce meaning you get to taste the authenticity of Florence and Tuscan specialities.

It seemed just as I started to think of lunch, one of these beautiful little eateries would appear just as I needed them. Over all I found the Florence staff working at the venues to be really friendly and patient with my non-Italian lingo. Their English was wonderful and their accents understandable. I would recommend learning a little Italian before you
go as you can understand so much more when exploring their city and the food and wines Florence can offer.

I due fratellini in Florence.

Due Fratellini is a quaint and traditional little
sandwich and wine venue in the heart of Florence. If you are visiting Florence, I recommend you pop into this little treasure trove of fresh, mouth-watering, Tuscan food.

If you arrive here bang on lunch time like I did, then get in the que, the service is fact and the food is so worth the wait. It looked really daunting as I approached this hole-in-the-wall restaurant. There were at least 10 people outside the door waiting to be served. But I had a feeling it was going to be good because of the people eagerly waiting for their sandwiches and paninis.

With over 30 choices of filling for your Tuscan Bread sandwich or Panini, on any day of the week, it is hard to choose your combination of fresh cheese’s and cold meats and fish. The salad is as local as the Tuscan Ham with fennel seeds, all from small producers in Florence, you can guarantee it is as fresh as it possibly could be.

If you do get stuck with your sandwich filling, the family behind this traditional little street food vendor have put together a wonderful selection of suggestions from Green sauce to Tuscan Wild Boar Salami. The cheeses they have are a wondrous treat, so fresh and flavoursome. Pecrino cheese with Tuscan truffle for example was something I had never tried before my visit here.

The sandwiches are only 4euro so it is very affordable to eat here.

The gentlemen working behind the counter were very friendly and the food was amazing. People have heard a lot about this place and it has a great reputation so I would say a must see!

Their wine selection is extensive with a six foot deep wine rack holding hundreds of beautiful Chianti and Pinot Grigio, the rack spans the whole back wall of the counter up to the front door. The general trend here is to choose a sandwich or panini, then get yourself a lovely glass of Tuscan Wine to wash it down while accentuating the flavours of the Italian cheeses.

Panino Mondiale.

Panino Mondiale is a tiny little kiosk type, food vendor in
the Santa Maria Navella Train Station in Florence and offers some great street food. The name literally translates to World Sandwich.

The fillings available are plenty and their speciality is something called Lampredetto. This is a meat product which is served hot in your Tuscan Bread Roll, dusted with flour. It is lean and meaty and it comes from the
intestine of smaller cattle. This traditional Florence dish is not to be missed
and tastes great.

This is a good place to eat on the go with
the takeaway bags they provide and all at low street food prices.

The menu is impressive for such a small shop and I was pleased to see lots of children friendly options like burgers and sausages alongside their selection of dishes and sandwich fillings which are all bought fresh on a daily basis from the City Market.

L’antico trippaio.

L’antico Trippaio is a small food stall in the tiny unsuspecting location of the narrow historical streets in the city of Florence close to the Palazzo Vecchio. As a street food vendor, this place ticks all the boxes for a Tuscan Sandwich shop and give you an extensive menu of boiled meats and salsa verde aka green sauce. An elderly lady runs the little stall and
although not too friendly, she does know how to make you one of the best lampredetto smothered with a good serving of salsa verde and Tuscan cheese.

Rosticeria Giuliano.

Rosticceria Giuliano 3 this is beautiful and  traditional
Italian take away deli. The menu offers some home-made dishes and the produce is all local from Florence itself. The ingredients are fresh and full of flavour. I had some Tuscan Ham, peas and potatoes and it was beautiful. The staff are very welcoming and friendly. Roast chicken is always a reccomended to try with visiting an Italian rosticeria.

rosticeria giuliano

Their wine selection is huge but the staff are happy to help guide you if you get stuck. I was torn between the Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG and the Super Tuscans. They allowed me to try both and I settled with the Chianti.

The chef comes into the deli and makes sure you and enjoying his culinary delights. An all-round lovely little place to get a nice glass of Chianti and a good hot meal. The display window shows an array of meats and cheese as well as their home cooked dishes. It’s hard to walk past and I just couldn’t resist the temptation.

Streed food tour in Florence.

Street food vendors are a plenty in Florence and you will no doubt discover some little gems yourself whilst wandering the streets and markets of this traditional little city. Many a review online can be found to show there is much excitement around the taste bud tingling flavours and discoveries found here.

Enjoy the views and absorb the ambience of Florence, the street food and wine is the final link to your full on Florence experience.

 

 

 

Walking Tour of Pistoia

Michela Gori authorizedvguide of Pistoia and Florence since 1992

Michela: authorised guide of Pistoia and Florence since 1992

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Guided tour with a licensed guide in Pistoia – source

 

Proposed itinerary:

Walking tour through the medieval paved street of Pistoia a little fascinating city in the heart of Tuscany.
We start from the church of San Andrea with the fabulous pulpit by Giovanni Pisano, after that we walk to see the Robbiane, marvellous decorations of the Old Hospital of Il Ceppo, and we continue up to the main Duomo Square, civic and religious centre of the city. Inside the Cathedral we will admire the silver altar dedicated to Saint James, famous patron of Pistoia .
The tour will finish in the lively Piazza Sala with typocal restaurant and wine bars , meeting place of local young people where you can taste good local good and wine.

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