T1A (ctber 9 2012 fr 1 30 p t 430 p ) T1B (ctber 10 2012 ... · Lucca, the City-State : A ... the...

Meridiana Destination Travel Agency & DMC Via G. Volpe n.126 – Loc. Ospedaletto – 56121 Pisa, Italy

Tel. +39 050 9711721 – fax +39 050 974148 - P.Iva/V.A.T. 01918920503

www.meridianadestination.it [email protected]

1

4TH INTERNATIONAL CEREBRAL PALSY CONFERENCE PISA (Italy), October 10-13, 2012

TOURS DETAILS

All tours are not included in the conference registration fees. Please book your tour by downloading the tours_form.

Tours will be confirmed if minimum number of participants will be achieved. You will be requested to provide a credit card valid at least until October 30, 2012. The tours amount will be charged on your credit card only if tours are confirmed. Deadline for tours booking is September 17, 2012, at 6 pm Rome time. Any confirmations or cancellations of tours will be sent to participants by September 21, 2012.

T.1

T.1.A (October 9, 2012, from 1,30 pm to 4,30 pm)

T.1.B (October 10, 2012, from 10,00 am to 1,00 pm)

OUT & ABOUT IN PISA An exciting stroll through the city centre to learn that Pisa is much more than a leaning tower! Come with us to discover a fascinating and almost unknown Pisa on a 3 hours guided tour. The itinerary includes the following: - LUNGARNI (Riverside) the fundamental role of the Arno river throughout the history of the city where you can admire old noble palaces, the church of St. Maria della Spina and the Arsenali (old shipyard) - UNIVERSITY AREA with La Sapienza where Galilei studied - BORGO STRETTO and PIAZZA DELLE VETTOVAGLIE the historical economic ‘heart’ of Pisa, still nowadays main city shopping area: markets, tower houses, shops. The Pisan historical place for exchanging and people interaction since the Middle Age - PIAZZA DEI CAVALIERI a 16th century square, symbol of the Florentine domination and seat of the Normale, a special 19th century university that has formed 3 Nobel Prize winners - PIAZZA DEI MIRACOLI (Field of Miracles) here stand the outstanding symbols of the Maritime Republic greatness: the Baptistery, the Cathedral, the Medieval Cemetery and the world famous Leaning Tower.

Cost: € 26,00 per person (free for children aged up to 15 years old accompanied by parents)

Minimum number required: 20

Included: knowledgeable english speaking local guide


Tel. +39 050 9711721 – fax +39 050 974148 - P.Iva/V.A.T. 01918920503


2

T.2

October 11 from 9.00 am to 6.30 pm FULL DAY TOUR: VOLTERRA

Full day excursion to Volterra, a small town on the top of a hill which still preserves the mediaeval and Etruscan flavour intact. The “magic and mysterious” city of Volterra has its roots in three thousand years of history. It is possible to find evidence and traces from every historical period which gives the artistic city a unique aspect. The ancient city walls, the imposing Porta all’Arco , the Necropolis of Marmini and the numerous archeological finds conserved in the Museo Etrusco Guarnacci like the Ombra della Sera with its unique profile, the funeral urns and the finely crafted jewellery, bear testimony of the Etruscan period. The Theatre of Vallebona survives from the period of Augustus and suggests the importance of Volterra under Roman domination. Today the city conserves above all a Medieval aspect not only for the 12th century city walls but also because of the urban layout with narrow streets, palaces, tower houses and churches. The Renaissance had an important influence on Volterra but without changing the city’s Medieval character. From this period are the superb palaces of Minucci Solaini, Incontri-Viti and Inghirami, which are built into the Medieval city, the imposing Fortezza Medicea and the Convent of San Girolamo. Volterra is also a city of museums. Besides the worldwide known Etruscan Museum there is the Civic Art Gallery with a fine collection of works from the Sienese and Florentine Schools, among which is the Deposition from the Cross by Rosso Fiorentino . The Museum of Sacred Art has an important collection of reliquary, 14th century Sienese sculpture and miniatures. The alabaster craft whose history is inseparable from that of the history of the city, represents another point of great interest. Browsing around the numerous exhibitions and workshops of the city, visitors will be charmed by the magic atmosphere. Besides the art and history the surrounding area is rich in natural beauty.

Cost: € 80,00 per person(eur 40,00 for children aged up to 10 )


Included: knowledgeable english speaking local guide, english speaking tour leader, private coach, light

lunch at typical tuscan trattoria, entrance to museums/monuments.


Tel. +39 050 9711721 – fax +39 050 974148 - P.Iva/V.A.T. 01918920503


3

T.3

October 11 from 9.00 am to 07.00 pm FULL DAY TOUR: LUCCA & VILLAS

Lucca, the City-State : A monumental city still sur rounded by its medieval walls It was the only City-State in Tuscany to have maintained its independence until 1847. It is a unique town that is very proud of its independence and heritage. It defended the freedom of the "Civitas", leaving intact its City Walls that date back to the 16th century. The 4250km-long walls features towers and bastions that are still well-conserved today. Inside the medieval city, there are numerous monuments and artworks from the centuries, like the Roman Amphitheatre , the San Frediano Basilica , the church of San Michele , the San Martino col Volto Santo Cathedral , the tomb of Ilaria del Carretto sculpted by Jacopo della Quercia , the Guinigi Tower , via Fillungo , Palazzo Ducale and many others. The monumental historic centre of the city has remained intact and still reflects its original layout and urban plan. It houses numerous medieval churches of great architectural importance (Lucca has been called the 'city with 100 churches' for the vast number of churches in the city centre), towers and bell towers, and monumental palazzos. The city also features piazza Anfiteatro , built by Lorenzo Nottolini atop the ruins of an older Roman theatre , and the main medieval thoroughfare, via Fillungo . The Guinigi Tower , one of the few towers left standing in the city, is one of the most representative monuments of Lucca. Its most unusual feature is the enormous holm-oak that stands on top of it . In the early 14th century - when it laid inside a much smaller enceinte than the present one - Lucca was extremely proud of its many towers and campanili. As masters of the city, the Guinigi family decided to embellish their austere residences with a tower planted with trees, as a symbol of rebirth and of the power they wielded. It was the wish of the last descendant of the family that the tree-tower and the building in Via Sant'Andrea should become the property of the City of Lucca. Lucca is also well known for its beautiful and ancient botanical garden founded in 1820 by Maria Luisa di Borbone daughter of king of Spain Charles IV, dutchess of Lucca from 1817 until her death in 1824. There are several villas scattered around the countryside near Lucca. To the northeast lie Villa Reale, Villa Torrigiani and Villa Mansi; Villa Garzoni is slightly further afield, at Collodi. These villas served mainly as summer retreats of the local noble families offering cool and shady gardens adorned with statues and lakes. The Villas’ Gardens , their farms’ hills of olive groves and vineyards , characterise the landscape of Lucca’s Province: an unusual mix of art and nature created in the 1500s by the wise and flourishing economy of the rich and independent Republic of Lucca. A heritage standing out in Italy for all that can still be seen and experienced thanks to the owners’ sustained care, who through the centuries have introduced new stiles without completely changing the shape nor the sober Lucchese character. Visiting the Villas is to retrace the history of Lucca’s people, their economy and art, inspired by many European contacts, but strong in its own roots.




lunch at typical tuscan trattoria, entrance to museums/monuments/villas (Torrigiani and Grabau).


Tel. +39 050 9711721 – fax +39 050 974148 - P.Iva/V.A.T. 01918920503


4

T.4

October 13 from 8.00 am to 07.00 pm

FULL DAY TOUR: FLORENCE

Florence: the cradle of Renaissance ! The visit will include Santa Croce church , the Cathedral and Piazza della Signoria , Santa Maria Novella and Ponte Vecchio . With a single day at your disposal you will want to see the chief monuments and walk around the “heart” of the city centre. You start with Piazza del Duomo, facing the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore , begun by Arnolfo di Cambio in 1296 but only in 1436 crowned with the masterpiece of Filippo Brunelleschi. His Cupola (dome) is the symbol of Florence, a daring and majestic structure from the top of which you will get a wonderful panoramic view of the city, and also of the interior of the cathedral. Beside the façade stands another giant, Giotto’s campanile (bell tower), slender and many-coloured, also affording a fine view if the city. Opposite the façade of the Duomo is the more ancient Baptistery of St John , with its famous bronze doors by Ghiberti and Andrea Pisano. If you follow the animated Via dei Calzaiuoli you soon reach Piazza della Signoria, the political heart of Florence. Here rises the late 13th-century Palazzo della Signoria or Palazzo Vecchio, which is the seat of the City Hall of Florence as well as being a museum. Entering the inner courtyard you will notice the fountain of the putto by Verrocchio and frescoes by Vasari. Flanking the piazza is the 14th-century Loggia dei Lanzi, in which there are such world-renowned statues as Benvenuto Cellini’s Perseus and the Rape of the Sabines by Giambologna.

Adjoining Palazzo Vecchio is the imposing pile of the Uffizi , designed by Vasari in the 16th century as the seat of the Chancellery of the ruling Medici family, and now one of the most important museums in the world. The Gallery houses paintings ranging from the primitives (Cimabue, Giotto) to the Mannerist period, and is a complete compendium of Renaissance painting including works by Botticelli, Filippo Lippi, Paolo Uccello, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Ponte Vecchio. One of the symbols of the city, the bridge has survived the ravages of war and the flooding of the Arno, and ever since 1500 has been home to famous goldsmiths’ shops. After crossing the bridge you are in “Oltrarno”, beyond the Arno, a very important matter in Florence. Of the four historical quarters of Florence, three (San Giovanni, Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce), are on “this” side of the Arno, and only one, Santo Spirito, on the other. The road straight ahead from the Ponte Vecchio brings you to Piazza Pitti, dominated by the majestic façade of Palazzo Pitti . Of 15th-century origin, it was bought by Eleonora, wife of Cosimo I, and became the new archducal palace of the Medici, who had previously resided in Palazzo della Signoria. It was enlarged and enhanced with a marvellous park, the Boboli Gardens. Palazzo Pitti is the seat of numerous museums, and the garden itself is one of them.



Included: knowledgeable english speaking local guide, english speaking tour leader, second class train

ticket , light lunch at typical tuscan trattoria, entrance to museums/monuments


Tel. +39 050 9711721 – fax +39 050 974148 - P.Iva/V.A.T. 01918920503


5

T.5

October 14 from 8.00 am to 08.00 pm FULL DAY TOUR: SIENA, SAN GIMIGNANO & MONTERIGGIONI

Siena is a UNESCO world heritage site and this itinerary takes the visitor through its most important sites to gain a general impression of the city. From the Basilica of Saint Dominic, where Saint Catherine relics have been revered for centuries, we go along the old Francigena road, the backbone of medieval Siena. We see the headquarters of Monte dei Paschi, the oldest bank in Europe, Tolomei square and the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption which is a superb example of gothic architecture with rich art patrimony left by artists such as Michelangelo, Donatello, Bernini and Nicola and Giovanni Pisano. There is also a short visit to the Chiagiana Music Academy. The natural end to our itinerary is the famous Campo square. Its special shape encompasses the visitor thereby inviting him to memorise the experience of a journey through time. This town jealously keeps its major treasures in its beautiful palaces. To discover them we have to follow a cultural itinerary through the museums where 14th to 18th century Sienese art is preserved. This walk includes the Cathedral with the Piccolomini Library, the Crypt with its 13th century frescoes, and the very beautiful Baptistery, dating back to the 15th century, where Iacopo della Quercia, Donatello and Ghiberti worked together. At the Museum of the Opera the precious glass window by Duccio with his superb Maesta painted in 1311 are to be found. This itinerary includes a visit to the oldest western hospital, Saint Mary of the Ladder that was formerly a shelter for thousands of pilgrims. Nowadays its evocative vaults host the local Archaeological Museum. The most famous frescoes of the European Middle-Ages and the civic virtues of the 14th century are to be seen at the Civic Museum. This walk comprises the treasures of the National Picture Gallery (Pinacoteca Nazionale). San Gimignano rises on a hill (334m high) dominating the Elsa Valley with its towers. Once the seat of a small Etruscan village of the Hellenistic period (200-300 BC) it began its life as a town in the 10th century taking its name from the Holy Bishop of Modena, St. Gimignano, who is said to have saved the village from the barbarian hordes. The town increased in wealth and developed greatly during the Middle Ages thanks to the "Via Francigena" the trading and pilgrim's route that crossed it. Such prosperity lead to the flourishing of works of art to adorn the churches and monasteries. In 1199 it became a free municipality and fought against the Bishops of Volterra and the surrounding municipalities. Due to internal power struggles it eventually divided into two factions one headed by the Ardinghelli family (Guelphs) and the other by the Salvucci family (Ghibellines). On the 8th May 1300 Dante Alighieri came to San Gimignano as the Ambassador of the Guelph League in Tuscany. In 1348 San Gimignano's population was drastically reduced by the Black Death Plague throwing the city into a serious crisis which eventually led to its submission to Florence in 1353. In the following centuries San Gimignano overcame its decline and isolation when its beauty and cultural importance together with its agricultural heritage were rediscovered. The construction of the towers dates back to the 11th and 13th centuries. The architecture of the city was influenced by Pisa, Siena and Florence. There are 14th century paintings of the Sienese School to be seen and 15th century paintings of the Florentine School. Monteriggioni is a gorgeous small fortified town. Perfectly preserved it is located on a hilltop, at


Tel. +39 050 9711721 – fax +39 050 974148 - P.Iva/V.A.T. 01918920503


6

200 m above the sea level. The citadel is situated in the north of the Sienna province, between the Chianti territory and the Elsa Valley. The wholly walled medieval town comes from the beginning of the 13th century, when the government of Sienna ordered its construction as a military stronghold to be on the watch for the border line with Florence. The circular fortified walls are further than 550 m, 20 m far above the ground with 14 heavily and high square turrets. Dante Alighieri mentioned the turrets of Monteriggioni in the “Divina Commedia”, “Hell”, chant XXXI: “… as with circling round of turrets, Monteriggion crown his walls...” Within the citadel there is a main street that gets along the two entryways: Porta Romea which conducted to Sienna and Porta San Giovanni which led to Florence. Excluding some strengthen works carried on in the last years of the 13th century and in the second half of the 15th century, next to nothing has been done to the fortified walls or to the internal structures of the citadel. Therefore, maybe Monteriggioni is the top fortified town in Italy. Uselessly contended by Florence and also by Volterra, the citadel remained into the territorial jurisdiction of Sienna until the second half of the 16th century. In the 14th century Monteriggioni became a municipality in possession of its lawful statutes. In 1554, the Florentines plotted the way to conquer the unbeatable citadel. The Republic of Sienna had designated Giovannino Zeti as ruler captain in Monteriggioni. Sienna trusted in him as he had been banished from Florence, but they did not know that in the same year Giovannino Zeti was reconciled with the Medici. So he gave the keys of the citadel to the Florentines and the Imperial army, conducted by the Marquis of Maragliano, laid siege to Monteriggioni as well as to the capital city of Sienna forcing them to submit to Florence.




lunch at typical tuscan trattoria, entrance to museums/monuments


Tel. +39 050 9711721 – fax +39 050 974148 - P.Iva/V.A.T. 01918920503


7

T.6

October 8, from 8.30 am to 06.00 pm FULL DAY TOUR: WINE AND OLIVE OIL TASTING @ CASTELNUOVO BERARDENGA

Fèlsina is not only a wine estate, but a traditional Tuscan farm, or fattoria, as well; thus, throughout its history, it has always carried out, in an integrated fashion, various agricultural activities. The most important of these, on a par with winemaking, is olive oil production. The spirit that inspired the project “Olio secondo Veronelli,” or “Olive Oil: Veronelli’s Choice”, arises from the “life-nourishing” imperative, throughout the country, of ensuring that the olive reflects the earth that bears it, and the oil of its parent grove. Right from its inception, we at Fèlsina put unrestricted faith in this philosophy. Beginning in 2002, we singled out three production zones, called “grove units”: Fèlsina, Pagliarese, and Boschi, distinct terroirs for each of the four olive varieties growing there: RAGGIOLO – LECCINO – MORAIOLO – PENDOLINO. The core theme of our activities centres on assaying and “tasting” their differences as they flourish in the Fèlsina microcosm. Absolutely essential for this is the adoption of suitable cultivation practices and processing techniques, along with constant technical and tasting analyses. This is what makes possible effective traceability through every step of production. Cost: € 150,00 per person(eur 100,00 for children aged up to 10 )


Included: knowledgeable english speaking local guide, english speaking tour leader, private coach, lunch

at typical tuscan farm, visit of the historical cellar, visit of the production/new cellar, visit to Felsina’s

and Rancia’s vineyards, guided wine tasting with snacks, olive oil tasting.


Tel. +39 050 9711721 – fax +39 050 974148 - P.Iva/V.A.T. 01918920503


8

T.7

October 12, from 8.30 am to 02.00 pm HALF DAY TOUR: THE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

Situated amongst the idyllic Tuscan countryside is The Mall. In an exquisite architectural space, a collection of the world’s most exclusive brands are presented in an artistically unique style. Visitors can freely mingle among stores dedicated to clothing and accessories specific for women, men and children, as well as fragrance, footwear and home products. The Mall is a luxury outlet centre tailored to offer the visitor immaculate products at the very best possible prices. In the heart of Italy, within close proximity to the major cities of Tuscany, a visit to The Mall is one that will not be easily forgotten.

The main brands are: ALEXANDER MCQUEEN, ARMANI JEANS, BALENCIAGA, BOTTEGA VENETA, BURBERRY, DIOR, ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA, FENDI, GIORGIO ARMANI, GUCCI, HOGAN, I PINCO PALLINO, LORO PIANA, MARNI, PUCCI, ROBERTO CAVALLI, SALVATORE FERRAGAMO, SERGIO ROSSI, STELLA MCCARTNEY, TOD’S, VALENTINO, YVES SAINT LAURENT

As well as the stores and restaurants, there are many onsite facilities to make your visit comfortable. These include a multilingual information centre and a tourist information point, ATM machines and a tax refund office for those living outside of the European Union. The Mall is fully wheelchair accessible



Included: english speaking tour leader, private coach, welcome drink


Tel. +39 050 9711721 – fax +39 050 974148 - P.Iva/V.A.T. 01918920503


9

T.8

October 12, from 9.00 am to 2.30 pm HALF A DAY TOUR: COOKING CLASS

Enjoy typically Tuscan dishes, experience an informative cookery class with an helpful assistant and learn the recipes as they are created. The perfect way to enjoy Tuscan food the way mamma intended it. One of the most interesting and fascinating experiences in Tuscany is taking part in a cooking class. Tuscan cuisine is based on simple but tasty recipes belonging to rooted traditions and coming from wise farming. Our cook prepares exactly the meals that Tuscans eat at home, using the same fresh and genuine ingredients with the help of very useful tricks. Our courses are ideal also for small and large groups and take part in two typical Tuscan farm houses in the area of Terricciola , known as città del vino , town of wine.. The atmosphere is relaxed, cozy and authentic. The experience is hands-on. The duration of the classes lasts 3 hours and they can be arranged in the morning, before you sit at a table and enjoy all the delicacies you have prepared. The traditional Tuscan meal is made of appetizers, first course, second course and dessert. Example of menu: Appetizers: Panzanella – typical bread salad with fresh vegetables First course: Handmade Tagliatelle with two sauces: a mushrooms and sausages sauce and the farmer sauce (vegetarian) Second course: Beef in a Chianti wine sauce Dessert: traditional Tiramisu The rate includes: local cook and English speaking assistant, hands-on preparation of all the dishes, aprons and hats, personalized menu booklet, served lunch, matching wines and water.

Cost: € 160,00 per person

Minimum and Max number required: 20

Included: english speaking tour leader, private coach, lunch, aprons & hats as souvenir


Tel. +39 050 9711721 – fax +39 050 974148 - P.Iva/V.A.T. 01918920503


10

T.9

October 10, from 9.00 am to 3.30 pm HALF DAY TOUR: OLIVE OIL TASTING WITH FAUSTO BORELLA (INTERNATIONAL OLIVE OIL

EXPERT AND TV STAR)

A special and exclusive experience for those who wish to know the secrets of the extra-virgin olive. A space for those who wish to discover the Italian places where is celebrated the moment of combination olive oil-food with care and passion. You will have the chance to make this journey with one of the most experienced European experts in the olive oil world: Fausto Borella. For years Fausto has been involved in improving and promoting the study of extra virgin olive oil. After working and studying with the international master chef Luigi Veronelli, Fausto Borella participated in the creation of the official training of Olive Oil Sommelier Association. He is often a special guest as outstanding expert in Television and Radio broadcasts in Italy and Europe. The program tailored for the ICP2012 conference will include: visit to a typical Tuscan farm that produces olive oil, visit to the olive tree groves, possible activity in the collection of olives, olive oil tasting, wine tasting, light lunch. The farm will be located nearby Pisa/Livorno.

Cost: € 230,00 per person

Minimum and Max number required: 25

Included: english speaking tour leader, private coach, lunch, olive oil bottle, visit to the Tuscan farm,

wine and olive oil tasting, harvesting and crushing, collection of olives experience.


Tel. +39 050 9711721 – fax +39 050 974148 - P.Iva/V.A.T. 01918920503


11

T.10

October 9, from 9.00 am to 3.30 pm

HALF DAY TOUR: CITRUS GARDEN

AN INTERNATIONAL GARDEN famous for over 200 different varieties of citrus fruits from all over the world. It is not an orchard but a real botanic garden where one can admire ancient cultivar from the Medicean epoch from the year 500 , rare and exotic varieties from the far orient and also new more modern varieties originating from the Australian Continent. With 2000 square metres in extent the main large greenhouse acts as a coverage for the park protecting it from the weather and permitting one to visit it in all seasons. The park takes the visitor by surprise with a new route full of curiosity and offers the general public unaccustomed to this field a particularly exhilarating experience. The collection of plants are set out in pathways and green tunnels with fountains and large statues inspired by the fable of Pinocchio. You will find there the magic of the citrus. The extraordinary shapes, colours and their harmony. You will look closely at some of the most beautiful and special species of citrus fruits in the world. The 2.000 square meters greenhouse is located between Pisa and Florence and can be easily visited also in case a bad weather. After the visit you will have a JOURNEY INTO THE FLAVOURS: Already by the time of the Medici family, the citrus trees were used to make drugs and food. In order to once again propose these flavours, the Tintori family that created this garden three generations ago, has developed an extraordinary assortment of delicious products, which will give you the freshness and the marvellous perfume of the fruits as if they had just been harvested. All products are biological. Cost: € 85,00 per person (eur 60,00 for children aged up to 10 )


Included: english speaking tour leader, private coach, english speaking guided tour, guided tasting of: marmelade, Limoncello

liqueur, citrus soft drink, light lunch


Tel. +39 050 9711721 – fax +39 050 974148 - P.Iva/V.A.T. 01918920503


12

T.11

October 13, from 10.00 am to 2.30 pm HALF DAY TOUR: WINE TASTING @ TENUTA DI GHIZZANO, PISA

Ghizzano is a small hillside village about 200 metres above sea level, located on the Tuscan coast, 40 km from Livorno and 40 km south of Pisa. The winery and olive mill are situated around the tower built by the Venerosi Pesciolini family in 1370. We are in the area known as Colline Pisane, which comprises a range of hills southeast of Pisa. None of these gently rolling hills exceeds an altitude of 200 metres: the landscape is “soft” and the climate is mild, mitigated as it is by sea winds, without extreme temperatures and with no great risk of spring frosts. The soil is a very interesting mixture. The area was once covered by the sea and the sandy-limy-clay soil of Pliocene origin is still very rich in fossil shells. The Tenuta di Ghizzano estate consists of about 865 acres, 50 of which are cultivated as vineyards, 50 as olive groves, 370 with cereal crops and 370 as woods and poplar groves. Our aim is to keep investing in natural agriculture and viticulture to offer the market limited quantities of outstandingly high quality products, respecting the characteristics that wine and oil can express in this area, without forgoing the style, elegance and wealth of perfumes offered by these gentle hills. Producing small quantities of our wine , but very, very well…The visit will start from the Italian style garden (“Giardino all’italiana") dating from the beginning of the 19th century. Among “Venuses and Arthemides“, cypresses arches and oak clusters, turtle doves and turtles lead your way. Visit of the vineyards that are bio-cultivated, then the Visit to the old 18th century cellar where the wine is kept to age, the tower built by the Venerosi Pesciolini family in 1370. The wine and olive oil tasting will be offered in the main ancient dining hall decorated by a precious and unique collection of silver spoons. The wines that will be presented are: IL GHIZZANO red, VENEROSO red, NAMBROT red and VINSANTO (sweet white dessert wine) upon availability. A light lunch will follow. Cost: € 110,00 per person (eur 70,00 for children aged up to 10 )

Minimum and maximum number required: 30

Included: english speaking tour leader, private coach, english speaking guided tour, wine and olive oil

tasting, light lunch, visit of the garden, visit to the production cellar, wine and olive oil tasting.


Tel. +39 050 9711721 – fax +39 050 974148 - P.Iva/V.A.T. 01918920503


13

T.12

October 12, from 08.30 am to 5.30 pm FULL DAY TOUR: POTTERY CLASS @ MONTELUPO FIORENTINO

The art of ceramics is an essential part of Montelupo Fiorentino’s history. Its origins goes back to remote times, between 1400 and 1530, when Montelupo was the centre of maiolica’s production for the city of Florence. The golden age of Montelupo’s glazed production begun during the last ten years period of 1400: a growth phase which will last until circa 1530. That was the period of Florence families’ big orders: Medici, Strozzi, Peruzzi, Pandolfini, Pucci, Machiavelli, C orsini, Minerbetti, when everybody competes to possess a dinner set with family’s coat of arms or plates with heraldic devices like the Filippo Strozzi’s one. Montelupo’s ceramists are asked to m ake great noble equipments too as the “alla porcellana” dinner set for Clarice Medici Strozzi, Filippo Strozzi’s wife, which has to stand competition with chinese porcelain imported from th e east. Pieces crafted in Montelupo reaches every part of the world, through mercantile courses. Montelupo’s maiolica remains were found in Great Britain, Spain, The Netherlands, and also Argentina and Cuba. Some of the pieces are part of valuables art’s collections, including Victoria and Albert Museums of London. Local artisans were real artists who handed on their knowledge and experience into workshops: a knowledge’s conveyance which was handed down from generation to generation. The “artisan workshops” system worked well for many years, but recent economical and social changes has challenged it. The application of new technologies, the need to place side by side technical knowledge and theoretical elements, the new social context that made unlikely for sons to follow their fathers’ way, forced some changes in the educational processes. The ceramics school was founded in order to create an high professional centre, where history of maiolica and its techniques are taught. During numerous years the school developed the ability to attract the interest of an increasing number of people coming from many part of Italy and from all over the world . During the day professional ceramists will take the group on a guided tour of the school and showing some processes of the making of pottery. A short 4 hours pottery lab will follow: the basics of use of pottery wheel, ceramic painting and decoration, and techniques on majolica. After the ceramic class a light lunch will be served in a typical Tuscan trattoria. The visit to the Ceramics Museum of Montelupo will follow: History and development of Medieval and Renaissance Majolica, Visit of the Museo della Ceramica: the production of Majolica in Montelupo from XIII to XVIII centuries. Visit of an ancient furnace: ceramic working methods from the pre industrial period. This unique experience will end with the shopping in a local ceramics manufacturer. Cost: € 180,00 per person (the pottery class is not permitted to guests aged under 18 for security

reasons)


Included: english speaking tour leader, private coach, english speaking guided laboratories, basics of

pottery class, coffee break, light lunch, entrance to Montelupo Tuscan Pottery museum and english

speaking guided tour


Tel. +39 050 9711721 – fax +39 050 974148 - P.Iva/V.A.T. 01918920503


14

T.13

October 8, from 08.30 am to 1.30 pm HALF DAY TOUR: CHOCOLATE TASTING @ PONTEDERA PISA AND VISIT TO MUSEO

PIAGGIO

An unforgettable trip transporting your senses from the sun-drenched cocoa plantations......to the aroma of chocolate that envelops you while you take this exciting and extraordinary journey. For the first time Amedei has decided to open its doors to small groups of visitors. Those that want to share this thrilling journey can immerse themselves in a magical atmosphere; discover the path that chocolate takes from the cocoa bean to the fruition of the Amedei creations, and taste the chocolates and pralines. The tours will allow you to follow the various processes of chocolate making, by means of an explanatory video and chocolate tasting, as you walk through the whole production process (from the beans to the grains of cocoa and from the refinement of the mixture right through to conching or processing of the chocolate). Finally there is a chance for you to learn the art of chocolate tasting. Indulge yourselves in chocolate like never before! Inaugurated on the 29th March 2000, the Piaggio Museum occupies 3,000 sq. m. of what used to be the company toolshop in one of the oldest buildings in Pontedera. It is an example of the harmonious conversion of an industrial area for cultural purposes. The Museum was designed with the aim of preserving the historic memory of the most important metal-mechanical company in the centre-south of Italy. The Museum tells the history of products that represent excellence in creativity and technological competence, while exalting the entrepreneurial capabilities of the people who designed and produced them. The Museum's halls display Vespa and Gilera collections alongside the most significant of Piaggio's numerous products. The Vespas on display are the most beautiful and the rarest of their kind, such as the prestigious Vespa Dali' or the record-breaking Vespas . Beside the Vespa are the products that made the history of the company before it, the mopeds such as the Ciao and Si' that changed Italians habits. The multi-functional Ape , the truck that artisans and retailers over the generations have used and appreciated for its versatility. Besides Vespa and Piaggio products, the Museum displays the most beautiful and most famous motorcycles from the two-ring Gilera brand, including 1950s models like the Saturno and the Gilera 500 that kindled the dreams of an entire generation of sports enthusiasts.

Cost: € 140,00 per person (eur 70,00 for children aged up to 10)


Included: english speaking tour leader, private coach, english speaking guided tour, entrance to Piaggio

museum and english speaking guided tour, visit to the chocolate factory and production, chocolate

tasting, coffee break


Tel. +39 050 9711721 – fax +39 050 974148 - P.Iva/V.A.T. 01918920503


15

T.14

October 12 from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm

3 HOURS WALKING TOUR: PISA & GALILEO GALILEI

Just a few know that the great scientist Galileo Galilei was born in Pisa . Here he spent his childhood and later gave lectures at the University of Pisa (one of the most antique in Euro pe). For the city those were years of many innovations both politically and culturally speaking. The Medici family moved their court to Pisa for the winter and completely reorganised the University transforming it into the Tuscan Granduchy University. Strolling through the city centre, our guide will take you to the places where Galileo was born and formed himself and where he made some of his most fundamental discoveries and revolutionary theories.

This guided tour offers a chance to discover Pisa at the time of one of its many rebirths. The Florentine domination brought new chances for business, culture and politics with the opening of new international exchanges, new and modern infrastructures and the foundation of the order of the Knights of St. Stephen. this tour guide includes entrance to the Cathedral . This magnificent temple was not just completely redecorated in the years that Galileo spent in Pisa (making of it one of the most beautiful churches in Italy still nowadays), it was here that Galilei got the ‘spark’ of ingeniousness that will bring him to the Pendulum Theory . Here the so called ‘Galileo’s Chandelier’, that is at the base of this theory, is still visible hanging above the main altar from the gilded ceilin g. Duration of the guided tour: about 3 hours.

Cost: € 30,00 per person (free for children aged up to 10)


Included: english speaking guided tour, entrance to Cathedral


Tel. +39 050 9711721 – fax +39 050 974148 - P.Iva/V.A.T. 01918920503


16

SELF SERVICE TOURS: USEFUL LINKS www.toscanaintour.it Hire scooter and bikes - scooter for rent Pisa Tour on bike - The leaning tower on risciò www.agriturismoghizzano.it spending wonderful time in the Pisan countryside http://www.pisaunicaterra.it/en/ all about Pisa and local events

T1A (ctber 9 2012 fr 1 30 p t 430 p ) T1B (ctber 10 2012 ... · Lucca, the City-State : A ... the...

Documents

Transcript of T1A (ctber 9 2012 fr 1 30 p t 430 p ) T1B (ctber 10 2012 ... · Lucca, the City-State : A ... the...