🤍🖤 La terra in Piazza…Palio in the air…🖤🤍 Watch the Piazza del Campo transform (and see me step onto the “tufo” for the first time this year!). Horses will be in the Piazza at 5am on the 27th, and in ten Contrade’s stables on the 29th…can you feel the excitement building? #ilpaliodisiena #ilpaliodiprovenzano #siena #palio #palioèvita #piazzadelcampo

⚜️💜⚜️ Had a tour with a wonderful family in Florence on Sunday (all of us were troopers in the 95° heat!), and then, since it was the second semifinal of the Calcio Storico, I decided that I should take advantage and go! ‘Calcio’ means ‘kick’, and soccer/football is ‘calcio’ in italiano, but the Calcio Storico is absolutely nothing like any soccer game you’ve ever seen! The 4 quartieri of Florence compete in 2 semifinals, and the winners of each play on 24 June for glory in honour of St John the Baptist, patron saint of the city. Saturday saw the Rossi ❤️ of Sant Maria Novella Triumph over the Azzurri 💙 of Santa Croce, and I witnessed the Bianchi 🤍 of Santo Spirito battle it out with the Verdi 💚 of San Giovanni. On 24 June, it will be Rossi vs Verdi! ❤️💚 Just what does the game entail? Allora, the Calcio Storico dates back to at least 1530, when the Florentines descended into Piazza Santa Croce to play a game of football (soccer), despite being under attack by the troops of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. This act of defiance then became an annual tradition until the early 17th century. This rather violent sport was resurrected in 1930 under Mussolini’s regime (he had a thing for such masculine traditions) and it is once again an annual event played between the 4 quartieri of the city. Each match is preceded by a procession as the competitors make their way to Piazza Santa Croce, so expect to see people (and animals!) in historic dress, complete with music and flag displays, plus the chanting and singing of the competing quartieri! Although I still don’t quite understand the rules of this soccer-rugby-wrestling-boxing match, grand traditions are always a joy to behold! ⚜️💜⚜️ #calciostorico #calciostoricofirenze #firenze #sienaitalytours #bianchisantospirito #verdi_sangiovanni #rossisantamarianovella

🎟️ After enjoying the sites in Siena, head over to the Fortezza for an aperitivo and a ride on the flying chairs (or just watch those brave enough to go on them)! 🎡🎢 #siena #vivifortezza #lestateinizia #summerfun #lunaparksiena #funfairsiena #sienaitalytours

🍷Is there any better way to spend a spring day than with good friends and good vino? 🍇 The Sesti Estate at the Castello Argiano* was gorgeous, and the history behind this land so very interesting. Etruscan then Roman roots, an 8th-c church, an 11th-c castle, and a 20th-c polymath** - what’s not to love? *from “Ara Jani”, altar of Janus **Giuseppe Maria Sesti (d. 2024): opera director, author (expert on astronomy and mythology), and, from 1990, organic wine producer. His presence is greatly missed by all. #sestiwine #sestiwinery #argianobrunellodimontalcino #brunellodimontalcino #montalcino #tuscanwine #winetastingintuscany #winewithfriends #morevino #morevinoplease #sienaitalytours

🇬🇧Siena Classica Tour ⏱️ Daily at 11:00 📍Dear Guests, Via di Città 48 🎟️ €40 (youth and family discounts apply), including ticket to Duomo and Palazzo delle Papesse (with this stunning view!)! 🇮🇹 Tour Siena Classica ⏱️ tutti i giorni alle 12:15 📍Dear Guests, Via di Città 48 🎟️ €40 (tariffe ridotte per bambini, ragazzi, e famiglie), biglietti per il Duomo e Palazzo delle Papesse inclusi (con questa vista mozzafiato!)! https://www.guidesiena.it/acquista/tour-siena-classica #operalaboratori #dearguests #siena #guidedtourssiena #visiteguidatesiena #duomodisiena #palazzodellepapesse #centroguidesiena #sienaitalytours

🧑🏼‍🍳 It’s been a long time since I’ve worn an apron, but sometimes you need to get away from the stones of Florence and into the Chianti countryside and partake in an unforgettable cooking experience. After just a 15-min train ride, you will be welcomed into Luca and Lorenzo’s gorgeous home, surrounded by green hills and blossoming flowers. As you make what will probably be your best meal during your time in Italy, you will learn all about culinary traditions from the north to the south of the peninsula. Genuine warmth radiates from your hosts as you start to feel a part of these traditions, even as you struggle with your rolling pin. After many a toast with new friends, you will head back to the city with a smile on your face and a glow in your heart. This may sound a bit cheesy, but this is truly how I felt! ❣️ Grazie di cuore, Luca e Lorenzo! ❣️ 👉 Learn more about this experience here: https://www.lovexfood.com #lovexfooditaly #lastraasigna #cookingexperienceflorence #italianculinarytraditions #pastamakingflorence #tiramisuwithatwist #rollingpinineptitude #sienaitalytours

Spring is finally springing! The Rose Garden of Florence isn’t quite ready for instagram yet, but soon the roses will be in full bloom (just in time for my birthday!). 🌹So on your way up to Piazzale Michelangelo for the best views of the city, take a detour through this lovely (and free) garden! #florenceinbloom #firenzeinfiore #rosegardenflorence #giardinodellerosefirenze #jeanmicjelfolon #piazzalemichelangelo #piazzalemichelangiolo #sienaitalytours

A beautiful day at work! #localguidesdoitbetter #guidelocali #guidelocalisiena #siena #latorredelmangia #piazzadelcampo #sienaitalytours