Comments on our Castle Wine Tour

We've recently introduced a new tour and we're excited to be recieving rave reviews. The Marvelous Chianti Castle Wine Tour takes place in a historic castle in the Chianti Hills and includes wine tastings and a light Tuscan lunch. You not only will learn about wine production, but also about the fascinating history of the Medieval and Renessiance families who once lived in the very castle you will be visiting. Don't take our word for it, though. Here are some comments from those who participated in the tour this week:

"Wonderful location, history, countryside. The host of the winetasting was wonderful...fantastic guide, lots of information, very personal, would highly recommend!"

"This tour will probablly be the highlight of my trip. I saw jaw dropping views of the Tuscan countryside and will recommend it to all my friends."

To find out more about this tour and others, please visit our website at: www.italy.artviva.com

Maurizio Seracini - 60 Minutes!

We are pleased to announce the exciting special produced by CBS 60 Minutes on the work of Maurizio Seracini, an internationally renowned art sleuth, concerning his 30 year search for the lost Leonardo Da Vinci masterpiece. Maurizio Seracini is available for exclusive private visits to the site of the search in the stunning Palazzo Vecchio under the Artviva Exclusive Experiences program. Contact Rose Magers rose@artviva.com for more information.

See a video from CBS 60 Minutes by clicking here

See links to our site and more information about Maurizio Seracini and bookings for Artviva Exclusive Experiences here

See also our new My Prestigious Great Art Mysteries tour of the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence for an insight into Maurizio Seracini's fascinating work.

Holiday Shopping in Florence

Do you have a long list of people you still need to buy holiday gifts for? Looking for something unique for the person who "has it all"? Let our personal shopping guides help you!

After years of recommending the best shopping around, we now have a shopping tour with top tips for great shopping in Florence. Looking for leather? We point out the best buys… We also see Florence's best ceramics, paper, gifts, jewellery, clothes, linen and shoes. Save time and save money with our carefully selected reputable suppliers. We follow a strict policy of 'Integrity in Travel'; we do not accept commissions from shops, instead selected shops offer discounts to Walking Tours of Florence customers!

For more information and to book, visit our website at: http://www.italy.artviva.com/italytravel_best_tours_tour/florence_tuscany/shopping_florence

Experience the Magic of Florence during the Holiday Season!

Your own private guide will show you will some of the glorious historic sights of the city (Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria and the Duomo) as well as point out great places to do your holiday shopping! You’ll discover the hidden Christmas presepi (Italian Nativity scenes) decorating the small churches through-out the city and delight in the most famous Christmas procession frescoes located in the Medici Palace. A short break half-way through the tour will allow you to indulge in traditional roasted chestnuts and the tour will end at the winter Christmas markets in Piazza Santa Croce*

For more information and to book, visit our website at: http://www.italy.artviva.com/winter_tour_specials_2005

English Theater Performances in Florence

The English Language Theater presents "The Butterfingers Angel, Mary, Joseph, Herod the Nut and the Slaughter of the 12 Hit Carols in a Pear Tree" for Christmas. Performances will be at 16:00 and 21:00 at the Teatro di Cestello in Piazza Cestello on December 13-15. For more information and to purchase tickets, call 055 239 9949 or visit www.florencetheater.com.

Celebrating Tuscany Day

Tuscany Day has been celebrated on November 30 each year since the Tuscan Region voted to establish it in 2001. The holiday marks the day that the Grand Duke of Tuscany abolished the death penalty in 1786. Tuscans proudly note that this was the first place in the world it was abolished. Many events and concerts are planned throughout the region. For more information, see www.firenze.net.

Growing Up As a Medici

Attention all kids! Come explore life in Florence during the Renaissance through the eyes of Lorenzo "The Magnificent" de Medici! Artviva continues it series of Kids' Treasure Hunts in English with a walking tour for kids ages 8-12 where they will learn how children lived in Florence during the Renaissance and visit the Palazzo Medici-Riccardi.

Join us for the Life in the Renaissance as a Medici Treasure Hunt, on Saturday, November 24 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. for 18 Euros per person plus 3.50 per child and 5 Euros per adult for museum entrance. Spaces are limited to 15. For more information and to book visit: http://www.italy.artviva.com/italytravel_best_tours_tour/florence_tuscany/florence_for_kids email staff@artviva.com or call 055.2645033.

English Christmas Fair in Florence

Join the British Institute at their Christmas Fair. There will be a selection of books, films, handmade crafts and festive food available. All proceeds will help support the Library at the British Institute. The Fair will be held on the ground floor of the Library – entry no.15 Lungarno Guicciardini on Friday, 30 November, from 15.00 to 18.00

Extraordinary Chance to See Hidden Art in Siena

Until October 27th you can be one of the few people to see the entire pavement inside the Duomo in Siena. The Cathedral floor is famously inlaid with mosaics representing virtues, sybils, allergories, and scenes from the Old Testament of the Bible, created between the 14th and 16 centuries. Usually only small portions of the floor are uncovered for viewing, so this is really a rare opportunity. While you are in the Duomo you'll also want to visit the gorgeous Pinturicchio frescoes in the Piccolomini Library, where illuminated manuscripts are also on display.

The Duomo is open from 10:30 am to 7:30 pm and is 6 Euros per person.

For a lovely day trip to both Siena and San Gimignano, see our "Best of Tuscany" tour at http://www.italy.artviva.com/italytravel_best_tours_tour/tuscany_tour/best_of_tuscany.

Meet Traditional Tuscan Artisans

A new store in Florence called Maestri di Fabbrica features one-of-a-kind wares made by artisans from all over Tuscany. The beautifully frescoed Renaissance building provides a tranquil environment where you can meet directly with the artisans and hear about the traditional methods still used to make their products. Browse through beautiful objects made of glass, alabaster, copper, leather, and fabrics.

Maestri di Fabbrica is located at Borgo degli Albizzi, 68/r in Florence.

If the idea of meeting traditional artisans and learning about their centuries-old techniques sounds appealing to you, consider joining us on our Artisans Workshop Tour. For more information, see the Artviva website at: http://www.italy.artviva.com/italytravel_best_tours_tour/personalized_tours/private_artisans_tour_florence