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Wine tasting
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The
cost for the week at Villa Al
Boschiglia includes wine with meals.
Chris buys by the case and selects wines from different regions of
Tuscany for each meal.
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If requested, Chris will organize a wine tasting during one of the group meals. Tasting sessions are conducted by a member of the Italian Association of Sommeliers
(AIS).
If you've ever wanted to try a few super Tuscan's and the emerging
wines of Sicily, this is your chance. Cost varies depending on wines
chosen but ranges from 30 to 50 euros per person including the cost
for the professional sommelier..
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These
are fun, enlightening sessions and a great learning experience of
Tuscan wines. Local wines from Lucca, Chianti wines such as
Antinori's Chianti Classico, Solaia, Tignanellos, etc or the
incredible wines that are now coming out of Bolgheri such as
Grattamacco, Sassicaia, Ornellaia, Guado al Tasso. Let Chris know
which wines interest you and he'll put together a program and
provide a clear cost guide.
Villa Al Boschiglia's wine cellar...
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- Cycling
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The Villa comes
equipped with four bicycles. Bicycles may also be rented in
Lucca for a cycling tour of the city.
Tour a working vineyard
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Montapulciano: The
highest of the Tuscan hill towns, is stunningly beautiful, full of
vistas, odd squares and corners, and endowed with dozens of
Renaissance palazzi and churches. The town is wealthy today
from it's wine industry, based on the famed Vin Nobile, and
maintains a low tourist profile.
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Montalcino: The approach to Montalcino winds uphill through a
sea of vineyards. Here flourish the San Giovese Grosso grapes
that make the famous Brunello di Montalcino. The architecture
may recal Sienna but the numerous enoteche selling Brunello
constantly remind that this is the city that gives the coveted wine
it's name.
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Sant' Antimo: The Abbey of
Sant' Antimo is located a short
walk from the medieval hamlet of Castelnuovo dell' Abate and sits
splendidly isolated and unspoilt in a timeless landscape of fields,
olive groves, and wooded hills. The abbey is maintained by a
small group of French monks who celebrate Mass several times daily
in haunting Gregorian chant.
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Shopping
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Lucca
is the place. Luccanese pride themselves on their sense of style and
fashion and the town is full of wonderful shops for food, wine,
clothing and leather. Most Italian designers have stores in the
city.
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Getting
around
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If you plan on spending
several days touring Tuscany, I would recommend renting a car for
the week. Lucca is the hub of a broad transportation network
covering all of the northwest. The Versilian coast is
extremely accessible with both buses and trains constantly shuttling
passengers to the coast. The train routes offer a perfect
opportunity for a cirlcular tour — up the coast, then changing at
Aulla for a trip down through Lunigiana and Garfagnana, on the east
side of the Apuane. If all you want to do is scan scenery, it
is easily done in a day.
(Thoughts about driving in
Italy)
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Equestrian
facility
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There
is an equestrian centre next door at the Villa Controni and riding
lessons are available.
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Opera
and theatre
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There is the Teatro Giglio
in Lucca. Tickets range from $25.00CND to $60.00CND and there are
a variety of performances.
Golf
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There are two 18 hole golf
courses within easy drive as well as a local driving range.
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Villa
Al Boschiglia Frequently
asked questions about Escaping to Tuscany
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Massage
and Spas
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A
local masseuse who will come out to the Villa as and when required.
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A
few minutes drive to the east of the villa is an area known as the
Valdinievole (Valley of Mists), a region of subterranean streams and
springs that now harbours one of Italy's main concentrations of spa
towns. No spa in Italy has a glossier reputation than
Montecatini Terme, as can be gauged from the fact that the likes of
Gucci and Gianfranco Ferre find it profitable to have a branch
here. We can arrange spa visits for you.
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Chris
the Cook cooking classes...... Hire Chris
the Cook...
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