our suggestions to make your next vacation an unique experience!

• Make plans to visit the newly opened Museo dell’Opera del Duomo and be prepared for the visual itinerary which will have you feeling the power of the more than 1000 artists who contributed to the Duomo in Florence. With over 70 rooms, a panoramic terrace and 200 plus pieces of artwork – this museum is a spectacular testament to the works it exhibits.
• Take your kids to Winter Park – The garden of theObihall has been turned into a winter snow park with an ice skating rink and snow tube downhill slope (Oct 26-Feb 28)

and also ..

In December do not miss:

– La Sagra degli Antichi Sapori – (The Ancient Tastes Festival) will be held in Lastra a Signa.  This is a celebration of the most well-known local dishes, from entrées to desserts,  Truely an occasion for tasting delicious recipes prepared according to ancient traditions with the perfectly fitting touch of modern cuisine (from December 6 to 8).

– Then enjoy watching a traditional car race along the panoramic and enchanting roads of Chianti.   Driven among vineyards, stunning views, olives and tall whispering cypress trees on December 5 and 6 in Tavarnelle Val di Pesa and Barberino Val d’Elsa: the Rally della Fettunta!  Fettunta is that delicious grilled bread served with a bit of extra virgin olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper. The perfect way for tasting the season’s new oil olive

 In January do not miss

– Birraio dell’anno is a competition to choose the best brewer in Italy. Traditionally housed in the Obihall theatre in Florence, where visitors will have the opportunity to try out up to 100 beer selections; chosen among the best artisan beers in Italy. Brewers will serve their prestigious products by describing how they are made, where ingredients come from and many other curiosities about the tasteful world of beers (from January 20-22)

In February do not miss

– Uffizi Gallery: Everyone is interested in the wonderful history of art hidden behind each and every single masterpiece may take advantage of the free guided visits to several of the Gallery rooms and collections, like the Contini-Bonacossi Collection and the ex-Church of San Piero Scheraggio. Normally closed to the public. Visits may be reserved in advance.

– Palazzo Congressi from February 17th to 21nd:   On the occasion of this international fair, the underground of Palazzo Vecchio will be open to public, giving visitors the chance to discover and appreciate how the city of Florence was about 2000 years ago. See also official website.

And …. February practically means Carnival!  As Piazza Santa Maria Novellato will be home to a special edition of Carnival of Chocolate, a sweet fair that is going to take place from February 10  to February 19.  The Artisan Chocolate Fair will draw thousands of chocoholics from everywhere, for tasting all kinds of this specialty made by artisans coming from all Italy.  A fabulous occasion for seeing chocolate sculptures and artistic creations, taking part in labs, workshops, special events and cooking classes already scheduled. Freely sampling every kind of chocolate variety,  you may imagine and directly purchase the ones you prefer from artisans (to take home and indulge in later or give your sweetheart as San Valentine’s gift!).  Fair is opened 10am – 10pm on weekends and 10am – 8pm on weekdays and admission is free.

In March do not miss

At the Stazione Leopolda TASTE Florence a convention dedicated to find the best in flavor and in foods according to traditional lifestyes.  At Pontassieve, the perfume of chocolate will grace the Festival of Chocolate with chocolate masters from all over Italy.  There will be a chance to taste and buy at a sweet little market with more than just chocolate see also vintage and antique items.

In Piazza Santissima Annunziata you can stop and browse . . . and taste . . . a wide range of local products including salami, cheeses and desserts at the Marzolina event.

OUTSIDE FLORENCE   

San Donato in Collina charming hilltop village where every Saturday and Sunday until March 20., the typical fried fritelle made with rice, milk and orange zest will be the protagonist of the Florentine culinary panorama.

In the last weekend of February, Scandicci is home to a sweet and delicious event that will tickle the palate of both kids and grown-ups alike: ChocolArt.

The medieval village of Certaldo, will be home to the local antiques market on the third Sunday of February.

The Sbaracco will be held in Castelfiorentino during the last weekend of February.  An open-air special deals market that will crowd and spread out over all of the tiny streets of the historical center with stands and deals you won’t want to miss out on!

On Sundays February 12-19-26 and March 25, in Spicchio-Sovigliana, a fraction of Vinci village where the famous Leonardo was born don’t miss the Carnevale sulle Due Rive  fun parades with colored floats that the inhabitants have made for children.  People will have at their disposal an inflatable park and a chocolate market that everyone eagerly anticipates!   An amazing closing ceremony that, like every year, will include wonderful fireworks!

Signa will celebrate the 50th edition of the San Mauro Carnival through a festive parade with interesting and colorful floats and small trains mostly dedicated to children.  With some of the most popular cartoons as protagonists of the festival (such as Peppa Pig and the Lego building blocks).  Free entrance!   (Sunday January 24,31 February 7 and Tuesday Februrary 9

The entire province of Florence will be home to many Carnival manifestations you can take part of, if you’re inclined. Most of them are free (at the very least, a donation is very much appreciated!), and you can enter the parade and get on the float as long as you like to.  These are some happening in the province: Dicomanno ,  Carnevalino di Vicchio ),  Montespertoli Carnival Festival,   Certaldo Carnival  & the Carnevale Mugellano in Borgo San Lorenzo

Italian and International Street Food will be on the program for March (dates to be advised) in Castelfiorentino.

Certaldo will host the traditional truffle food festival on March 4-5-6, 11-12-13 and 18-19-20 March at 8pm.  .