Girls Fun Under The Tuscan Sun

“Holiday for the Girls” – Orange Appeal Magazine

tara — Tue, 01 May 2012 17:46:32 +0000
The Girls Fun Under The Tuscan Sun Eat, Pray, Love Getaway itinerary was featured in this month’s issue of Orange Appeal Magazine! For more information, check out the article “Holiday for the Girls” in the May/June 2012 issue of Orange Appeal Magazine or contact us to get more details and start planning your summer getaway now!
Tara Fontana: Founder of Girls Fun Under The Tuscan Sun

tara — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 18:32:27 +0000
Tuesday April 10, Tara Fontana had the opportunity to sit down with Amy Kaufeldt at Fox 35 News to talk about her newest Girls Fun Under The Tuscan Sun trip itinerary, the Eat, Pray, Love Getaway planned for this summer!
Girls Fun Under The Tuscan Sun: MyFoxORLANDO.com


Eat, Pray, Love Summer 2012 Itinerary
tara — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 19:26:06 +0000
Eat the gastronomic delights of the Tuscan region, Pray you find that perfect handbag, Love every minute of it…

DAY 1: Saturday, July 7^th
Welcome to Tuscany


Arrival at Florence airport. Private transfer to Villa La Gigliola, Montespertolai
Settle into your new home away from home and meet your      host for the week, owner Anna Piazinni.
Enjoy aperitvos, the flavors of La Gigiola’s wines and      a welcome dinner especially prepared by Tuscany’s renowned Chef Renato.


DAY 2: Sunday, July 8th
The Crème De La Crème For The True Fashionista:  A trip to Il Borro, The Ferragamo Estate

The estate, which sits at the foot of the mountains in Valdarno now covers around 1755      acres is now managed by Salvatore Ferragamo.
Start your morning with a luxurious spa treatment,      followed by a four-course gourmet lunch, and journey to discover the      secrets of the historic Wine Cellar of Il Borro.


A perfect way to end a day with the girls is a shopping      trip to the quaint storefronts reminiscent of the traditional manual      labors of the characteristic medieval village where artisans still make a      living as their forefathers have done for hundreds of years. Some of the      featured items for sale are shoes, jewelry, ceramics, and embroidery.
Next we will visit the city of Cortona, home of the beloved movie and novel, Under the Tuscan      Sun.
After shopping and exploring this charming city, we      will stop for dinner at one of the best restaurants in the Tuscan region,      La Bucaccia. This will prove to be an evening of innovative cuisine and      lively entertainment provided by the owner.

*Cost of dinner is not included.

DAY 3: Monday, July 9th
 
Explore San Gimignano, the City of the Beautiful Towers

San Gimignano rises up from Tuscany’s Elsa Valley like a medieval dreamscape. Once an Etruscan settlement, it became a town in the 10th century and in its heyday boasted 72 towers.
We will spend the morning strolling among the 14 remaining towers, taking in the sights, shops, and most importantly visiting the world’s best gelato shop.
Then it’s off to a family owned and run winery.  Here, we will be treated to a typical Italian lunch, taste eight wines, two types of olive oil, and an aged balsamic vinegard.
Our day ends back at Villa La Gigliola for a wine tasting in their vineyards, aperitivos, and a relaxing dinner while watching the sunset.

 
DAY 4: Tuesday, July 10^th
A Perfect Day For The Food and Wine Enthusiast

The first stop of the day will be to the quaint town of Pienza, otherwise known as the “Heart of Tuscany.” 
Sample the pecorino cheese of Pienza, which is referred to by many as the best in Italy, especially the version “sotto cenere,” or ‘”under ashes.”
After a morning of exploring this charming town and its many hidden treasures it’s time to take a break to enjoy lunch while taking in one of the most breathtaking views of Tuscany.
From Pienza we embark to the enchanting town of Montepulciano.  This Etruscan city is filled with Renaissance buildings, and is known for the wine called Vino Nobile.
Here we will have an opportunity to visit one of the oldest family owned wineries for a tour and taste of the infamous Vino Nobile, stop at a café best known for their hot chocolate (so thick you have to drink it with a spoon), and shop for the finest leather in Italy.
Chef Renato will prepare another delectable dinner that evening after the long journey back to Villa La Gigliola.

*Cost of lunch not included.
Shop ‘Til you Drop in Florence
DAY 5: Wednesday, July 11^th


Explore the boutiques on Via Tournaboni, also known as      the Rodeo Drive of Florence as      well as the other hidden gems in the city. If you love great finds and      tailor made items, our unique shopping itineraries are perfect for you. We      have an insider’s list of the best spots for handbags, wallets, leather      jackets, cashmere and silk scarves, murano glass and jewelry. While      shopping, soak in the historic surroundings, majestic buildings and      piazzas dating back to the 1200’s.



No visit to Florence would be complete without a trip to the Gucci Museum. This museum pays homage to the brands history and craft. Spanning a three-storey space, the museum also houses a Gucci Caffè, a bookstore, giftshop and Icon Store that sells limited-editions products designed by Giannini.
After a trip to the open air food market, Mercato      Centrale, to shop for gourmet specialties such as balsamic vinegar, olive      oil, truffles, wine, chocolates and more it’s time for lunch at a      traditional Italian trattoria located directly behind the market.





The highlight of the evening is a one of a kind      experience. You will have the opportunity to sit in the VIP area of the      Teatro del Silenzio and watch Andrea Bochelli during this intimate      rehearsal for his upcoming performance the following evening.

Dinner TBD


*Cost of dinner not included


 **Tickets to the Bochelli rehearsal are only available for a limited time
 
DAY 6:Thursday, July 12^th
Have Fun Under the Tuscan Sun!


Free day: Shop the outlets in Montevarchi, take a museum tour in Florence, treat your self to the Hot Baths in Volterra, visit the cities of Greve and Panzano, home of Italy’s most famous butcher or just relax poolside while surrounded by the most spectacular scenery.
Join Anna at Villa La Gigliola for one of her famous dinner parties.  Enjoy a memorable authentic Tuscan evening including endless food, music, and live entertainment, singing and dancing. What happens in Tuscany stays in Tuscany…

*Cost of lunch not included.
DAY 7: Friday, July 13^th
Put Your Cooking Talents to the Test…

Last, but certainly not least it is off to Siena, home of the world famous Palio di Siena , the traditional
medieval horse race which runs around the Piazza del Campo twice a year.
In Siena you will meet Chef Luisa for your hands on cooking class to prepare your three course lunch for the day.
After enjoying the fruits of your labor explore the city center and take in the beauty of its picturesque architecture. Stop in to some of the shops known for their exquisite embroidery and ceramics for some one of a kind gifts and souvenirs.
Get ready to say goodbye to this magical country and new found friends during a special farewell dinner hosted at by Anna Piazzini at Villa La Gigliola

DAY 8: Saturday, July 14
Ciao Italy!

Depart from to United States form Florence airport.


Price:  $2700 per person based on single occupancy with the minimum of 7 people
*Double occupancy is available upon request
This includes transportation, hotel accommodations, excursions, meals included on the itinerary and breakfast daily at Villa La Gigliola
*Airfare is not included





The Great Escape
tara — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 15:01:45 +0000
I just finished watching “Under the Tuscan Sun”, for the “I can’t ever begin to count how many times”. 


Every time I watch it brings me back to the place where it all began 3 years ago and the reason why I embarked to this remarkable journey.
Much like the Diane Lane character Francis, I too was looking to escape the card life had dealt me at the time and go to another land to find something or someone, perhaps myself.
What I found when arrived was beauty, happiness, love and eventually the key to who I was that just needed to be polished and turned in the lock.
This could be comparable to the faucet in, Bramasole, the house that Francis purchases in Cortona. It goes from no water, to a trickle of muddy water, and by the end of the movie it is gushing with clean sparkling water.  Her journey brought clarity and abundance to her life.


I speak to so many women that dream of spending a week in Tuscany.  They too have watched “Under The Tuscan Sun” countless times and want that same fulfilling experience, that dream.  My answer to them is “what is stopping you?”
“Maybe someday, next year, it is on bucket list, perhaps when I was younger”, are some of  are the answers to this question.
We tend to live in the past or the future, which is the difference between us and the Italians.  They live in the present, in the moment and embrace that moment and each one after.
This is exactly what makes visitors fall in love with this country and its people, because they truly love life.
Typically I head back to Tuscany every 12 weeks for business purposes.  This is has been the longest travel drought for me, as the last time I was there was October, 2011 and will not be heading back until mid June, 2012.
One day I was walking down Park Avenue, in Winter Park and unexpectedly stumbled upon a store that sold clothes and accessories from Italy, Piazza Italia.

As I walked in I heard the owner’s accent and knew this was the real deal.  She had me at “buona sera”, as only a true Italian would know it is a greeting mostly used mid afternoon.
We embraced, broke out photos, spoke Italian to each other and for a brief amount of time I was back with my “peeps” across the Atlantic.
So until June, I will go visit Rita and continue to periodically watch, Under the Tuscan Sun” in order to mentally visit the place I call my second home.
My advice to those of you, who dream of a trip to Italy, is to take the leap and GO!
It is better to MISS what you know then not know what you are MISSING….
Ci vediamo in Italia !!!


 



Villa La Gigliola
tara — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:19:20 +0000
The Historic Villa La Gigliola has been a place of peace and beauty since its opening in the 1950’s. As an authentic setting resort, La Gigliola showcases an exceptional winery with breathtaking mountain views, pools, tennis courts and activities all the while exceeding most refined expectations.
“Quality based on tradition” is the motto of the Piazzini family. It applies not only to the production of red and white wine but also to its production of excellent grappas and an outstanding extra virgin olive oil.
Not only do they produce their own wine and olive oil, they also create an overall experience that is above and beyond the highest expectations.
On Monday’s La Gigliola hosts a wine tasting out on the farm and on Thursday nights they have a dinner for all guests. This dinner includes fantastic food, wonderful wine, entertaining music and fabulous dancing all night long.

Aside from the beautiful grounds, stately Villas and exciting activities, this place has something more.  It has the heart and soul of it’s owner Anna Piazzini resonating through and through.  They say the eyes are the windows of the soul and this couldn’t be more true than of Anna’s sparking eyes that can light up a sky with a smile to match. At the end of your stay at Villa La Gigliola you will truly feel like an honorary member of the Piazzini family making it your home away from home in Tuscany.
Girls Fun Under The Tuscan Sun is proud to partner with Villa La Gigliola for this summer’s Eat, Pray, Love trip July 8th through the 16th.