Here are some photos from our most recent trips!
Our Host Alessandro from Il Borgo
Central Market Florence
Chef Giuseppe and Friend - Lucca
In a cafe in Volterra
San Gimignano
Poppiano Doorway
Wheat Wine and Sky
Lion in Montagnana
Images bellow are from the Montespertoli Chianti Festival compliments of Jayne Friedman.
Grazie Jayne!
Chianti Ragazzi
Massimo
Band man
future olive farmer
Chianti fiascos
Chianti Bottles |
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Come si dice?
Each issue we focus on translating some common words. Here we talk travel...
train - treno
plane - aeroplano
flight - volo
bus - autobus
station - stazione
schedule - orario
seat - posto
confirm - confermare
reservation - prenotazione
car - macchina
car rental - autonoleggio
bus stop - fermata
ticket - biglietto
taxi - taxi
boat - nave
hotel - albergo
inn - pensione
country farm house - agriturismo
room - camera
bathroom - bagno
baggage - bagagli
buon viaggio - have a good trip!
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| Summer Vacations. . .
These days, more Italians are coming to the U.S. taking advantage of their favorable exchange rate. Americans too, are still enjoying visits to Italy in more creative ways in response to our not so favorable exchange rate. We look more now for smaller family-owned places to stay in the country instead of larger hotels in the heart of the cities. Places where we can cook a few meals for ourselves instead of dining out every night allowing us visits to the local markets where we interact more with the residents. Travel itineraries include more walking and cycling than driving. We tend to enjoy more educational programs versus general sight-seeing vacations. The result? A richer experience that is still affordable where we bring home so much more in addition to our photos and souvenirs.
We are off to the beautiful Renaissance town of Pienza for a week in the Val d'Orcia August 10th - 17th where will view the spectacular Palio in Siena along with many other wonderful day trips giving us more than just glimpes of the local culture and traditions. Then, we head back up to Il Borgo in Chianti for a week long artist workshop with Liz Kenyon painting the magnificent landscapes of Tuscany. Please join us from home by periodically visiting our blog - http://villavita.blogspot.com as we journey through beautiful Tuscany together.
Enjoy your summer wherever it may bring you! 
Cari Saluti,
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Buona Bruschetta
(pronounced broosketta)
Bruschetta is the epitome of cucina rustica. It can be found all over Italy. In its simplest form, bruschetta is the original garlic bread, grilled, rubbed with garlic, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with salt and pepper.
The bread should be of firm texture with a crusty exterior. Cut into half inch thick slices. Toast or grill until light golden brown with a soft interior. Then rub the surface with a peeled garlic clove and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle with sea salt and a few grindings of black pepper.
Here are some favorite summer topping ideas:
Bruschetta con salsa cruda - coarsely chopped fresh garden tomatoes, olive oil, S&P, torn basil and garlic
Bruschetta con pomodoro e cipolla - onions, capers, oregano or basil
Bruschetta con rucola e pancetta affumicata - tomatoes, rendered crisp bacon pieces, arugola, and slivers of garlic
Bruschetta di ficchi - thin slices of salami or prosciutto topped with mashed figs and honey
Bruschetta al salmone affumicato - smoked salmon, onion slivers, capers, olive oil, and black olive puree
Bruschetta con alicine e prezzemolo - chopped tomatoes, parsley, crushed hot red pepper and anchovies
Bruschetta 'ncapriata - puree of white cannellini beans cooked with garlic, rosemary and olive oil
Bruschetta con acciuge e peperoni - spread toast with anchovy paste diluted with olive oil, top with slivers of roasted red, yellow and green peppers and a few capers
Buon Appetito!
These bruschetta tips are compliments of Michele Topor from Northend Market Tours in Boston Mass. Take a trip to Italy while visiting Boston! To learn more, please visit... Northend Market Tours
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Introducing Podere Isabella and Studio Aurora
An oasis in the Val d'Orcia of Tuscany in perfect harmony with its surroundings complete with a beautiful 6 bedroom 5 bath home and a 3 bedroom 2 bath yoga studio available for rent by the week. You can create your own personal retreat or allow us to create one for you. see more....
  
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 Awesome Value in Tuscany...
Enjoy the inclusive Italian Vacation "Lessons of Tuscany" at the lovely Villa Il Borgo di Bossi-Pucci
Pay one low price and enjoy beautiful villa accommodations, breakfast every morning delivered to your door - Dinner each night at local family owned restaurants - and visits to surrounding towns such as Florence, Siena and Lucca each day - all included.
Weekly classes available on property such as watercolor painting, photography, ceramics painting, cooking, wine appreciation, Italian language and more.
For more information on Lessons of Tuscany please call 1-866-590-8181 or visit Lessons of Tuscany
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Did you see our blog? Click below and take a peak for more fun travels in Tuscany!
Villa Vita International is a full service travel provider for authentic and amazing holidays to Italy and beyond.
If you have contributions or suggestions for future issues of La Voce, or if you are not already on our list and would like to be, please click below:
also see...
Call Toll Free 866-590- 8181 or
in Phoenix AZ 623-581-1062
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