Special Services. Personalized services will be at your disposal through our travel consultants and your travel agent. 108 Tuscan Collection

Transcription

1 Special Services The following section is an introduction to the main themes around which Florencetown is able to create itineraries and personalized services. Florencetown offers a wide range of different ways to see the region, starting from innovative and exciting tours through Firenze s historic districts up to special regional tours with vintage vehicles in order to discover some of the most hidden and beautiful places in Tuscany, along country roads. Hotel benefits, Art, History, Golf, Wellness, Shopping, are just some of the programs we boast in our offers. Our solutions are complete and carefully selected. Reliable expert guides; luxury transportation; introductory meetings; earphones for a better and more intimate diffusion of information; 24/7, 365 days a year local assistance. Personalized services will be at your disposal through our travel consultants and your travel agent. 108 Tuscan Collection 109

2 Sweet Dreams Programm a long day will wait for you tomorrow.. you will be very busy visiting museums, tasting wines or simply shopping around and might want to start your day relaxed. Better make sure you have the right accommodation then... Pick up one of our very selected mansions and enjoy all the benefits Florencetown is able to offer you, among which... upgrade upon availabilty personalized welcome in-room 24 hours personal concierge assistance V.I.P. treatments and much much more... just enquire our travel consultant to put you under the right covers! Florencetown.. sleeping has never been so good Tuscan Collection 111

3 Apartments & Villas Being well specialized on Florence and Tuscany, Florencetown is your perfect partner with a wide choice of apartments and villas in Tuscany. Some very nice and comfortable private solutions for you charming holidays. Tuscany is a big area, sometimes is not easy to find something that truly satisfy your needs. The owner will be at your disposal during your stay to make you feel home; Actually better than that. We have centrally located apartments and hidden villas in the country where nobody but you will enjoy gardening, soaking up the sun by the swimming pool. Our choice of Villas include both old tuscan farms style and more aristocratic alternatives, such as dimore antiche and residenze d epoca. Our full list of services will make your stay easier, as we can provide all those little things that could help you making your life easier. That s how we like it, easy. 112 Tuscan Collection 113

4 Art & History Tuscany, a land rich of art masterpieces, with so much history to disclose. Every single corner of this region deserves a visit. Florencetown is able to organize art & cultural tours for every single level: starting from an introduction of pleasurable walking tours in different historic city centres for small exclusive groups of individuals, to full immersion tours through the art capitals for art and history specialists and lovers, even being brought away from regular tourist paths, maybe walking the old roads of pilgrims that used to reach Rome from the north crossing Tuscany and staying overnight or just taking break, from time to time, in the Abbeys found on the way. A return to the past, to the originality, to the beauty, to the art, can only be reached with a truly high-end level of exclusive services. Because Art in Tuscany is not just an excuse. 114 Tuscan Collection 115

5 116 Tuscan Collection 117

6 118 Tuscan Collection 119

7 Wine & Food Tuscany is a region of excellence in the field of food and wine. This lands produces highly appreciated wines and the Tuscan cuisine distinguishes itself for its tasty dishes made with genuine, natural ingredients turning the simplest dishes into true delicacies to savoured and enjoyed. As part of our culture, wine & food are something that every true Tuscan knows well. That s also the reason why it is so natural for us to create experiences that can be shared with visitors showing what locals really enjoy about it. You might find yourselves harvesting wine grapes, or making olive oil, or hanging around the Chianti tasting all the greatest wines, listening to classical music while enjoying Brunello di Montalcino, or hunting for truffles. As part of the culture, a wine & food experience is something that you don t want to miss when in Tuscany Tuscan Collection 121

8 Chianti Classico since 1716 A wine, a trademark, a history In a small part of Tuscany, between Florence and Siena, the Sangiovese grape expresses elegance and potency, giving life and body to Chianti Classico wine. Chianti Classico can rightfully boast of being one of the first historical wine districts to achieve and obtain official recognition both for the superior quality of its products and for the uniqueness of its territory. In fact, as long ago as 1716 an edict issued by Cosimo III, Grand Duke of Tuscany, delimited the production zone for this wine. Two centuries later, in 1924, with the same intention of protecting the denomination, 33 winemakers set up the first voluntary wine consortium, adopting the historic Gallo Nero emblem. Today the Chianti Classico Wine Consortium has over 600 members, approximately 350 of which are bottlers. On the protection front, which involves the test laboratory, the technical inspection and legal offices and the valorization work entrusted to the marketing and communication office, the consortium covers various fields linked by shared commitment to producers and consumers of the Classico and to its trademark. A trademark that has always been tied to Chianti lands. That Black Rooster which on every bottle of Chianti Classico, in the pink neckband denoting DOCG, guarantees not only product quality but, with every bottle opened, the discovery of new sensations. Sensations that are unique in style but take on different expressions in the various zones of the territory and the communities belonging to them: Castellina, Gaiole, Greve and Radda in Chianti in their entirety and parts of Barberino Val d Elsa, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Poggibonsi, San Casciano Val di Pesa and Tavarnelle Val di Pesa. These are the birthplaces of the Gallo Nero, upon the vines of Sangiovese, the vital heart of Chianti Classico: according to production regulations this grape may be used alone or with other red grapes to a maximum of 20%. Via Scopeti, Sant Andrea in Percussina San Casciano in Val di Pesa (FI) marketing@chianticlassico.com - Tel

9 Beauty & Wellness Florencetown offers wellness & beauty programs to relax and regenerate yourselves in Tuscany. Wellness is a part of the history of this country, as this land is rich of natural springs. The Etruscans, and the Romans after them, started a tradition of bathing in order to take good care of their bodies. Salus per Aquam, a tradition that is well kept today and still lives on.. Wellness in Tuscany shall be an experience to live together with art, food and wine, shopping, golf, completing a successful journey into the deepest roots of this region: a sweet excuse to relax, regenerate, and find yourself. Our products include natural spring resort vacations in the country where nature and the human body become one. Our in-town wellness and beauty retreats, small and intimate, perfectly equipped for your needs, including hairdressing and make up sessions. Personal training programs for any sport lover or professionals are also available. Because wellness in Tuscany is a completely different story Tuscan Collection 125

10 Golfing in Tuscany Golf in Tuscany stands for style filled with emotions. Fifteen certified golf courses, nine 18-hole courses and six 9-hole courses, perfectly equipped for training or competing, immersed in the breathtaking surroundings of Tuscan hills. It is actually impossible not to remain fascinated by these places totally immersed in nature. Florencetown offers full packages with luxury accommodations close to the fields, which can be combined with Art, Shopping and Wellness in particular. During the 12 months of the year you will be enjoying playing golf by the seaside, among the hills, also in the mountains, for every kind of golfer... beginners or professionals. This year Florencetown will be partner of the prestigious Pontevecchio Challenge, the event that takes golf in town. With us the opportunity to participate as a protagonist of the event. Another interesting side of Tuscany. Another challenge. 126 Tuscan Collection 127

11 From five continents the greatest golf champions have once again found it hard to resist the challenge. They will again in Florence, for a new edition of the CONTE OF FLORENCE APPROACH CHAMPIONSHIP, an event which has become the backdrop of the Florentine Christmas. After the international success of the last editions, the Ponte Vecchio Golf this year qualifies as one of the great international golfing events, thanks to a discerning mix of ingredients. A sporting event, in a fantastic city, a bridge and its history, its charme and its unequalled beauty: a unique appointment which has been imitated but all the rest remain mere imitations. This is the world s most exclusive golf course and it is open only three days a year.

12 18 HOLE COURSES - Circoli a 18 buche: Golf Club Argentario Cosmopolitan Golf & Country Club Montecatini Golf Club Golf Club Toscana Golf Club Ugolino Golf Club Versilia I circoli a 9 buche Tirrenia Golf Club Golf Club Casentino Campi Promozionali Golf Club Garfagnana Golf Club Villa Gori Siena 9 HOLE COURSES - Circoli a 9 buche Tirrenia Golf Club Golf Club Casentino PROMOTIONAL COURSES Campi Promozionali Golf Club Garfagnana Golf Club Villa Gori Siena CONSORZIO TOSCANA GOLF via dei Brogi Loc. Pievaccia Monsummano Terme (PT) Italy Tel Fax info@golfing-tuscany.it 130 Tuscan Collection 131

13 Shore Excursions IIf you are arriving in Tuscany by sea in one ot the many tourist harbours of our coast, FLORENCETOWN will be glad to welcome you and take you to discover our territory. We organized guaranteed departures in conjunction with the dockages of the most important cruise lines in the main Tuscan harbours. With our private luxury cars and minivan we will take sailors among the Tuscan hills for a day (or more) excursions in Chianti, Siena, San Gimignano and, of course, Pisa, Lucca and Viareggio. Once arrived at your destination our local guides will take care of guests and take them to discover major attractions all along their stay on land. Art and culture itineraries, wine tasting, beautiful landscapes. For your short visit in Tuscany, spoil yourselves with the best, spoil yourselves with FLORENCETOWN. We are also able to organize ground services, assistance, escorting, personal concierge for yacht and private boats, from every harbour of Tuscany. 132 Tuscan Collection 133

14 Special Moments Tuscany offers sceneries and a lot of other good reasons to be chosen for your special event. Florencetown is able to organize weddings, either for Euro pean or non European Union citizens, starting from the very first moment of planning the event itself. We will take care of any bureaucratic procedures and anything that has to be done to legalize the event, we will choose with you special locations in breathtaking contests, catering, flowers, photo shooting, bride and groom wedding dresses made by Italian tailors, entertainment, surprises and gifts, vintage cars, and, of course, transfers and accommodations for guests. Celebrations might continue along the honeymoon among the Tuscan hills, surrounded by good food, good wine, nature, sport, spas and wellness, relax and happiness. Besides weddings, we are able to organize other important events and celebrations, either a birthday party, a graduation, a award-giving, a happening or any other event that deserves a toast... cheers! 134 Tuscan Collection 135

15 M i c e Florencetown is able to offer companies the practical arrangements for meetings, incentives, congresses and events. The advantages of being specialized in Florence and Tuscany, gives us a strong knowledge of the city and the surrounding area. Events, conventions and team work occasions. We offer services covering all aspects of business organizing. As a company located in Florence, our special strength lies in knowing the city and all it has to offer, this is our advantage together with working in good cooperation with our local partners. Florencetown boasts the most modern congress halls, accommodation and technical equipment in the region and the most modern and well equipped transportations. Our convention and incentive hotels are ideal for every kind of business event. Whether it is an intimate board meeting or a larger congress, Florencetown may be the perfect partner to create something new. Our creative side always produces new solutions. Our specialization in side-event activities could be another reason to choose us. Brand new team building activities, special gala dinners in beautiful locations, special art itineraries created for your company s needs. Florencetown: Business in Tuscany. 136 Tuscan Collection 137

16 Barberino Designer Outlet. Le grandi firme che ami a prezzi ridotti, fino al 70%. Scopri i nostri prestigiosi marchi su Infoline: NEGOZI AUTOSTRADA A1 BOLOGNA FIRENZE USCITA BARBERINO DI MUGELLO 138 Tuscan Collection 139

17 The Art of Fashion Leave the art of the past apart aside for a moment and dedicate a minute to one of the most actual arts in Firenze: fashion. Scroll through windows displaying names that helped the made in Italy grow in the world. Florencetown offers some unique shopping experience for visitors in Tuscany. From small family-owned boutiques to specialty stores. Join our little organized tours discovering the production of what will be the next season s fashion. Clothing and accessorize, souvenirs, objects and gadgets, jewellery and watches, typical products, and much more. From the main fashionable shopping streets downtown to the outlet malls. Shopping is a real tailor made experience Tuscan Collection 141

18 The building was restored in 2000 and now proudly shows its masterpieces of seventeenth and eighteenth century Florentine art, including frescoes by Bernardino Poccetti in the chapel. The lower, or basement, level where the museum is located bears witness to the building s Medieval originals. Over the centuries it had been used for many purposes and in the early twentieth century it was home to one of the city s most famous antiques galleries. The Shoemaker of Dreams Born at Bonito in the province of Irpinia in 1898, Salvatore Ferragamo had a calling that was evident from his early childhood: making shoes. In 1914, still in his teens, he moved to the United States and Hollywood where he opened a store selling custom-made shoes that soon became famous. The greatest famous movie stars were his customers and Salvatore soon acquired the nicknames, shoemaker to the stars and shoemaker of dreams. When he returned to Italy in 1927 he decided to settle in Florence, the city renowned for its art treasures and artisan tradition. He opened a workshop and store in Palazzo Spini Feroni that he purchased in The fame of his shoes, that were admired for their beauty, fine workmanship and comfortable fit, spread throughout Italy, Europe and beyond, making Palazzo Spini Feroni a destination for the international jet set and movie stars. The story of a museum The Museo Salvatore Ferragamo is a private museum dedicated to the history of the Ferragamo company, the life of its founder Salvatore Ferragamo and his creations: footwear, a remarkable blend of research, esthetics and innovative crafting techniques. Opened in May 1995 the museum was established by the Ferragamo family in order to acquaint an international audience with the artistic qualities of Ferragamo and the role the name has played in the history of international fashion, and not only footwear. His studies on the anatomy of the foot and lasts led to the invention of the Ferragamo method, a totally revolutionary shoemaking technique. Since the mid-nineties there have been many projects and exhibitions created and organized by the museum, the overall aim has been that of telling the story of a man and expressing the company s open-minded attitude and interest in the most current and significant phenomena that range from art, design, entertainment, customs to communications and information and extend their influence to style and ways of dressing and living. In recognition of the institution s cultural worth and of its endeavors over the years, in 1999 Salvatore Ferragamo received the Premio Guggenheim Impresa e Cultura award that is given annually to the companies that have made the best investments in culture. Today Salvatore Ferragamo is part of the Intrapresae Collezione Guggeheim group. These are the firms that support the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venicle, while the Museo Salvatore Ferragamo belongs to Museimpresa, the association of Italy s major corporate museums. The museum is located in the historic center of Florence, in Palazzo Spini Ferroni which is also the company s headquarters. The entrance is at Piazza S. Trinita 5r. Eleven years after its opening, a consequence of its growing success and the need to further dialogues with other local institutions, the Museo Salvatore Ferragamo has been enlarged and, and on 6 December 2006 will move to its new premises in the palazzo s lower level, decorated with pillars and cross-vaults. The Collection The museum s footwear collection documents the entire span of Salvatore Ferragamo s career, from his return to Italy in 1927 to 1960 the year he died. It highlights his technical and artistic skills which, through his color choices, the creativity of the designs and use of innovative materials made a fundamental contribution to the growth and establishment of Made in Italy. Some of the items reveal Salvatore Ferragamo s relationships with artists of his day, such as the futurist painter, Vucio Venna who created some advertising sketches and the famous Ferragamo footwear label. Others document his continuous quest for the perfect fit and the invention of specials constructions and materials, from the famous cork wedge patented in 1936 and immediately imitated all over the world, to the raffia or cellophane vamps, and candy-wrapper paper used during World War II. And, there are the shoes that are famous because they were made for Hollywood stars such as Marilyn Monroe, Greta Garbo and Audrey Hepburn. A century of history told by footwear. The items on display are periodically selected from the over 10,000 models in the museum s archives and featured in biennial exhibitions that present different themes through Ferragamo shoes. The exhibition area The Building Palazzo Spini Ferroni is a Medieval palace, built by Geri Spini, a wealthy merchant and banker to Pope Boniface VIII, in Over the centuries it changed hands several times, from the Spinis to the Guasconis and then to the Bagnano and Feroni families. In 1846 the palazzo was acquired by the City of Florence and from 1860 to 1870 when Florence was the capital of Italy, it was the seat of the City Council. In 1881 it was sold to the Cassa di Risparmio and came under private ownership when Salvatore Ferragamo purchased it in 1938 as the headquarters of the company and his own workshop. Audio-guides: Audio-guides in Italian, English, French and Japanese are available in the museum. Guided tours for groups are available. Reservations are required. The interior is designed to be as warm and welcoming as a private home. At the same time it is equipped with the latest exhibition technologies with documents, photographs and films to make a visit enjoyable and educational, especially for young people. And the museum, in indeed, dedicated to young people who are always looking for stimuli and sources of inspiration. The proceeds from ticket sales will be used finance scholarships for young footwear designers every year. Hours: Open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; closed Tuesdays. Entrance: at Piazza Santa Trinita 5/r, Florence; tel /455; fax Bookshop: the museum bookshop features gifts, postcards and books. 142 Tuscan Collection 143

19 Cars & Drivers Tuscany is a very diverse land because of its shape and characteristics. There is a lot to discover, enjoying a sunset on the hills in the Chianti, taking a break from the road in a small village and enjoying a glass of wine with the locals, is something that can only be done along a very personalized itinerary, in complete independence. Florencetown provides the best services of transportation. From the streets in town, to paths in the country with vintage cars. Our wide selection of luxury cars equipped with every comfort will definitely make you try a special driving experience. It will be possible to choose your own option for the ones more suitable to your needs and drive yourselves through the region, or simply be pampered in a luxury car, sedan or minivan, not caring about driving, and just enjoying the landscapes around you at any time. Wherever you want to go, our drivers will wait for you to take you to your next destination. And if it s a matter of time, our helicopters will take you there faster. Besides the cars available, we have a huge selection of cycles: from bikes through vintage Vespas, to every displacement motorbikes, to be able to live this land in absolute freedom. 144 Tuscan Collection 145

20 146 Tuscan Collection 147

21 Italy Extension Milano Thanks to an improved network FLORENCETOWN is able to organize stays and additional services in every main tourist location of Italy. Booking a Hotel in Venice before your journey to Tuscany or one in Rome just afterwards will not be a problem any longer. Venezia FLORENCETOWN will be glad to arrange transfers from the different accommodations and places and therefore, through our contacts, offer on site assistance, museum tickets and guides, organize excursions and anything more you might need along your stay. FLORENCETOWN, beyond the city and the region, will always at your side, to make sure that your whole stay in Italy is worthwhile. Amalf i Roma 148 Tuscan Collection 149

22 150 Tuscan Collection 151

23 Info & Reservations RESERVATION OFFICE EMERGENCY Information, availability and booking RESERVATIONS AND CANCELLATION CONDITIONS 153

24 IS A TRADE REGISTERD MARK BY WORLDING SOLUTIONS Luxury Tour Operator Lifestyle Management & Tourist Services Tourist Marketing & Consulting Operation Office: via de Lamberti, FIRENZE (FI) Legal address: via della Verruca, VICOPISANO (PI) - info@florencetown.com - info@worldingsolutions.com MARKETING & DISTRIBUTION Worlding Solutions EDITING & PRODUCTION Worlding Solutions - October 2008 PHOTO CREDITS Giovanni Trambusti - AAVV