Used for the Pantheon, Trajan’s Column, and Michelangelo’s David in Rome, Carrara marble was valued above all other stone. The mountains were first exploited by Julius Caesar with origins from the 2nd century BC. Located in the northernmost tip of modern-day Tuscany, this blue-grey or white high quality-marble is coveted by artisans and used worldwide. …
Above: Tarot Gardens photo by s9-4pr, CC Interested in contemporary sculpture? Tuscany is a surprisingly furtile place for it! See how the shock of the new and surreal commune with the deep natural beauty of the Tuscan landscape. There are some fantastic sculpture gardens to explore near our farm house apartments on the Tuscany UnTour. Here…
Tuscany is a wonderland for those who live to eat and believe in vino veritas. So the Tuscany Wine and Food UnTour was a natural. Here Donella, Serenella and their family, who will lead one of the events, share one of their favorite recipes. It’s a a hearty and satisfying dinner for a cool,…
Never plan a vacation when you are hungry. If you do, you will surely end up in Tuscany. On second thought, let your stomach guide you. When you consider the region’s sublime natural beauty and Florence’s countless Renaissance masterpieces, it is easy to overlook the food. But Florence is a great place to connect…
Photographer David Hessell joined us on the Tuscany UnTour a few years ago and brilliantly captured the region in the full flush of late summer. As we face a cold and drab January, here are some of his beautiful images. We like to think of sunflowers as nature’s antidepressant, a perfect foil for the short,…
At UnTours we’re big believers in slow travel. What is slow travel? It’s slowing down, staying among the locals, spending more than just a few days (maybe even a few weeks), and immersing yourself in the local culture and ways. With travel becoming more accessible to more people than ever before, traveling to small European…
When we say UnTours are based in apartments, that can be a little misleading. They may actually be cottages, farm houses, or any other dwelling characteristic of a unique region in Europe. To that end, here are a few of our favorites. 1. Playing Princess: in Sommersdorf, Germany For so many years I thought the…
Le Chiuse farm in Montalcino is a special place. One of our associates from the Holland UnTour, Edmond, recently headed to Tuscany’s warm, sunny climes to enjoy the hospitality and wine at Le Chiuse farm and vineyards on the Tuscany UnTour. Edmond also happens to be an excellent photographer. Here are some of his gorgeous…
The light in Tuscany has inspired painters and artists going back to the Renaissance. Indeed you will feel like you are moving through a painting most days, the landscape and setting are so lovely. We have hosted several painter groups in the area near Montalcino, on the Tuscany UnTour. Our farmhouse apartments there provide a…
Over Sue Baker’s 15 years with UnTours, she’s had lots of time to travel and build memories. On the occasion of our 40th anniversary, she shared these gems from her work and personal travels with UnTours in Europe. Fun memories of UnTourists… Our former staff person in Rome led our UnTour group on…