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About
Going Tuscan

Every month Going Tuscan brings you Tuscany: it's culture, lifestyle, history, tastes, smells, sounds. . . the five senses and so much more.

 

Our writers and editors, all, live in Tuscany providing you an inside view to a place that Unesco defines as a world heritage worth protecting.

 

Read our features, articles and recipes to bring a little Tuscany into your home and scour the guides to plan your Tuscan holiday.


jazz musicians

Photo:istockphoto

This summer's Tuscan festivals offer more music, theater and entertainment than ever before.

A summer of wine and song.

COVER STORY: Despite a tourism crisis felt throughout the region, this year's arts festivals offer a range and diversity never before seen in Tuscany. | by staff writer

Posted August 29th, 2008

Wayne Shorter, the Chieftains, Paolo Conti and Andrea Boccelli were the big ticket items in a season of outdoor/special venue entertainment that made the Val d'Orcia feel like one big performance space, this summer.

While the usual suspects, chamber music and opera, were to be found in virtually every town, what differentiated this year's season and will hopefully be the bellweather for future years was the diversity of offerings from all genres: jazz, blues, bebop, rock, narrative, improvisation, big band, gospel and so much more.

read more . . .

 

A taste for silence

REVIEW: Giancarlo Toso is very proud to tell me that his guests don't come to Spedalone for anything . . . they come for nothing, or more preceisely, no noise, no stress, no effort. | by Mark Abouzeid

Posted August 29th, 2008

Arriving at Spedalone, navigating the dirt track that separates this Tuscan 'island' from civilization, I am struck by a sign that simply states, "Il Gusto del Silenzio" (a taste for silence). At first it seems presumptuous but hours later on my way out, I realize that this says all one needs to say about Spedalone and Giancarlo Toso.

read more . . .

The Guide

Going Tuscan Select Guide

GOING TUSCAN SELECT

What's New Online


This month's features

  • Summer music

    Val d'Orcia offers more jazz, classical, performance and theater than ever before.

  • Panzanella

    When it's too hot to cook, Tuscans rely on this salad of fresh vegatables and day old bread.

  • Jousting in Montisi

    Medieval costumes, pagentry and food mark a week of festivities punctuated by a live joust in Montisi.

  • Tuscan Colors

    Freelance Photojournalist, Mark Abouzeid, shares his Tuscany in this month's photo gallery.

This month's reviews

  • To Stay: Spedalone

    "Il Gusto del Silenzio" greets you along the drive and peace is exactly what you will find here.

  • To Eat: La Mensa del Conte

    Many who pass the Mensa mistake it for a simple pizza bar but in fact they serve a pleasing menu of typical Tuscan fare right on the square of Pienza.

  • To Do: Photo Tours

    Mark Abouzeid spends his life capturing Tuscany and the world beyond in photos and words. For visitors, he offers his 'secret Tuscany' complete with expert shooting tips and entertaining stories of Tuscan life.

  • To buy: Ricci BUTCHERS

    The Val di Chiana is know for it's beef which is on par with Kobe and the cornerstone of the Bisteca Fiorentina. Those who know, know Ricci.

Podcasts

  • Coming Soon

    Starting in Septmeber, GoingTuscan will offer podcasts of tours, events and other aspects of Tuscan life. Stay tuned.