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Florence and Tuscany: Top 10 Highlights For Curious Travelers with Kate Bolton-Porciatti
Florence and Tuscany: Top 10 Highlights For Curious Travelers with Kate Bolton-Porciatti

Florence and Tuscany: Top 10 Highlights For Curious Travelers with Kate Bolton-Porciatti


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For the discerning traveller, long-term Florence resident Kate Bolton-Porciatti shares her Top 10 must-see sights and cultural experiences in the historic city centre and the surrounding hills. Our picture-perfect itinerary includes art in context, ancient castles and abbeys, monumental churches, palazzi and gardens, all interlaced with the best Tuscan food and fine Chianti wines.
She shares suggestions for concerts and operas where you can mingle with the locals in the city where opera was born; visits to artisan workshops where Florence’s ancient crafts are still practiced; food shopping and culinary tips; the best roof terraces and panoramic hilltop gardens where you can enjoy an aperitivo overlooking the towers and spires of the city. This lecture will include some beautiful locations off the beaten track and suggestions of how to avoid the heaviest crowds at the most famous sights. Finally, we’ll propose day trips from Florence where you can visit ancient castles, abbeys and wineries girdled in some of Tuscany’s most ravishing scenery.
Led by an expert on Italian culture and music, Kate Bolton-Porciatti, this lecture will look beyond Florence's most touted sights to propose other truly memorable experiences for the sophisticated traveller. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with a portfolio of suggestions for their Florentine holiday.

Kate Bolton-Porciatti is a professor of Italian cultural history and music at the Istituto Lorenzo de'Medici in Florence, where she teaches BA and MA courses in the humanities. She also lectures at the British Institute, Florence, and at the Chigiana Music Academy in Siena. Kate has published extensively as an academic and a journalist; she is a music critic for BBC Music and a travel writer for The Daily Telegraph, UK. Before moving to Italy permanently in 2005, she was a senior producer and broadcaster for BBC Arts & Classical Music in London and has won prestigious Jerusalem and Sony Awards for her programs. She did her M.Phil. thesis in Italy, exploring the musical culture of early Renaissance Florence.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes.

Customer Reviews

Based on 24 reviews
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(24)
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Sandra S -- Boston (Lynn, US)
Excellent Summary of Key Areas and Visit Tips

Starting off with the "iconic sites" (Uffizi Gallery, Duomo, Accademia) and proceeding through other great sites (e.g., Palazzo Pitti, the Gardens, important churches), Kate related an interesting and succinct view of Florence highlights. Also, food and drink recommendations were mentioned along with fun things to do (sail along the Arno River, patronize artisans. Easy to get to sites outside of Florence were also described. The seminar had an addendum of resources forwarded to viewers which was full of helpful information. Photos, short video shots on site and speaker commentary enhanced the presentation. A wonderful, wonderful learning experience!

k
kareen (Chicago, US)

Kate brought up new and exciting things to do in Florence. I definitely want to look into some of them when I am able to return there. She thoroughly covers so much territory.

E
Elizabeth (Alexandria, US)
5 Star as Always

Kate Bolton-Porciatti takes one on an armchair trip through Florence and Tuscany. I always learn something new, always find a new place to visit when I take her classes. She is the best guide, imparting knowledge without being over-bearing or professorial.... I highly recommend any Context Conversation offered by Kate.

N
Nancy Leonard (Rhinebeck, US)
Engaging view of Florence's treasures

Kate Bolton-Porciatti is committed to informed attention to the best parts of art, architecture, food and music in Florence's cultural life. I found many things to note (going to Florence again in about 3 weeks). She avoids cliches and advises on how to avoid crowds of tourists. Highly recommended for travelers!

k
kareen (Chicago, US)

Kate was outstanding again. I learn so much from her presentations and thoroughly enjoy them!
Thank you.

Customer Reviews

Based on 24 reviews
100%
(24)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
S
Sandra S -- Boston (Lynn, US)
Excellent Summary of Key Areas and Visit Tips

Starting off with the "iconic sites" (Uffizi Gallery, Duomo, Accademia) and proceeding through other great sites (e.g., Palazzo Pitti, the Gardens, important churches), Kate related an interesting and succinct view of Florence highlights. Also, food and drink recommendations were mentioned along with fun things to do (sail along the Arno River, patronize artisans. Easy to get to sites outside of Florence were also described. The seminar had an addendum of resources forwarded to viewers which was full of helpful information. Photos, short video shots on site and speaker commentary enhanced the presentation. A wonderful, wonderful learning experience!

k
kareen (Chicago, US)

Kate brought up new and exciting things to do in Florence. I definitely want to look into some of them when I am able to return there. She thoroughly covers so much territory.

E
Elizabeth (Alexandria, US)
5 Star as Always

Kate Bolton-Porciatti takes one on an armchair trip through Florence and Tuscany. I always learn something new, always find a new place to visit when I take her classes. She is the best guide, imparting knowledge without being over-bearing or professorial.... I highly recommend any Context Conversation offered by Kate.

N
Nancy Leonard (Rhinebeck, US)
Engaging view of Florence's treasures

Kate Bolton-Porciatti is committed to informed attention to the best parts of art, architecture, food and music in Florence's cultural life. I found many things to note (going to Florence again in about 3 weeks). She avoids cliches and advises on how to avoid crowds of tourists. Highly recommended for travelers!

k
kareen (Chicago, US)

Kate was outstanding again. I learn so much from her presentations and thoroughly enjoy them!
Thank you.