We wish you all the best in your travels.

Ongoing Restoration at the Uffizi Gallery!  The Uffizi Gallery will soon double in size with the opening of the newly revived first floor.  Work is now underway to expand what is being called the “New Uffizi”, which will allow the museum to bring out hundreds of masterpieces now being kept in storage.  The number of works of art on display will expand to 2000 from the present 1200.

The giant Laocoon marble restoration that has just been unveiled will be able to be viewed by visitors once again.  Because the marble group could not be moved the process was very complex, requiring a temporary worksite and sophisticated tools.

Restoration of seven huge tapestries woven of wool, silk, silver and gold threads depicting the Valois Festivals staged at the French court of the Queen Catherine de Medici is underway.  The new Uffizi project is allocating a room with proper light, humidity and temperature for a rotating exhibition of these seven splendid tapestries, as each one is restored.

What is the distance from Florence to the villa locations?

The village of Londa is just 18 miles from the heart of Florence, and about a 45-minute drive, or 35-minute trip by commuter train, which runs 12 times daily.

How far is the nearest commuter train station?

The station is just 3 miles from your villa apartment.

How far are Bologna, Pisa, Venice and Rome?

Bologna & Pisa – 1½ hours; Venice – 2 ½-3 hours; Rome – 3 hours, Milan – 3 hours.

Is it necessary to have a rental car while staying at the villas?

Yes. While the train is a great way to visit Florence and beyond, you need a car to reach the train station, visit the towns and villages close by, experience the fabulous restaurants and take day trips throughout Tuscany.

Is it difficult to drive in Italy?

No.  Italy is right-side drive like the US and automatic care are available though more expensive.  Excellent directions, information and maps are provided to our guests and GPS rentals are widely available from car rental agencies.

Are there restaurants within walking distance of the villas?

No, but there are many wonderful restaurants within a short drive.

How far are the bank, post office, bar, bakery, grocery store, etc?

In the village of Londa is a bank, post office, bar, bakery, pharmacy and small house wares and hardware, grocery and restaurants. A local pottery maker and clothing store provide gift ideas. Within 6-7 miles are larger grocery stores, shops and many restaurants.

Is there a WiFi connection at the villas?

No.  There are Internet cafes close by.

Is there a telephone at the villas?

No, but arrangements can be made with cell phone providers for cell phone service in Italy.

Are there washers and dryers available at the villas?

No. Dryers are almost non-existent in Italian homes. Good news is that close-by towns have Laundromats.

How far is the nearest English-speaking doctor?

3-4 miles for a local doctor. Florence has English-speaking medical care.

Is there a church near the villas?

Yes. Nearby, up the hill is a charming stone Catholic church with services each Sunday at 11:30 AM.

Are there tennis courts nearby?

Yes.

Are bicycle rentals available?

Yes.

Are there activities for children

Yes. There are playgrounds in the surrounding village parks, as well as hiking and swimming in season.

Are there facilities for cooking in the villa apartments?

Yes. Each apartment has a fully equipped kitchen and there is an outdoor barbeque at each villa.

Is it possible to arrange catered meals, tours, wine tastings, etc. while staying at the villas?

Yes, arrangements can be made for weddings, family reunions, corporate outings and groups of friends and family – numbering as many as 55, or as few as your own group.

Are kosher and gluten free foods available?

Yes. In Florence there are kosher food shops and gluten free foods are available in many stores. Guests receive detailed information in their arrival information.

Everyone says they love Florence. But this organization is showing its love by donations provided directly to projects at the Uffizi Gallery, helping them to restore the museum and works of art to the level they deserve.

Donations by the Friends of the Uffizi Gallery, Inc. a US organization based in Palm Beach, Florida are making possible restoration and exhibition of previously damaged or unseen works of art.   While the Italian Government supports its museums and historical art works, the devastation of art works throughout Italy has made it impossible for the government to fully support all of the much needed restoration work.  In addition to the restoration of paintings, sculptures and tapestries, art works are being restored for exhibition in recently completed new space within the Uffizi Gallery.

As a member of the Board Directors of the Friends of the Uffizi Gallery, Mary Jo Zingale (owner with her husband Joseph of the Zingale Estate) who lives in the United States and Tuscany, works with other art and history lovers to create interest in the organization and to promote membership. President of the Friends of the Uffizi Gallery and the Amici degli Uffizi, Contessa Maria Vittoria Rimbotti, who lives in Florence, works with the volunteers who are making this support a visible reality to the millions of people who visit the Uffizi Gallery each year. The Friends of the Uffizi Gallery is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)3 charity, an advantage for United States citizens. The board members, volunteers and contributors are from throughout the United States and the world. Knowing that you must love Florence, too, please consider this opportunity to show your love with a donation to the Friends of the Uffizi Gallery.  Please view the organization’s website www.friendsoftheuffizigallery.org.  If you would like more information please contact the office at the e-mail address of friendsofuffizi@gmail.com. Add your name to history.

Stia is the home of castles, wonderful woolen mills and the 2011 European Wrought Iron Exhibit.  The lovely small town  is just a short ride through the national forest from the villas and is a wonderful day trip. There you will find castles dating from the Medieval Age: Castle of Chiusi della Verne, Poppi, Romena, Castel San Niccolo and Montemignaio among others and museum. Summer brings cultural events, exhibits and firework displays.

Stia is also home to high quality woolen mills offering fabrics, cashmere clothing and mohair plaid blankets. TACS is open daily and sells to the public.

Every other year (2011) Stia hosts the European Wrought Iron Exhibit for several days in late summer.

 

Near the villas in is the acclaimed Poggio dei Medici Golf Club in nearby Scarperia (about a 40 minutes drive through the beautiful Mugello region). The course, designed by a renowned Italian architect along with a professional player allows for four different play routes within its 18 holes. It is a world-class championship course, home of the Ladies Italian open for many years.