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Bike Florence & Tuscany: Absorbing Italy Slowly from a Bike Saddle

Thu, 12 Aug 2021 06:00:00 -0300

Tuscany is the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. It is here one finds Florence, home of some of the most renowned and iconic examples of Italian art, architecture and culture: Michelangelo's David, Giotto’s Bell Tower, Brunelleschi’s Duomo, the Laurentian Library, and so much more. The rich history of Tuscany and her towns is a feast for one's heart and imagination. Originally a Roman city, Florence rose in prominence and wealth during medieval times. During the years between the 14th and 16th centuries, Florence became a city of great influence, and Tuscany the home of one of Italy’s most famous noble families, the Medici family.

With so much to experience in the condensed city of Florence, getting out to see more of Tuscany may be neglected. But it should not be. A way to see the stunning landscape, charming small towns, and breathe the soul-cleansing fresh air ought to be on every itinerary. Enter experiencing Italy from the seat of a bike. In this episode, I talk with Elena Boscherini of Bike Florence & Tuscany, who takes people to do just that. Regardless of cycling skill level, visitors can join their authentically Tuscan cycling tours. Conducted at a slow and relaxed pace, it is ideal for everyone from the avid cyclist to entire families. From the saddle of a bicycle, you are immersed in the environment, with plenty of time to soak in the colors, the beauty, and the Italian spirit that thrives under the Tuscan sun.

What You’ll Learn

Elena’s definition of slow travel
Why Tuscany is known for cycling
Ease of access to Bike Florence & Tuscany
Tours: including organic food and wine, photo opportunities, historical tours; all skill and age levels
A visual of the scenery you’ll take in on your ride
Their fleet of bicycles
Experiences and tour accommodations for families and those uncertain about cycling the entire time
How mass tourism and Covid has changed Tuscany tourism
Future Tuscany tourism plan to spread artwork into smaller towns and villages

Contact Info and Recommended Resources

CNN Travel: Italy has a new way to combat overtourism

Bike Florence & Tuscany with Piero Didona and Elena Boscherini

Website: bikeinflorence.com

Phone: +39 3409666540

Email: info@bikeinflorence.com

Azzurro Dream Travel

Website: azzurrodreamtravel.com

Contact Courtney: azzurrodreamtravel.com/contact-us

Locali: Permission to be human, granted!

Community Kitchen Revitalizing Small-Town in Sicily: The Good Kitchen

Thu, 05 Aug 2021 09:48:02 -0300

Mount Etna has been in the news lately as she’s been erupting. As Europe’s highest active volcano, Mount Etna brings a lot of attention to the Island of Sicily. But Sicily is the home to more than Mount Etna and exists as almost a contradiction in landscapes. The island is both rocky and mountainous but also green and hilly. She sits on sparkling blue water coastlines and holds extremely fertile soil. Sicily’s history is even more diverse, being controlled, inhibited and invaded by multiple great civilizations. Travel writer Anthony Bourdain once remarked that Sicily has belonged to everyone but its own people.

This extremely varied history brings diverse ethnic vibrancy to Sicily’s culture. It has created warmth, authenticity, richness, pride, and humility that are uniquely Sicilian. Committed to preserving this continuing history is a not-for-profit project currently working in the quiet and remote hilltop town of Mussomeli. Danny McCubbin of Good For Good worked with this program to purchase one of the town’s abandoned homes for 1 euro (approximately $1.20) for the express purpose of launching a Community Kitchen. Danny works with recovery programs along with working with celebrity chef Jamie Oliver for over 17 years. He holds a firm belief that food can, and does, transform lives.

What You’ll Learn

Food for positive change
Fighting addiction with love, purpose and skills teaching
The 1 euro house project
The Community Kitchen concept; how it’s different; partnering with food charities and reducing food waste
Smashing crowdfunding goals for the community kitchen
Training young chefs; providing a path for empowering youth
Social enterprise for revitalizing communities
Supporting small business for sustainable travel
Vision for the Community Kitchen; passing along the passion for community-minded work and livelihoods
Embarking on the right journey at the right time
Inspiring others to live their authentic and joy-filled life

Contact Info and Recommended Resources

Good For Good with Danny McCubbin

Website: goodforgood.com

Facebook

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Azzurro Dream Travel

Website: azzurrodreamtravel.com

Contact Courtney: azzurrodreamtravel.com/contact-us