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TUSCAN History - Brief Intro on Tuscany - Few raws as introduction

Apennine & Villanovan cultures
The pre-Etruscan history of the Tuscan area was inhabited by peoples of the so-called Apennine culture (roughly 1350–1150 BC). Then followed the Villanovan culture (1100–700 BC) which saw Tuscany, and the rest of Etruria, taken over by chiefdoms. City-states developed and the Etruscan civilisation rose.
Etruscans - The Etruscan civilization
The Etruscans were the first major civilization in Tuscany and civilized enough to implement agriculture, mining and prodicing a flourish art (The Etruscan Art). The Etruscan civilisation grew to fill the area between the rivers Arno and Tiber from the IX cent. B.C. and ceded all power and territory to the Romans by the Ist cent. B.C.
Romans
Soon after absorbing Etruria, Rome established the cities of Lucca, Pisa, Siena, and Florence, endowed the area with new technologies and development, and ensured peace. These developments included extensions of existing roads, introduction of aqueducts and sewers, baths and remodeling towns, bringing Law and order.
Medieval Tuscany - Tuscany in the Middle Ages
With pilgrims travelling along the Via Francigena between Rome and France came wealth and development during the mediæval period. The conflict between the Guelphs and Ghibellines, factions supporting, respectively, the Papacy and the Holy Roman Empire in central and northern Italy during the 12th and 13th cent. split the Tuscan people. The balance between these municipalities were ensured by the assets they held: Pisa, a port; Siena, banking; Lucca, banking and silk. By the Renaissance, however, Florence succeeded in becoming the cultural capital of Tuscany and also due to the terrible back plague in 1348 which exterminated most of the artists and activities in Siena.
Tuscany & The Italian Renaissance
Tuscany is considered the cradle of the Italian Renaissance and its artistic heritage includes architecture, painting and sculpture, collected in dozens of museums in towns and cities across the Tuscan region. Perhaps the best-known are the Uffizi, the Accademia and the Bargello in Florence. Among others, Tuscany was the birthplace of Dante Alighieri ("the father of the Italian language"), Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Giotto, Filippo Brunelleschi, Cimabue, Sandro Botticelli, Domenico Ghirlandaio, Niccolò Machiavelli, Luca della Robbia, Donatello, Amerigo Vespucci, Benvenuto Cellini, Lorenzo the Magnificent.
From the Renaissance to the 21st Millennium
In the 1400s, the rulers of Florence, the Medici Family, annexed surrounding lands to create modern-day Tuscany. With the Italian Wars of Independence in the 1850s, Tuscany was transferred from Austria to the newly unified nation of Italy and briefly Florence became the Capital of Italy for only 4 years (1866-1870) until Rome joined the rest of the Kingdom of Italy.
Today Tuscany is the renomated for its extraordinary museums, shops, outlets, banking, Italian fashion.

What's the Chianti ? What does " Chianti " mean ?

Chianti, is the territory that since centuries produces the Chianti Classico wine, it's that part of Tuscany hilly territory situated between Florence and Siena, rich of artistic masterpieces, this zone represents an historic and natural mosaic unique in the world.

This is a land of ancient traditions, civilizated in remote times, first from the Etruscans and then from the Romans. In the Middle Ages, Florence and Siena fought harsh battles for the control of this territory. During this age, the typical villages and castles rose, they are still today characterizing the hilly landscape, moreover since that time were placed the bases for the cultivation of grapes and olive tree, that progressively it acquired economic importance and international reputation.

Rome Travels arranges for private & exclusive tours in the Chianti Region, both the Florentine Chianti and the Senese Chianti. You will be touring amongst Medieval Castles and Tuscan Burgs, Renaissance Fortresses and wineries, Medieval Abbeys and incomparable hills and landscapes.

Our Tuscany Tours are out of the ordinary ones provided by the drivers-guides who are illegal and don't pay even taxes or those arranged through the hotels. Don't let it be trapped by those who try to sell you a Tuscan Tour for few Euros. The quality, the culture, the profession, the experience have to be rewarded accordingly.

OR,    You  may   Call   Our      On   Line   Number   in   US :  + (201) 204 - 9020  

TUSCANY TOUR 1-  Tuscan Routes - Florentine Chianti
From Florence

1. San Casciano Val di Pesa

2. Tavernelle Val di Pesa

3. Barberino Val d'Elsa & Pieve Sant'Appiano

4. Greve in Chianti

Tuscany Tours - 8 hours

Any tour can be modeled according to your wishes or specail interests.

Costs, including private guide & transportation (Sedan-Minivan-Minibus-Bus), 8 hours full day guided tour:

• 1-2 people: EUR 1.100,00
  

• 3-7 people: EUR 1.500,00
  

• 8-17 people: EUR 150,00 per person
  

• 20-40 people: EUR 110,00 per person.
  

Note: entrance fees and lunch, not included.