LATEST NEWS

2011.05.24

Primavera 2011

This year's Easter was late, only on 24th of April was Easter Sunday, which made it ideal for a journey to Tuscany for those who wished to great the Italian sun. Most of the apartments were booked and we had the joy the welcome fine families. We enjoyed the wonderful weather and the freshness of spring admiring the green picturesque landscape. The traditional Easter celebrations in Casaglia was very special also thanks to the full participation of our guests. Easter egg-painting was very much appreciated especially by the children (more than 100 eggs were decorated!).

Summer 2011

We are planning some promising concerts this summer in Casaglia. The highlight will be Ingolf Wunder's piano recital in July. Ingolf Wunder, an Austrian very talented and famous pianist, has won lately the second price at the International Chopin Piano Contest in Warsaw 2010, Poland. In Casaglia, Ingolf Wunder will spoil us with the best of Chopin's piano repertoire.
During the summer season, there will be also other attractions amongst other "pool parties" with Italian live music where children can dance and run around.
By the end of the summer season we are happy to host Robert Hager von Strobele who, with his warm voice and music talent makes our guests enjoy a truly romantic summer evening under the stars.
Every persons finds a way to relax at the Tenuta di Casaglia, far from television or computer, the children enjoy the freedom and make friendships with other children.
At your arrival, probably after a long trip, you will be welcomed with a cup of Italian espresso and juice for the children. Your apartment will be shown and you might want to take a refreshing dive in the big swimming pool and start your own "wellness programme"!
For the coming summer, there are still a few apartments left:
Ap.14 for 4 persons from 4.-25.06., Ap.2 for 2-3 persons from 18.06.-02.07., Ap.10 for 4-6 persons from 25.06.-02.07., Ap.1 for 4 persons from 2.-9.07., Ap.8 for 2-4 persons from 6.-13.08. and App.5 for 2-4 persons from 27.08.-03.09. (status quo on 19th of May 2011)
For any more information, just call or write me and I will be glad to send you a brochure.
Here some local events you might not want to miss:

Park Festival

Pisa - 19/05/2011 to 29/05/2011
On the occasion of European Day of Parks, ten days of events designed to promote the Regional Park, with a rich calendar of walks, excursions and guided tours.

Info and booking:
www.parcosanrossore.org

Terricciola Wine tour

Terricciola - 19/05/2011 to 30/06/2011
Every Thursday until the end of June a guided tour of the medieval town of Terricciola, with a visit to its Etruscan vestiges, and in the local farms with tastings of wine and local products.

Info and booking:
tel: 0587 691878 • fax: 0587 672088
info@ariannandfriends.com • www.ariannandfriends.com

Guelfi e Ghibellini

Pisa - 21/05/2011
A relay race between the Guelphs and Ghibellines, with a historical procession along the Arno embankment and Renaissance dances.
 
Folder

La Mangia....Longa 2011

Pontedera - 22/05/2011
A food and wine stroll to discover the territory. On the various stages of the walk participants will enjoy a full meal and will taste local wines from Valdera.

Flyer

Info:
tel. 0587 53354
ufficioturistico@comune.pontedera.pi.it • www.comune.pontedera.pi.it

Pisa Folk Festival

Pisa - 26/05/2011 to 29/05/2011
Four days of performances and folk music from Calabria, Sicily, Puglia and the Salento, in different areas of the historic center of Pisa.

 Info:
tel. 320 2240648 • info@pisafolkfestival.it

The Flavours of the Valley

Montecatini Val di Cecina - 28/05/2011 to 29/05/2011
A gastronomic event dedicated to the discovery of the products and district of Montecatini and the Cecina Valley. Local food and crafts markets, culture and entertainment for everybody.

 
Painting contest flyer

Info:
tel. 0588 31603
att.prod@comune.montecatini.pi.it • www.comune.montecatini.pi.it

Cherry Festival

Pisa - 21/05/2011
A relay race between the Guelphs and Ghibellines, with a historical procession along the Arno embankment and Renaissance dances.
 
Info:
tel. 0587 684125 • www.prolocolari.it

Palio dei Barchini con le Ruote

Castelfranco di Sotto - 29/05/2011
The modern version of the ancient tradition of the Palio It takes place on the road, with typical small wheeled boats. In addition, Children's Palio, Pink Palio, tug of war and medieval dinner.

Info:
www.comune.castelfranco-di-sotto.pi.it • info@paliodeibarchini.it • www.paliodeibarchini.it

Expo Country and Palio de' Ciui

Santa Maria a Monte - 01/06/2011 to 05/06/2011
The traditional "Palio de' Ciui" (Donkey Race) in the municipal sports ground of Ponticelli.

 Info:
tel. 0587 53354 • ufficioturistico@comune.pontedera.pi.it • info@alteregofiere.com • info@alteregosas.it • www.alteregofiere.com

Walking in Pisa

Pisa - 03/03/2011 to 31/10/2011
Come and discover with us the beauty of Pisa even beyond the Leaning Tower! A walking tour through the city centre for three days a week, from March 3rd to October 31st.

Info:
tel. 050 550591 • cell. 328 1446855
info@pisatour.it • www.pisatour.it

Pisa Citygrandtour

Pisa - 13/03/2011 to 19/05/2011
A series of themed guided tours will bring us through the old city to discover its lesser known - but not less interesting - aspects.

 
Info:
tel. 050 3820678 • 320 9154975 • 380 3860803
info@citygrandtour.it • www.citygrandtour.it

Women of Italy: the other half of the Unification

Pisa - 16/03/2011 to 26/06/2011
The exhibition tells the story of Italy and its unification through the voices and vicissitudes of women.
 
Info:
www.palazzoblu.it

San Miniato month after month

San Miniato - 01/04/2011 to 30/06/2011
Organ music; local foods festivals; open wineries; antique, crafts and local products markets; traditional festivals; puppetry theatre. See all the spring events in San Miniato and nearby villages.

 April - May - June programme

Info:
tel. 0571 42745 • 0571 418739
ufficio.turismo@cittadisanminiato.it • www.cittadisanminiato.it

Biennial Exhibition of young Artists 2011

Pisa - 09/04/2011 to 24/05/2011
A dialogue between artists and locals based on multiple relations, a wowen thread leading from Keith Haring's 1989 wall painting Tuttomondo, to the newest generations of italian artists.

Folder

Info:
tel. 050 910373 • progettosms@comune.pisa.it

Parks Festival 2011

17/04/2011 to 16/10/2011
A calendar of activities, excursion and events in the three protected areas: Monte Pisano, Crebaie, Bassa Val di Cecina, from late spring to early autumn.

Info:
tel. 340 3460859
www.polomontepisano.it • www.polocerbaiebientina.it• www.polobassavaldicecina.it

Spa by Night

Casciana Terme, San Giuliano Terme - 05/05/2011 to 07/09/2011
Find your wellness by night at Casciana and San Giuliano Terme.

 Casciana Spa
tel. 0587 644608 • info@termedicasciana.it

San Giuliano Spa
tel. 050 88501 • spabooking@bagnidipisa.com

Strawberry Festival 2011

Terricciola - 07/05/2011 to 22/05/2011
Good wine, typical local cuisine, and strawberries in every possible way. An then shows and events for everybody in a joyful atmosphere. A famous event in all of Tuscany celebrating its 29th edition.

Flyer

Info:
info@festivaldellafragola.it • www.festivaldellafragola.it

2010.01.27

Primavera 2010

Dear guests,

Already longing for the first warm sunrays? Welcome in Casaglia in the heart of Tuscany!
From March 13th we open the doors for you in Casaglia and look forward to welcome you.
You will be shown your own apartment where you can enjoy your privacy and where beautiful nature is just in front of your doorstep. It takes only a short drive to cultural and special places.
We are glad to give you tips and reserve the best Italian restaurants in the vicinity.
Swimming-pool in Casaglia will be open from around May 1st and, if you wish to enjoy the sea-side, it takes only 20-minute drive to reach the nearest beach.

Please feel free to write or call me if you would just like to receive a brochure on Casaglia. We are glad to send you one.

Here some worthy cultural tips to fill your holiday agenda:-

March
Pisa (40 minute drive from Casaglia).
Pisa New Year's Celebrations Capodanno Pisano, March 24th & 25th. On the 25th of March the Pisans celebrated the New Year (until 1749 when their calendar was unified with the Gregorian calendar used in the rest of Tuscany). On the evening of the 24th the festivities begin, with medieval flag-wavers (sbandieratori) and itinerant musicians filling the city streets. At 11 pm people gather under the Loggia di Banchi (near the main bridge, Ponte di Mezzo) where you can view the city's fireworks and toast to the New Year. On the morning of the 25th there is a historic parade which begins at the Church of San Giorgio (in Via Santa Maria) and leads to the Cathedral where mass is held at 12 pm: at this moment a ray of light filters through the Cathedral windows, illuminating the marble sculpture above Giovanni Pisano's pulpit.

Casaglia.
Holy Week Celebrations (the week preceding Easter, which is on March 27th) in Casaglia. Beautiful religious procession with candle-lit way of the cross.

Florence (1 hour drive from Casaglia)
Scoppio del Carro, Easter Sunday (March 27th) An ancient ritual that dates back to the 12th century (also one of the most important Florentine holidays), the event is a sort of welcome to spring -- a wooden cart is led by four white oxen laden with garlands of flowers through the town.

Pisa.
Exhibition on Cimabue. March 25th- June 25th. This exhibition will be the most important show ever held on the early-Renaissance painter Cimabue. A once in a life-time opportunity. Museum of San Matteo, Pisa. Entrance fee: 8 Euro.

Pomarance (15 minute drive from Casaglia).
Marzuolo Truffle Festival. March 12th -13th.

May
All towns in Tuscany.
May Day Festivities, May 1st. On this day Tuscany stands still. In almost any town in the countryside you will find festivities and feasts in the mornings (Tripe is the standard breakfast served on this day in Volterra) while in the afternoon everyone goes into the countryside to lie in the sun or take a leisurely stroll.

Terricciola.
Strawberry Festival. May 15th. This strawberry festival is held in the town center of Terricciolla, which is famous for its strawberries - here you can try them in every form imaginable!

Lari.
Cherry Festival, last Sunday in May (May 29th). In this small town between Volterra and Pisa, you can savor the 13 varieties of cherries grown in this area --try them fresh or in the form of liqueurs, jams, cakes and ice cream.

For June, July and August we recommend early booking.

2009.10.27

Autumn in Tuscany

Wish to go for a walk under the Tuscan sun among olive trees admiring the nature spotting pheasants, rabbits, dears, and other? Wish to go for a romantic walk at the beach breathing in good air? Wish to enjoy a glass of wine with an inspiring book in front of your own fire-place in your cosy apartment in the midst of beautiful Tuscan landscape? Wish to discover the jewels of Tuscany avoiding mass tourism and not having to drive too far? Well, Tenuta di Casaglia is the right place for you. You will find here peace, comfort, friendly atmosphere and privacy. We welcome you, offer you a tasty Italian coffee and give all the information and tips you need.
Here below already some tips to fill your holiday agenda you might be interested in!
October and November

• Volterra. Truffle Festival and Feast. Last weekend in October Nightly truffle feasts and demonstrations of truffle-hunting techniques and tastings of products made with truffles.
• Montescudaio. Mostra Vino DOC. October 2nd. A wine-lover's dream come true: the picturesque town of Montescudaio opens up its wine-cellars for this festival to celebrate the end of the harvest.
• Volterra. White Truffle Festival. October 29th-30th and November 1st, 5th and 6th. Volterra's white truffle is quickly becoming one of the most prized truffles in the world. During the festival stands are set up to explain the mystery of this rare culinary-delight - and of course to taste and purchase truffle products.

Olive harvest in Casaglia has started and we sell freshly pressed olive oil. If you just like to receive our (new!) brochure, please write me an e-mail with your address and I will send you one. Here some pictures of Summer in Casaglia 2009.

2009.06.21

LATEST NEWS SUMMER 2009

In Casaglia, we had the pleasure to guest two excellent musicians from Germany: Nicole Hartsieker and Mulo Francel. The concert Art of Air took place in the old olive-oil press hall which, together with the sensational combination of organ and saxophone, created a very special and warm atmosphere.

This Summer we warmly invite you to assist our next planned concerts. There will be classical music (Italian opera aria's and piano recital), jazz music, and music to dance to...

For those who wish to discover the surroundings and its cultural events of Casaglia we recommend the following:

July:

- Siena Palio, July 2nd. The first of the twice-yearly horse races.

- Volterra. VolterraTeatro. Two weeks in July (exact dates not yet determined). An experimental theater festival in which groups come from around the world to give performances throughout the city in this celebrated festival.

August:

- Volterra. Volterra Jazz. August 1st - 15th. Music festival with open-air concerts throughout the city.

- Mazzolla. Feast of San Lorenzo. August 15th. A local feast with lots of local colour in this small hill-top town near Volterra; with raffles and dancing at night.

- Siena Palio, August 16th. The famous Sienese horse race.

- Volterra. 1398 A.D. Medieval Festival. August 21st - 28th. The city centre is closed off on the weekends (August 21st, 27th & 28th) and visitors can enjoy medieval re-enactments, musicians, jugglers and artisans who bring to life ancient traditions and crafts. Entrance fee: 8 Euro.

- Montescudaio. Vino Estate. August 15th. A wine festival in this charming Eastern-Tuscan town known for its excellent local wines.

September:

- Volterra. Flag-waving Competition (Astiludio). September 4th (1st Sunday in September). An awe-inspiring national competition between four groups of medieval flag wavers, a Tuscan tradition since 1406 instated to celebrate the Florentine conquest of the rival city Pisa.

- Volterra. City Fair. September 19th (the Monday following the 3rd Sunday of September) A veritable Tuscan bazaar which is held at this time to celebrate Saint Sebastian.

- Pisa. Anima Mundi Sacred Music Series. September and October (dates to be announced). This is a fantastic concert series held in the Pisa Cathedral with musicians of international fame.

- Terricciola. Grape and Wine Festival. September 9th-18th. Concentrated on the weekends, this grape and wine festival is one of the area's best. The city centre comes alive with music, dancing, folklore - and wine tastings, of course!

To reach Volterra, Pisa, Siena and Terricciola it needs only less than an hour.

This Summer in Casaglia, there are a few apartments left to rent:

- App.2 for 2 persons from 04.-11.07.,
- App. 3 for 4-7 persons from 29.08.-05.09.,
- App.6 for 5 persons from 25.07.-01.08.,
- App.11 for 4-6 persons from 29.08.-05.09.

For those interested, please give me a call or write me an e-mail for further information.
Wishing you a lovely Summer...in Tuscany.

2008.03.05

Viva Primavera!

From March onwards, you are welcome to spend your precious holidays in Tenuta di Casaglia, in the heart of Tuscany. Waking up, you can already enjoy the first warm sun rays and listen to the song of the birds while drinking your coffee in front of a spectacular panorama of Tuscan landscape.
You can either go for "dolce far niente" with an inspiring book in midst the beautiful surrounding nature or fill your agenda with local events and be part of Italian culture!

Here some tips for the month of May:
- May 1st: May Day Festitivities. In almost any town in the countryside you will find festivities and feasts in the mornings (Tripe is the standard breakfast served on this day in Volterra) while in the afternoon everyone goes into the countryside to lie in the sun or take a leisurely stroll.
- May 15th: Strawberry Festival in Terricciola. This strawberry festival is held in the town center of Terricciolla, which is famous for its strawberries - here you can try them in every form imaginable.
- May 29th: Cherry Festival in Lari. In this small town between Volterra and Pisa, you can savor the 13 varieties of cherries grown in this area - try them fresh or in the form of liqueurs, jams, cakes and ice cream.

Here some tips for the month of June:
- June 5th: Festivities of San Giusto in Volterra. To celebrate the saint's day of Volterra's patron saint, the city holds a parade, a city-wide "tug of war" and a foot race held at night in which the participants carry large candles while they run through the city center.
- June 16th: Luminara di San Ranieri. The eve of the day dedicated to Saint Ranier, patron saint of Pisa, over 70,000 candles are placed in all of the windows of the buildings that line the Arno River, all around the colonnades of the leaning tower, and also put afloat in the Arno River; the evening's festivities culminate with a show of fireworks. This is perhaps the most heart-felt and suggestive of all Pisan festivities, first held in 1688 when the saint's remains were placed inside the Cathedral where they can still be found today
- June 17th: Palio di San Ranieri in Pisa. A rowing race is held on the Arno River between the four historic districts of Pisa, with all participants dressed in Medieval garb; the history of the event is tied to the Order of the Knights of Saint Steven, created by the Medicis in the 1500s.
- June 26th: Gioco del Ponte in Pisa. A Pisan tradition since the time of the Medicis (who instated this competition to replace a quite violent precursor), various neighborhoods participate in a sort of "tug of war" across a bridge. The historic parade begins at 4:30 pm and leads to the Ponte di Mezzo (the main bridge over the Arno River).

During Easter holidays, there are still some comfortable apartments at the Tenuta di Casaglia left for you. Same counts for the month of May. In case you wish to come in June, July or August, we recommend an early booking and we will find a nice apartment just right for you.

2008.12.12

We are proud to announce that this year's olive harvest has been a success. The olives of Casaglia splendoured with their beautiful colour and shape. They are picked by hand and brought directly to the mill. No chemical additives of any sort are used in the production. The olive oil is fully bodied, fruity and flavorful, with a hint of pepper and spice. We invite you warmly to come and taste Casaglia's extra virgin olive oil. We sell our olive oil in 750 ml bottles, and in 3 liter and 5 liter cans.

We also sell our Montescudaio DOC red and white wine. This year's harvest brought only a few bottles, but you are more than welcome to do some wine-tasting in Casaglia.

September and October were fully booked and thanks to temperatures reaching 32 degrees Celcius, our guests could enjoy the swimming-pool longer than expected.

For the upcoming Christmas and New Year's Eve, Casaglia will be closed and its doors will open again in March. We will use this winter period to renovate your apartments and extend the swimming-pool area and renew the grill territory.

There are still some apartments free in Spring. In case you wish to come to Casaglia during summer 2009 , we recommend an early booking. There are still some nice apartments left beginning July and end of August.

If you wish to obtain a brochure, please feel free to contact me and I will send you one.

Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year 2009!

2008.09.09

Although August has come to an end, we are still enjoying sunny warm days here in Casaglia.
Personally I find the months September and October the most enjoyable in Tuscany. The climate is mild, not too hot, and one can still enjoy the beach and the swimming-pool.
The same counts for cultural outings.

Here some tips for September and October:

For chilly evenings in October, November and December, we can offer you our red and white wine to enjoy in front of your fireplace in your apartment. For breakfast, you may choose from 11 different kind of bread types that we bring to your door.
 
For more information please do not hesitate to contact me. We are glad to be of your service.

2008.04.08

Easter. Traditionally, on the evening of Good Friday, there is a beautiful candle-light procession during which local men and women carry a grand statue of Jesus followed by a grand statue of Mary. It is a Christian tradition and in Casaglia, this usage goes back centuries. However, this year, the pouring rain made us stay in the Church in which we could meditate the Way of the Cross.
The following day, we hosted around 25 children for painting Easter eggs! The children were very creative and proudly showed their parents their masterpieces (see picture).
On Easter Monday, a concert took place in the Church of Casaglia. We could listen to a children choir "Cabalus" from Switzerland. We were astonished by their beautiful voices and we wish them a road to success!
To our delight, the weather improved during the Easter week and one could just enjoy the first warmth of the Tuscan sun. An international group of students arrived from Austria and we all had a cosy, and entertaining dinner. During their stay, they visited Florence and Pisa.

Here some attractive local events during spring:

On May 1st Tuscany celebrates May Day Festivities. In almost any town in the countryside you will find festivities and feasts in the mornings (Tripe is the standard breakfast served on this day in Volterra). Don't miss the Cherry Festival (May 29th) in Lari, small town between Volterra and Pisa, in which you can savor the 13 varieties of cherries grown in this area --try them fresh or in the form of liqueurs, jams, cakes and ice cream. If you are fonder of strawberries, you are likely tempted to visit the town center of Terricciola where a Strawberry Festival will take place on May 15th - here you can try strawberries in every form imaginable!

As for June, we invite you to attend the Festivities of San Giusto, June 5th, in Volterra. To celebrate the saint's day of Volterra's patron saint, the city holds a parade, a city-wide "tug of war" and a foot race held at night in which the participants carry large candles while they run through the city center.
In Pisa, on the evening of the 16th of June, the eve of the day dedicated to Saint Ranier, patron saint of Pisa, over 70,000 candles are placed in all of the windows of the buildings that line the Arno River, all around the colonnades of the leaning tower, and also put afloat in the Arno River; the evening's festivities culminate with a show of fireworks.
The next day, on June 17th, a rowing race - Palio di San Ranieri - is held on the Arno River between the four historic districts of Pisa, with all participants dressed in medieval garb; the history of the event is tied to the Order of the Knights of Saint Steven, created by the Medicis in the 1500s.
On June 26th, the Gioco del Ponte takes place. It is a Pisan tradition since the time of the Medicis in which various neighborhoods participate in a sort of "tug of war" across a bridge. The historic parade begins at 4:30 pm and leads to the Ponte di Mezzo (the main bridge over the Arno River).

For those who just wish to relax "under the Tuscan sun", we still have some apartments free during May and June at the Tenuta di Casaglia. In July and August there is one cosy apartment left for 2-3 persons (App. Nr.2).

2008.01.30

We were happy to have many guests in Casaglia during Sylvester. When the clocks stroke twelve, adults enjoyed their glass of champagne whereas the children admired the fireworks in the courtyard. All of our guests got together and as it became cold, they continued their evening in front of the fireplace singing with guitar. It was a calm but joyful and successful feast!

Meanwhile we have received bookings for the coming spring and summer. From March onwards, we are happy to welcome you. In Tuscany, spring starts early and in Casaglia one can just enjoy the first bird singing, the smell of the green grass, the first flowers, the first warming sun rays with all the beauty this season offers.

Spring is also perfect for cultural outings in Tuscany. Imagine just drinking your cappuccino in an authentic Italian square place observing the typical Italian daily life (with still no tourists around!). Or imagine visiting Italian monuments and museums not having to stand in queues!

As for summer, July and August are fully booked, except for one or two weeks there is a little apartment free. There are still some apartments left in June.

For any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us!

2007.11.11

Even though summer season has come to an end, autumn in Casaglia has been very good to us. Our guests could enjoy the sunny and mild weather: perfect conditions for cultural outings, hiking, playing tennis, or just enjoying the dolce far niente sitting comfortably in front of their apartments with a good book whereas their children could still splash in the swimming-pool.
Sooner as we think, we will be celebrating Christmas and New Year's Eve. Why not in Tuscany? In Casaglia you will find privacy for you and your family. There are still apartments, with central heating, left for smaller or bigger groups. We offer you our Montescudaio wine with which you might want to enjoy in front of your own fireplace. The weather can be variable, but surely not as cold as in the North... Walks alongside the beach or in the surrounded nature, as well as breathing in real Italian life with no tourists around makes your stay surely worthwhile.
If you wish to spend your holidays in Casaglia during the summer period, we recommend an early booking as there are still apartments left until July 5th and from mid-August.

For further information, please do not hesitate to call or write me.