Sienna Italy

HOTEL CERTOSA DI MAGGIANO: This splendid inn is a converted Carthusian monastery built in the 14th century. It’s now owned by Margherita Grossi, who takes us to a classical music concert in a Renaissance theatre in Siena. LOCANDA DELL’AMOROSA: The Locanda was a fortified farm village in the 14th century. Owner Carlo Citterio has turned it into a Renaissance inn with an outstanding restaurant. We learn to make a traditional pasta dish, and Carlo takes us to the Siena City Museum to see a medieval painting that features the Amorosa farm. CASTELLO DI SPALTENA: This thousand year old castle is now owned by Julie Scartozzoni and Seamus de Pentheny O’Kelly. Julie is a well-known designer who has furnished the castle and creates works in her boutique on the grounds. Seamus is a chef, classically trained in France who now runs a brilliant restaurant. He shows us one of his favorite recipes. Regional Highlights: The Palio in Siena – We learn the history of this 700-year-old horse race run through the center of the city twice a year. Chianti Wine – We visit the Castello di Ama winery, and meet the young woman owner who has won awards with her novel way of producing chianti. Crystal Making – Some of the finest Italian crystal is made in Tuscany in the town of Colle di Val d’Elsa. We visit a factory and learn the process of crystal making and how to buy directly from the manufacturers at wholesale prices. City of Towers – We visit San Gimignano, a hilltop city of narrow streets whose …