The ancient Tuscan spas are about one hours drive away from agritourism La Rogaia.

For Valentine's Day 2015 we are giving away three vouchers for two persons each for a wellness day at the thermal spa of Chianciano Terme

How do we actually celebrate Christmas here in Umbria? Of course, with plenty of good food: traditionally with Cappelletti in brodo (meat filled pasta in hat form in a strong broth), roast lamb, Sformato di gobbo (casserole of winter carding) and for dessert Torrone, Panettone, Pandoro, mandarins and dried figs. We are lucky as we may take part in the traditional family lunch with our cook and friend Ornella. So we get tocelebrate their joyous festival at a long long table. - But in addition to good food, what else is special here in Umbria? Wolfgang has written a short story about it. You will also find a video of the living nativity scene at Passignano sul Trasimeno ...

This year the olive harvest at La Rogaia unfortunately was not very rich due to adverse climate conditions. Of course this is really a pity because usually the olive harvest is the highlight and the end of our harvesting season at La Rogaia, before life is slowing down once the winter arrives.

Yet what is happening in the olive orchard during the year?

On a visit to Florence, it is difficult to choose which sights are not to be missed. Of course this includes the Duomo and Baptistery, the Uffizi Gallery and the Academy with the David by Michelangelo. If you have this "checked", maybe there is still time left to see a few less well-known art treasures. Here is my personal selection, discovered for you at my last visit in Florence.