During August: ( 18 - 24), We are delighted to offer another special week at Casa Portagioia with  Michael Pooley, one of London's most stylish florists is holding a Fun Floristry School here at Casa Portagioia.  Michael has demonstrated his skills at the RHS Hampton Court Palace, England and other celebrated events worldwide.  Michael's work is often seen in wedding and lifestyle magazines. 

A really fun vacation over 5 days - geared mainly for ladies - but they can bring their partners - if need be.

Michael's style is so unique and has gained quite an elite clientele, especially from the dance, fashion and design world. Please ask us for additional information or visit Michaels's website

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For many couples Italy symbolises the perfect wedding and honeymoon location.  Well known for its famous cities and picture perfect landscapes many thousands of couples have chosen Tuscany to realise their dream and create their fairy-tale wedding.

Tuscany is a dream wedding location for many lovers; however, it does take some planning to organise and co-ordinate. Some couples prefer to do all the ground work for themselves whereas others, perhaps knowing a thing or two about Italy’s infamous bureaucracy, prefer to use the services of a ‘wedding planner'.

In Italy it is possible to have either a  valid civil wedding, a religious wedding, or a simple blessing.  In the case of legal weddings, there are a number of documents required which need to be presented to the local authorities.

At casa Portagioia we've catered for many Weddings and Civil Ceremonies over the past 7 years, ranging from the fairly simple to the rather elaborate.  With sufficient notice we can include accommodation for up to 14 guests at Casa Portagioia and provide alternative local accommodation meeting our exacting standards.

You can start your planning (whatever your intended dates) by giving us a general idea of your wishes and requirements by clicking this link.

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During August, Cortona hosts the famous Tuscan Sun Festival.  This beautiful Tuscan hill town is usually a quiet place, but during the first weeks of August Cortona is transformed into an international venue for music, wine tasting, cooking and more. Last  year’s special guest was Anthony Hopkins, whose exhibition of paintings and musical compositions were both featured. Artists including Joshua Bell, Stéphane Denève, Nina Kotova also starred at the festival.

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November is usually the time of the olive harvest.  Tuscan olive oil is accepted as 'THE' best olive oil in the world. Many farms in  Val di Chio will allow you to watch - and even join in the harvesting of the precious crop (in the traditional way of course) and then on to the mill  to witness the small olives being transformed into the beautiful Tuscan Extra Virgin Olive Oil. and here in the Val di Chio, our organic Tuscan Olive Oil - could be the best you have ever tasted!

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Castiglion Fiorentino (5 Kms from us) has many festivals throughout the year including the famous "Palio dei Rioni" on the third Sunday of June.  A smaller scale version of the world famous Pailio of Siena.  The Palio dei Rioni is a horse race around Piazza Garibaldi, including a colourful and energetic display of the ancient custom of flag-waving, which dates back to the 13th century

Since the late Middle Ages the fortified town of Castiglion Fiorentino, at that time Castiglion "Aretino", was divided into three sectors (called Rioni) each governed by its own representatives.  In times of peace, in order to be ready to face possible dangers and potential enemies, the inhabitants used to exercise themselves by participating in tournaments.

This tournament is alive and well and if you are visiting Casa Portagioia during this period, you will enjoy the colours and spectacles of the Castiglion Fiorentino Palio and the summary festivals of the preceding days.

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