WEDS&HONS 7-9 4/11/09 11:35 Page 54
knowledge weddings & honeymoons
ttglive.com
Country walks and ancient cities Proud of produce
Despite the temptation to hide away, there As you explore the Chianti region, you
are some worthwhile activities: romantic realise how much emphasis there is on good
walks or horse rides that follow ancient food and wine. Each village we came across
Roman roads lined with cypress trees, was fiercely proud of the wine it produced.
leisurely strolls along the vineyards and olive Local produce plays an important part,
groves, wine and olive oil-tasting sessions. and if you find the right places, a laid-back
The longer walks offer sweeping vistas trattoria can offer a perfect romantic atmos-
over rolling hills, with clouds floating mysti- phere; old stone buildings, wooden beams
Typically Italian’s Daniele Broccoli
cally in the valleys. Sometimes you’ll come and traditional recipes such as panzanella
recommends some of Italy’s
across Etruscan walls, dating back thousands (Italian bread salad) and delicious foccacia
other romantic highlights
of years, and abandoned farmhouses. The are real highlights of a stay in this region.
entire region seems to be frozen in time. The Casafrassi itself produces its own wine VENICE
If you can manage to break the sleepy and olive oil, which can be bought in the We can arrange a private water taxi from
spell, it’s worth taking advantage of the shop, and the excellent Casafrassi osteria Marco Polo airport so you arrive at your hotel
hotel’s location in the heart of the Chianti uses local produce as well. Its traditional in style. We can also pre-book a romantic 25-
region. Unesco World Heritage Site Siena is a cuisine was rich and delicious. During our minute gondola ride for £85. Stay at the Hotel
20-minute drive away, San Gimignano is 45 stay we tasted nearly all the dishes on the Abbzia, from £40 per person per night.
minutes and Florence is an hour. menu – boar, veal stew, pasta with
It is easy to spot the other newlyweds truffles... with the warm atmosphere and ROME
wandering aimlessly through these ancient stunning views, it was hard to keep away. We can pre-book a candelit dinner at
cities’ narrow streets. If your clients want full-on luxury and Ditirambo, making sure clients get the best
The winding roads mean driving is not being waited on hand and foot, the Chianti table in the house. We’d also recommend a
for the faint-hearted, so luckily there are area is probably not the best place to recom- cruise down the River Tevere.
closer villages where clients can spend an mend. But if they want nature, rustic charm
afternoon exploring, such as Castellina in and peaceful isolation, this hotel has all the FLORENCE
Chianti, a 10-minute drive. ingredients for the perfect honeymoon. The six-roomed Antica Dimora Firenze hotel
is a must for honeymooners (£78 per person
per night). We can pre-book dinner at the ex-
clusive Boccanegra – knowing the owner helps.
SORRENTO
We’d recommend Hotel Antiche Mura, one
of the best four-star properties in Sorrento
(£63 per person per night), with champagne
and flowers in the room on arrival.
BOOK IT
Three-night B&B breaks with flights and car hire
cost from £378 per person with Typically Italian.
Extra nights cost from £70 per person. Seven
nights in a two-bedroom apartment, with flights
and car hire, costs from £300 per person, based
on four people.
■ 01733 315 522
Roman (road) holiday: the new Mrs Parsons at the start of one the walking trails just outside the Casafrassi. Inset: Chianti vineyards
54 06.11.2009
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