Headwater Chianti Uncorked

    CHESHIRE, ENGLAND, July 01, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Our 2011 Chianti reps, Calvin (or "Calvino" as he's known locally!) and Karen Yates, share some of their findings with you!

Favourite fact

Every Saturday in the summer, the Etruscan hill town of Volterra holds a "Notte Bianca" where locals dress in either black or white and dance to music in the streets. Apparently there are free drinks for anyone wearing all white! Both our walking and cycling holidays start and end in Volterra.

Famous film

Volterra also provides the climatic backdrop to Stephanie Meyer's box-office hit, "New Moon", released in November 2009 and the second in the sensationally successful "Twilight" vampire series. Fortunately, we think you'll find Volterra vampire-free, but do visit the museum and look up the "Ombra della Sera", or "Shadow of the Night" - an elongated bronze figure of a boy which is reminiscent of the long shadow cast by a person at twilight!

Famous person

Giovanni Boccaccio, author of "The Decameron" - a collection of 100 short tales based on 10 young, well-to-do Florentines who fled from the city to the countryside to escape the Plague - was born in Certaldo - a town time seems to have forgotten - in 1313.

In the heart of the Val d'Elsa, this lovely mediaeval town, surrounded by cypress trees and vines, boasts churches, museums, galleries and the ancient Palazzo del Pretorio. Both walkers and cyclists have the chance to visit here.

Favourite legend

Just 7km from Colle di Val d'Elsa, the beautiful mediaeval Sienese town of Monteriggioni proved to be invincible for over 300 years, falling to the Florentines only when Sienese Captain Zeti accepted a bribe and handed Monteriggioni over to the Florentine enemy. Legend has it that guilt at his betrayal continues to cause his ghost to haunt the town - you've been warned!

Favourite author

Born to Italian parents living in Wimbledon in 1967, Dario Castagno moved to Chianti when he was just 10 years old, and considers himself a native "Chiantigiano". A former wine maker, tour guide and now author, his books, which take an in depth look into life in Chianti, are great fun to read either before, or during, a trip to the region. Favourites include "Too Much Tuscan Wine", "Confessions of a Chianti Tour Guide" and "An Osteria in Chianti".

Favourite food

Famed for its towers, San Gimignano is also home to the best ice cream parlour in Italy - quite a claim! Other foodie highlights include tangy Peccorino cheese, wild boar and the world-famous Bistecca Fiorentina, Florence's famous t-bone and a must-try for all carnivores!

Favourite view

For the best view of the immediate region, and of the Val di Cecina, then we reckon Hotel Park in Volterra - starting point for both walkers and cyclists - has the edge! At 500m above sea level, it offers panoramic vistas from almost every angle.

For the best 360 degree view of the whole of central Tuscany, we'd urge you to brave the 400 steps of the Torre del Mangia in Siena - we promise that it's worth the hike!

Order our 2011 brochures to find out more about our extensive range of holidays. Call us today on 01606 720199 or visit our website at www.headwater.com.

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