Travel with Rick Steves 580 Villages of Tuscany; Megafauna
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Oct 12, 2019 Anna Piperato and Karen Kibbe, expert American-born tour guides now living in Tuscany, share their insights on the region's rich history, vibrant festivals, and culinary traditions that make it the essence of Italy. They discuss the captivating charm of its villages while emphasizing the connections formed through agriturismos. Ross McPhee, a curator from the American Museum of Natural History, dives into the world of megafauna, revealing why these spectacular prehistoric animals went extinct and highlighting modern conservation challenges linked to climate change.
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Siena's Palio and Rivalry
- Siena is famous for its Palio race, a horse race held twice yearly with strong civic pride.
- The historic rivalry with Florence is palpable and expressed even in soccer chants recalling medieval battles.
Eat Local and Seasonal
- Eat seasonally and locally to experience authentic Tuscan cuisine.
- Ask locals or waiters to recommend dishes and wine pairings for the freshest flavors.
Learn Language, Join Village Life
- To truly connect in a Tuscan village, learn and practice speaking Italian.
- Visit the same local café daily to build relationships and learn about events like local festivals.