Florence and Tuscany's Top 10 Highlights with a Historian

Inspire your visit with an itinerary of must-see sites and hidden gems with a local expert
US$27
Preview Lecture
US$27
Watch on your schedule, you will receive a link to watch the lecture online immedately upon purchase.
Duration
1 hour and 20 minutes
Product Type
Lecture
Venues
  • Accademia Gallery Florence
  • Uffizi Gallery
  • Florence Duomo
Lecture Details
Photos & Highlights
  • Presented by the same world-class experts as our walking tours, Context Lectures highlight must-see attractions, reveal hidden landmarks, and explore the best things to do during your trip so you don’t miss a thing.
Lecture Description
For the discerning traveler, long-term Florence resident Kate Bolton-Porciatti shares her Top 10 must-see sights and cultural experiences in the historic city center and the surrounding hills of Florence and Tuscany. Our picture-perfect virtual itinerary includes art in context, ancient castles and abbeys, monumental churches, palazzi and gardens, all interlaced with the best Tuscan food and fine Chianti wines.
Meet Your Expert
Kate Ann Louise

Kate (M.Phil.) lectures in Music & Cultural History at various prestigious institutions in Florence, including the British Institute, New York University and the Istituto Lorenzo de’Medici. She is also a licenced Italian tour guide. Before moving to Italy in 2007, she was Senior Producer for BBC Arts and Music and, for 10 years, she was Artistic Director of the Lufthansa Festival of Baroque Music in London. Her post-graduate thesis (1992) led her into the fascinating world of late medieval Florence, via the shadowy, poet-composer Don Paolo da Firenze, since when she has published extensively as an academic, a critic and a journalist.

In this lecture, Kate Bolton-Porciatti will share suggestions for concerts and operas where you can mingle with the locals in the city where opera was born; visits to artisan workshops where Florence’s ancient crafts are still practiced; food shopping and culinary tips; the best roof terraces and panoramic hilltop gardens where you can enjoy an aperitivo overlooking the towers and spires of the city. This lecture will also include some beautiful locations off the beaten track and suggestions of how to avoid the heaviest crowds at the most famous sights. Finally, we’ll propose day trips from Florence where you can visit ancient castles, abbeys and wineries girdled in some of Tuscany’s most ravishing scenery.

Hosted by an expert on Italian culture and music, Kate Bolton-Porciatti, this lecture will look beyond Florence's most touted sights to propose other truly memorable experiences for the sophisticated traveler. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with a portfolio of suggestions for their Florentine holiday.
How do I access the lecture?
Once you complete your purchase, you will receive an email with a link to stream the lecture on the Context Travel website. You can also access your past purchases anytime under My Orders. Please ensure you are logged into your account to open the streaming page. 

Is closed captioning (i.e. subtitles) available?
Yes! All of our lectures have the option to turn on closed captioning should you have difficulty hearing the expert.

How long does each event last?
Our recorded lectures typically run for 60 minutes.

How can I share this lecture with friends or family?
You are welcome to watch together with friends or family but each person viewing on their own device will need to purchase the lecture individually.

How long does my access to the lecture last?
Once you purchase a lecture, you are welcome to view it as many times as you like and your access does not expire.

What is your cancellation and refund policy?
Sales for recorded lectures are final upon purchase. Please contact us at digital@contexttravel.com if you have any questions or concerns about your purchase.

Can I purchase a gift card for a friend who is traveling?
Absolutely! Gift cards can be purchased here. Gift cards are good for 365 days from the date of purchase.
(4.85) 34 Reviews

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Lecture was very good. We never got the promised website links though.
I really enjoyed this lecture on some of Florence's best known and lesser known sights!
Terrific!