The Original & Best Tours
Prince Duccio Corsini
The Corsini family is one of the great noble families of Italy.
The family dates back to the twelfth century, before the Renaissance even begun and is still flourishing to this day. Few families anywhere in the world can boast such prestigious ancestors as the Corsini – a pope (Pope Clement XII in the 18th century) and a saint (Sant’Andrea Corsini in the 14th century) among them. The Corsini pope – Pope Clement XII – commissioned one of the great masterpieces of Italy, the Trevi fountain in Rome.
Today Duccio Corsini is heir to the title of 10th Prince of Sismano. Prince Duccio Corsini’s grandfather was the largest landowner in all of Italy, owning 17 important properties. The family still own large estates in Tuscany including “Le Corti” in San Casciano just ten kilometres from Florence and the magnificent Tenuta Marsiliana in Southern Tuscany. Their two palaces in Florence, one of which (the Palazzo Corsini) contains some of the finest art works in the Italy – with masterpieces by Botticelli, Raphael and Bernini.
Prince Duccio Corsini has many interests, but perhaps his best known and celebrated is his knowledge and love of good wine and food. It is no coincidence that the prince has strong links with the Slow Food movement as his estates produce some of the finest wines and olive oils in Italy. Prince Corsini has been instrumental in renovating and expanding the agricultural achievements of his family. His family’s historic estates in the Chianti and Maremma regions of Tuscany are justly world famous.
Prince Corsini prides himself on the use of traditional methods of wine making such as hand picking the grapes and never using drip irrigation systems. His commitment to excellence is evident from the very first sniff. The most famous of the Corsini wines is probably Don Tommaso, the signature wine of the Don Tommaso vineyard made from Sangiovese grapes with a hint of Merlot. In 2006 Wine Spectator awarded this sensual wine 91 points.
Since 2003, the olive oil produced by the Corsini family has been recognised as Extra Virgin Olive Oil of Chianti Classico DOP. Only the best Italian olive oils are awarded this distinction.
The legacy of the Corsini family is visible throughout Italy – from the monumental (the Trevi fountain in Rome and the historic villas and palaces of Florence and Tuscany) to the smaller but no less important paintings and sculptures commissioned by the family. Prince Corsini ensures that this legacy will live on for many more years with his conservation of his family properties, gardens and works of art and his ever increasing commitment to high quality Tuscan wines and olive oils.
For a prestigious opportunity to meet Prince Duccio Corsini see
The Artviva Festival Experience
Adopt a Vine with Prince Duccio Corsini
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Customers Reviews
On
2013/05/19
Tanya Harrison said:
Fantastic
My boyfriend and I took the original Florence walking tour, and I have to say it was the best tour of our week stay in Italy. This tour was fantastic because we had Brenda as our tour guide. When someone loves their job so much it really shines through their work and made us enjoy so much more than what there was to see and know about Florence. Brenda was very knowledgeable, funny and well spoken. We also enjoyed her running commentaries on the various happenings around the streets such as watching a woman parking her Vespa on the street or a van moving in a tight space. Very enjoyable and thank you Brenda for a great time!
On
2013/03/23
Elaine Lam said:
I took the Florence tour of Florence Artisans. It was amazing. It was the best tour !!!! Our Guide, Helen was fantastic. She took us to places we'd NEVER have been able to find on our own. She was friendly and very informative. In fact, local people were greeting us with such a warm reception which I can only attribute to the fact that she is a well known and liked friend to the city.
On
2013/02/24
Ingrid Rebelson said:
On
2013/01/22
Helen Campbell said:
Excellent
Nice size for a tour group – not too big. Excellent coverage of the main issues in Renaissance history. Wonderful details – really enjoyed it. Thanks so much.
On
2013/01/22
Ann Gregory said:
On
2013/01/22
Paul Edward Cook said:
Great tour
I just wanted to write and thank you and your staff for our wonderful and informative walking tour of Florence. The tour helped us fall even more in love with your wonderful city. Thanks again and we hope to return in the near future for some more tours. Paul
On
2012/12/30
Joyce Won Ha said:
Helen, The Florence Walking Tour & David
Great Tour! Had Helen as our guide for the tour. Lots of great spots shown throughout florence, things/places only a insider would know. Family loved the info & perspective she gave; as well considerate of breaks, walking speed, time, etc. Would recommend Helen and the tour for any first timers. - the ha family
On
2012/12/30
Joyce Won Ha said:
Elisabetta, Uffizi Private Tour
Elisabetta was great! She is so knowledgeable, honest and quite hilarious. She tailored the tour to exactly the amount we needed as any gallery can get overwhelming. We walked with a better understanding of art/influences. In addition, we had some spare time, so she showed a few spots nearby, recommendations on places to eat, etc. Would definitely consider Art Viva and Elisabetta again. - the ha family
On
2012/10/03
Michelle Purchase said:
Original Florence Walk & Uffizi Tour
Joined the Original Florence Walk (29 Sept 2012) and the Uffizi Tour (30 Sept 2012) after seeing reviews on Trip Advisor. Didn't disappoint. Learnt so much from enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides (sorry, can't remember names but english lady and american guy). Worth every penny. Thank you guys.
On
2012/10/01
Jackie Callahan Parente said:
Florence and The David
We took two tours with Brenda and she was terrific! We would definitely use Artviva again. Brenda was personable, very knowledgeable, and made the tours as fun as they were informative.Jackie and Bob in Glastonbury, Connecticut
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