The Fucecchio Marsh is the largest inland marsh in Italy and the last refuge for many species of animals and plants.
In olden times a place of predilection of the Medici family, they erected the impressive Medici Complex at CerretoGuidi as a hunting lodge.
Some traditions survive within the protected area, such as the weaving of the marsh grasses and weeds.

A short course of lessons with local craftsmen will teach you how to weave the grasses, in particular the sarello, which is used for baskets, hampers, covers for flasks, bottles, etc. In Fucecchio, where Idro Montanellli was born, the Montanelli Bassi Foundation has been set up. The study of the famous journalist has been transported here with all its documents, papers and furniture.

Duration: 2 nights/3 days - Friday to Sunday
Period: March to May

The package includes:
• 2 overnight stays with breakfast in a hotel or a holiday farmhouse with half board either in the farm or in a restaurant near by
• Weaving workshop at the Research and Documentation Centre of the Fucecchio marsh
• Visit to the Fucecchio Marsh with environment expert guide
• Guided visit to the old quarter of Fucecchio with stops at the Civic Museum and the Montanelli Bassi Foundation. Visit to Cerreto Guidi and its Medici Complex.
• Visit to a producer of the renowned Montalbano Chianti IGP wine, and tasting session
• Unlimited admission ticket to the museums of the Lands of the Renaissance (Collegiate Church Museum Empoli, Fucecchio Museum, Ceramics and Archaeological Museum in Montelupo, Leonardo Museum in Vinci)
• Insurance

Accomodation in double rooms

The package does not include:
Transfers, tips, personal extras, meals not indicated and everything else not specified above.

On request:
• Single room (supplement payable)
• Discount for a third bed

The offer is valid only if at least five persons participate.
The package is available to groups all year round at a special prize.
* the price can vary depending on the type of accommodation and the period of the stay.

ITINERARY

FRIDAY
Arrival. Marsh grasses weaving workshop and lunch in a typical restaurant. Guided visit to the old quarter of Fucecchio, the local museum and the Montanelli Bassi Foundation. Guided visit to the Medici Complex in Cerreto Guidi and the Medici Villa, location of the Hunting and Country Museum.

SATURDAY
Marsh grasses weaving workshop and lunch in typical restaurant or holiday farmhouse. Wine cellar visit and tasting session. Free visit of the Lands of the Renaissance.

SUNDAY
Guided excursion to the Fucecchio Marsh organized by the Centre for Documentation and Research of the Fucecchio
Marsh. Free lunch and departure.

Workshop for weaving the marsh grasses.
The activity, which lasts six hours in all, is taught by excellent local craftsmen, and is an occasion for learning how to weave the marsh grasses, such as the sarello, the sala and the cassie, according to centuries old procedures, which are still practiced in the area.