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Meet Piper, one of our travel experts for Italy.
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Piper is the founder of honeymoon specialty travel company Remarkable Honeymoons, and an award-winning agent with almost 30 years experience.
She's a Virtuoso agent, and winner of WeddingWire's Couples Choice awards every year from 2014-2022.
She is well versed in international travel after having visited dozens of countries in her career, and also through her studies abroad living in both Mexico and France. From the Orient Express, to tenting in Nepal, to flying the Concord, she's had many wonderful travel experiences.
Testimonials from Piper's clients:
"Piper made honeymoon planning simple. She quickly provided recommendations and quotes based on our specified interests for our honeymoon in Hawaii. She was able to secure us awesome hotel room upgrades, and provided great excursion and dinner recommendations. We had an amazing time and owe much of that to Piper!"
- William
Testimonials from Piper's clients:
"Had half a dozen trips set up through Piper before COVID hit. She has been a champ with cruises cancelling, flights changing, cancelled plans, rescheduling, etc. Have rebooked several for next year and she is always happy to help and very detail oriented. It is especially helpful to have someone you know will be "on the other end of the line" when travel plans change, flight connections are missed or changed. Piper is readily available to help you through it all!"
- Becky
Testimonials from Piper's clients:
"Working with Melanie and Piper was a dream! They were super helpful in building the trip of our dreams, helped us coordinate activities and provided excellent recommendations. We cannot recommend them enough!"
- Kay
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Villa Mangiacane
![Villa Mangiacane - Villa Mangiacane. Copyright Villa Mangiacane.]( "Villa Mangiacane - Villa Mangiacane. Copyright Villa Mangiacane.")
Nested in the heart of the winemaking region of Chianti Classico, Villa Mangiacane is a magnificent 15th century villa built by the Machiavelli family, bearing the unmistakable hand of the Renaissance master, Michelangelo. Located just 12km south of Florence, Mangiacane is set within 600 acres of flourishing vineyards and olive groves. The private estate produces three award winning wines and a distinctive olive oil which you can taste and enjoy during your stay.
The classic beauty of Mangiacane combined with its history, art, and idyllic countryside setting create the perfect backdrop for a Tuscan wedding, unforgettable holiday or exclusive rental. Luxurious facilities complement the private villa, including the newly opened Nadushka Spa, three swimming pools, unique sculpture gardens and breathtaking Tuscan views of the Duomo in Florence.
A stay at Mangiacane allows for easy exploration to Florence, San Gimignano, or the magnificent city of Siena. Come and experience our warm hospitality where you will experience the joy of modern day convenience seamlessly combined with the splendour of the Renaissance.
Photo copyright Villa Mangiacane.
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Villa Mangiacane
Video copyright Villa Mangiacane.
Overview
Villa Mangiacane is a noble and majestic villa set on a cypress shaded hill, just seven miles directly south of Florence and near the town of San Casciano. The name originated from Latin, Magna Cane, which literally translates to 'great dog.' The local dialect transformed the name into Italian and Mangiacane. The dogs in which the name refers are Neopolitan mastiffs, which were originally used to guard the villa. Today the imposing stone dog sculptures atop the gate's pillars pay homage to the history of the house.
Mangiacane dates back to the fifteenth century and was built for the Machiavelli family with whispers that Michelangelo himself participated in the design. In fact, because of the significance of the owners and architects, the original buildings plan for improvements are housed at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. These plans include a grander palace with a new wing, designed by Giorgio Vasari "Il Giovane" (nephew of the famous architect Giorgio Vasari).
Villa Mangiacane's fortune rose and fell over the course of two centuries. Sold by the Machiavelli family in 1645, the villa was turned over to the aristocratic family of Marchesi Mazzei who kept it until the mid 20th century. Damaged in the last War and lying dormant for nearly fifty years, Mangiacane was revived in 2000 by South-African entrepreneur, Glynn Cohen. Upon visiting the Mangiacane estate, he was immediately convinced by its enchanting character, history and strong architectural lines. "Seeing the Duomo framed by the arches of the Villa's loggia, in a building designed by Michelangelo , where Machiavelli wrote The Prince, was an awe inspiring moment," says Cohen, "Adding to the fascination is the exceptional Tuscan landscape which combines human artistry with nature's beauty.
Under the guidance of the Florentine architect, Gianclaudio Papasogli Tacca, and international interior decorator, Ralf Krall, Cohen commissioned a multi-million dollar renovation restoring the villa to its former splendor. Perhaps the most admirable details at the villa are found in the beautifully restored Renaissance frescos which were uncovered in the revival process. Frescoes were often created to commemorate weddings, birthdays or other important dates for the family. Although we cannot attribute a specific event for their creation, these paintings on the loggia are of a hunting scene, possibly of the Goddess Artemis.
Set among 600 acres of flourishing vineyards and olive groves, the private villa now produces four distinguished wines. The estate's 6,000 olive trees produce its own distinctive extra virgin olive oil and is liberally used by the kitchen to enhance the flavors of the local produce. The idea has been to produce fine modern tastes in a setting that could offer old-world hospitality to its guests.
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