2018.../ NEW for 2018, guests of Tuscany Now & Morecan now delve into the past with a Mask Making Workshop in the heart of Florence.

Step into the 16th century where the Italian theatrical form of Commedia dell'Arte was flourishing, and where staging was minimal and props were centre-stage, in particular the famed Italian masks. Used as the classifier to individualise each character, the masks were designed to show emotion and intelligence and act as an extension of the character.

Mask Making Workshop

With this brand NEW experience, guests will travel back in time as they visit the bottega of a local Florentine artisan who will guide them through the phases of creating their very own mask. Having won international fame for creating masks for Hollywood feature films and the theatre, guests will learn from the true masters of this craft.

Find a mask amongst their collection to inspire you and learn about the ancient materials, techniques and skills of Florentine mask making. From creating the plaster mould of the mask and the papier-mâché print, to the final colouring, coating and application of golf and silver leaf. Following the two hour workshop, guests will not only have created their very own Italian mask but a new character to take away and introduce on the world stage. 

Tuscany Now & More (www.tuscanynowandmore.com; 020 7684 8888) offers the Mask Making Workshop in Florence from €65 per person in a group of 8 people.

Tuscany Now & More

Perfect for a holiday with family, friends or both, Tuscany Now & More offer some of the most exquisite and exclusive properties, spread throughout the length and breadth of Italy, in Tuscany and beyond.  With a concierge on hand to organise exclusive activities, including the Masking Making Workshop, Tuscany Now & Moreis guaranteed to captivate guests and to provide a memorable holiday for all.

With the Mask Making Workshop in close proximity, Tuscany Now & More have compiled a list of their top three villas for the ultimate theatrical experience with a new Italian mask in-hand:

Tenuta Almabrada 

Nestled against a hilltop, within a stroll of the Castle of Poppiano, Tenuta Almabrada is a sprawling stone farmhouse where the rooms are connected by passage ways. Perfect for large families or a group of friends, this villa sleeps 20 people and includes 10 bedrooms, a living room with a large open fireplace, open kitchen and dining room, as well as various outdoor spaces. Spend summer days taking in the countryside surroundings and making use of the al fresco dining spaces and the swimming pool, whilst winter can be spent in the converted wine cellar with its gym, billiard room and a steam room in one of the vats where wine would ferment.

This 10 bedroom property sleeps up to 20 people and Tuscany Now & More (www.tuscanynowandmore.com020 7684 8888) offer Tenuta Almabradafrom £6,320 per week.

Podere Nuccioli

 Set on a hill side amongst the olive groves, Podere Nuccioliis a beautifully restored villa surrounded by well-kept gardens with views overlooking Fiesole. Located just 15 minutes from the centre of Florence, the villa includes 6 bedrooms and bathrooms, an open plan living and dining room, as well as a sophisticated modern kitchen perfect for cooking enthusiasts. Adults can spend summer days relaxing by the private outdoor swimming pool, in the spa or on one the two loggias, whilst little ones discover the children's play room. Alongside Florence, explore the historical town of Fiesole with its shops, restaurants and very own Roman amphitheatre.

This 6 bedroom property sleeps up to 12 people and Tuscany Now & More (www.tuscanynowandmore.com, 020 7684 8888) offer Podere Nuccioli from £5,840 per week.

Villa Olmetto

For a truly magical setting, head to Villa Olmetto, where a small winding road leads up from Florence to the estate's grounds past terraces of olive groves and cypress trees that stretch across the picturesque hills surrounding the famous city. Part of a small private hamlet, the converted stone farmhouse with guest house offers 4 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, spacious living and dining facilities, a kitchen which leads directly to a large patio area, as well as a private outdoor swimming pool. Just 8 km from the centre of Florence, this is the perfect location from which to explore the city or the nearby Chianti area. Within walking distance, discover 'La Gargotta' a local favourite restaurant serving delicious Tuscan dishes.

This 4 bedroom property sleeps up to 8 people and Tuscany Now & More (www.tuscanynowandmore.com, 020 7684 8888) offer Villa Olmetto from £3,882 per week.

For further information and bookings, please contact www.tuscanynowandmore.comor call 0207 684 8884.

-ENDS-

For further press information please contact Alexandra Delf, Ali Straessle, Hannah Watters or Chiara Giannetti at Ophir PR on Alexandra@ophirpr.co.uk; Ali@ophirpr.co.uk; Hannah@ophirpr.co.ukor Chiara@ophirpr.co.uk.