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SAN QURICO D'ORCIA'S EVOO FESTIVAL 2011

Another one!? I know. From October to December Southern Tuscany is all about Olive Oil festivals. But remember, we are not talking about yet another old and greasy oil; we are talking about Tuscany's prime and freshly pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO).

So even if you have already run into Gerard Depardieu tasting EVOO in the Crete Senese or you are still hanging in the trees, busy with your own olive picking - it's time for a break. Grab your car keys and get down to San Quirico d'Orcia.
For starters beautiful San Qurico is surrounded by the stunning Orcia Valley (with Bagno Vignoni and Pienza just round the corner). So even if there was no festival you'd want to stop by anyway. And if you have already been, you know that every excuse will do to come back to this part of the world.

San Quirico is beaming with a 4-days program that includes EVOO tastings and a multitude of events for children and adults alike. Bring your swim suit, in case you plan to stop over at the hot springs in nearby Bagno Vignoni or San Filippo. But remember to do so before hitting San Quirico. All those bruschettas soaked in EVOO don't go too well with hanging out in hot water.

The gourmet stands are open from Thursday 8 December to Sunday 11 December from 10 am until late at night. Below just a few of the fun things to do in San Quirico during the 4 days of the Festa dell'Olio:
Today: from 3.30pm the fun Fantomatik Orchestra is hitting the streets of the town. 
Friday 9 December 3.30pm the 'old-fashioned' Moto Folk duo tours San Qurico, singing a selection of Italian folk songs.
Saturday 10 at 3.00pm and on Sunday 11 December at 10.45am Trekking dell'Olio leading through San Quirico's cultural and historic heritage, accompanied - obviously - by EVOO tasting and a final glass of wine (or two). 

Check the website of San Quirico d'Orcia's tourist office for the full program of the Festa dell'Olio 2011. 
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Location: 53027 San Quirico d'Orcia Sienna, Italy

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