We come back after a little Christmas break trying to answer one of the most annoying questions ever: "what are you doing on New Year's Eve?". While it looks quite harmless, it has the potential to unleash a world of pain, both to your sanity and your beleaguered wallet. I've made so many mistakes trying to follow the party imperative that I pretty much gave up completely on this tradition, choosing to spend the last hours of the year mostly at home. As not many people ascribe to this rather austere fashion, I was wondering if it was indeed possible to have a great time in Tuscany without breaking any further the proverbial bank. Happy to report that there are indeed quite a few interesting options available that you might still be able to book if you're already in this neck of the woods. This explains why this week What's Up Tuscany will bring you all over this remarkable region to give you five smart choices for a New Year's Eve to remember for a long time.

If you listen to the full episode you will find that we tried to cater to all sorts of people. If you're a history buff like yours truly, you might be able to attend a real Mediaeval banquet, organised in an ancient abbey that is just a trebuchet throw away from Monteriggioni, one of the most outstanding walled towns in Italy. If the whole idea of spending a night wearing potentially silly costumes, looking at court jesters or magicians playing some tricks doesn't sound particularly appealing, don't fret: we've got you covered. Are you in love with the paranormal? Why don't you have your party in an ancient castle that is said to host the restless soul of a famous commander, murdered brutally centuries ago in Florence? While we don't really believe in this kind of things, people say that this very pretty castle actually experiences strange phenomena, from sabre rattling to sounds of chains quite regularly. Who knows? You might be able to actually meet old Baldaccio d'Anghiari.

In the last three chapters we will provide you with a wealth of information on how to spend a perfect New Year's Eve if you have quite specific needs. If you're a discerning traveller that appreciates some quality time in a quiet and refined locale, we've got the right place for you: a 14th century monastery that has been recently converted into a B&B. You know what the best part is? This cloister is very close to the mysterious and fascinating Etruscan town of Volterra, which has many things to explore in its cramped alleys. If you can't resist the call of the crowd, why don't you head to Lucca, which truly shines in the time between Christmas and Epiphany. From gourmet meals in Piazza Anfiteatro to the historic Christmas market that offers the best products of this land, you'll also be able to celebrate 2024 twice in just a few minutes. Want to know why? Listen to the episode, it's really a fun little oddity.

While I would advise you to head to the Teatro del Giglio for their New Year's Eve concert and dinner, if you're more inclined to have some wholesome fun, nothing better than heading to Leghorn. Here you'll find pretty much anything you might want: from a laughter-filled vernacolo show at the Teatro Quattro Mori to a very fancy cenone in a five star hotel that is just on the Terrazza Mascagni, where you can see the amazing fireworks on the sea. Probably the best way to spend your night is to wander downtown, jumping from a bar to some great quick food options. Just be sure to be in Ardenza the next morning to witness the first swim of the year of the sea-crazed Livornesi. Whatever you choose, I hope your 2024 will be full of peace, good fortune and health. After all we've been through, we all need a lucky break.
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