Perfect Short Breaks In Tuscany

If you had even a whole month to spend in Florence, you would never get to see it all. In fact, repeated visits to the city over whole lifetimes would reward you and always reveal something new. However, if you have only a few days to spend somewhere, Florence is a great choice. There is a vast range of attractions to choose from, many of which are located in the compact historic centre of the city, and it is easy to navigate lots of the big hitters in a short period of time. Just find a luxury villa in Florence and come explore the Uffizi, eat gelato in the Piazza della Signoria while people-watching, take in views over the city from the Duomo and enjoy a drink in one of the city's famous bars.

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Siena, meanwhile, cannot boast the same sheer quantity of things to see and do but is an equally lovely getaway destination. This charming medieval city, still encircled by its ancient walls and made up a winding little lanes, is made for leisurely strolls and relaxation. However, it is not merely a sleepy little gem. In fact, in the summer, it is a veritable hotspot, abuzz with excitement during the famous Palio, a historic bareback horse race that takes place on the 2nd of July and the 16th of August each year. Thousands gather from the locality and all of the globe for the event and the subsequent parties thereafter. For rich traditions and beautiful surroundings, a villa in Siena is a perfect choice.

  Holiday villas in Siena

Pisa is another famous destination, largely for its Leaning Tower. However, rather than just throwing the city into an itinerary for a day-trip to specifically see this architectural highlight, consider finding a vacation rental in Pisa and making it your destination for a short getaway. From the Leaning Tower and all of the other associated religious buildings to the Keith Haring mural, the excellent art shows at the Palazzo Blu to the ancient Botanic Garden, not to mention the cafes, restaurants and pretty streets; there is plenty to see and do beyond a wonky tower and it is worth exploring what else Pisa has to offer.

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For a Tuscan seaside getaway, Viareggio is a great destination. The largest seaside town in Tuscany, located on the Tuscan Riviera, it is a traditional beach resort that dates back to the 16th century. Vibrant and pretty, it is the perfect place to enjoy both a traditional sun destination and Tuscan culture. During the summer you can surf, sunbathe, wander the promenade and the dense pinewoods that skirt the town, and take in the old “liberty style” buildings in the town centre. If you are travelling during the colder months, there are still things to enjoy, particularly if you arrive in February, when the town has its carnival celebrations, featuring floats, costumes and parties.

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Finally, Volterra, recently made famous once more as the setting for an episode of the “Twilight” franchise, is a perfectly picturesque short break destination. You can see why the author chose it as it is an incredibly cinematic location. A walled medieval town located atop a hill with sweeping views over the surrounding Tuscan landscape, it seems as though it has remained untouched by time and is the perfect place to escape your daily reality for a break and some relaxation. Explore the Medici fortress, the Roman theatre, the cathedral or the lovely art gallery in the Palazzo Minucci Solaini. Come for the Crossbow Festival in May, the Jazz Festival in August or the Truffle Fair of Volterra in October. Or, you could do very little of anything at all other than eating some good food, taking in the lovely views and trying some local wines...it's up to you! Just find a vacation rental in Volterra and come fall in love with this spectacular town for yourself.

  Vacation rentals in Volterra