f you think of a Tuscan getaway, you probably imagine summers spent eating gelato and drinking coffee between dashing from museums and stunning churches to famous stores and delicious eateries or relaxed holidays just either side of the busy summer season. However, Christmas in Tuscany has its own unique charms that are well worth exploring. There are lots of reasons to plan a Winter break in Tuscany and here are more of the most compelling selling-points of a holiday season in this stunning region of Italy...
3. The Magical Atmosphere
There is something special about the twinkling lights and festive atmosphere of Tuscany.
3. The Magical Atmosphere
There is something special about the twinkling lights and festive atmosphere of Tuscany.
Plenty of towns light up their streets with fantastical displays and the twinkling set against historic city centres, pretty town squares and elegant old buildings is especially magical. Some places go above and beyond the normal standards too; take San Gimignano, for example. Each year, in early December, they have a very special light show called, “Lumiere,” an event that sees the city center, the Duomo, the piazzas and the streets animated with lights, sounds and shadows, as curated and created by a group of artists. For the most magical Christmas lights of all, just find a luxury villa in San Gimignano.
4. Winter Sports
While there is plenty of great skiing in Italy, the area of the Abetone mountain was already well-known as a great ski destination by the beginning of the twentieth century and is still the most important winter ski resort in central Italy today.
4. Winter Sports
While there is plenty of great skiing in Italy, the area of the Abetone mountain was already well-known as a great ski destination by the beginning of the twentieth century and is still the most important winter ski resort in central Italy today.
It is well-equipped with ski-slopes, an elaborate ski-lift system, an eighteen-kilometre long ring-shaped circuit for cross-country skiing, two skiing schools, stores to hire skiing equipment, restaurants, bars and shops. Located near Pistoia, Florence, Lucca and Pisa, it's easily accessible from any of these destinations for a day trip and vice versa. If you find a vacation rental in Pisa or a holiday rental in Florence, you can spend some time skiing in between adventures to famous galleries and palaces. Tuscan skiing is a wonderful idea as you can combine a ski holiday and a city break and get the best of both worlds!
5. Hot Springs
Tuscany is also home to multiple hot springs, most famously those that can be visited in Montecatini Terme. A vacation rental in the famous spa town of Montecatini Terme over Christmas is ideal as you can wash away all the stress and chaos of the holiday season, end your year on a relaxed note and start the next one fresh and ready for whatever comes your way.
So, whatever kind of Christmas getaway you want to plan this Winter, Tuscany really is an ideal location!
5. Hot Springs
Tuscany is also home to multiple hot springs, most famously those that can be visited in Montecatini Terme. A vacation rental in the famous spa town of Montecatini Terme over Christmas is ideal as you can wash away all the stress and chaos of the holiday season, end your year on a relaxed note and start the next one fresh and ready for whatever comes your way.
So, whatever kind of Christmas getaway you want to plan this Winter, Tuscany really is an ideal location!
Photo credits
picture 3: Richard Barrett-Small / CC BY 2.0
picture 3: Richard Barrett-Small / CC BY 2.0
