Archive for 'Books and Movies'

There’s no better way to learn about the enchanting land of Tuscany than to read about someone who has been there and tasted her exquisite culture for themselves. Be inspired to book a trip to Tuscany in the coming year after reading the engaging narrative memoir, “The Piero Affair”.

This descriptive memoir is about a love affair with all things Tuscan including a blossoming fascination with the Renaissance master, Piero della Francesca. It is a story of forty-five years of Italian adventure. Join the artist/author, Pat Musick, as she journeys the Tuscan countryside.

Gaze upon stunning pictures of hill towns, village festivals and churches. Her passionate words will let you almost taste the sweet Chianti and Super Tuscan wines and savour recipes for authentic Italian food. Find little known locations seldom seen by visitors and meet the Italian people and their soft, slow life. Learn about her romance with Piero and observe her love grow as she is inspired by the mystery of the eyes that he creates, and the gentle touch of his colour.     Read More

Volterra is a haven of history and culture, set high up on a hill in Tuscany! This Neolithic settlement waged many brutal battles with Florence for dominance of the town and surrounding area.

There were many rebellions but after the fall of the Florentine Republic in 1530 it came under the rule of the powerful banking dynasty, the Medici family.

Stay in a pretty vacation villa in Volterra where you can quite easily enjoy the attractions of this area for a few days.     Read More

The bestselling book ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’ by Frances Mayes will entice you to come to this picturesque region as soon as possible! This American poet details her memoirs of buying an old villa with her partner, Ed, near the town of Cortona. Together they restore this abandoned building with stylish passion whilst describing their adaption to the Tuscan way of life.

Stay at a stunning villa in Cortona where you can visit 'Bramasole', the old villa restored to its former glory by Francis and Ed as well as the quaint little town itself.     Read More

Winner of three Academy Awards among numerous others, ‘La Vita è Bella’ is a 1997 Italian film directed by the famous Roberto Benigni. Set in the Tuscany town of Arezzo, the story begins with Roberto himself playing the role of the main character, Guido Orefice.

He is a Jewish book shop owner who uses the vast powers of his imagination to help his son envisage and take part in a fantasy adventure to shield him from the true horrors of imprisonment at a Nazi concentration camp when they are snatched away from their home town.

This critically acclaimed film is sure to evoke both laughter and tears and may even help inspire you to visit Arezzo to see the place for yourself! Why not stay at a glorious five star luxury villa near Arezzo where you can relax and unwind by the pool after an intriguing day of discovery and culture?

Arezzo is a beautifully preserved old town in Tuscany that attracts thousands of tourists each year; not only because it’s where this fantastic film is set but because of its other interesting treasures. Click here to read more about Arezzo in another informative article.     Read More