Archive for 'Curiosities'

  

Tuesday, January 15, 2019
Orto Botanico delle Alpi Apuane"Pietro Pellegrini"
There are plenty of wonderful and fascinating gardens and, in particular, botanic gardens located all over Italy and Tuscany. However, one of the most unique and interesting of all has to be the Orto Botanico delle Alpi Apuane"Pietro Pellegrini", also known as the Orto Botanico di Pellegini-Ansali, or the Orto Botanico di Pian della Fioba, or the Botanic Garden of the Apuan Alps in Massa.

This incredible green oasis is home to native plants of the Apuan Alps and is found in Pian della Fioba, at an altitude of around 900 metres. It was established as a nature preserve and very special, naturally-occurring botanic garden in 1966 in order to study these indigenous plants. Named for the botanist Pietro Pellegrini (1867-1957) who was from the area, it is operated by the town in conjunction with the Università della Toscana.     Read More
Posted in: Curiosities, Must See Attractions, Parks & Gardens, Pretty Views, Tourist Attractions

  

Monday, January 14, 2019
La Foce
Many will have seen this image of the Tuscan countryside before. This striking and beautiful image of a sharply winding road, lined by cypresses and cutting through vivid lush fields and old stone buildings is the kind of almost unreal postcard-perfect corners of Tuscany that need to be seen with one's own eyes to be believed. If you are a fan of scenic settings and pretty views and want to see it for yourself, just find a vacation rental in the Val d'Orcia and come and take it in.     Read More
Posted in: Curiosities, Localities, Must See Attractions, Orcia Valley, Parks & Gardens, Tourist Attractions

  

Thursday, January 10, 2019
Florence is home to some wonderful eateries, a rich dining and culinary tradition, and some of the most unique and interesting businesses that manage to combine worlds such as the likes of the Gucci restaurant. However, if you want to see two worlds that truly seem incompatible and diametrically opposed and boast tasty treats and perfect beverage, then it's hard to imagine anywhere else that somehow works so unexpectedly well as the Libreria Café La Cité. A bookshop and café that becomes a trendy bar and venue by night it offers very different charms and types of appeal, depending on at what time of day you visit! A really cool spot in the city, it is a must for those who like relaxed vibes and unique venues and bars and who have found a vacation rental in Florence.     Read More
Posted in: Curiosities, Florence, Food and Wine, Localities, Must See Attractions, Restaurants & Cafés

  

Friday, December 14, 2018
Carnevale Masks
With the celebrations of Christmas just around the corner, you're probably not thinking too much about next year. However, if you have found a luxury villa in Tuscany and are planning a trip for the beginning of March 2019, you're in luck as that is Carnevale season. Some of the biggest and brightest and most colourful parties in the world, there are traditional festivals all over the world for the beginning of the Lenten season but the ones in Tuscany are particularly many, varied and old. Come party in style in Tuscany in 2019!

Here are more of the festivals that take place around the region.     Read More
Posted in: Concerts & Festivals, Curiosities, Events, March, Museums & Galleries, Top 10 Lists, Tourist Attractions

  

Thursday, December 13, 2018
Carnevale Masks
Carnival is an event celebrated all over the world that sees people let loose before going into Lent, in anticipation of Easter. These colourful, joyous and, often, wild, events are famous, particularly New Orleans' Mardi Gras, Rio's Carnival, and Venice's Carnevale. However, while Tuscany may not be as famous for this event, her iterations are many and wonderful. If you're looking for a party come next March (Shrove Tuesday is on the 5th of March in 2019), then why not find a luxury villa in Tuscany and check one or some of these local Carnevale festivals out?     Read More
Posted in: Concerts & Festivals, Curiosities, Events, March, Must See Attractions, Top 10 Lists