Archive for 'Curiosities'

  

Thursday, October 20, 2016
View over Barga
The medieval town of Barga is a bit of a hidden gem, located in the Tuscan-Apennine hills in the heart of the Serchio river valley, in the province of Lucca. Scenic, historic and with a surprising amount of things to see, do and experience, the town really is a delightful surprise to visitors. It has one many awards for its touristic excellence and has even been named One of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy. If you are interested in local traditions, festivals and a place where there is a slower pace of life but still plenty of things to see and do, just find a luxury villa in Lucca and spend time exploring this charming little town that is off the beaten tourist track.

Barga dates back to the Longobard era of the early Middle Ages and its street plan has changed very little since then. It is a large web of little streets and alleys around historic buildings that is characteristic of the area and incredibly pretty.     Read More
Posted in: Architectural Gems, Churches & Religious Buildings, Curiosities, Localities, Lucca, Tourist Attractions

  

Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Ghosts
When one thinks of Florence, the first things that spring to mind tend to be art, architecture, beautiful public spaces and gardens and a rich historical heritage.

Ghosts probably don't feature too prominently in most people's idea of the city but considering its long and rich history full of political intrigue, conflicts, passion, anger and crime, there are plenty of stories of specters that are said to haunt the streets and buildings, spooky events and unexplained incidents.

With Hallowe'en fast approaching, why not find a luxury villa in Florence and spend All Hallows Eve tracking down ghosts in the city this year.

Read on for some scary stories that we have gathered together about the less well-known side of Florence.     Read More
Posted in: Castles & Palaces, Churches & Religious Buildings, Curiosities, Florence, History, Legends, Localities, Tourist Attractions

  

Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Terme di Sorano
Continuing our listing of the best spas in Tuscany, we have two more examples of Tuscan spa towns with unique and scenic settings, wonderful facilities and long histories.

After long days of museum hopping, trying out all of the local cuisine and delicacies, browsing shops, and dashing around, there could be no better way to fully relax and make the absolute most of your holiday in Tuscany than by visiting one of the region's famous spas, going for a soak and maybe getting a massage or facial while you're at it.

Enjoy the Tuscan pace of life, slow things down and make some time for yourself and you are sure to return from your holiday completely revitalised and relaxed.     Read More
Posted in: Curiosities, History, Must See Attractions, Spa, Tourist Attractions

  

Thursday, August 4, 2016
Woman on a zipline
In our previous article, we discussed some activities that are more child-friendly in Tuscany and, as it can sometimes be easy to spend holidays there just visiting museums, cultural attractions, wandering around and eating, it is always good to hear about activities that will be enjoyable for the children in the group as well.

One example of an activity that kids are sure to enjoy is a visit to Canyon Park, a recently opened adventure park in Bagni di Lucca. Located in Scesta, near Cocciglia, on the Brennero road towards Abetone, it is the first adventure park developed in a canyon in Italy and enables visitors to go rafting on the river, zoom down a zip line and clamber over the wire suspension bridge across the canyon, among other things. It is the perfect place to visit with the children once you have found a luxury villa in Lucca.     Read More
Posted in: Activities, Curiosities, Localities, Lucca, Must See Attractions, Tourist Attractions, Water & Amusement Parks, Water Sports

  

Thursday, August 4, 2016
Butterfly
In our last post, we discussed the beautiful Medieval Tuscan town of Collodi and its connection to the creation and tales of beloved character Pinocchio. The biggest attraction in the town is a theme park dedicated to the famous puppet, Pinocchio Park, which is a real highlight of the region for children and adults alike and a great day out.

However, despite the town being relatively small and unheard of, it actually has a couple more attractions that will keep everyone in the group happy and provide a nice break from trips to museums and churches for kids exploring Tuscany and her culture and history. Once you have found a luxury villa in Collodi, these are a few of the things that you will want to check out in the town.     Read More
Posted in: Architectural Gems, Curiosities, Localities, Lucca, Tourist Attractions, Water & Amusement Parks