Archive for 'Events'

Each country that celebrates Christmas has different and unique tastes, traditions and characters. In the case of Italy, there is a very particular tradition and character that you won't see in the context of many other Christmases; a witch. Something you probably associate with Hallowe'en instead, right? However, Befana (that's her name) is quite and important figure for children in Italy at Christmas. She is actually a good witch and kind to children and you can even meet her in local towns the way you might line up to see Santa Claus. There are places all over where you can visit her so just find a luxury villa in Tuscany this Christmas and pay a visit to this unique figure of Italian winter festivities!

It might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of Christmas (somewhere with more snow is probably more likely) but Lucca is a great part of the world to be around the festive season. Between markets, ice-skating, pretty streets made prettier by twinkling lights, food and general good will and joy, it's got everything you could ask for. If you're thinking of spending Christmas away from home, Lucca is a great option as it is so full of Christmas spirit that you won't feel as if you are missing out on anything at all! You just need to find the perfect luxury villa in Lucca for you and yours so that you're nice and cosy and then start exploring the city and everything that is has to offer at this time of year!

Once you've found your perfect villa with internet in Florence and are planning out what you're going to do while you're there, you'll quickly realise that there is a serious wealth of options – too much to do on a thousand trips there, let alone one! The amount of choices might even be a little overwhelming or intimidating. However, if you're going to be in Florence in the run up to Christmas, there's one thing that you will definitely want to pencil into your schedule and make time for – the Christmas markets, of course! Specifically, in order to have the most Christmassy experience possible, you'll want to head to the German Christmas Market, or Heidelberger Weihnachtsmarkt in Piazza Santa Croce.

In our last post, we discussed a very special exhibition of Italian Renaissance tapestries which is currently taking place at the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence.

However, there is actually a second unique exhibition that is being housed in that great Florentine institution at the moment which is really rather different. In fact, one could say that it is the opposite.

While the tapestries represent the pinnacle of craft and design of the past and the work of European Old Masters, this new exhibit is characterised by an example of fine art by a great American master of the present.

Placed next to the copy of David outside the entrance to the building, is Jeff Koons' Pluto and Proserpina. Be quick to find a villa with internet in Florence so you can see this contemporary masterpiece in the unexpected surroundings of the epitome of the Italian Renaissance!

We've already discussed Lucca Comics generally before but as it is happening at the end of this month from the 30th of October to the 2nd of November, it seems a good idea to look at some of the highlights of this year's edition of the festival. Lucca Comics is Italy and Europe's biggest comic-book convention and the second biggest in the world and, therefore, attracts some exciting events, guests and performances. If you're passionate about gaming, comics, anime, television or movies, then be sure to stop by – just find a luxury villa in Lucca and you can spend a few days exploring the festival. Here are some of the best bits for the 2015 edition of Lucca Comics.