If you have found a luxury villa in Florence and you find yourself wandering around the beyond picturesque centre of the city, you get the feeling that you are inside a jewel box. No matter where you turn in the historic core, you will discover incredible artistic and architectural gems and within those architectural gems are even more astounding works of art and craftsmanship than one could even imagine. It would take lifetimes to see and discover it all. However, the reputations of some works are particularly well-known and precede them. Take, for example, the great Palazzo Medici Riccardi, already a lauded example of Renaissance palace architecture in Tuscany but hidden within its walls also happens to be one of the most extraordinary fresco cycles in the city – and that’s saying something in the birthplace of the Renaissance! Read More
Archive for 'Christmas'
See The Sumptuous Procession Of The Magi Parade In Florence
Wednesday, November 10, 2021
Visit Florence's Most Famous Christmas Market In 2021
Monday, November 8, 2021

Christmas markets are one of the traditions that many people most missed over the last couple of years but, luckily, if you have found a luxury villa in Florence and are planning on spending Christmas there (or some time in the city over the next couple of months) you’ll be glad to know that this year’s dates for the city’s beloved Weihnachtsmarkt have been confirmed and it is set to return! Taking place in the Piazza Santa Croce, this staple of the festive season in Florence is one of the most famous and beloved Christmas markets in Italy and a wonderful chance to enjoy a German-style market even if you are travelling in Tuscany, rather than in one of the regions further north. Transforming this well-known square in the birthplace of the Renaissance and capital of the region into a magical little winter wonderland, the Weihnachtsmarkt is an absolute must-see and just one more reason to spend the Holidays on holiday in Florence! Read More
Discover Arezzo's Amazing Tyrolese Christmas Market In 2019
Friday, November 15, 2019
We have been talking a lot lately about the many things that make Tuscany a perfect spot for a Christmas getaway. One of these is her wonderful Christmas markets and, though Tuscany is not necessarily internationally renowned for her Christmas markets, the Tuscan breed is rather special, indeed. This is something that you will quickly realise if you have found a vacation rental in Arezzo and are planning on spending time in this charming medieval town over the Holidays as it is home to what has been described as the “the largest, the only, and the original Tyrolean Italian market”.
Located in the Piazza Grande, Arezzo’s Villaggio Tirolese di Arezzo is the largest in Italy after the one in South Tyrol. So, it may not actually, in truth, be the originator but this hyperbole is merely to extol the particular virtues of this wonderful Christmas market. It sees exhibitors from all over Europe come together and brings the charms of Alpine Italy, Germany, and Austria together through a particularly Tuscan lens. Read More
Located in the Piazza Grande, Arezzo’s Villaggio Tirolese di Arezzo is the largest in Italy after the one in South Tyrol. So, it may not actually, in truth, be the originator but this hyperbole is merely to extol the particular virtues of this wonderful Christmas market. It sees exhibitors from all over Europe come together and brings the charms of Alpine Italy, Germany, and Austria together through a particularly Tuscan lens. Read More
Siena: Where Should I Go On Holidays This Christmas?
Thursday, November 14, 2019

Thinking of spending Christmas abroad this year? Want to get away from the chaos of the festivities and endless obligations so you can just enjoy yourself over the Holidays? Then why not consider a Christmas getaway in Tuscany? Tuscany is the ideal location for a Christmas break as it boasts pretty towns that are even more picturesque when all dressed up for the festive season, delicious foods that make for excellent Christmas feasts, lots of unique Christmas traditions, and plenty of yuletide cheer. One particularly beautiful Christmas getaway destination in Tuscany is Siena. The charming city of Siena, with its lovely historic centre and penchant for going all out for the Holidays is just about as idyllic a spot as you could get for a very special Christmas. Just find a luxury villa in Siena and get planning the Christmas of your dreams! Read More
Montepulciano: The Best Place To Spend Christmas In Tuscany
Monday, November 11, 2019
Considering getting away this Christmas – escaping the chaos, the in-laws, the dinner preparations, and more – but not sure where to go? Why not think about choosing Montepulciano? It is a beautiful town, famous for its wine, located in lovely Tuscany, surrounded by the most gorgeous scenery, historic and well-preserved, and very peaceful and quiet. Better yet, it is utterly transformed at Christmas and becomes a magical winter wonderland with plenty to keep everyone in the family or in a group of friends happy! If you are looking for a home away from home that is full of Christmas cheer but far removed from your daily routines and responsibilities, then just browse our incredible vacation rentals in Montepulciano and plan a Christmas getaway in Tuscany.
From the 16th of November 2019, right through to the 6th of January 2020, the lovely medieval town of Montepulciano goes crazy for Christmas. A Christmas Village pops up in the Piazza Grande and the cute little wooden huts that make up the town’s Christmas market house various stalls selling all sorts of goods from Christmas ornaments and gifts to local crafts to seasonal treats and snacks to hot drinks of all kinds. Then, at the Poliziana Fortress, Santa Claus takes over for the season and it becomes his castle and the garden plays host to an ice-skating rink. Read More
From the 16th of November 2019, right through to the 6th of January 2020, the lovely medieval town of Montepulciano goes crazy for Christmas. A Christmas Village pops up in the Piazza Grande and the cute little wooden huts that make up the town’s Christmas market house various stalls selling all sorts of goods from Christmas ornaments and gifts to local crafts to seasonal treats and snacks to hot drinks of all kinds. Then, at the Poliziana Fortress, Santa Claus takes over for the season and it becomes his castle and the garden plays host to an ice-skating rink. Read More