Archive for 'December'

Christmas markets are one of the best things about Christmas. They offer a single place to eat delicious foods, warm up your hands with lovely hot drinks, take in a vibrant Christmassy atmosphere, buy gifts, hear festive music and have fun with family or friends. Luckily, Tuscany has plenty of Christmas markets to choose from. In fact, most towns will have some sort of market over the holiday period but we've decided to round up some of the best so you can pencil them into your schedule if you are spending Christmas in Tuscany this year.

One of the most famous Christmas markets in Tuscany is the Weihnachtsmarkt, located in piazza Santa Croce in Florence. Named for, and based on, the style of Christmas markets you can find in Germany, it offers everything you would want from a typical festive market, all with a distinctive Tuscan twist on the model. Running from the 2nd of December until the 20th 2016, just drop by and browse the gifts and crafts or try to food, beer and mulled wine from all over Europe in the scenic setting of Florence's most beautiful piazzas.

All over the world, people who celebrate Christmas do so with big meals that encourage the whole family to get together. In every country and culture, there are different traditions associated with the holiday and this is true of the food consumed as well. Tuscany, of course, has many traditional dishes that are served at Christmas.

One such dish, typical of Florence, is Tortellini al Brodo, which is comprised of tortellini served in a broth. This delicious dish is served as an early course and is presented with some freshly grated parmesan cheese on top. It is best tried in Tuscany once you have found a luxury villa in Florence but we also have a recipe prepared so that you can try it at home first.

Monte Amiata is now known for its hot springs, lush scenery, hearty cuisine and fresh air but it was formerly the most important ski resort in southern Tuscany. While it is no longer famous as a winter hotspot, it is still home to good skiing, cosy cabins and delicious dishes that are typical of the locale and holiday season. One of the most important of these dishes is a typical dessert that originates from the area and is typically made over the Christmas period: La Ricciolina.

It is a decadent tart that is made of two crumbly shortcrust layers with a thick Nutella filling and a generous handful of dried fruit inside and covered in a gentle puff of meringue on which you can draw squiggles of chocolate, from which the dessert takes its name.

Just find a vacation rental in Monte Amiata and try the real deal in Tuscany this holiday season! For now try out this recipe and get planning your trip.

There is nothing else quite like a night at the ballet during the winter months. It is an absolutely lovely way to spend a cold evening: dressed elegantly but wrapped up warm, watching a stunning work of art unfold before your eyes, in a gorgeous and, probably, historic building and grabbing a drink and chatting with your party and other patrons during the interval.

Just find a luxury villa in Florence this winter and, between festive shopping trips, ice-skating, visits to Santa and coffee runs, squeeze in a night at the ballet.

It will be a memory that you will be able to treasure forever and is also sure to help get you in the mood for the holiday season!

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!