Archive for 'Food and Wine'

A vacation in Tuscany in fall means taking in the famously beautiful landscapes of the region made even more stunning by the autumnal colours that take over, means bargains as off-season prices kick in after the summer, means smaller queues and fewer crowds, and it means less intensely hot weather. However, one of the best things about travelling in the region through fall is that it is harvest season, which means that there are all sorts of hearty regional dishes to try and all sorts of perfectly fresh and delicious foods and produce to sample. While truffles, apples, and other fruits and vegetables are important to the autumnal cuisine of Tuscany, one of the key ingredients that you will find in all sorts of delicious dishes and desserts come fall is the chestnut.

At their best in October, chestnuts are prepared in quite a wide variety of different ways from roasting to boiling to mashing to being used to make a flour and then turned into various kinds of confections. Grown at an elevation, they are found mostly in mountainous regions such as along the Apuan Alps and the Apennines and in areas such as Lunigiana, Garfagnana, Pistoia, the Casentino, around Marradi, and in the Mugello. However, as big cities such as Florence and Siena are nearby, you'll find chestnut-based goods all over Tuscany in the fall. If you are fond of chestnuts, in particular, or if you just happen to be planning on finding a villa in Tuscany and exploring the foodie delights of the region this autumn then here are some of the must-try chestnut-based dishes that you should add to your culinary bucket list...

The wine from the area of Montepulciano is steeped in history and tradition and is some of the best-loved and most well-regarded wine in all of Tuscany and Italy. As such, there are countless well-established and lauded wineries located all across the surrounding area. If you are a serious wine-lover considering a vacation in Tuscany, therefore, then you should definitely start browsing our villas in Montepulciano and making up a shortlist of some of the best of the best among them to visit during your holiday! One of the most famous and best-rated among them all, that will make it onto many lists, is Contucci...

Contucci is the oldest wine producer in the entire region, predating the next oldest by a whopping 900 years. With more than 1000 years of history and tradition in each glass and one of the most remarkable settings of a winery in all of Italy, this incredible gem is definitely a must-see for those interested in learning all about the wine of the region.

Alpacas are fluffy, adorable, somewhat strange-looking South American mammals that look not unlike Llamas and are often confused for them. They are, however, noticeably smaller. Herd animals, they are bred for their wool and are often aloof but become more friendly when raised in places such as petting zoos or farms where they interact regularly with humans. Many people the world over have fallen for their charms and Alpaca farms are increasingly common across the globe. In fact, if you have found a luxury villa in Florence and you have a fondness for the lovely animals or kids you want to treat to an outing that they'll surely enjoy, then you'll be glad to find out that there is a wonderful Alpaca farm located nearby that makes for a perfect family day out! Escape the museums and the hustle and bustle of the city for a day to visit the Valle degli Alpaca (Valley of the Alpacas) in Barberino Val d'Elsa, a lovely town in the metropolitan area of Florence, and enjoy some fresh air, lunch, and hanging out with these cute creatures. Children (or those who are young at heart) in the group will thank you for it!

There are certain things and images that one just immediately associates with Italy such as pasta, pizza, wine, Renaissance art, Medieval towns, soaring churches, craggy and picturesque coastlines with villages clustered along them, rolling green landscapes, fashionable citizens, relaxed lifestyles, Venetian canals, moments from long ago frozen by a volcanic eruption, Roman ruins and temples, Vespas, sports cars, and classic cars like the Fiat 500, to name only some of them. Whether you make these connections merely from movies or representations in the media or from previous visits of your own to Italy, or some combination of all of the above and more, it is what people expect of their vacation in Italy.

Many of these things will naturally just be found as you wander around and enjoy your holiday but other things might have to be sought out if you want to include them on your Italian bucket list. So, for example, if you're looking to inject a bit of an, “Italian Job,” experience (without the chaos, most likely) into your vacation in Tuscany then something like the Fiat 500 Tour from Siena offered by My Tour in Italy, is just the thing. Experience the beauty of the famously lovely Tuscan countryside in style in one of the country's most beloved classic cars while visiting a wonderful winery and enjoying a delicious Tuscan lunch – sounds like a perfect day out to us! So, get browsing our villas with pools in Siena and then set aside a day during your trip to enjoy this magically Italian experience and to tick lots of items off your Tuscan bingo card...

Siena is perhaps best-known for her famous annual horse race, the Palio, and for the unbelievably picturesque and untouched nature of its stunning Medieval historic centre. A villa with pool in Siena is just the thing for those who are interested in the most typically Tuscan and undeniably scenic destinations in the region as it has charm, heritage, and attractions to spare. However, while you wander her pretty little streets that wind about town, visiting museums and tourist destinations, taking in architectural gems and history all around you, attending events and festivals, stopping for pizza and coffee and ice-cream (depending on your needs at any given moment), you might find yourself wondering about where to head for the best souvenirs and most interesting shopping experiences – it can be hard to know where to go in a new place! Well, if you are wondering about just that topic, you've come to the right place. Here is our guide to the shops that you must visit while on vacation in Siena!