Archive for 'Food and Wine'

Coffee shops have a long and special tradition in Europe as a place where great minds would meet up to discuss art, politics, culture, and ideas. From these gatherings, works of art were born and political movements started. Of course, many of these venues have disappeared over time but those who vacation in Tuscany will discover that plenty of this region's historic and storied caffés (the Italian word for café) actually still exist and, often, have been changed very little in the intervening time. So, for those who love history and culture, who enjoy grand old spaces, who want to soak up the spirit of creativity and discovery, and who are after a great cup of coffee while they stay in one of our villas in Tuscany, here are some examples that you should make a point to visit!

If you are a someone who loves the finer things in life and particularly those that one can eat or drink, then a villa in Tuscany, is always going to be a good idea. Of course, most are already at least somewhat familiar with this idea, as many of the most famous and beloved Italian dishes and specialities come from the region, and the wines of Tuscany are among the best-known around the globe. However, there is something for pretty much every type of foodie who might be planning a vacation in Tuscany. So, if you are looking to spend your next getaway eating, and eating well, then check out the kinds of culinary preferences catered to by different destinations within the region…

While serious runners will take the opportunity to get a run in whenever and wherever they can, there is no denying that a scenic setting majorly adds to the experience. A run while on holidays, therefore, offers the chance to get your run in while also getting out and taking in your surroundings.

Imagine, for example, that you find a perfect option among our Tuscany Villas and are staying in a dreamy vacation rental in Chianti, your run of the day could be down winding old roads amidst the vineyards of this beloved wine area. With the leaves on the vines rustling in the breeze or sunlight dancing across your path between branches, with backdrops of pretty old towns and rolling green hills, and with fresher than fresh air and the relaxing sounds of nature, we could think of few places more magical and atmospheric for a run! If, however, you are feeling like you also want a challenge or to indulge in a bit of competitive spirit, then maybe you should sign up for the Chianti Classico Marathon! 

Many people dream of a vacation in Tuscany. Maybe you’ve been before and can’t wait to get back. Or maybe you’ve always wanted to go and are finally planning a trip. Whatever the case may be, we have thousands of incredible vacation rentals in Tuscany and villas in Tuscany to choose from. From villas with pools in Tuscany to holiday rentals in Florence, right in the centre of the city, we have a range of different options to suit your needs and tastes. However, it doesn’t just stop at helping you find an ideal villa in Tuscany. Here at Tuscany Villas, we want to help you all throughout the entire booking process and your holiday itself – from finding the rental that is just right, to managing payments, to having a smooth arrival, to finding plenty of things to see and do in the area.

As we really want to help you make the most of your time in the region and make that dream vacation happen – whether you’re a seasoned visitor to Tuscany, it’s that first time, or it’s a once-in-a-lifetime blow-out experience – we established this blog years ago to keep guests abreast of the best things to see and do in Tuscany. There are endless articles about famous attractions, what to visit and when, places to eat, unique curiosities that you won’t want to miss, traditions and festivals, special events, hidden gems, and more. So, if you want to know what to eat, where to go wine-tasting, when you should visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa or what to do this spring, you’ll find the answers on our blog – it’s a great resource for planning your itinerary!

It may come as no surprise to some that Florence is the most visited city in Tuscany. Not only is Florence the capital of the region and the most populous city in Tuscany (with 364,073 inhabitants in the city itself and 990,527 in the metropolitan area as of 2024), but it is also very much the culture capital.

The birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is only overshadowed by Rome due to its incredible age and sheer size but in almost any other place, this would be the uncontested titan when it comes to art, culture, history, tourist attractions, and more. As it stands, Florence is still considered one of the great cities of the world and a must-see. 

For those who book one of our Tuscany Villas and who come to the region, it is an unmissable spot for at least a day-trip or two but if you want to dive in a little deeper – though any one trip will only allow you to scratch the surface of what it is on offer – then you could book one of our vacation rentals in Florence, instead.