Archive for 'Localities'

Villa Poggio Torselli is a stunning hilltop residence located just outside Florence that has been home to several influential Florentine families and citizens throughout history (including Niccolò Machiavelli) and is listed among the Great Italian Gardens. Even locals are often unaware of this hidden gem and it is very much off the beaten tourist track but, if you have found a vacation rental in Florence, it is well worth taking the time to come and explore the incredible building and its surroundings!

Florence is full of famous and lovely works of art, buildings, parks and gardens. There are also many lesser-known beauties and hidden gems, many gardens among them, in particular. The Torrigiani Garden is seventeen acres of spectacular hidden gardens, located right in the heart of Florence.

It is also the largest privately owned garden in Europe situated within city boundaries. If you have found a vacation rental in Florence and are looking to enjoy its incredible atmosphere and manmade and natural charms, while staying away from regular tourist crowds, it is an ideal attraction in which to spend some peaceful hours wandering around.

The garden became renowned in the 16th century for its botanical garden (and remains celebrated for this) but largely reflects 19th century additions and alterations.

Florence is an incredible destination that is full of things to see and do. However, there is one thing that is for sure at the top of this list of things: sampling the local cuisine. There are plenty of Florentine dishes and specialities to try and some are more exotic or interesting than others but delicious Florentine-style peas are something that you shouldn't skip over. If you are a foodie that has found a vacation rental in Florence then be sure to get your hands on these peas while you are spending time in the city.

A post shared by un pezzo della mia maremma (@unpezzodellamiamaremma) on May 30, 2016 at 2:45am PDT

Baccalà is the Italian word for salted cod, a food that has a long history in Europe going back hundreds of years. There are various recipes involving baccalà from lots of different countries and within Italy, in particular.

In Tuscany, the most famous and typical of these dishes comes from Livorno and is called Baccalà alla Livornese. If you have found a vacation rental in Livorno, it is one of the key regional dishes that you should try – particularly if you are a foodie, you really won't want to miss out on the local flavour!

The Puccini Festival is an annual summer opera festival that is held in the town of Torre del Lago in July and August. Celebrating, commemorating and presenting the work of the famous Italian composer Giacomo Puccini, the festival showcases four or five performances of up to four operatic productions each season. Attracting around forty thousand spectators to the town's open-air theatre, it is one of the most popular opera festivals in the country and is the ideal place to experience opera in Tuscany. If you have found a vacation rental on the Tuscan Coast, or a vacation rental in Viareggio (which is located just 4km away from Torre del Lago), make sure to check it out!