Archive for 'Localities'

As we mentioned in the last post, temperatures can soar in Florence in the summer and, in a big city full of tourists, wandering around can become particularly uncomfortable. If you have found a luxury villa in Florence and are planning a trip there this summer, you may have to deal with beating the heat so we have compiled some tips to help keep you cool.

3. Visit a Church

Popping into a church is a great way to cool down and get out of the sun for a bit but you may want to avoid one with long lines and big tourist crowds. There are plenty of smaller, less famous but beautiful churches to discover around the city and these will offer you cool interiors to get away from the heat, while enjoying the art and history. Just be sure to have a sweater to cover bear shoulders or wrap around your waist if you are wearing shorts.

So, you've found the perfect luxury villa in Florence for the summer, you've booked the days off, circled the date ten times on your calendar, arranged for your cat to stay with your aunt and for your bestie to come water the plants and make sure the place hasn't burned down and now you just have to worry about having a good time.

If you are visiting in the middle of the High Season, however, you may find yourself dealing with large tourist crowds and sweltering heat waves that are bound to cramp your style and take away from all that relaxation you have been desperately craving.

Well, don't worry. Fear not, we have come up with a perfect list of things to do to make sure you stay pleasantly cool and relaxed.

In the last post in this series, here are two more of Tuscany's most unique and best theme parks. While the region may be better known for its cuisine and culture and while there may be plenty of museums, galleries, churches, architectural gems, landmarks and restaurants to be discovered, there are also adventures to be had.

Cavallino Matto, near Livorno, is Tuscany’s biggest amusement park. Originally set up in 1967 as a stables that offered pony trekking throughout the vast pine woods near the beach of Livorno during the summer.

Called ‘Parco Gulliver’, it also included crazy golf, ping pong tables, a bar, slides, swings and was free to enter. Over the years, this business grew and expanded until it was the biggest amusement park in the region.

In 2006, Cavallino Matto was purchased by the Manfredini family, who work in the funfair business, and has only grown larger since then.

As we discussed in the last post, theme parks are probably not something that you associate with Tuscany and, admittedly, you won't find the likes of Disneyland or Universal Studios. However, Tuscany has her own unique theme parks, adventures parks and water parks that are great fun and something a little different; especially welcome to any kids (or childlike adults) in the group that might grow tired of museums and architectural gems. So, if you are planning on visiting Tuscany and are looking for a family activity that is a little off the beaten track, look no further than this list of some of her best theme parks!

Similar to Il Gigante Adventure Park in Florence, Lucca has its own adventure park to offer: Bagno di Lucca Canyon Park. If you've found your luxury villa in Lucca and are looking for a bit of an adventure, time outdoors and a little bit physical exertion mixed in with fun, then it's a perfect option.

A key summer activity for many people is to head to theme parks and water parks for the day. It makes for a fun, special day out that is a big treat for kids, if you are travelling as a family, and also a great excursion for friends and couples.

Tuscany might not be the first place you associate with such outings – cultural and foodie events will likely spring to mind first – but the region actually has some rather unique and interesting theme parks.

If you are planning a visit to Florence, for example, there is the excellent Il Gigante Adventure Park. One of the many surprising adventures to be had in Tuscany, it is a great spot to visit with the kids once you have found a luxury villa in Florence.