Posted in: History Localities Newsletters Siena

Italy is a place where history is very much still alive – in her preserved towns, her exceptionally rich museums, her active traditions, and much more besides. And, despite the wealth of sites, architectural gems, museums and galleries stuffed with works of art and archaeological finds, that one would need lifetimes upon lifetimes to even put a dent in, discoveries continue to happen and new finds continue to be uncovered. The latest discovery, in fact, was made only this week in a thermal bath in the small town of San Casciano, in the province of Siena, where some 24 bronze statues dating back to the ancient Romans were uncovered! Those with any sort of interest in art and history, really would be advised to plan a vacation in Tuscany – you never know what you might find on your trip!


Okay, so you’re pretty unlikely to find a hoard of ancient, precious sculptures yourself while on holiday in Tuscany but those who book one of our Tuscany villas can certainly see such incredible pieces with relative ease throughout their trip as there are endless museums and attractions to choose from. From famous spots like the Uffizi Museum to local galleries and institutions that you have likely never heard of in tiny towns all over the region boasting collections with famous names from the history of art among their holdings, you’ll never be far from your next chance to see the most extraordinary objects from throughout history. 

A couple enjoying a Christmas market
Posted in: Christmas December Events Florence January Localities Markets November

It’s already that time of year – the famous and beloved Christmas markets of Europe are being confirmed and the dates are being published, which means that it is time to plan your Christmas market getaway for all of the Holiday spirit, festive fun, and magic memories that you could hope to wish for. While the Christmas markets of Tuscany may be a little less well-known internationally, the region actually abounds with some of the best and most special in the world. Though smaller in scale at times, the scenic settings of Tuscany’s charming and picturesque historic centres as a backdrop to alpine-style market stalls, carousels, twinkling lights, ice-skating rinks, Santa’s houses, and all of the other elements of a Christmas market only adds to the experience and makes them even more special.


Florence and some of the towns in the metropolitan area of the city are home to some of the finest and most numerous examples of incredible Christmas markets and celebrations in Tuscany so find a luxury villa in Florence and you can come and explore the area’s wonderful examples of Christmas markets this Holiday Season. Enjoy hot drinks, delicious Tuscan snacks, handmade crafts and local produce, buzzing excitement, stunning settings, and much more besides at Florence’s Christmas markets in addition to everything else that makes this part of the region a wonderful place to visit, particularly over the Holidays.


But what Christmas markets take place in and around Florence? Where are they found? What do they offer? And when are they open? Well, here’s our guide to visiting Florence (and her close neighbours) and the city’s magic Christmas markets in 2022...


Weihnachtsmarkt/Mercato Natale di Firenze, Piazza Santa Croce, Florence

19th of November 2022 to the 18th of December 2022

Ghosts
Posted in: Autumn Events Florence Hallowe'en Legends Localities Lucca Pisa Siena Tourist Attractions

Ghosts may not be the first thing that one associates with Tuscany but if you have been considering an October getaway in Tuscany then you will discover that, naturally, a part of the world with such a rich and complex history is full of tales of spooky encounters and terrible tragedies. History is very much alive (and undead) in Tuscany, with lots of places looking as though they have been left almost entirely untouched by the passage of time for centuries. These time capsules, these preserved historic city centres, ancient palaces, creepy yet lovely castles, and other remnants of times past make for the most atmospheric of surroundings and the most likely candidates for frightening and supernatural experiences. So, if you have always wanted to enjoy the delights, culinary treats, pretty scenery, incredible museums and tourist attractions of the region and much more besides and you are also fond of Hallowe’en adventures and creepy stories, then get browsing our Tuscany villas today! The ghosts of Tuscany’s intriguing past are just waiting to welcome you to this extraordinary part of the country.


But who exactly is it that awaits you? Well, we have compiled a handy list of some of Tuscany’s most haunted spots and famous spooky tales to act as a creepy backdrop to your vacation in Tuscany. These are the ghosts, haunted castles, witches, and devils to seek out as you explore the region...

Tuscany in the fall
Posted in: Autumn Central Italy Chianti Events Landscape Localities Pretty Views Tourist Attractions Tuscany

Tuscany is one of the most beautiful and romantic places in all of Europe and it is truly magical during autumn! Autumn is all about adventure and exploration and colour on vacation in Tuscany. Those famous rolling green hills of the region all turn gold and the rich foliage of the forests, mountainsides, vineyards, parklands, and protected landscapes throughout Tuscany turn an incredible array of yellow, russet, and orange hues. Areas like Casentino, Chianti, and the Garfagnana are particularly striking in the intensity of their palettes and the unbelievable natural beauty on display. So, those who love autumnal vibes, getting cosy, and exploring nature will find that if they are looking to plan a fall getaway, few destinations could be better suited than Tuscany! 

Florence
Posted in: Apartment Spotlights Autumn Cortona Events Florence Localities Lucca Villas and Farmhouses

Tuscany is lovely in fall when the lush landscape is made even more beautiful by the transformation of trees as their leaves turn red and gold and rust hues all across those famous rolling hills, the excitement of truffle hunting, the hustle and bustle of food and wine festivals filling medieval city centres all across the region, the cosiness of little houses with smoke-topped chimneys dotted about the place, and the appearance of chic locals beginning to wrap up in woolly layers against the cooling weather. However, much as the entire region has many charms worth discovering that are particular to the season, fall is an especially excellent time to plan a city break in Tuscany. The summer crowds will have begun to disperse, leaving the most famous attractions and sights with far smaller queues and freeing up time to see more, and things will be much calmer and more relaxed, in general. Plus, the cooler weather is more suited to darting all over the place if you’re the type that wants to see it all! So, if you have always wanted to come and see Florence, Lucca, or Cortona – all charming and stunning cities steeped in history and culture – then it is a perfect time to book a Tuscany villa and a city break in Tuscany! Just check out this selection of some of our newest listings in these destinations, all centrally located right at the heart of all the action in each town, and book today to make the fall getaway in Tuscany of your dreams a reality...