Archive for 'Localities'

Art lovers of the world who want to holiday in Tuscany should definitely browse our luxury villas in Florence and get planning a trip to the birthplace of the Renaissance at least once in their lifetime. However, while there are lots of churches stuffed full of incredible works from the Middle Ages onwards, museums with works of art from all over the globe and all throughout history, rich collections of pieces by the city's great Renaissance Masters such as Da Vinci and Michelangelo, and much more besides, there is also still a lively contemporary art scene that lives on in Florence. If you are interested in also diving into what is going on in the world of art today, it is a wonderful destination with artists' and artisans' studios, little boutique galleries, temporary exhibitions, art fairs, art markets, and museums dedicated to modern and contemporary art. Among all of these resources, however, one of the most interesting contemporary art venues in the city has to be Murate Art District (MAD).

The perfectly preserved hilltop town of San Gimignano is a special jewel and looks like a scene pulled right from the pages of a medieval text (though a lot cleaner), boasting astounding views over the rolling green landscape for which Tuscany is now famous. Located 50km south-west of Florence, it is small but packs a serious punch. If you want to experience the great picturesque beauty and well-maintained historic charm of Tuscany but want to get away from the bigger cities in the region, then a villa in San Gimignano is just the thing. Boasting all of the cultural gravitas of any other Tuscan destination and far more to see and do than one might expect, it is a truly picturesque and wonderful gem that makes for an idyllic vacation spot to escape to on your next getaway in Tuscany. Here are just five of the many, many reasons why you should get browsing our vacation rentals in San Gimignanoand start planning your trip today...

The area of Grosetto is a coastal region of Tuscany that is an excellent holiday destination for those looking to enjoy a villa on the Tuscan Coast. While a villa in Grosetto does not necessarily ensure you will be right by the sea, the sea will be within driving distance and you will also quickly discover that there are lots of other wonderful attractions and natural gems to explore in the area. From Blue Flag beaches, to Ancient Roman ruins, to Saturnia's famous hot springs, to incredible cave systems, to the astounding beauty of Lake Burano, to the annual Vivamus wine festival in the town of Montemerano each July, there are endless things to discover while on holiday in the region. However, if you're looking for a particularly relaxing outing, then we suggest a visit to a winery. Wandering the grounds on a tour, enjoying a guided tasting of their wines, and stocking up on some wine to savour during your holiday or bring home for yourself and as gifts, makes for a perfect itinerary for those looking to spend a day simply unwinding and making the most of being on holiday. While there are many wineries in the province of Grosetto to choose from, one of the best and the most interesting for those also interested in archaeology has to be the lovely La Biagiola.

There is no shortage of great views across Tuscany or panoramic spots from which to enjoy them; from the skyline of Florence seen from the tower of the Palazzo Vecchio to the view over the rolling hills and woods of the Crete Senesi as viewed from Monte Oliveto to the post-card perfect views over the famous Tuscan countryside taken in from the Podere Belvedere. Tuscany, with her endless vineyards, medieval hilltop towns, rolling green landscape, and stunning coastline, is just an impossibly scenic holiday destination, in general. Retaining lots of traditional charm, her towns themselves are also incredibly picturesque and wonderful places to wander aimlessly, soaking up the unique atmosphere and historic appeal of this lovely part of the world. If you have found a villa on the Tuscan Coast and are exploring the area, there is one particular spot that beautifully combines the region's scenic views and quaint old towns in a rather magical way: located in the coastal town of Piombino is the singular and utterly astounding Piazza Bovio.

The pretty and historic centre of Lucca is a lovely place to wander and explore if you have found a villa with pool in Lucca and are getting to know the area but, as you stroll around, you may soon find yourself quickly working up an appetite. If you are in need of refuelling while discovering the ancient and picturesque core of the city, then we highly recommend a visit to the charming Osteria Tosca, particularly if you happen to be headed to the nearby Puccini Museum that is a mere stone's throw away from the restaurant.

Osteria Tosca is located right in the centre of Lucca, in the Piazza Cittadella, next to the statue of beloved composer and lauded Lucchese son, Giacomo Puccini, who was born in a house only a few yards away. Cosy and inviting, the restaurant has a small garden area and an intimate interior and serves up the best of the tasty and wholesome home cooking from Lucca. Grab a seat inside in the pretty and romantic interior or relax at a table outside and take in the lovely surroundings and people-watch as typical scenes of Tuscan life unfold before you. Once you have settled in, you can then sit back, unwind, and enjoy a pleasant lunch or a relaxing evening tasting the menu of delicious local classics, paired with some great local wines, all at extremely fair prices.