Archive for 'Localities'

For one of the most charming gardens that we have ever seen in Tuscany and a perfectly dreamy escape in the lush surroundings of the famously lovely landscape of the region, Macennere is a truly magical gem. A pretty stone villa with five bedrooms and four bathrooms, sleeping up to ten guests in total, Macennere is nestled down a private country lane, among forested hills, 12km from Lucca. Ringed by olive trees and cypresses and other greenery, the house boasts a gorgeous garden full of blooms, a private pool, elegant areas to relax al fresco, and comfortable interiors full of character and style. 

Travelling is all about unique experiences that you won’t forget, memories that will last a lifetime, shared with people you love, new friends, or even just made on your own as you expand your horizons. Sometimes these experiences involve ticking a famous sight off your bucket list and finally seeing something with your own eyes. Sometimes it’s something big. Other times, however, it is the small things that stand out most, the little moments. These sorts of travel experiences and memories mostly can’t be planned but you can set yourself up to have one of these quietly wonderful moments by being in the right place, at the right time, with the right attitude. Come with a spirit of whimsy and joy and you’ll really make the most of it while you vacation in Tuscany...

One of the best things about a vacation in Tuscany is indulging in her foodie delights but we also recommend leaning into the foodie customs of the region as well. From visiting the endless list of seasonal food festivals celebrating local specialities, to shopping the freshest produce and most notable regional products at bustling local markets, to visiting wineries and sampling their vintages, there are all sorts of foodie experiences to enjoy but you can also simply eat in the manner of Tuscans. This means eating when the locals eat, resting after your meal in the middle of the day, having multiple courses with your meals, consuming the right coffee at the right time of the day (cappuccinos are expressly only for breakfast in Italy, or certainly not after 11am), and more. 

One of the local foodie customs that we vouch for the most as particularly delicious and indulgent for someone on vacation, is the idea of the aperitivo. This involves going out ahead of your dinner or evening on the town, visiting a bar or two, and ordering an appetite-stimulating drink to enjoy with some snacks. Or perhaps you never end up going for dinner at all – lots of Italians will enjoy an aperitivo or two (or more) while eating the snacks served with them (often for free) and either fill up on the snacks or head home for dinner afterwards. No matter what way you do it though, it’s a great way to spend an evening! 

Certain sights in Tuscany become famous and end up photographed endlessly due to the fact that the various elements of the surroundings and a building or town or natural feature come together perfectly to create something utterly picturesque. There are a few notable examples of this but, among them, the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Biagio (or Tempio di San Biagio) is one of the most strikingly lovely. This pretty 16th century domed church is located in the lush countryside near Montepulciano, an area already impossibly charming in its own right but when you add this elegant building emerging as if from nowhere, at the end of a typically Tuscan cypress-lined road, the overall effect is breath-taking. For those who book a villa in Montepulciano and who are looking to get out and explore the natural and scenic beauty of the surrounding landscape, a stop by this church is a must!

Those who book a vacation rental in Florence will quickly discover that it is an excellent destination for those who like to get around on their own steam! The centre is smaller than one might imagine, given its incredible cultural importance and weight, with many of the most famous attractions located within close proximity of each other. In fact, right in the heart of the historic core of the city, you will discover that Florence is a patchwork of pretty piazze, ringed by architectural gems, shops, bars, eateries, and sights. So, as you move from one thing to another on your itinerary, you’ll have plenty to feast your eyes on along the way and ample opportunity to stop for a bite, a glass of famous Tuscan wine, a coffee, a gelato, or any other delights you might need to fuel your voyage.