Archive for 'Florence'

There are several reported stories of the origins of the Negroni cocktail. One of the most popular and supported stories recounts that it was, supposedly, invented in Florence in 1919 at Caffè Casoni (now called Caffè Giacosa). Count Camillo Negroni asked the bartender, Forsco Scarselli, to strengthen his favourite cocktail. His regular Americano, was suddenly transformed by adding gin rather than the normal soda water. To help differentiate between the old and new, the bartender also added an orange garnish rather than the typical lemon garnish of the Americano.

In our previous posts in this series on vacation rentals in Tuscany with incredible views, we have shined a spotlight on several properties with incredible views across the typical and beautiful Tuscan landscape, as well as over the Tuscan coast but, in this final post, it is time to focus on urban views. Here are some of the loveliest cities views Tuscany has to offer.

9. Piazza Della Signoria

Set right in the heart of Florence's town centre, in an incredibly exclusive location, surrounded by huge and famous cultural and artistic monuments, this property boasts a pretty special view. Located on the first floor of a priceless, historical building, it directly faces the Piazza della Signoria and is just a few steps from the Uffizi Gallery and the Duomo.

As we noted in the last post in this series, a good view is the final ingredient to a wonderful holiday and we have no shortage of vacation rentals in Tuscany with incredible views. Here are just a few more of our personal favourites.

3. Il Leccio

Il Leccio is a house that dates back to the seventeenth century and was originally built as a farm manager's house for the Mansi-Bernardini estate, with wine cellars, stables and a hayloft. It has been tastefully converted into a villa with charming rustic style. Situated on top of a hill, east of Lucca, it has truly magnificent views over the plain below and the swimming pool area, in particular, is located in a breathtaking panoramic position, about 150 metres from the house. By the side of the pool there is a cabin with kitchenette and bathroom and there is a tennis court on the estate. The house has all mod cons and a maid who takes care of the villa who, on request, will cook local dishes for clients. The Fattoria Mansi Bernardini office, on the estate, has English speaking staff and are at clients' disposal to give assistance for the duration of your stay.

Nothing beats a good view, right? When you're on holidays, in particular, waking up to a beautiful reminder that you are far from home and regular routines and responsibilities is the perfect way to start every day with energy and excitement and to ensure a good time. We happen to have an incredible selection of vacation rentals in Italy with great views so why not check out our favourites here? If the properties in question don't quite suit what you are looking for, just browse more of our holiday rentals in Italy or contact us for help and our expert team will aid you in tracking down the perfect spot.

1. Al Seminario

Al Seminario is a lovely stone farmhouse that is situated in a private and beautiful position in the hills between Lucca and the coast.

If you have found a luxury villa in Florence and are busy planning your trip, you are probably wading through the long list of things to see and do, in and around the city. Most likely, your schedule will be full of plans to eats, drink coffee, grab ice-cream and begin wading through the unending wealth of museums, galleries, churches, palaces and other historic and cultural gems. However, it might be worth making time for something a little different and, maybe, even getting away from the city for a little while during your time in Florence. Trying something a little more active, taking a break from the sensory overload of all of those museums and the long lines and bustle of tourists, will leave you re-energised and ready to enjoy it all once more.

Luckily, Firenze Rafting exists; a Florence-based company that offers a variety of water-based activities and tours. These outings range in type, length of time and location; from an hour to several, an outing on the Arno to tours in the countryside outside the city, and from gentle kayak trips to white water rafting.