Archive for 'San Gimignano'

  

Christmas Lights
f you think of a Tuscan getaway, you probably imagine summers spent eating gelato and drinking coffee between dashing from museums and stunning churches to famous stores and delicious eateries or relaxed holidays just either side of the busy summer season. However, Christmas in Tuscany has its own unique charms that are well worth exploring. There are lots of reasons to plan a Winter break in Tuscany and here are more of the most compelling selling-points of a holiday season in this stunning region of Italy...

3. The Magical Atmosphere

There is something special about the twinkling lights and festive atmosphere of Tuscany.     Read More

  

Wine
If you have found a vacation rental in Tuscany and are planning on exploring the region, you can't forget to thoroughly discover the culinary landscape. Food and wine are integral to the Tuscan experience and we have discussed wines and vineyards and wine shops on this blog on several occasions. However, we thought that it was only fitting to finally put together a guide to the wines of Tuscany; the ones you won't want to miss and where to find them. Here is our guide to more of the Tuscan wines that you need to try!

5. Bolgheri

Bolgheri is a wine area located in the Province of Livorno that has become internationally known since 1974, when, in an event organised by Decanter, a 6-year-old Sassicaia won over an assortment of Bordeaux wines.     Read More

  

San Gimignano
Tuscany is a wonderful and magical place at Christmas; historic cities all lit up with twinkling lights, traditional Christmas markets, incredible live crib scenes, Santa's grottoes and chances to meet Befana (the kindly witch who traditionally delivers gifts at Christmas in Italy), and absolute piles of delicious food all over.

If you are thinking of spending Christmas abroad, it is an ideal destination that is full of festive cheer!

In this series, we have been discussing different cities and towns across the region, each of which has their own unique selling points that can suit you whether you are interested in markets, Christmas sweets, ice-skating or other specific festive activities. Here are more of our picks of great Tuscan destinations this Christmas.     Read More

  

San Gimignano
There is no shortage of things to see and do and incredible attractions in Tuscany but there are seven designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the region: the historic centre of Florence (initiated in 1982); the Cathedral square of Pisa (1987); the historical centre of San Gimignano (1990); the historical centre of Siena (1995); the historical centre of Pienza (1996); the Val d'Orcia (2004), and the Medici Villas and Gardens (2013).

If you are planning a trip to Tuscany, these heavy hitters would all be excellent activities. In the last post, we discussed the first two entries on the list so here are more of those UNESCO sites and why you need to visit!

3. The Historical Centre of San Gimignano     Read More

  

Medieval Torture Devices
We have been counting down some of Tuscany's strangest and most extraordinary attractions in a bid to help you plan an itinerary that is a little less ordinary. Just find a luxury villa in Tuscany and then add these final sights to your list!

8. Medieval Torture Museum, San Gimignano

San Gimignano is a walled medieval hill town in the province of Siena in Tuscany. It is most well known for its many medieval tower houses and historic city centre. In this pretty centre there is a Medieval Torture Museum that is not merely a grisly and macabre tourist attraction but also an educational tool used to inform visitors about contemporary human rights abuses. Certainly a unique outing idea for any tourists in the town, it combines historic interest with modern awareness in a captivating and fascinating manner.     Read More