Archive for 'Siena'

As fall draws closer, we have been thinking about ways to get cosy and really slow things down and relax on holiday in Tuscany. For those who book one of our villas in Tuscany, we recommend not only enjoying the harvest delights of delicious food and wine, hiking the gorgeous landscapes and exploring the beautiful towns and villages while the temperatures turn pleasantly mild and perfect for such excursions, and making the most of the smaller tourist crowds and queues at famous attractions but also heading to a spa town. Tuscany abounds in gorgeous spa towns and destinations with natural thermal springs and we have listed many examples in the past but today’s pick is Terme di Petriolo, an easy spot to add into an itinerary if you are staying in a vacation rental in Siena.

The grand cathedrals of Tuscany’s cities are generally an extraordinary collection of buildings, often with ancient origins, additions throughout various periods and architectural styles, contributions by named and famous architects, gilded interiors full of stunning objects, and artworks by the likes of Michelangelo, Giotto, and more. Those, therefore, who find a villa in Tuscany and visit any given town or city should always make time to pop into the local cathedral but, in particular, if you book a vacation rental in Siena, we really recommend a visit. This absolutely gorgeous church has lots of remarkable details touched by famous and beyond talented hands. Here are just five of its highlights that make it a must-see for those on holiday in Siena.

Tuscany has more than her fair share of famous, beloved, and iconic tourist attractions and destinations but which of these are also UNESCO World Heritage sites?

A title that indicates incredible cultural value, the absence of this accolade does not diminish an attraction but being awarded it does underscore the immense significance of a place. Attractions that are named UNESCO World Heritage sites are immediately considered, by many, to be unmissable. So, if you have booked your villa in Tuscany and you are wondering about the UNESCO World Heritage sites near you that you should check out during your trip, then read on to our definitive list to help you plan a dream vacation in Tuscany...

There are eight official UNESCO World Heritage sites in Tuscany:

If you were considering booking a villa in Siena and spending the Holidays in Tuscany, then learning about and experiencing some of the local festive traditions is a must that will make any vacation even more special and memorable. Tuscany is awash with all sorts of wonderful traditional foods, festivals, experiences, and more and her pretty and historic towns are made even lovelier each year with the addition of lights, decorations, Christmas markets, music, excited crowds, and festive cheer. The charming town of Abbadia San Salvatore, in particular, has an incredible Christmas Eve tradition that makes for an ideal way to ring in the Holidays...

For avid cycling enthusiasts contemplating a Tuscan getaway, mark your calendars for a truly exceptional experience this fall – L'Eroica. Autumn is already the ideal time to come to Tuscany in order to enjoy outdoor pursuits as the landscape of famous rolling green hills of the region is even lovelier when dressed in fall colours – making for especially scenic surroundings to admire on your adventures – and the milder weather after the hot summer is more conducive to enjoying outdoor pursuits comfortably.

L’Eroica, meanwhile, takes place on the first Sunday of October each year in the enchanting province of Siena and is an annual non-competitive cycling event that celebrates vintage cycling culture. Participants immerse themselves in the nostalgia of the past by riding vintage bicycles, adorned in accessories and clothing from pre-1987. Combining the thrill of cycling with a vintage flair amidst the captivating Tuscan landscapes, L'Eroica is a distinct and captivating event. And, certainly, cycling fans who book a vacation rental in Siena at the beginning of October won’t want to miss it!