Archive for 'Must See Attractions'

Tuscany is home to some world-famous museums and galleries as well as churches and palaces with extraordinary collections that are known the world over and are immediate must-sees for those planning a vacation in Tuscany or to find a Tuscany villa. However, these well-known spots are not the only places to go to see art while in Tuscany. In fact, one might stumble across all kinds of incredible masterpieces all throughout the region from the Keith Haring mural painted on the side of an old church in Pisa to the examples of contemporary street art that dot cities such as Florence to random little chapels and tiny local museums that boast works by famous Old Masters. Or, you might find that a regional museum is playing host to a travelling exhibition or temporary loan of some astounding pieces from some of those more famous museums. One example of just such a regional museum and just such an exhibition is the Ex Cavallerizza in Lucca in the Piazzle Verdi, located in the stunning and historic city of Lucca, which is playing host to the, "I Pittori della Luce / Painters of Light," exhibition. Browse our villas with pools in Lucca and get booking today to see it for yourself this summer or in the early autumn before it closes!

Tuscany is famously a destination for art-lovers and a hub of extraordinary art works, galleries, museums, churches stuffed with incredible pieces of art, public statuary and sculpted fountains, astounding architectural gems and much more besides. Much of this can be traced back to the remarkable outpouring of world-famous artistic talents throughout the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and art movements from the following centuries such as Mannerism, Impressionism, and more as well as lingering remainders of the ancient Romans. However, though there may be fewer examples with names as famous as Giotto, Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Titian, and Caravaggio (to name but a small selection), Tuscany has also produced some incredibly famous scientists and has been a major hub of scientific discovery throughout the centuries. A vacation rental in Tuscany is, therefore, ideal for any science enthusiasts looking to learn more about both the world around them and above them!

A Tuscany villa is an excellent idea for those who want to enjoy a relaxing getaway as the entire region is home to lots of natural hot springs and the charming and historic spa towns that have grown up around these destinations. Drawing generations upon generations of both locals, Italians from other parts of the country, and tourists from all over the globe to enjoy the restorative waters and a range of other relaxing and holistic treatments, these are the places that you want to go to if you are looking to truly unwind and rest on your next vacation. We have discussed many different naturally-occurring hot springs, thermal parks, spas, and spa towns previously but one of the most luxurious spots in the entire region to enjoy a day at the spa and in the hot spring waters that we haven’t mentioned before has to be Bagni di Pisa. The day spa here, at this stunning 5 star hotel in a beautiful 18th century building, is a real slice of heaven and is ideal for those who have found a villa with pool in Pisa and are looking to treat themselves to a properly luxurious spa experience.

Located in the spa town of San Giuliano Terme, about 5km from the city of Pisa, the Bagni di Pisa spa is a serious looker, with the thermal pools and baths set in an elegant courtyard of the building, framed by lovely architectural details such a pilasters and arched windows looking into the old palace. This setting is a wonderful and atmospheric place to soak in the restorative waters and is an especially refined counterpart to the famous outdoor springs such as the iconic example in Saturnia – though we would highly recommend a visit to both types if you can manage it! 

If you have found a luxury villa in San Gimignano and are planning on enjoying the best of the best and the most luxurious experience of a vacation in Tuscany then you might be thinking of organising a trip to a winery to spend a leisurely day sipping on some excellent Tuscan vintages. There are endless brilliant wineries in Tuscany to do just that but in this scenario, if you’re looking for the plushest, most elegant, most luxurious winery experience then we highly recommend setting aside some time to visit Tenuta Torciano. This family-run gem is truly picture-perfect, boasts some amazing wines, and offers some unique and uniquely sophisticated and exclusive wine-related experiences on their stunning estate. So, if you’re a wine-lover and foodie who wants to go all out with their winery visit while enjoying a Tuscany villa, then take note...

Located just outside the famously beautiful medieval town of San Gimignano, in a perfect spot between Siena and Florence that would make it easy to visit also if you have found a luxury villa in Florence or a luxury villa in Siena, Tenuta Torciano has been run by 13 generations of wine-makers and their wines are infused with both all of this tradition and the latest technologies. Handed down through the generations for 300 years, this iconic brand is highly celebrated for the excellence of their products with an array of wonderful reds, whites, and a Vin Santo to choose from. However, at this gorgeous venue, it is not just about the undoubtedly high-quality wines but very much also about the experiences of tasting and enjoying them that recommends the winery to visitors. 

You may have noticed a type of wine increasingly in stores and restaurants in the last few years, in particular, that seems new and strange to you: orange wine. These wines are actually part of a very old tradition of wine-making that has been revitalised in recent years and basically involves the macerating of white wines with their skins and the treating of white grapes as one would red ones. While white wine is usually made by pressing the grapes, separating the juice from the skins, and then fermenting this juice, orange wine (or, sometimes, called amber, ramato, macerated, or skin-contact wines) is made by allowing both the skins and juice to ferment together.

Ranging from a golden hue to a richer, redder colour, orange wines have the complex flavour profile and tannins of a red wine but are similarly refreshing to white wine. It is a type of flavour that some find strange at first but it is worth familiarising oneself with as it is a perfect summer drink to enjoy while visiting a vineyard or to pair with a wide variety of meals and foods while dining in the region. And, while the region is not the first that comes to mind in Italy when thinking of orange wine, those who have found a villa with pool in Tuscany or a Tuscany villa will find that many wineries throughout Tuscany are producing wonderful orange wines.