Archive for 'Must See Attractions'

  

For those interested in opera, a vacation in Italy at some point in your life is an absolute must. As both the birthplace of the genre and one of the major world capitals of opera, if you are interested in seeing the most incredible productions in the most spectacular historic venues, it is the destination for you. However, if you are a super fan of Puccini, in particular, and you were thinking of a vacation in Tuscany, then you should browse our villas with a pool in Lucca. Lucca has many claims to fame but one of its most lauded and famous sons was Puccini and for those who love him and his work, it is a special experience to walk streets that once inspired the artist. And, of course, you can't miss out on a visit to the Villa Museo Puccini, or Puccini House Museum.

Located at Torre del Lago, with an incredible view over Lake Massaciuccoli, the Puccini House Museum was Puccini's home and is now run as a museum dedicated to the great composer by his descendants. Not only is it a fascinating spot for those looking to learn more about the famous maestro and his life and work, it is also, in of itself, a beautiful and incredibly interesting architectural gem. Designed by the architect Giuseppe Puccinelli, this Art Nouveau looker was created in collaboration with Puccini himself and a host of great artisans such as Galileo Chini, the maker of the gorgeous fireplace in the main living space, and Nomellini, who painted the pictorial decorations on the walls.     Read More

  

Chocolate
Serious foodies know that one of the world's must-see holiday destinations for those who like to eat well is Tuscany. Home to a rich food culture that has produced globally-recognised dishes served up in millions of households all over the world every day, hearty favourites inspired by peasant food traditions, superstar ingredients that are acknowledged for their excellence by the European Union, incredible wineries turning out endless delicious wines, ice-cream shops from children's dreams, bakeries stuffed full of traditional treats and cakes, and much more besides, there are lots of impossibly tasty things to eat and drink if you have found a villa in Tuscany and are spending time in the region. However, one particular product that might not immediately come to mind when thinking of the culinary tradition of Tuscany is chocolate. Despite this, Tuscany is home to the, “Chocolate Valley,” where most of the best chocolate in Italy and some of the best chocolate in Europe is produced each year. If you were thinking about a vacation in Tuscany and you're a chocolate-lover, then this is one more reason to bite the bullet and book your villa with pool in Tuscany today!     Read More

  

Florence, Skyline
If you are looking to plan a vacation in Tuscany, you may be finding it hard to choose a destination as the region is just bursting with picturesque villages, culture-packed cities, pretty seaside towns, rural areas surrounded by lush rolling hills, foodie hotspots, and much more besides. Depending on what you are looking for in a holiday, what aspects you prioritise, whether or not you want to rent a car, your budget, and more, different locations will be more or less suitable to you and your needs. So, in order to help you choose we have put together a handy little guide to some of our most popular holiday destinations in Tuscany!     Read More

  

Piazza dei Miracoli
Pisa is most famous for its iconic and globally-renowned Leaning Tower but, as one might imagine, there is far more to any city than its most well-known attraction. The beautiful and historic city of Pisa, in particular, has lots to offer the discerning tourist that looks past its most obvious feature. So, if you have been considering holiday destinations in Tuscany, why not choose a villa with pool in Pisa and discover these other great reasons to spend time in the city...

1. The neighbouring buildings of the Leaning Tower are also stunning and fascinating

While there is, in fact, more to Pisa, we still recommend visiting the Leaning Tower. However, while you're in the area, you should also check out the gorgeous neighbouring architectural gems that are part of the major religious building complex in the Piazza dei Miracoli including the Cathedral, Baptistery, and the Campo Santo. Combined tickets can be purchased that allow you to enter some or all of the buildings and you will quickly discover that these other incredible gems are just as fascinating (and also lean a bit too due to the nature of the site on which they were built).     Read More

  

Treasury of the Grand Dukes, jewels
Florence is known as the birthplace of the Renaissance and is a major art and cultural centre that produced some of the most talented and innovative artists, architects, writers, and thinkers of all time, as well as some of the most exceptional masterpieces. Art-lovers who want to vacation in Tuscany should definitely browse our luxury villas in Florence as the city is the perfect place for those who want to dive into an endless supply of museums, architectural gems, works of art, and more. Once you find yourself in the city, you'll be faced with the unenviable task of having to choose which attractions and cultural institutions to go and see as there are enough in the city for a lifetime of vacations. This is why we recommend a visit to the Palazzo Pitti, a lush Renaissance palace that was built for Luca Pitti but later purchased by the Medici and which went on to become their primary residence. It is today a state-owned gem that is home to several different museums including the Palatine Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art, and several other gallery spaces and exhibitions. With so many great cultural institutions under one roof (or in one area), it is an ideal place to get a real taste of the incredible artistic heritage of Florence.     Read More