Archive for 'Tourist Attractions'

Ghosts may not be the first thing that one associates with Tuscany but if you have been considering an October getaway in Tuscany then you will discover that, naturally, a part of the world with such a rich and complex history is full of tales of spooky encounters and terrible tragedies. History is very much alive (and undead) in Tuscany, with lots of places looking as though they have been left almost entirely untouched by the passage of time for centuries. These time capsules, these preserved historic city centres, ancient palaces, creepy yet lovely castles, and other remnants of times past make for the most atmospheric of surroundings and the most likely candidates for frightening and supernatural experiences. So, if you have always wanted to enjoy the delights, culinary treats, pretty scenery, incredible museums and tourist attractions of the region and much more besides and you are also fond of Hallowe’en adventures and creepy stories, then get browsing our Tuscany villas today! The ghosts of Tuscany’s intriguing past are just waiting to welcome you to this extraordinary part of the country.

But who exactly is it that awaits you? Well, we have compiled a handy list of some of Tuscany’s most haunted spots and famous spooky tales to act as a creepy backdrop to your vacation in Tuscany. These are the ghosts, haunted castles, witches, and devils to seek out as you explore the region...

Tuscany is one of the most beautiful and romantic places in all of Europe and it is truly magical during autumn! Autumn is all about adventure and exploration and colour on vacation in Tuscany. Those famous rolling green hills of the region all turn gold and the rich foliage of the forests, mountainsides, vineyards, parklands, and protected landscapes throughout Tuscany turn an incredible array of yellow, russet, and orange hues. Areas like Casentino, Chianti, and the Garfagnana are particularly striking in the intensity of their palettes and the unbelievable natural beauty on display. So, those who love autumnal vibes, getting cosy, and exploring nature will find that if they are looking to plan a fall getaway, few destinations could be better suited than Tuscany! 

Enjoy a good stroll? Love to eat? Want to plan a fall or winter getaway in a Tuscany villa that combines both? Then you should definitely head to the wonderful town of Prato for the Eat Prato festival! Starting on the 2nd of October 2022 and continuing right up to the 22nd of January 2023, this vibrant annual foodie festival perfectly combines thematic outings on foot – on which you are guided by knowledgable locals and told all about the area – with tastings of a truly extraordinary array of delicious food and drink from the region. Taking you to some of the most remarkable and fascinating architectural and historic gems in and around Prato, to visit artistic wonders, and into the beautiful countryside of the area, these brilliant walking itineraries are a wonderful way to get to know this part of Tuscany. If you decide to book a luxury villa in Florence but you want to delve into the countryside of Tuscany a bit more, a day in Prato attending one of these events would be just the thing!

If you are both a fashion-lover and a fan of Tuscany villas then there is no doubt that a luxury villa in Florence is a perfect fit. While enjoying all the city has to offer, you can also spend time exploring the fashion museums of both famous brands like Gucci and Ferragamo and state-run historic costume collections like those at the Museum of Costume and Fashion in the Palazzo Pitti to learn more about the history of Italian design. You can see the business of fashion and traditions of craftsmanship that are on display at artisan’s ateliers. You can simply sit out with a cup of coffee in a piazza and do a bit of people-watching to soak up the local street style. Or you can even head to boutiques, famous shopping streets, local markets, and the flagship stores of some of the most famous brands in the world to find some incredible items of clothing and bring a little bit of that famous Italian style home with you after your vacation in Florence.

However, being based in the city of Florence means that you also have ready access to other towns, cities, and fashion-related attractions if you want to venture further afield and seek out some less obvious or well-known sartorial stars. Among these, the Museo del Tessuto, or Prato Textile Museum.

Located in the charming and nearby town of Prato, this excellent museum is one that we have mentioned before and is known to be one of the best fashion and textile history museums in the country. Currently, it is also playing host to an amazing exhibition that runs into April of next year entitled, “Two Centuries of Textile and Fashion Design,” that will be fascinating to any serious fashion fans or lovers of period costume. 

The island of Elba is famously the paradise to which Napoleon was exiled in his latter years and while we can’t expect to be sent there forever more, we can book a villa on the Tuscan Coast or a vacation rental in Portoferraio and get a taste of life in this stunning part of Tuscany. Browse our Tuscany villas and then plan a trip to Elba so you can discover all of its charms for yourself and, in particular, the incredible beaches that abound on the island! One especially gorgeous beach is Forno Beach, a picture-perfect little beauty that is made up of golden sand, rich blue waters, lush green pines on the hillsides all around, charming pastel houses directly overlooking the stretch of sand, fishing boats in a variety of shades bobbing in the water, and romantic craggy grey rocks framing the strand. Peaceful and picturesque, it is one of the most relaxing spots to enjoy a day at the beach while on Elba.