Villa Masini
Posted in: Architectural Gems Castles & Palaces Curiosities Legends Tourist Attractions
Villa Masini is a celebrated architectural gem located in Montevarchi in Tuscany. Built as a statement of love by the entrepreneur Angiolo Masini, it was designed by local engineer Giuseppe Petrini and work began in 1924. Masini didn’t scrimp, wanting to build a perfect family home for himself and his beloved wife, and sought out the best and most talented painters, glass-makers, and textile artists and the finest stone, marble, furniture, and fittings to outfit their house. They deemed the work perfect by 1927 but, tragically, the love of his life had died by then. However, this Art Nouveau and Art Deco gem remains as a testament to some of the finest craftsmen in Italy at the time and to the love Masini had for his wife. If you have found a vacation rental in Montevarchi and are exploring this pretty Tuscan city, be sure to drop by and admire this rather special building.
Francesco Melzi, Portrait of Leonardo
Posted in: Florence History Localities Museums & Galleries Must See Attractions Renaissance Tourist Attractions
Leonardo da Vinci is, without a doubt, one of the most famous names in the history of art. Throughout the centuries, while other artists have had fluctuating levels of fame and popularity, Da Vinci has remained one of the most globally recognised, fascinating, and elusive figures. His artistic skill, multiple talents in several fields, visionary ideas, intriguing glimpses of his personal life, his long string of unfinished works, and his unique career path are all captivating traits that have ensured the continued interest in the artist and this year that interest is set to only increase as we celebrate the 500th anniversary of his death on the 2nd of May 1519.
Views of Florence
Posted in: Curiosities Florence Food and Wine Localities Pretty Views Top 10 Lists Tourist Attractions
This week, we have been looking at some of Florence's best rooftop bars as there is no better way to enjoy her stunning and iconic skyscape than from a cute bar with a great drink in hand. Whether you're finishing off a day in the city or just getting a night started with some aperitifs, the city's rooftop bars make for the perfect places to watch the sunset over the famous buildings, beautiful gardens, historic squares, and wandering tourists and citizens. If you have found your luxury villa in Florence and are now looking for a rooftop bar to visit, read on to the rest of our list of some of our top picks among the places that the city has to offer...
View over Florence
Posted in: Curiosities Florence Food and Wine Localities Pretty Views Top 10 Lists Tourist Attractions
Florence has a famously beautiful skyline that we have written about and admired many times before. There are plenty of viewing points from which to enjoy views of the city and we have listed these previously but, lately, we've been imagining enjoying said views from rooftop bars. Combining those amazing views with a well-made cocktail or a great glass of wine sounds like a match made in heaven to us! So, if you have found a luxury villa in Florence and want to round off a long day of touristing or want to grab a nice leisurely drink before heading to dinner, then these are the rooftop bars that you should visit in Florence!
Pania Della Croce
Posted in: Activities Curiosities Hiking Must See Attractions Pretty Views Tourist Attractions
Museums, galleries, palaces, restaurants, wineries: these are probably the locations that first come to mind when picturing spending time in Tuscany. However, that beautiful and iconic landscape that Tuscany is famous for needs to be ventured out into and explored. Driving around or heading to outdoor activities like kayaking, zip lining, horse riding, and more are one way to experience it but an excellent way to see the landscape at its most beautiful is by going hiking. One particularly lovely place to go hiking is Pania della Croce.

This mountain in the Apuan Alps is the highest peak in the Panie Group, located not far from the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea and boasts views over Monviso, Monte Amiata, Corsica and the coastline on very clear days. For those who have found a holiday rental in Lucca or a villa rental on the Tuscan Coast, and who are looking to take in the majestic natural beauty of Tuscany, it is the perfect spot for a hike.