Archive for 'Tourist Attractions'

  

Monday, January 15, 2018
Wool
Chianti Cashmere Goat Farm is a small, private farm located halfway between Florence and Siena, just outside of a town called Radda in the Chianti region of Tuscany. It makes for the perfect place to spend a day learning about sustainable farming, petting the goats, shopping incredible quality garments and enjoying rural Tuscan living. So, whether you find a luxury villa in Florence or a villa with pool in Siena, make sure to set aside time to take a break from urban pursuits and pay a visit to this beautiful and fascinating farm for yourself.

The origins of the farm date back to 1972, when Nora Kravis left Long Island, New York and made her way to Italy, where she bought an old Tuscan farmhouse and set about building a new life. A tiny, dilapidated stone farmhouse nestled into the side of the Volpaia valley with an incredible view across endless rolling hills, vineyards, pastures, olive trees and woods.     Read More
Posted in: Chianti, Curiosities, Localities, Parks & Gardens, Tourist Attractions

  

Monday, January 15, 2018
Montefioralle, streets
Located between Florence and Siena, in the Chianti region of Tuscany is Montefioralle, one of the oldest towns in the area and one of the most incredibly beautiful villages in Italy.

Still enclosed by its medieval defensive walls, the first records of the city go back to 1085. It flourished throughout the Middle Ages as an administrative centre and fortified outpost and, as a result, still largely reflects this period in its appearance. The houses are made of stone and little streets wind throughout the town to a charming effect. It is an exceptionally pretty and characteristic place that is the perfect spot to escape from your own daily realities and get a slice of rural Tuscan life.

Just before you reach the town of Greve in Chianti in Florence, take the first road on the right that heads up a hill, which boasts views across the beautiful landscape below.     Read More
Posted in: Architectural Gems, Chianti, Day Trips, Localities, Pretty Views, Tourist Attractions

  

Tuesday, December 5, 2017
Garden of Villa Reale di Marlia
Villa Reale di Marlia is a stunning 17th century villa and estate with extensive and impressive gardens, located a short distance from Lucca, at the foot of the Pizzorne hills. Once home to Napoleon’s sister and Duchess of Lucca Elisa Bonaparte Baciocchi, it is considered one of the most important historic properties in Italy and is made up of a sixteen hectare estate that features incredible works of art, works of nature and flights of fancy. While the house is currently closed for renovations, the gardens remain open to the public for visits and make for the perfect place to spend a pleasant afternoon strolling around. Just find a luxury villa in Lucca and pay a visit to this extraordinary estate for yourself.

Pack a picnic and set aside a few hours because wandering this estate will occupy you for that long – there is so much to see and do and you'll need snacks to keep you going.     Read More
Posted in: Architectural Gems, Castles & Palaces, Curiosities, Localities, Lucca, Parks & Gardens, Tourist Attractions

  

Tuesday, December 5, 2017
Florence Iris Garden
Florence is full of things to see and do and, among them, there are a number of gardens and parks that are especially beautiful and worth exploring. One that we haven't mentioned before is the Giardino dell'Iris, or Iris Garden, a botanical garden that, unsurprisingly, specialises in the cultivation of iris flowers. Just find a vacation rental in Florence and come explore this lovely Tuscan garden for yourself, as a nice moment of quiet and calm amongst all the darting around busy tourist attractions.

The iris has been a symbol of Florence since 1251 and this garden, near the Piazzale Michelangelo, celebrates the city's bloom rather magically.     Read More
Posted in: April, Events, Florence, Localities, May, Must See Attractions, Parks & Gardens, Tourist Attractions

  

Tuesday, December 5, 2017
Spa
You may or may not know this but Tuscany is actually home to quite a number of naturally occurring hot springs. If you are interested in spas and relaxation, it is an excellent holiday destination and, best of all, some of these hot springs are free and open readily to the public, making Tuscany also a rather affordable spa destination. They can be visited without purchasing a ticket or planning in advance, whenever you want throughout the day (or night) or year. We have been talking about these incredible destinations in this series this week and have compiled a list of some of the best of them for you to browse. In this last post, we have more of our picks of excellent and free hot springs around the region.     Read More
Posted in: Chianti, Florence, Localities, Must See Attractions, Spa, Tourist Attractions