Archive for 'Tuscany'

While there are cities and destinations in Italy in which you could readily get about by public transportation, there are many beloved vacation spots where a car really would come in handy. Of course, if you’re on a city break in a big metropolis like Rome or a slightly more compact but highly historic destination like Florence, driving can be both tricky and impractical as there are plenty of other options when it comes to getting around.

However, if you were planning on booking a villa in Tuscany or a vacation rental in Apulia or another destination that is a little more remote or is a wider region that you wish to explore to your heart’s content, then a car will likely be necessary. Trains and buses will get you from town to town but it can be more complicated to visit attractions way out in the countryside or that are scattered all over the region.

Renting a car is a great way to ensure that you can go wherever you want, whenever you want and make the absolute most of your time on holiday in Italy. 

As with many places around the world, certain towns in Italy are known for local traditions in the production of specific foods and goods. In Italy, the regional foods of the country are often more familiar to us but there are some exquisite local craft traditions that continue to this day and that are well-worth checking out, especially if you are fond of the finer things.

Take, for example, the charming medieval town of Arezzo, which has an impossibly rich tradition of jewellery and gold craftsmanship that will make the magpies and lovers of sparkly things around the world want to book a villa in Arezzo and pay a visit. If you’re looking to enjoy a vacation in Tuscany and all that that entails but also want to invest in something truly special to commemorate your trip, then Arezzo is the perfect destination.

Thinking about planning a vacation in Italy in November but unsure of where to go? Well, we’ve put together a helpful guide of the best holiday destinations across the country if you are looking to book a villa in Italy during November.

While November is not the first time of the year that comes to mind for many when it comes to planning a holiday in Italy, it might just happen to be the only time that you can travel or you may be looking to avail of the smaller tourist crowds and lower prices. The summer rush is well over and Christmas cheer will be starting to sprinkle into the bigger towns and cities but you won’t have the festive crowds quite yet either. Plus, while rain is common throughout most of the country in this month and the weather is becoming decidedly wintery, usually you can rely on great conditions for both hiking and exploring cities. City breaks or holidays full of outdoor excursions are ideal at this time of the year.

Tuscany's reputation as a haven for truffle enthusiasts is well-established. Truffle-infused delicacies are available in eateries and stores all throughout the region and especially during the fall. You can join expeditions to hunt for truffles if you want a more hands-on approach. Plus, there are various events and even entire festivals dedicated to the food and San Miniato, in particular, is known for its globally-acclaimed annual truffle festival and as a general truffle haven.

Those who choose to book a vacation rental in San Miniato to visit this truffle hotspot and delve into Tuscany's culinary culture will find that there is a particular company that will probably help you plan some perfect foodie outings and properly introduce you to the world of truffles: Truffle In Tuscany.

There are many ways to tour the incredible birthplace of the Renaissance during a stay in one of our villas with pools in Florence. You could follow famous artists around the city by visiting their works in various galleries and museums and churches, go on a sartorial pilgrimage of flagship stores and fashion museums, take in the architectural gems of various architects, discover all of the key spots where the Medici made history, eat your way around the city’s most beloved restaurants, visit all of the stunning gardens of the city, take a tour of supposedly haunted locations, or – to go with similarly spooky vibes – you could follow Hannibal Lecter around the city...

In The Silence of The Lambs, Lecter first displays his admiration for Florence when we see a meticulous sketch of the city's skyline that is hanging in his prison cell. Then, in the following film in the series, Hannibal, we are shown more than a mere sketch and are transported directly to the captivating landscapes of Florence...