Archive for '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...

Calling all wine-lovers and enthusiasts: Tuscany really is the destination for you!

So many beloved wines come from this lush and bountiful part of Italy and so many incredible wine experiences are on offer that can educate you further about this ancient beverage, introduce you to some amazing varieties and producers, and allow you to properly unwind during your holiday in the most magical of surroundings. So, if that sounds good to you, read on for a list of some of our favourite wine areas and regions where you can vacation in Tuscany:

Sometimes, getting to your destination, heading off to go do the thing that you are excited for, is an absolute chore. Other times, and certainly in other places, this is all part of the experience and is a delight all on its own.

Picture this, for example: you have booked one of our incredible vacation rentals in Tuscany and you are off to see one of her famous and beloved tourist attractions. Say you are staying in a villa in the Orcia Valley and you are headed to Pisa for the day to see the wonderful Leaning Tower or you are based in a holiday rental in Siena but have decided to explore the endless world-class museums and architectural gems of Florence, well getting there is going to be just as exceptionally beautiful an experience as the outings themselves... 

We believe that eating local dishes is one of the most important things to do on holiday and one of the best ways to become more familiar with a culture and a place. This, of course, is especially true when it comes to Italy and to Tuscany. So many famous and beloved products and dishes come from this part of the world and eating is a key tourist activity if you have found a villa in Tuscany. There are endless delicious things to eat from this especially lush and fertile part of the country but one of the must-try products from Tuscany is Pecorino cheese.

Made from 100% sheep’s milk, there are six varieties of pecorino cheese that received Protected Designation of Origin status. Pecorino Romano is one of these and one of the most famous cheeses from Italy. Other pecorino cheese are produced on the islands of Sardinia and in the Tuscan Province of Grosseto. Dating back to Roman times, when it was a staple of the diet of soldiers at war, pecorino is now often an alternative to Parmesan. 

This week, we are talking all things chocolate when it comes to Tuscany. For some, chocolate is not the first culinary delight that they might associate with this beloved region of Italy. However, it is actually a spot that boasts some incredible chocolate brands and shops and cafes serving up the most remarkable chocolate treats. There is, in fact, a whole area known as the Chocolate Valley of Tuscany where there is an intense concentration of these brilliant chocolate producers. So, if you have a sweet tooth and you want to vacation in Tuscany, then these are the destinations and brands to keep in mind.