Archive for 'Tuscany'

Il Palio, or The Palio di Siena, is a traditional twice annual horse race held in Siena, Italy. The first takes place on the 2nd of July which is both the Feast of the Visitation and a local festival which honours the Madonna of Provenzano, a Marian devotion in the city. This race is called the Palio di Provenzano. The second is on the 16th of August, the day after the Feast of the Assumption, and is called the Palio dell'Assunta. Ten competitors take part in each race, riding bareback and representing one of the seventeen city wards or contrade, in the Piazza del Campo.

If you wish to experience a cultural vacation to Italy then be sure to stop off in the Renaissance city of Florence in Tuscany for a few days!

This artistic haven is home to a multitude of attractions such as its cathedral, the Uffizi Art Gallery, Palazzo Vecchio and much more.

Choose from a wonderful range of vacation rentals in the Florence area where you can relax and unwind after a few days of cultural indulgence!

Walk along the ancient walls of Florence city and learn about the intriguing towers that still stand along sections of it. Go on a tour of the magnificent Pitti Palace and adjacent Boboli Gardens, once home to the wealthy Medici Family.

Siena, home to one of the most famous palios in all of Italy is a superb tourist city to visit during your Italian vacation!

There’s an abundance of things to see and do here; Siena hosts many spectacular festivals and fairs that showcase the city’s cart, culture, history, food and traditions.

Book a superb holiday rental in Siena and enjoy all the sights and sounds this Tuscan city has to offer!

Begin your tour at the historic Piazza del Campo, an oval shaped piazza lined by beautiful historic buildings. Stroll around the ancient Palazzo Pubblico here or the nearby Santa Maria della Scala hospital. This hospital was one of the first hospitals in Europe and lies along the ancient pilgrim path, Via Francigena that runs through Siena on its journey to Rome.

Spend a few wonderful days of touring around the Renaissance walled city of Lucca in Tuscany during your next Italian vacation! Lucca is a beautifully preserved town situated at the foot of the Apuan Alps and only a half hour’s drive from the Tuscan coast.

Book a pretty vacation villa in Lucca and get ready to explore one of the most beautiful towns in Tuscany!

Lucca is a relatively easy place to reach and is mostly flat which makes it very easy to explore by foot. Start off your day of exploration with a visit to the ancient Roman amphitheatre here in Piazza dell’ Anfiteatro.

Climb up some of Lucca’s beautifully preserved towers such as the clock tower and Guinigi tower and walk along the unusual tree and grass lined paths built on top of the ancient thick walls of Lucca. These scenic garden walls were actually designed by Renaissance Master, Leonardo da Vinci!

Come to Pisa for a few days to explore its famous architectural treasures! This artistic city in Tuscany is most famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Site called Piazza dei Miracoli. Here tourists flock to see the intriguing leaning tower of Pisa along with the city’s Duomo, Baptistery and Monumental Cemetery.

Book a lovely holiday rental in Pisa where you can easily spend a day or two exploring the stunning monuments of this Tuscany city!

Visitors can best see the beauty and cultural attractions of Pisa by walking around its historical city centre. Pisa is a student city as it’s home to the prestigious University of Pisa with accommodates 60,000 students at any one time.

In a city where the population is 100,000, visitors can be sure of experiencing an energetic creative atmosphere where there’s always something to see and do.