Archive for 'Localities'

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. 

For those who are thinking about planning a stay in one of our villas in Tuscany come autumn for an off-season getaway and who love nature and natural beauty, there is one particular area that many international tourists have yet to hear of but that should top your list of attractions. This is the Orbetello Lagoon.

One of the best preserved and most unspoiled natural areas in all of Italy, it consists of 1500 hectares of marshland along the Tuscan coast that is separated from the sea on the west and east by two 6km strips of land and by the Argentario headland. On a third strip of land that stretches into the centre of the lagoon, you will find the town of Orbetello itself and a bridge connecting it to Monte Argentario, creating a dramatic picture overall. 

If you are a perfume enthusiast and you happen to have been browsing our Italy Villas to find a perfect vacation rental in Florence, then you might not know that the city is actually the perfume capital of Italy. So, find your villa with pool in Florence, prepare to indulge all of your senses, and bring home the scent of the birthplace of the Renaissance...

During the height of power and wealth among the Renaissance courts of Florence, patronage of artists and artisans was a key way that nobles could display their discernment and riches. Great sculptures and paintings, iconic buildings, stunning churches, impeccable pieces of jewellery, lush fabrics, and more were all created at the behest of these influential citizens. However, there was also a wealth of patrons paying for the finest fragrances in the world. During this vibrant era, the art of perfumery flourished and the likes of Catherine de' Medici's deep passion and important patronage only futher ignited the city's fascination with fragrance. 

Tuscany is, of course, famous as a major destination for art-lovers all around the world to come and visit some of the best museums and art galleries in all the globe to see pieces by world-renowned artists. When most people think of seeing art while on holiday in Tuscany, they tend to picture great historical works by famous Italian artists such as Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Donatello, and more in very formal spaces. However, if you are browsing our Italy Villas and considering a luxury villa in Pisa, then there is a really important and incredible artwork that many might not realise is in the city – perhaps because it matches none of the above descriptions. Dating to the late 80s, by a famous American graffiti artist, and located outdoors, Keith Haring’s Tuttomondo may not be what one expects of art in Tuscany but it is a must-see piece for serious art fans who vacation in Tuscany.