Posted in: Food and Wine Localities Products & Specialities Recipes Tuscan Coast



Tuscany's cuisine is impossibly famous worldwide but while the savoury food is more well-known, Tuscany is also home to plenty of delicious treats, amazing pastries, tasty snacks and wonderful cakes. Many were originally and traditionally only made for special occasions and during the key religious holidays of the year such as Easter and Christmas but, today, they can be sought out and purchased whenever you want.
Posted in: Activities Curiosities Localities Milan Shopping



As is often the case, Milan fashion Week this season presented us with large collections that, inevitably, had high points but also a great deal of repetition and less interesting garments. The scene was shaken up by the departure of Gucci to Paris Fashion Week but there was still plenty to see so, if you're looking to find a holiday rental in Milan for the Spring/Summer season next year, these are the collections that you will see and be able to shop in store during your vacation. Here are the highlights of MFW SS19 to keep an eye out for...

1. Ermanno Scervino

Ermanno Scervino presented, hands down, the most cohesive and elegant collection at MFW.
Posted in: Architectural Gems Chianti Food and Wine Localities Must See Attractions Tourist Attractions Wineries & Breweries




Castello Sonnino, or Castello di Montespertoli, is a stunning castle on a wine estate next to a village called Montespertoli in the Chianti region of Tuscany, 20km south of Florence. Dating back as far as the 13th century, this 150 hectare estate has been the home of the de Renzis Sonnino family since the beginning of the nineteenth century. The arrival of Baron Alessandro and Baroness Caterina de Renzis Sonnino, with their children Virginia and Leone, in 1987, saw the estate transformed into the well-oiled machine that it is today and their conservative renovation work and “commitment to the protection of the historic-cultural heritage and the revival of the winegrowing activity” have made Castello Sonnino one of the most highly regarded wine producers in Florentine Chianti.
The Palio
Posted in: Architectural Gems Events Food Localities Museums & Galleries Siena Top 10 Lists Tourist Attractions
While Siena is, arguably, one of the most stunning cities in Italy, it is also not that well-known to many international travellers, which is a crying shame. With lots to offer and a beautiful Gothic veneer, it is a perfect holiday destination and in this and the previous post, we are counting down ten great reasons to find yourself a villa rental in Siena and get exploring the city ASAP!

6. The Stunning Piccolomini Library

Another great architectural gem, this beauty is on the grounds of the cathedral and can be visited at the same time! Just turn left about halfway along the length of the cathedral's aisle and you'll discover the library, built by Pope Pius III (a member of the powerful local Piccolomini family) in memory of his uncle and to conserve the rich collection of manuscripts that he had lovingly collected. Said collection never really made it to the library and the series of frescoes by Pinturicchio and his workshop are now the real stars of the show. Truly stunning and awe-inspiring, this is a must-see space.
Centre of Siena
Posted in: Churches & Religious Buildings Food and Wine Localities Pretty Views Siena Top 10 Lists Tourist Attractions Unesco World Heritage Sites
If you need convincing, here are ten great reasons to find a villa rental in Siena and to get planning a trip to the city as soon as possible...

1. The Historic Centre

Incredibly rich and interesting historic centres are not uncommon all around Tuscany. However, the UNESCO awarded historic centre of Siena is one of the best preserved and most beautiful among them all. A Gothic masterpiece that was created in competition with Florence, the city largely reflects the period between the 12th and 15th centuries today. The city had substantial influence on art, architecture and town planning during the Middle Ages, both in Italy and elsewhere in Europe and is a true gem.