A couple in Venice
Posted in: Apulia Chianti Florence Localities Southern Italy Travel Tips Venice Villas and Farmhouses

Are you in desperate need of getting away from it all? Do you want to spend some proper quality time with the one you love? Or maybe you are looking for a special gift as the Holidays approach? Well, the answer to all of the above is booking a romantic getaway in Italy for two!


From gondola rides in Venice, to watching the sun set over the skyline of Florence, to tasting wine in picturesque vineyards in Chianti, to strolling along the perfect sandy beaches of Apulia, to recreating scenes from Roman Holiday in Rome, to candlelit dinners with sea views on the Amalfi Coast – Italy is a destination that is perfectly designed for romance!

Florence
Posted in: Florence Localities Museums & Galleries Must See Attractions Tourist Attractions Travel Tips

What are some lesser-known art attractions in Florence?


This is a question to ask if you are the type of person who wants to go beyond a destination’s most obvious tourist attractions. Those who find a villa in Florence and are diving into the rich history of art and design in this important art capital will likely consider visits to the Uffizi Gallery, the Accademia, the Duomo. These key art institutions are home to works by some of the most famous names in the history of art but if you want to go beyond these more well-known gems and see something else, then read on for our guide to some of the city’s less familiar museums and galleries that are equally fascinating wonders and incredible reflections of this extraordinary cultural titan of a holiday destination. Book your holiday rental in Florence with Italy Villas and then come explore:

Cypress-lined road in Tuscany
Posted in: Central Italy Florence Localities Pisa Travel Tips Tuscan Coast Tuscany Villas and Farmhouses

Tuscany is one of our key holiday destinations in Italy and for good reason. It is an impossibly famous and beloved part of the world that abounds in extraordinary sights, flavours, attractions, and wonders. In addition, we have a large selection of properties of all kinds all across the region.


Looking for a villa in Tuscany with a pool? We have plenty of those! Villas that not only have private pools for long days of sun and fun without even having to leave the house but that often also boast brilliant pool areas with all sorts of other features such as loungers, umbrellas, other outdoor furnishings, outdoor showers, and much more besides. 

A moody sunset in Florence
Posted in: Books and Movies Central Italy Curiosities Florence Localities Must See Attractions 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...

Mercato Centrale, exterior
Posted in: Events Florence Food and Wine Localities Markets

While we often talk about the museums and art and architectural gems that one must make time for if they book a villa in Florence, it is important to remember that, as a city at the heart of Tuscany, this is also a dream holiday destination for all of the serious foodies of the world. From historic coffee houses serving incredible brews, to pastry shops where recipes have been passed down for several generations, to family-run eateries boasting hearty and delicious meals for a steal, to chic restaurants offering cutting-edge delicacies, to wine bars boasting amazing city views to pair with unbeatable Tuscan wines, and beyond, there are all sorts of culinary experiences on offer in the city. Among all of the foodie tourist attractions and musts, a visit to one of Florence’s famous markets is also unmissable. One of the most exciting among the markets in town is the Mercato Centrale.