One of the best things about a summer vacation in Tuscany, especially for foodies, is the vast number of sagre or food festivals that you can attend. Almost every town has its own local speciality and an annual food festival that celebrates that. Usually not massive affairs but, rather, small local events with good food at even better prices, music, and festivities and excitement, it is a chance to get a really authentic taste of Tuscany...
For classical music enthusiasts or anyone who loves including a more whimsical and romantic outing in their travel itinerary there is yet another great reason to book a vacation rental in the Val D’Orcia: to attend one of the utterly magical concerts of the Paesaggi Musicali Toscani. This series is, without a doubt, one of the major musical and artistic highlights of the cultural calendar in Tuscany and an incredibly special way for anyone to experience this lovely part of the world.
The famously breath-taking rolling hills and lush fields of Tuscany are arguably at their most stunning in the UNESCO-awarded landscape of the Val D’Orcia. This is where the scenery truly sings in its beauty and makes for a rather romantic and evocative backdrop for this series of incredible concerts in Tuscany throughout the summer (and up to Christmas).
Italy has a long history of being one of the major art centres of the world and this continues to be true to this day. In addition to exhibiting some of the most incredible masterpieces in museums, churches, and palaces around the country, hosting amazing temporary exhibitions of the works of some of the most remarkable contemporary artists around the globe, and continuing to educate new artists in academies and universities, Italy also famously plays host to major art showcases on a regular basis. Among these, the biennale in Venice and the biennale in Florence are two of the largest and most celebrated examples. Florence will next host a biennale in 2027 and, as of this week, more information about the 16th edition has been released. For art-lovers looking ahead to a stay at one of our gorgeous villas in Florence, it is a great reason to book for October next year...
Tuscany is famous for her food and wine, her beautiful landscape and historic cities and towns, her culture, and more - but one thing that many might not realise is that this lovely region of Italy is also a hub for unique sporting traditions. So, if you love sport but you also love a curiosity, be sure to pay attention to this lesser-celebrated but fascinating part of Tuscany’s heritage during a stay in one of our incredible villas in Tuscany!
Want to attend one of these curious events for yourself and to enjoy the excitement and thrills of a good game alongside the fun of a more off-beat sport? Well, then check out our guide to some of Tuscany’s most unique and intriguing sporting events...
For modern art lovers, Florence may not be the obvious choice of destination. While undeniably one of the most important artistic centres in the world and the birthplace of the Renaissance, the city may seem to many to be rooted too far into the past. This is, of course, untrue as the city is home to a vibrant street art culture, plenty of fascinating contemporary galleries, art schools and academies still attracting artists from around the world, and museums with permanent modern and contemporary sections. In addition to this, one museum is currently home to one of the most exciting modern art exhibitions in the globe: Palazzo Strozzi's Rothko a Firenze (Rothko in Florence) exhibition. So, book your villa in Florence this spring or summer and see this fascinating monograph of the great modern painter while you can...
