The town of Montepulciano is a town famous for its wine and, certainly, those interested in Tuscan wine will find incredible wineries to visit and taste wine in the vicinity, charming restaurants where delicious meals are perfectly paired with excellent vintages, chic bars to share a bottle with their travel companions, and some great shops to purchase a bottle of wine to enjoy as they relax in one of our amazing Tuscany villas if they spend any time in the area. However, if you also like somewhat unusual events and traditional festivals and celebrations on top of tasty wines then it would be best to plan your vacation in Montepulciano during the month of August, around the time of the Bravio delle Botti. This somewhat bizarre but very exciting and interesting event is a rather special annual race that takes place in town each summer and sees representatives of the different neighbourhoods of Montepulciano compete by dashing through the pretty historic centre while pushing a giant wine barrel. Though the sight of it might momentarily make you concerned that you have been indulging in the local speciality a little too liberally, we can assure you that this silly and fun event makes for the best opportunity and time of year to get to know Montepulciano.
4
Apr
2019
2019
Updated 16/6/22.
Italy has a lot of unique traditions that continue to this day; races with frogs, jousting tournaments, extreme historic soccer games, elaborate costumed parades, a witch that does Santa's job, and much more besides. This connection to the past and embracing of what makes Italy unique greatly enriches any trip to Italy and, for those interested in really getting to know a place and to understand the local culture and tradition, these types of events are key. If you are thinking about finding a vacation rental in Montepulciano and planning a trip and want to really engage with the history and legacy of this city in Tuscany, then you should aim to visit in the last couple of weeks of August. On the final Sunday of the month, you will be able to witness the curious spectacle that is the Bravio delle Botti.
Cartasia is a rather special art show that is dedicated entirely to one medium: paper. Established in 2004, the International Paper Biennial Show aims to promote “tradition, culture, sustainability and innovation through art and design”. This year's edition will be its ninth and will take place in the city of Lucca between July and September 2018. So, if you have found a luxury villa in Lucca and are planning a visit any time over the summer, be sure to check it out! Art lovers, in particular will enjoy the exhibitions, talks and other fun events.
12
Apr
2018
2018
The Puccini Festival is an annual summer opera festival that is held in the town of Torre del Lago in July and August. Celebrating, commemorating and presenting the work of the famous Italian composer Giacomo Puccini, the festival showcases four or five performances of up to four operatic productions each season. Attracting around forty thousand spectators to the town's open-air theatre, it is one of the most popular opera festivals in the country and is the ideal place to experience opera in Tuscany. If you have found a vacation rental on the Tuscan Coast, or a vacation rental in Viareggio (which is located just 4km away from Torre del Lago), make sure to check it out!
9
Jun
2017
2017
The Lucca Summer Festival is one of Italy's most famous music festivals and, this year, celebrates twenty years since its inception. As a result, the line-up is rather extraordinary. With events taking place from June to September, there are plenty of chances to experience this Tuscan music institution once you have found a luxury villa in Lucca.