Archive for 'May'

Tuscany is an inherently historic destination as it is a place where history is alive and well. Many towns have charming centres that remain relatively untouched by time, culture and art from the rich history of the region account for a vast majority of the most popular tourist attractions, and many ancient traditions persist to the current day. One such tradition is of large-scale local festivals, many of which involve processions and events while in historic dress that recreate the past. Among these various festivals and celebrations, usually referred to as sagre, there is the Balestro del Girifalco. This is a twice annual crossbow competition in the town of Massa Marittima that includes a grand procession in historical dress through the charming Old Town, medieval-style feasts, and more. So, if you love history and want to feel it truly come alive, or you simply love a spectacle, then be sure to attend this fantastical event if you have booked a villa on the Tuscan Coast and are spending time in the area around Massa Marittima. 

While serious runners will take the opportunity to get a run in whenever and wherever they can, there is no denying that a scenic setting majorly adds to the experience. A run while on holidays, therefore, offers the chance to get your run in while also getting out and taking in your surroundings.

Imagine, for example, that you find a perfect option among our Tuscany Villas and are staying in a dreamy vacation rental in Chianti, your run of the day could be down winding old roads amidst the vineyards of this beloved wine area. With the leaves on the vines rustling in the breeze or sunlight dancing across your path between branches, with backdrops of pretty old towns and rolling green hills, and with fresher than fresh air and the relaxing sounds of nature, we could think of few places more magical and atmospheric for a run! If, however, you are feeling like you also want a challenge or to indulge in a bit of competitive spirit, then maybe you should sign up for the Chianti Classico Marathon! 

Florence is always a dream destination for culture vultures but if you are a particular lover of the performing arts then a great time to book a vacation rental in Florence is between late April and June, when the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino festival is held. In addition to the incredible and vast array of museums, galleries, churches, architectural gems, gorgeous gardens, public statuary, and more that is already available for your consideration, over the course of this period each year, the city holds a range of different performances. While it is a notable opera festival run by the Opera di Firenze, there is also a diverse season of ballet, classical concerts, and theatrical performances. Fitting one of these shows into your time staying in one of our holiday rentals in Florence is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in this incredible culture capital and to experience some amazing performances.

Founded in 1933 by Vittorio Gui and inspired by an idea of Luigi Ridolfi Vay da Verrazzano, the festival was designed with the concept of using theatrical and wonderfully striking visual productions to showcase both contemporary pieces and operas that had been forgotten. Italy’s oldest music festival and the second-oldest in Europe, after the Salzburg Festival, it was an immediate success and was made into a biennial event in 1937. Thereafter, it became an annual festival and was held across the Teatro Comunale and Piccolo Teatro and the Teatro della Pergola until 2014, when the new Teatro dell'Opera di Firenze (which had been opened in 2011), replaced the Teatro Comunale.

Fellow cherry lovers who are planning on booking a villa in Tuscany this May (or any other May) will definitely want to make note of the town of Lari in the province of Pisa. Home to the delicious PGI cherry of Lari, this pretty walled medieval town, perched overlooking rolling Tuscan hills and surrounded by cypresses and lush greenery, is very typically Tuscan and utterly charming in its own right. However, come on the last two weekends of this month (May 25th to the 26th and May 31st to the 2nd of June) and you’ll not only be able to enjoy the beauty of the town but also sample her protected, famous cherries, and experience the celebrations!