Archive for 'Florence'

If you are planning a visit to the Uffizi Gallery, or Galleria degli Uffizi, in Piazza della Signoria, we suggest that you seek out the works of Botticelli in the gallery, in particular.

The collection is home to some of his most famous and beautiful works that he ever produced and, as such, is a particularly good place to visit for both Botticelli fans and those with a casual interest alike. Just find a wonderful holiday rental in Florence and drop by.

The Uffizi is one of the oldest and most famous art museums in Europe and was originally begun under Vasari for Cosimo I de' Medici in 1560. The name comes from the Italian word for “offices” which is what the building was intended to house when it was first constructed. More and more space was dedicated to the display of artworks over time until that became its primary function and, in 1765, it was officially opened to the public.

There are several reported stories of the origins of the Negroni cocktail. One of the most popular and supported stories recounts that it was, supposedly, invented in Florence in 1919 at Caffè Casoni (now called Caffè Giacosa). Count Camillo Negroni asked the bartender, Forsco Scarselli, to strengthen his favourite cocktail. His regular Americano, was suddenly transformed by adding gin rather than the normal soda water. To help differentiate between the old and new, the bartender also added an orange garnish rather than the typical lemon garnish of the Americano.

In our previous posts in this series on vacation rentals in Tuscany with incredible views, we have shined a spotlight on several properties with incredible views across the typical and beautiful Tuscan landscape, as well as over the Tuscan coast but, in this final post, it is time to focus on urban views. Here are some of the loveliest cities views Tuscany has to offer.

9. Piazza Della Signoria

Set right in the heart of Florence's town centre, in an incredibly exclusive location, surrounded by huge and famous cultural and artistic monuments, this property boasts a pretty special view. Located on the first floor of a priceless, historical building, it directly faces the Piazza della Signoria and is just a few steps from the Uffizi Gallery and the Duomo.

As we noted in the last post in this series, a good view is the final ingredient to a wonderful holiday and we have no shortage of vacation rentals in Tuscany with incredible views. Here are just a few more of our personal favourites.

3. Il Leccio

Il Leccio is a house that dates back to the seventeenth century and was originally built as a farm manager's house for the Mansi-Bernardini estate, with wine cellars, stables and a hayloft. It has been tastefully converted into a villa with charming rustic style. Situated on top of a hill, east of Lucca, it has truly magnificent views over the plain below and the swimming pool area, in particular, is located in a breathtaking panoramic position, about 150 metres from the house. By the side of the pool there is a cabin with kitchenette and bathroom and there is a tennis court on the estate. The house has all mod cons and a maid who takes care of the villa who, on request, will cook local dishes for clients. The Fattoria Mansi Bernardini office, on the estate, has English speaking staff and are at clients' disposal to give assistance for the duration of your stay.

Nothing beats a good view, right? When you're on holidays, in particular, waking up to a beautiful reminder that you are far from home and regular routines and responsibilities is the perfect way to start every day with energy and excitement and to ensure a good time. We happen to have an incredible selection of vacation rentals in Italy with great views so why not check out our favourites here? If the properties in question don't quite suit what you are looking for, just browse more of our holiday rentals in Italy or contact us for help and our expert team will aid you in tracking down the perfect spot.

1. Al Seminario

Al Seminario is a lovely stone farmhouse that is situated in a private and beautiful position in the hills between Lucca and the coast.