Archive for 'Florence'

If Italy (and Tuscany, in particular) is known for any single thing, it is art. Of course, fashion and food quickly come to mind upon mention of the country, as well, but it is the art that seems to stick out most in the international common consciousness. As Florence was at the heart of the Renaissance, the wider region of Tuscany was blessed with many great artists and works over the years. As such, there really is an endless list of things to see and do. One particular art form that is especially bountiful is architecture. The region abounds with architectural gems so why not find a luxury villa in Tuscany and explore these delightful structures for yourself? It promises to be a trip of a lifetime.

If you visit the city of Lucca in Tuscany, you should make sure not to miss a charming attraction that is located just outside it: the Acquedotto Del Nottolini. This impressive aqueduct is often mistaken for a remainder of the Roman Empire but is actually a neoclassical gem that is modelled after those older examples and dates to the 19th century.

Although the built world and interior spaces of Tuscany are beautiful and important, it is good to escape the museums, galleries, libraries, palaces, villas and other architectural gems in order to get a bit of fresh air, stretch your legs and take in the beauty of the region's not-so-natural outdoor spaces. While it may not be common knowledge to many, Tuscany's gardens are as famous as her buildings and are worth exploring. They will delight, stun and surprise at every turn. So, we have chosen some of the best and most beautiful examples for you in order to pencil in some time into your itinerary on your next holiday.

If you are planning on heading to Florence, you might need somewhere to go and take a bit of a break from the bustling tourist crowds and her Rose Garden is a spot that makes for the perfect oasis of calm. It brings together art from Belgian artist Folon, roses and stunning panoramic views across the city and, best of all, it's completely free to visit and is open from morning until nightfall.

Holidays often involve so much planning, chaos and running around, when you're meant to be relaxing, that it is good to slot in time for taking it easy and enjoying your surroundings.

Particularly on urban getaways, it is good to find some natural space in which to unwind and get a bit of fresh air as you wander and take a breather. So, to help you out, we've compiled a list of some of the most beautiful gardens in Tuscany.

The Boboli Gardens in Florence are located behind the Pitti Palace, which was once the seat of the Medici family.

It is one of the first formal Italian gardens and is made up of fountains, statuary from ancient Rome to the 18th century, semi-private and public spaces, nympheums, temples, plants and grottoes, the largest being a famous work by Buontalenti.

Continuing on from our last post, here are more of our vacation rentals in Tuscany that boast seriously enviable locations. If you're planning a trip to Tuscany soon, we have chosen a selection of the best places to stay for those looking to be at the centre of the action and for those looking for peace and quiet...

3. Deluxe

Deluxe is a holiday village located in Roccamare on the Tuscan Coast. It is a charming, private complex situated close to the sea and set in an area of great natural beauty. Perfect for families, in particular, the complex has a lot of excellent facilities such as a village private swimming pool (2000sqm) with three whirlpool baths, a walled in garden, a park, restaurant, bar, steam room, grocery store, security services and entertainment in the high season.

We have been counting down some of Tuscany's strangest and most extraordinary attractions in a bid to help you plan an itinerary that is a little less ordinary. Just find a luxury villa in Tuscany and then add these final sights to your list!

8. Medieval Torture Museum, San Gimignano

San Gimignano is a walled medieval hill town in the province of Siena in Tuscany. It is most well known for its many medieval tower houses and historic city centre. In this pretty centre there is a Medieval Torture Museum that is not merely a grisly and macabre tourist attraction but also an educational tool used to inform visitors about contemporary human rights abuses. Certainly a unique outing idea for any tourists in the town, it combines historic interest with modern awareness in a captivating and fascinating manner.