Archive for 'Museums & Galleries'

When you plan a holiday, you can find that costs begin to add up quick and it is always good to have some excellent but inexpensive or free activities to add into your itinerary. If you are planning a vacation in Tuscany and you have found a villa with a pool in Siena, for example, then you should definitely consider planning a trip to the Natural History Museum of the Accademia dei Fisiocritici in Siena.

Tuscany, as a destination, is full of stunning rural landscapes, pretty historic towns perched on hilltops, and awe-inspiring cities stuffed with artistic and cultural gems. There are, as a result, countless excellent holiday destinations to choose from within the region, if you are looking to plan a vacation in Tuscany. We have recently discussed the appeal of a holiday in Pisa, a vacation in Arezzo, and a villas in Cortona, but another gorgeous setting for a getaway in Tuscany that we highly recommend is Volterra. Volterra, an utterly picturesque walled hilltop town with Etruscan origins and a Medieval appearance, is an ideal place for a getaway for those who want to experience the most characteristic, authentic, and scenic version of Tuscany. So, browse our villas in Volterra and read on to discover just five reasons as to why you should definitely make the town your next vacation destination in Tuscany...

For those interested in opera, a vacation in Italy at some point in your life is an absolute must. As both the birthplace of the genre and one of the major world capitals of opera, if you are interested in seeing the most incredible productions in the most spectacular historic venues, it is the destination for you. However, if you are a super fan of Puccini, in particular, and you were thinking of a vacation in Tuscany, then you should browse our villas with a pool in Lucca. Lucca has many claims to fame but one of its most lauded and famous sons was Puccini and for those who love him and his work, it is a special experience to walk streets that once inspired the artist. And, of course, you can't miss out on a visit to the Villa Museo Puccini, or Puccini House Museum.

Located at Torre del Lago, with an incredible view over Lake Massaciuccoli, the Puccini House Museum was Puccini's home and is now run as a museum dedicated to the great composer by his descendants. Not only is it a fascinating spot for those looking to learn more about the famous maestro and his life and work, it is also, in of itself, a beautiful and incredibly interesting architectural gem. Designed by the architect Giuseppe Puccinelli, this Art Nouveau looker was created in collaboration with Puccini himself and a host of great artisans such as Galileo Chini, the maker of the gorgeous fireplace in the main living space, and Nomellini, who painted the pictorial decorations on the walls.

Florence is known as the birthplace of the Renaissance and is a major art and cultural centre that produced some of the most talented and innovative artists, architects, writers, and thinkers of all time, as well as some of the most exceptional masterpieces. Art-lovers who want to vacation in Tuscany should definitely browse our luxury villas in Florence as the city is the perfect place for those who want to dive into an endless supply of museums, architectural gems, works of art, and more. Once you find yourself in the city, you'll be faced with the unenviable task of having to choose which attractions and cultural institutions to go and see as there are enough in the city for a lifetime of vacations. This is why we recommend a visit to the Palazzo Pitti, a lush Renaissance palace that was built for Luca Pitti but later purchased by the Medici and which went on to become their primary residence. It is today a state-owned gem that is home to several different museums including the Palatine Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art, and several other gallery spaces and exhibitions. With so many great cultural institutions under one roof (or in one area), it is an ideal place to get a real taste of the incredible artistic heritage of Florence.

Arezzo is a name that many international tourists may have heard of before but is likely far less familiar with than other beloved Tuscan holiday destinations such as Florence, Pisa, or Siena. It is, however, no less wonderful a place to spend your next vacation, with plenty of incredible things to see, do, and eat in the area. Read on to learn about why you should choose Arezzo as your next holiday destination and, once you have fallen in love with this stunning city, then be sure to go on and browse our beautiful vacation rentals in Arezzo and our villas with swimming pools in Arezzo to get planning your trip ASAP.