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Archive for the ‘Italy Holidays’ Category
In the book-turned-movie Under the Tuscan Sun, Frances Mayes, an American divorcee in her mid-30s goes on a trip to Italy to on the advice of a friend who claims that 10 days in Italy will cure her depression. She ends up falling so much in love with the area that she purchases a ‘fixer-upper’ and stays in Italy permanently. In the spirit of happy endings, she gets it all: a home, a family, love, and her happily ever after.
Given the chance, who wouldn’t want to live the rest of their lives in this gorgeous and culturally rich region of Italy? Fortunately, most travellers don’t need to go to the lengths Frances did to enjoy beauty and charm of Tuscany. Villa rental is a great way to enjoy the exquisite landscape and attractions of the region with your family without the trouble and expense.
Tuscany is one of the top holiday destinations in Europe for good reason: the region offers something for everyone to enjoy. Considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, the area offers multitudes of opportunities to experience its culture, whether in the form of art, wine, food, architecture, or merely the warmth of its locals. It is crammed with attractions, ensuring that there’s always something worth visiting within walking, biking, or driving distance from your Tuscany villa rental. Listed below are some suggestions of activities and attractions that are well worth leaving your Tuscany villa rental for!
Bask in art and culture in Florence
Florence, the capital of the region, is considered one of the art capitals in the world. It is probably the number one destination in Italy, due to its museums, palaces and churches, which contain more art than any city in Europe. The Uffizi gallery alone contains more than 1800 pieces of art, and the Accademia d’Arte gallery is home to Michaelangelo’s iconic ‘David’. Many institutions give day courses both in art and art history—a perfect way to introduce the kids to art.
Experience Roman history in Lucca
Lucca, a city dating back to 180 BC, is full of incredible churches, medieval buildings, and, of course, the amazing Roman amphitheatre, which is nearly two millennia old. Take a walk among the piazzas to get a real taste of medieval Italian culture and history. Lucca is also famous for its cuisine, so be sure to check out their specialty – the tortelli Lucchese.
Enjoy the archipelago on a mini-cruise
Leave your Tuscany villa rental for a day to head out on a mini-cruise designed to show you the spectacular archipelago, which is a paradise for divers and sea lovers. Set off from Castiglione della Pescaia and Porto Santo Stefano to the main islands of the archipelago, including the Isles of Giglio, Giannutri, Elba, Capraia, Montecristo, and Pianosa. To top off the experience, you can enjoy scrumptious fresh seafood cuisine and a dip in the inviting Mediterranean waters.
Indulge your tastebuds in Chianti
While Chianti is perhaps best known for its wineries, vineyards, and excellent wine, the food in Chianti is equally worthy of fame. For example, the best ice cream in the world is reportedly made in Castellina in Chianti. The Antica Delizia Ice Cream Parlour in Castellina encourages people to explore the delights of ice cream by providing ice-cream making lessons and tastings – activities sure to enchant adults and children alike!
Giovanni Balboni works for To Tuscany, who specialise in finding the perfect Tuscany villa rental in Chianti as well as selected villas in Umbria and Puglia. To Tuscany is proud of their villas and their reputation. Each property is personally selected and visited by our representatives to ensure we offer only the best in the region.
This article was provided by LeadGenerators, the smartest online marketing agency in London, and the proud host a series of internet marketing training seminars.
Thank you for visiting our article directory! Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!
Tuscany, birthplace of the Renaissance, is a hugely popular tourist destination renowned for its gorgeous natural landscape, awe-inspiring architecture, amazing artwork, and to-die-for food and wine. Visitors to Tuscany always bring home stories of iconic sites such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Roman amphitheatres in Lucca, the medieval piazzas of Siena, the vineyards of Chianti, fond memories of their Tuscany villa rental, and, of course, exquisite, often one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
For many people, shopping is one of the most exciting aspects of travelling. In fact, shopping is so popular in Italy that shopping tours are a part of local tourism! Most retail therapists can’t wait to hit the shops around their Tuscany villa rental, and for good reason. The word ‘Italian’ is synonymous with quality when it comes to merchandise: Italian leather is considered the best in the world and the standard for all leather products, and Italian fashion is viewed as the height of couture. Italy is not only a centre for culture and the arts, it is also one of the fashion capitals of the world and many of the world’s best designer brands have their bases and factories in the region. Just to name one example, Valdarno is the home of Prada. There is a Prada factory shop within an hour of Chianti, as well as many other shops and outlet malls carrying the best merchandise. Don’t worry about your rusty Italian; most shops have bilingual personnel to assist you.
Outlet Malls
For one-stop shopping, nothing beats going to outlet malls that house many different brands. Among the sites to check out are Lo Spaccio, The Mall, Valdichiana Outlet Village, Barberino Designer Outlet, and Outlet Creations near Pisa. Among the brands you will find are Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Agnona, Bottega Veneta, Emanuel Ungaro, Giorgio Armani, Hogan, La Perla, Marni, Salvatore Ferragamo, Sergio Rossi, Tod’s, Valentino, Alexander McQueen, Bottega Veneta, and Yves Saint Laurent. Prada, Max Mara, Roberto Cavalli, and Dolce & Gabbana also have stand-alone outlet shops. These stores are quite accessible from your Tuscany villa rental by car—the recommended means of transport, as you will certainly want to shop till you drop!
Hand-made and Specialty Products
A plethora of specialty shops in the region offer the best materials, designs, and craftsmanship. Some of these shops are known the world over, whereas some are jealously guarded secrets! Hand-made shoes of the finest Italian leather can be made to order at Calzoleria Pientina, and they can be ready for you in only a few days. Santa Maria Novella offers luxurious lotions and potions concocted by Florentine monks, while unique hand-made and hand-painted ceramic ware is available from Ceramiche d’Arte,
Open-air Markets
Open-air markets are the best places for local produce and merchandise, as well as to fully experience the authentic Italian life. You’ll have to leave your Tuscany villa rental early though, as these markets generally become very busy and crowded. Don’t be shy: many of these markets are for locals, so you will need to be assertive in getting what you want! Learn to haggle like an expert and you’ll nab some great bargains.
The open-air market in Siena is ideal for leatherwear and fabrics, as well as paper, terracotta, gold jewellery, tapestries, and wine. Piazza Grande in Arezzo is the place for antiquing. In Lucca, you can find furniture, ceramics, and hand-made lace, and also visit the Piazza Marconi for exquisite cashmere clothing items. Check with the local tourist offices for each market’s schedule.
Giovanni Balboni works for To Tuscany, who specialise in finding the perfect Tuscany villa rental in Chianti as well as selected villas in Umbria and Puglia. To Tuscany is proud of their villas and their reputation. Each property is personally selected and visited by our representatives to ensure we offer only the best in the region.
This article was provided by LeadGenerators, the smartest online marketing agency in London, and the proud host a series of internet marketing training seminars.
Thank you for visiting our article directory! Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!
For romantics, Tuscany is widely viewed as one of the most popular holiday spots in Europe. In fact, according to some documented sources, it is one of the top three honeymoon destinations in the world. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more perfect location for a storybook romance; from intimate bistros for a romantic first date, a picnic in a field of flowers for the perfect proposal, to its gorgeous churches for weddings, and finally to its many gorgeous Tuscany villa rental properties for honeymoons. The beautiful countryside and stunning architecture of the region provide a perfect backdrop, either for the beginning of a love or a commitment to forever – not to mention some truly amazing photo opportunities.
Of course, being tempted to spend your entire time simply enjoying each other’s company, surrounded by the beauty of the countryside in the privacy of your Tuscany villa rental is understandable, but it would a shame to resist the lure of the region itself. Its very name brings to mind romantic walks among medieval castles and fields of flowers; browsing ancient architecture and Renaissance art; and sipping Chianti while enjoying mouth-watering pasta in an intimate bistro or during a wine-tasting at one of the region’s famous vineyards. Listed below are some suggestions of activities and attractions perfect for couples with romance on their minds.
Balloon ride for two
Take a romantic hot air balloon ride for two and experience the countryside from the best possible viewpoint – up in the sky! Block out the distraction of everyday noises and other people, and simply enjoy each other’s company and the amazing patch-worked landscape spread out below.
Eating gelato in Siena
Along with its medieval castles, maze-like streets, and many historical palazzos, cathedrals, and museums, Siena is famous for its mouth-watering pastry and confectionery – most of which go well with a nice glass of local wine. Don’t forget to check out the local art and crafts shops for souvenirs too.
Wine tasting in Chianti
A wine tasting is the perfect opportunity to visit Chianti’s prestigious and historic wineries. This would also be a great time to stock up on your favourite wines to enjoy back at your Tuscany villa rental or for shipping back home. Even if you’re not a wine connoisseur, the experience is bound to be unforgettable. The beautiful countryside and lush vineyards of Chianti are nearly as famous as the wines they produce, and for good reason.
Carriage ride in San Rossore
Although the leaning tower remains Pisa’s most famous attraction, following closely in popularity is a visit to San Rossore. The park, which stretches from the city to the coast, is undoubtedly a treasure of natural beauty. To enjoy it to the fullest, take a romantic tour via a horse-drawn carriage, reminiscent of 19th century Italy.
Cooking classes in Florence
Probably the best thing about a trip to this region is the food because, as any foodie knows, it is among the best in the world. No chef could survive without olive oil and the best in the world is produced right here. Local chefs use recipes handed down through generations, utilising only the best and freshest local ingredients – such as porcini, salamis, and pecorino and ricotta cheese. Seize the opportunity to learn how to make fresh pasta and cook authentic Tuscan recipes; some schools, such as Juls’ Kitchen, even come to your Tuscany villa rental for private lessons. Impress your friends by cooking them an authentic Italian meal once you get home!
Giovanni Balboni works for To Tuscany, who specialise in finding the perfect Tuscany villa rental in Chianti as well as selected villas in Umbria and Puglia. To Tuscany is proud of their villas and their reputation. Each property is personally selected and visited by our representatives to ensure we offer only the best in the region.
This article was provided by LeadGenerators, the smartest online marketing agency in London, and the proud host a series of internet marketing training seminars.
Thank you for visiting our article directory! Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!
Tuscany: A Dream Destination for Food, Art and Shopping
If people’s bucket lists were available for everyone to see, chances are one would find many listing “a month or two staying in one of the charming villas in Tuscany” in the top ten.
For many people, the book and movie “Under A Tuscan Sun”, have coloured their impressions of this iconic region, triggering the fantasy of living in one of the villas in Tuscany and enjoying a slow, romantic lifestyle. But that would only be scratching the surface. The wonders of Tuscany are something that really needs to be experienced – and each person’s interpretation is unique. It’s a dream holiday destination, and one in which the reality lives up to, and even surpasses – the expectations.
Art As Lifestyle: Tuscany
Unlike your typical holiday where you go to the standard places and do the recommended things, you have a wealth of options when it comes to things to do, sights to see and places to go when you venture outside your villas in Tuscany. There are no hard and fast rules here: the only requirement is that you immerse yourself in the beauty of the region and its artistic offerings.
Fine Art: If art is your life, then you’re in luck when you come to this gorgeous region of Italy. In the many galleries and museums – many of which are accessible from the villas in Tuscany – you’ll find great art that will hold you in awe and amazement. Naturally, there will be the requisite visit to the Uffizi in Florence, one of the world’s greatest art galleries, which holds many of the Renaissance masterpieces. Then perhaps an exploration of the nearby Pitti Palace – an architectural monument in itself – and a visit to the Accademia, home to Michelangelo’s David. As well, there are countless small – but no less important – galleries in Pisa and other surrounding towns.
Food And Drink: If you are an aficionado of fine food, or just like good hearty fare, then you will have a great time in the region that is said to be the home of the cooks that taught the French how to do it. From the food served in the bed and breakfasts, farmhouses, castles, and villas in Tuscany, and the village and vineyard feasts you may be invited to, to the top-rated restaurants in Florence, you’ll find exquisite meals that do justice to the bounty of the region.
Fine food made with the freshest ingredients: fruit, vegetables, herbs, olive oil, cheese as well as the truffle that is elusive to other regions but not here, is cooked with no need for rich sauces. The cuisine is complemented by wonderful wines, which demonstrate just why it is the most famous region for wine in Italy.
Shopping: Experiencing the region’s artwork does not necessarily just mean the masterful paintings and sculptures. In Florence, one of the world’s centres for fashion and style, whether you’re looking for clothes, shoes, jewellery, antiques, home décor, or a few souvenirs, the artistry of the Tuscans still presides. For some fabulous retail therapy, check out the luxury boutiques off ViaTornabuoni and Via Roma, or the new and upcoming ateliers for artists and craftsmen at Via del Parione.
Giovanni Balboni works for To Tuscany, who specialise in finding the perfect villas in Tuscany as well as selected villas in Umbria and Puglia. To Tuscany is proud of their villas and their reputation. Each property is personally selected and visited by our representatives to ensure we offer only the best in the region.
This article was provided by LeadGenerators, the smartest online marketing agency in London, and the proud host a series of internet marketing training seminars.
Thank you for visiting our article directory! Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!
There’s nothing like a meal served in Tuscany: be it in your own villa, a traditional farmhouse, a village square gathering, a castle, or even a roadside café, to change the way you think about Italian cuisine.
Tuscan cuisine is distinctive in several aspects: its rich simplicity, its freshness and its respect for the authenticity of its ingredients. These are perhaps the very reasons it is slowly finding its way in to popular culture. In fact, these days you’d probably hear the same dishes namedropped in a cooking show the way you would in the kitchens of the farmhouses and villas in Tuscany!
Earth Cuisine, Tuscan Style
One of the elements that inform Tuscan cuisine is the land that is the source of its primary ingredients. Rocky yet fertile, the land of the region produces some of the best grapes and olives in Italy; the rest of its picturesque landscape is mostly farmland yielding wonderful fruit, vegetables and other produce. Wild game is also bountiful in the area; much of the cooking you will find served in the homes, restaurants and villas in Tuscany have some components of homemade sausages and other cured meats made of these – including wild boar.
Other than this, you will find the food served in the top restaurants of Florence or the farmhouses and villas in Tuscany stunning in their simplicity. Pure, strong flavours and the freshest ingredients are at the centre of the cuisine of the meals. The secret is in the seasoning of salt, pepper and herbs, with a dash of their world-famous olive oils
and rich wines.
Some of the best dishes – whether in a top rated gourmet restaurant or one of the villas in Tuscany – are grilled meats. Often the basis will be game or domestic free-range fowl, roasted or grilled over wood. The meals are hearty, simple yet rich, with no need for heavy sauces – and definitely cooked the way the bounty of the earth was meant to be!
From Tuscany to Top Chef
Freshly-made pasta, caprino goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, arugula, and focaccia sandwiches may seem trendy and nouveau to some, yet these are the mainstays of Tuscan meals – and have been for generations! Here are a few of the dishes served every day in Tuscany that you’d most likely hear name-dropped on gourmet shows and top restaurants. A word of warning, however: try them in Tuscany, and you’ll always find yourself comparing subsequent versions to the original!
Bistecca alla Fiorenta ( Steak Florentine): Traditionally, a three-inch Porterhouse marinated simply in olive oil and garlic, grilled over hot coals until medium rare and served on a bed of arugula or grilled vegetables.
Porchetta (roast suckling pig): Pork flavoured with rosemary, thyme, sage and pepper, then roasted to produce crisp, crackling skin around tender, juicy meat. Usually served with a crusty loaf of the local traditional bread (pane toscano) and a wedge of cheese made with sheep’s milk – Pecorino Toscana.
Pappardelle: A flat homemade noodle, this is often served with a rich sauce with a basis of hare, wild boar or duck.
Giovanni Balboni works for To Tuscany, who specialise in finding the perfect villas in Tuscany as well as selected villas in Umbria and Puglia. To Tuscany is proud of their villas and their reputation. Each property is personally selected and visited by our representatives to ensure we offer only the best in the region.
This article was provided by LeadGenerators, the smartest online marketing agency in London, and the proud host a series of internet marketing training seminars.
Thank you for visiting our article directory! Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!
There is definitely something different about seeing the light hit the land from one of the villas in Tuscany. Ask any artist who has ever been there, and they will tell you about the amazing colours and the magical way the light shines: the richness of the colours as the sun strikes the rolling hills, the golden fields, the moss-lined castles, and even the eaves on newer cream coloured villas.
In Tuscany, sunlight is the secret magical ingredient of the region – and the reason behind its many riches of art, the wine, the olives and yield of golden olive oil, and the food. And it is the sunlight – and what and how it strikes – that many artists travel far and wide to see.
Sunlight, Colors and Landscapes
If ever there was a region made for painting, Tuscany is it. From the time of your arrival to stay in one of the enchanting villas in Tuscany, one look inspires creativity. Tree-lined village streets, winding roads leading to rustic farmhouses, ancient castles, and views of rolling hills with vineyards of luscious grapes – all brushed by the magical Tuscan sun. And that’s only the beginning!
It’s a truly fascinating region – whether you are in the magnificent, bustling city of Florence or a rural town with high stone walls and picturesque villas. In Tuscany, it seems that everything is artful and impeccably crafted, with a landscape that makes you wonder whether it is a masterpiece of nature, or that of an unknown craftsman. Add to that the stunning architecture, the food, the wines, and of course the paintings and sculptures, and it’s not hard to see why the region is an artist’s Mecca.
Art Holidays In Tuscany
There’s always something fascinating to paint, no matter where you are in this region – in fact, you don’t even need to venture far from your villas. In Tuscany’s cities and countryside, there is no end to the opportunities for painting: plein air painting to capture the picturesque vineyards, the aqua skies and rustic crumbling buildings; still-life painting to catch the freshness of the grapes, produce, and flowers at the peak of their beauty; and even portraits of the local Italian life on the streets. Even a stop at a roadside café can trigger the impulse to bring out your sketchbook and pencil – inspiration seems to strike more frequently in Tuscany.
Or just be inspired
On days when you don’t feel like lugging the easel or sketchbook, borrow some inspiration from the masters. Leave the countryside with its villas in Tuscany and take a trip to the art and architectural wonders of Florence – the Uffizzi and the Accademia – or head to Pisa’s spectacular Duomo. In fact, Tuscany is rich in museums and galleries that are home to some of the world’s greatest masterpieces, and by the time you’re finished, you just may have created one of your very own.
Giovanni Balboni works for To Tuscany, who specialise in finding the perfect villas in Tuscany as well as selected villas in Umbria and Puglia. To Tuscany is proud of their villas and their reputation. Each property is personally selected and visited by our representatives to ensure we offer only the best in the region.
This article was provided by LeadGenerators, the smartest online marketing agency in London, and the proud host a series of internet marketing training seminars.
Thank you for visiting our article directory! Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!
What could possibly be a better way to spend a romantic break away than seeing the sights of Rome? Rome is home to some of the world’s most iconic tourist sites amidst gorgeous Italian scenery. There’s great food and great culture here, and, when you complete your trip with pampering at a luxury hotel in Rome, the perfect romantic getaway is sealed.
Enjoy the Architecture
Rome’s architecture is simply breathtaking, and a stroll through the ancient streets with your love is the perfect way to spend the day. Throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain and make a wish to spend the rest of your life together, then climb the Spanish Steps and tour the Coliseum, St. Peter’s Square and the Basilica.
Enjoy the Food and Wine
Italy is the birthplace of some of the world’s best food and wine; in Rome, there are plenty of restaurants to give you a taste of Italy’s best. Sidewalk cafés are perfect for a lunch and some people watching and there are many wonderful romantic restaurants for a candlelight dinner. A stroll through the cobblestoned streets after dark is a great way to end an evening as you head back to your luxury hotel in Rome.
For a delicious taste of the freshest food Rome has to offer, visit the Campo dei Fiori in the early mornings. Every day, there are vendors throughout this square selling local fruits, vegetables, cheese and spices. It’s a great way to experience shopping (and eating) like a local.
Take in the Museums
In effect, the entire city of Rome is like a museum, with the fascinating, crumbling ruins and ancient buildings. But, there are also some indoor museums that will give you and your love even more of a taste of the history and culture of this romantic city. The Galleria Borghese is a great museum for experiencing classic art and architecture with many famous works on show. A visit to the Vatican Museum is a must-do and the galleries within house ever-changing rotating exhibits; and no visit to the Vatican would be complete without touring the Sistine Chapel.
The Details Complete the Trip
There is so much to do in Rome that it can actually be tempting to do too much! But don’t make the mistake of cramming too much sightseeing into your romantic getaway. Take time to savour the pampering that your luxury hotel in Rome has to offer, and just sit on the veranda and enjoy a glass of wine together. Mood and ambience are part of the charm that makes Rome so romantic, so be sure to take the time to enjoy it. Ask the concierge at your luxury hotel in Rome about special services they might offer, like wine and cheese baskets delivered to your room, or massages for two. For a simple pleasure, go for an evening stroll and watch the sunset from one of the many vantage points overlooking the city.
If you’re looking for a luxury hotel in Rome World Hotels has a wonderful selection. Roberta Stuart is the Travel Manager for World Hotels, a company offering the best choice for a luxury hotel in Rome and a selection of unique and four and five star hotels around the world.
This article was provided by LeadGenerators, the smartest online marketing agency in London, and the proud host a series of internet marketing training seminars.
Thank you for visiting our article directory! Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!
With an average of 10 million tourists a year, Tuscany’s regional capital of Florence is one of the world’s most visited cities. It’s not hard to understand why. There are many special things about it – its history, culture, architecture and biodiversity among other things. If you’re headed for a holiday break to villas in Tuscany, then you’re probably already familiar with much of Florence’s history – but did you know that Julius Caesar founded Florence in 59 BC? Florence is filled with many fun facts: muse on the following five while on your way to the beckoning villas in Tuscany.
Founded by Julius Caesar
The first fact to ruminate on as you head to your picturesque villas in Tuscany, is that, although it’s debated, Florence is said to have been founded by Julius Caesar in 59BC, when he created a strategic army-styled colony on the narrowest crossing of the Arno River. This allowed him to control the ancient Roman road Via Flaminia, linking Rome to northern Italy and France. From around the 8th century B.C. until 59 B.C., central Italy was ruled by the civilisation of Etruscans. After conquering the Etruscans, the Romans established Florence as a trading centre around the third century A.D.
Home to the Medici Family
Florence was home to the famed Medici family who ruled Florence from the 14th century to the 18th century. Among their many accomplishments, this noble family produced three popes: Leo X, Clement VII, and Leo XI. They also produced two queens – Catherine de Medicis and Marie de Medicis – when members married into European royal families. Cosimo ‘the Elder’ was the first in the family to rule Florence. The Medici family originally moved to Florence in the 12th century from Mugello Valley in the countryside and began acquiring wealth through banking and trade.
Home to THE Florence Nightingale
Here’s an inspirational story worth telling your children while holidaying in your villas in Tuscany: the renowned nurse was born in Florence in 1820 and was actually named after the city. Born into a wealthy family, Florence felt convicted that nursing was God’s calling on her life. Her family, however, disapproved, considering it an inappropriate profession for a woman of her status. Her family eventually conceded though and she was allowed to receive her training. Later known as the ‘lady with the lamp’ she nursed many wounded soldiers during the Crimean War. Her reforms influenced the nature of modern day health care, and in 1860 she established the Nightingale Training School for nurses at the St Thomas Hospital. Many consider her biggest achievement to be transforming the nursing profession into a respectable one for women, at a time when it was considered a job for the poor.
Florence’s Ponte Vecchio Bridge Too Beautiful for Destruction by Hitler
Florence’s Ponte Vecchio Bridge is a symbolic landmark that links the city north and south of the Arno River. This beautiful bridge attracts thousands of tourists every year to its cobbled surface and many jewellery stores, and is the only bridge in Florence that stayed in tact after the WW II. Among Florentines, the story goes that in 1944, Hitler’s retreating troops destroyed all the bridges crossing the Arno, except the Ponte Vecchio. It’s said that even Hitler felt the bridge was too beautiful to blow up.
Giovanni Balboni works for To Tuscany, who specialise in finding the perfect Chianti villa rental as well as selected villas in Umbria and Puglia. To Tuscany is proud of their villas and their reputation. Each Chianti villa rental is personally selected and visited by our representatives to ensure we offer only the best in the region.
This article was provided by LeadGenerators, the smartest online marketing agency in London, and the proud host a series of internet marketing training seminars.
Thank you for visiting our article directory! Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!
Whether you wield a paintbrush, pencils, pastels or a superior camera, Tuscany is every artist’s dream come true. Step out of your villas in Tuscany and capture the endless, timeless beauty of the flora and fauna, landscapes, architecture and historic remnants of its rich past. Here are some the sites where you should put your artistic tools to use.
Casentino Monastries Near Arrezzo
The 1000-year-old Casentino Forest may be popular for hiking and horseback riding, but it is also speckled with ancient towns, filled with medieval castles and old churches. When you leave your villas in Tuscany, head out on a day trip to the wooded area near Arezzo – while not frequented by many tourists, the local Italians love it. You might not see many depictions of its landscape on postcards, but don’t be fooled. This national park’s 13th century monasteries at La Verna and Camaldoli are very impressive, and just waiting to be captured by your camera or brush. The Holy Hermitage and Benedictine Monastery of Camaldoli both lay claim to an extraordinary beauty. Any images you record of these icons will represent its deep history and spiritual identity. La Verna is a more famous destination: St. Francis of Assisi received his stigmata there and it’s a popular destination for pilgrims.
Holy Island Village
A place of haunting beauty, the village of Holy Island is in the heart of the Garfagnana, in the Apuan Alps Park. Holy Island nestles into the banks of the mesmerising Isola Santa Lake, against a backdrop of lofty mountains and chestnut forests. The lake’s emerald green waters (populated by brown trout) add to the charm of this quaint village. Plan time to take a day trip from your villas in Tuscany to visit this remarkable site. Your artistic tools can record the magic of the vivid colours, tones and backdrops found in the depth of this natural masterpiece. Hiking trails lead up to the majestic peaks of the Apuan Alps and the calcareous nature of the land has produced many rich caves in the area, along with hollow underground water streams. Apart from its natural beauty, you can also capture the village’s stone houses with slate roofs – the only remains of the original community, which was partly submerged by the waters.
San Gimignano
Perched atop a hill, this medieval town is situated southwest of Florence. Its famous towers can be seen from several kilometres outside the city, providing a great opportunity for those artists wishing to capture the typically Tuscan scene from afar. Inhabited by 7000 people, this town has managed to preserve its medieval architecture more than any other in Tuscany. It’s full of beautiful churches, palaces and monasteries. The town also has breathtaking views of the rich agricultural land that surrounds it. San Gimignano is situated on the site of a small Etruscan settlement dating back to the Hellenistic period. It’s definitely worth a day out from your villas in Tuscany – there’s no place quite like it in Italy.
Giovanni Balboni works for To Tuscany, who specialise in finding the perfect Chianti villa rental as well as selected villas in Umbria and Puglia. To Tuscany is proud of their villas and their reputation. Each Chianti villa rental is personally selected and visited by our representatives to ensure we offer only the best in the region.
This article was provided by LeadGenerators, the smartest online marketing agency in London, and the proud host a series of internet marketing training seminars.
Thank you for visiting our article directory! Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!
Tuscany is one of the most popular and frequented regions in Italy, with throngs of visitors flocking to its many well-known landmarks. Not all visitors make the best of their holidays though, unwittingly missing out on some of the region’s unfamiliar treasures and off beat sites. When you stay in one of the many wonderful villas in Tuscany, they provide easy access to the region’s many riches. Here are some that you should definitely look out for.
Pianosa Island
One of the seven islands of the Tuscan Archipelago, Pianosa was formally used as a prison for exceptionally dangerous convicts. When the prison was closed in 1998, Pianosa, along with the other six Tuscan islands, became the National Park of the Tuscan Archipelago. Like the other islands, it is a protected wildlife sanctuary. Its striking beauty has made it a tourist attraction, but only 250 tourists can visit the island per day, and tours are supervised. During your time holidaying in villas in Tuscany, you can easily head out for a tour to Pianosa Island. Its breathtaking coastline is dotted with picturesque coves and inlets and you’ll also see the remnants of the abandoned port and buildings. Pianosa was written in to the pages of history when its most famous prisoner, Agrippa Postumas, was exiled to a villa on the island by his grandfather, Emperor Augustus in 9 AD. Postumas was later executed and the ruins of the villa remain to this day. Pianosa was also widely popularised when author Joseph Heller used it as a setting for his famed work ‘Catch 22.’
Vie Cave
While staying in your villas in Tuscany, you should venture to the beautiful town of Pitigliano, where you’ll discover the mysterious Vie Cave. The Vie Cave (which means sunken roads) consists of narrow paths dug out of stone by the Etruscans. No one knows for sure how the Etruscans dug these pathways, with walls as high as 25 metres tall, or what their function was. One theory is that they were used as water channels or sacred paths leading to burial grounds or other sacred sites. As you manoeuvre your way through these enchanting pathways, you’ll notice mysterious wall markings and half-concealed tombs.
Bagno Vignoni
Located in Tuscany’s Val d’Orcia National Park, Bagno Vignoni is a living testament to Tuscany’s historical past – rich with remnants of its cultural practises. On the drive from your villas in Tuscany to Bagno Vignoni, you’ll pass amazing scenery with fields of wheat, olive groves and vineyards along the way. Bagno Vignoni is most famed for its thermal waters, which come from an underground aquifer of volcanic origin. The Romans had consecrated these waters to the Nymphs, and their dedication is represented on a stone tablet with ancient Greek inscriptions. The thermal baths sit at the heart of the village, bordered by historic 16th century buildings and taverns. Bagno Vignoni became very popular during the Middle Ages due to their close proximity to Via Francigena – a thoroughfare connecting the Italian Peninsula to Northern Europe. In the 12th century, it was commonly used as a stopover point for Christian pilgrims making their way to Rome.
Giovanni Balboni works for To Tuscany, who specialise in finding the perfect Chianti villa rental as well as selected villas in Umbria and Puglia. To Tuscany is proud of their villas and their reputation. Each Chianti villa rental is personally selected and visited by our representatives to ensure we offer only the best in the region.
This article was provided by LeadGenerators, the smartest online marketing agency in London, and the proud host a series of internet marketing training seminars.
Thank you for visiting our article directory! Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!