Archive for 'Events'

If you have found a luxury villa in Florence and you find yourself wandering around the beyond picturesque centre of the city, you get the feeling that you are inside a jewel box. No matter where you turn in the historic core, you will discover incredible artistic and architectural gems and within those architectural gems are even more astounding works of art and craftsmanship than one could even imagine. It would take lifetimes to see and discover it all. However, the reputations of some works are particularly well-known and precede them. Take, for example, the great Palazzo Medici Riccardi, already a lauded example of Renaissance palace architecture in Tuscany but hidden within its walls also happens to be one of the most extraordinary fresco cycles in the city – and that’s saying something in the birthplace of the Renaissance!

Christmas markets are one of the traditions that many people most missed over the last couple of years but, luckily, if you have found a luxury villa in Florence and are planning on spending Christmas there (or some time in the city over the next couple of months) you’ll be glad to know that this year’s dates for the city’s beloved Weihnachtsmarkt have been confirmed and it is set to return! Taking place in the Piazza Santa Croce, this staple of the festive season in Florence is one of the most famous and beloved Christmas markets in Italy and a wonderful chance to enjoy a German-style market even if you are travelling in Tuscany, rather than in one of the regions further north. Transforming this well-known square in the birthplace of the Renaissance and capital of the region into a magical little winter wonderland, the Weihnachtsmarkt is an absolute must-see and just one more reason to spend the Holidays on holiday in Florence!

The verdant landscape of Tuscany, with her rolling hills and valleys blanketed in olive groves, vineyards, oaks, and farmland, is famously picturesque and is also a highly productive agricultural area. Tuscany is, furthermore, famously a foodie capital, not just because of the dishes made in the region but also due to the incredible raw ingredients grown throughout her stunning landscape. As such, while there are plenty of cakes, pasta dishes, street food favourites, cured meats, cheeses, and other delicious specialties to be tried while exploring the foodie scene of Tuscany, there are also some delectable local fruits and vegetables to be tried as well. While you shop in grocery stores and weekly markets in the region, you should try and keep an eye out for these wonderful foodie fundamentals to try and incorporate into dishes put together while enjoying the experience of cooking in the stunning kitchens of our amazing luxury villas in Tuscany. From the rich chestnuts of Caprese Michelangelo and the sweet chestnuts of Mugello, to the colourful carrots of Pastinocello, to vibrant Certaldo onions, to the famous Queen peaches of Londa, there are all sorts of delicious local produce items to get your hands on (dependent on the time of year, of course) while on vacation in Tuscany. However, if you have found a luxury villa in Florence and are exploring the foodie scene of the surrounding area, be sure to discover the incredible figs of Carmignano.

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.

For a little under one more month the Palazzo Pitti boasts yet another attraction that further cements its place as a must-see for art-lovers who have found a luxury villa in Florence and are planning an Autumn getaway in Tuscany. Already a stunning Renaissance palace that is surrounded by the famously lovely Boboli Gardens and that houses incredible institutions such as the Palatine Gallery, the Silver Museum, the Gallery of Modern Art, and several other gallery spaces and exhibitions, the Palazzo Pitti is also currently ringed by 100 metal wolves by the Chinese artist Liu Ruowang.

This incredible sculptural installation is on display in Pitti Square and Santissima Annunziata Square and will continue to be shown until the 2nd of November 2020. Symbolising the aggression of man on the planet and a corresponding reaction from nature, these wolves have invaded the grounds of this cultural hub in Florence and work as a looming and foreboding presence.