Archive for 'Concerts & Festivals'

The pretty hilltop town of Sassetta is a cluster of charming brick and colourful buildings surrounded by the lush greenery of chestnut forests in the province of Livorno. With winding little streets and amazing views over the stunning scenery of Tuscany, it is a picturesque little spot but actually also has plenty to offer visitors. So, browse our villas in Sassetta today and come discover all that there is to see and do in this charming little town...

While there is a lovely church full of artworks in the town and an impressive 16th century castle to discover, you won’t find quite the list of museums and typical tourist attractions that some Tuscan towns can offer. Instead, the town boasts naturally-occurring thermal waters that have therapeutic and relaxing properties, ideal for unwinding during your vacation in Tuscany. And those chestnut trees and fertile lands all around mean that this is an area that is especially beautiful and full of delicious things to taste during the harvest season. 

If you were thinking about planning a getaway in Tuscany next spring as something to look forward to after the winter and in 2024, and if you happen to be a bit of a wine-lover, then you should consider our amazing villas in the Orcia Valley. Not only are these properties set within one of the most quintessentially Tuscan and picturesque parts of the region but they are located in an area with plenty of incredible wineries nearby.

Plus, if you are thinking about being in the area during the last weekend in April, then you can head to the town of San Quirico d'Orcia for the unmissable Orcia Wine Festival.

For avid cycling enthusiasts contemplating a Tuscan getaway, mark your calendars for a truly exceptional experience this fall – L'Eroica. Autumn is already the ideal time to come to Tuscany in order to enjoy outdoor pursuits as the landscape of famous rolling green hills of the region is even lovelier when dressed in fall colours – making for especially scenic surroundings to admire on your adventures – and the milder weather after the hot summer is more conducive to enjoying outdoor pursuits comfortably.

L’Eroica, meanwhile, takes place on the first Sunday of October each year in the enchanting province of Siena and is an annual non-competitive cycling event that celebrates vintage cycling culture. Participants immerse themselves in the nostalgia of the past by riding vintage bicycles, adorned in accessories and clothing from pre-1987. Combining the thrill of cycling with a vintage flair amidst the captivating Tuscan landscapes, L'Eroica is a distinct and captivating event. And, certainly, cycling fans who book a vacation rental in Siena at the beginning of October won’t want to miss it!

Vinci, the birthplace of beloved the Renaissance Master, Leonardo da Vinci, is an exceptionally beautiful and picturesque part of Tuscany. Surrounded by lush forests, vineyards, olive groves, and rolling hills that are often swathed in atmospheric fog early in the morning, the town is made up of charming old stone buildings topped by terracotta tiled roofs and overlooked by a fairytale castle (which plays host to a Leonardo Museum) and the church of Santa Croce, with its pretty campanile.

Those who browse our Tuscany Villas and find a villa in Vinci, however, who really want to lean into the fantasy and fairytale vibes of the city should plan their visit for the end of July, when the Festa dell'Unicorno will be taking place. Dedicated to fantasy culture, this annual event sees those picturesque streets become even more unreal with the addition of elves, angels, demons, orcs, dragons, dinosaurs, pirates, and famous characters from popular shows and movies and books wandering about. 

Livorno is home to another Venice, the Venezia Nuova, or New Venice of Tuscany. A stunning coastal town in Tuscany, this gem of a place features a series less-famous but undeniably lovely canals of its own.

Throughout the year, there is plenty to recommend the town for a vacation in one of our Tuscany Villas but there are a few annual events that make time staying a villa in Livorno and exploring the city all the more appealing. One of the most exciting of these events takes place each August and sees the canals made yet more lovely with music, performances, street art, light shows, markets, and more. The Effetto Venezia, or Venetian Effect, is an event with an almost 40 year tradition and is a thrilling and colourful festival that makes Livorno into one giant work of art and party.