Archive for 'Localities'

  

Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Judith Slaying Holofernes
The Uffizi Gallery, in Florence, is one of the most extraordinary museums in the world and we have published various posts on the gallery itself, tips on visiting it and lists of highlights of the collections. However, there are also singular highlights, specific works, from the collection that deserve more of a word count and more consideration. One such piece is Artemisia Gentileschi's “Judith Slaying Holofernes”. One of the rare female painters of her time, a gifted artist and a fascinating person, she is an intriguing (and often overlooked) figure and this work, in particular, is intertwined with her life story and, thus, especially interesting. Just find a vacation rental in Florence, visit the gallery and make a point of seeking out this wonderful work of art.     Read More
Posted in: Florence, History, Important People, Localities, Museums & Galleries, Must See Attractions, Tourist Attractions

  

Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Mini
Continuing on from the last post in this series, this article aims to discuss more of the things that you need to keep in mind if you are planning on driving in Tuscany. Driving on Tuscan roads can be pretty stressful and there are some important (and unique) traits to the rules of the road in the region that need to be known before you ever climb into a car. In order to prevent your holiday from being ruined and any serious incidents or annoying missteps from occurring, here are some more facts that you should keep in mind.

3. Gas (and getting it)

Gasoline in Italy is at some of the highest rates in Europe, so bear that in mind. Also keep in mind that while the stations along the autostrade are open 24/7 and handy, they generally cost up to 10 cents more per liter.     Read More
Posted in: Chianti, Localities, Top 10 Lists, Travel Tips

  

Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Barberino Designer Outlet
We have been discussing Italian fashion on the blog all this week, introducing new brands to all of those fashion lovers who are planning vacations in Tuscany. However, there is one thing that all fashion fans can agree makes everything better – a good bargain! Fortunately, Tuscany is actually one of the better regions to holiday in if you are after a bargain. There are several outlet centres located around Tuscany and they are lovely places to shop. The word “outlet” can evoke depressing images of unorganised bargain basements but these outlets are nothing like that. They are pretty, well-designed, well-stocked and well-organised.

One of the finest examples is the Barberino Designer Outlet in Barberino di Mugello, which is the original outlet village in the McArthurGlen Designer Outlets group. The centre itself is incredibly charming. Located just off the motorway, 30 minutes from Florence and a couple minutes from the small town of Barberino di Mugello, it consists of over 100 stores and brands and is built to look like a picturesque Tuscan village.     Read More
Posted in: Activities, Localities, Mugello, Must See Attractions, Shopping

  

Tuesday, October 17, 2017
Fiat
Driving in Tuscany is kind of impossible to avoid and necessary to avoid – both at the same time. It really depends on where you are spending your holiday.

If you are staying in a small town or the countryside, a car is kind of a must, unless you want to have an incredibly relaxed time and do little other than relax in a vacation rental with a pool in Tuscany or there is a train station in the town. Realistically, however, relying on public transport can be awkward for tourists in rural Tuscany and it also means some places will still be pretty much impossible to get to. One of the best days of my family's recent trip to Tuscany was spent in a winery that was up a mountainside, down some winding back roads that would have been impossible to reach otherwise.     Read More
Posted in: Florence, Localities, Pisa, Top 10 Lists, Travel Tips

  

Tuesday, October 17, 2017
Luisa Spagnoli
When I was recently in Tuscany on holidays, I had every intention of not shopping. I mean, I really don't need new clothes, do I? Yet, despite my promise to myself that I wouldn't buy anything, I caved pretty quickly and had to strike a new bargain. I was allowed to buy two items of clothing and that was it; no more and no less. This sated my mad desire to buy everything in sight but just barely. As I couldn't completely indulge my passion (or afford to!), I merely took mental note of all of the stunning Italian brands that I had never heard of before so that I could report them back here.

Here are more of the brands that I spotted, which are musts for fashion lovers to check out on their next holiday in Tuscany!     Read More
Posted in: Activities, Localities, Mugello, Shopping, Top 10 Lists