Archive for 'Localities'

  

Torta di Riso alla Carrarina
Torta di Riso alla Carrarina, or “Carrara-style Rice Cake”, may not be the sexiest sounding dessert but it is actually quite the delicious treat.

As one might imagine from the name, the dessert originates from the town of Carrara in the northwest of Tuscany, a town primarily famous for its marble quarries that were beloved of Michelangelo. However, like the rest of Tuscany, it is also well-known for its comforting and tasty peasant food tradition. Torta di Riso alla Carrarina is no exception.     Read More

  

Negroni
There are several reported stories of the origins of the Negroni cocktail. One of the most popular and supported stories recounts that it was, supposedly, invented in Florence in 1919 at Caffè Casoni (now called Caffè Giacosa). Count Camillo Negroni asked the bartender, Forsco Scarselli, to strengthen his favourite cocktail. His regular Americano, was suddenly transformed by adding gin rather than the normal soda water. To help differentiate between the old and new, the bartender also added an orange garnish rather than the typical lemon garnish of the Americano.     Read More

  

Piazza Della Signoria
In our previous posts in this series on vacation rentals in Tuscany with incredible views, we have shined a spotlight on several properties with incredible views across the typical and beautiful Tuscan landscape, as well as over the Tuscan coast but, in this final post, it is time to focus on urban views. Here are some of the loveliest cities views Tuscany has to offer.

9. Piazza Della Signoria

Set right in the heart of Florence's town centre, in an incredibly exclusive location, surrounded by huge and famous cultural and artistic monuments, this property boasts a pretty special view. Located on the first floor of a priceless, historical building, it directly faces the Piazza della Signoria and is just a few steps from the Uffizi Gallery and the Duomo.     Read More

  

Il Segreto
As we have been talking about vacation rentals in Tuscany with great views, properties that overlook the beautiful and typical Tuscan landscape have abounded but those with sea views should not be overlooked either. Here are some of our best properties with seaside views that will make you smile each morning of your holiday.

6. Il Segreto

Villa Il Segreto is located in the hills of Versilia. While the property itself has lots to write home about – a bright and cheerful interior, all mod cons, a 2000sqm private garden, private swimming pool with sea view, deck chairs, loungers and umbrellas, relaxing sofas, table tennis, outdoor dining space and 4 private parking spaces – it is the view that really recommends it. Set in an incredible panoramic position, it takes in the valley below, as well as sea views across Livorno and the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago such as Gorgona and, sometimes, even all the way to Elba. With five bedrooms and six bathrooms, it is available from €178 per night.     Read More

  

Il Leccio
As we noted in the last post in this series, a good view is the final ingredient to a wonderful holiday and we have no shortage of vacation rentals in Tuscany with incredible views. Here are just a few more of our personal favourites.

3. Il Leccio

Il Leccio is a house that dates back to the seventeenth century and was originally built as a farm manager's house for the Mansi-Bernardini estate, with wine cellars, stables and a hayloft. It has been tastefully converted into a villa with charming rustic style. Situated on top of a hill, east of Lucca, it has truly magnificent views over the plain below and the swimming pool area, in particular, is located in a breathtaking panoramic position, about 150 metres from the house. By the side of the pool there is a cabin with kitchenette and bathroom and there is a tennis court on the estate. The house has all mod cons and a maid who takes care of the villa who, on request, will cook local dishes for clients. The Fattoria Mansi Bernardini office, on the estate, has English speaking staff and are at clients' disposal to give assistance for the duration of your stay.     Read More