Archive for 'Localities'

Continuing on from our last article, in which we introduced some of the best cafés in Florence, here are some more locations that are historic, dynamic, cultured, interesting, serve up great food and are perfect for sipping on a perfectly made coffee and just watching the world go by.

Once you have found a luxury villa in Florence and are spending time exploring the city, dashing around from place to place in an attempt to see everything on your bucket list, stop by one of these wonderful institutions and just relax for a little while.

From a historic gem with a long established reputation in the gastronomic and cultural realms of the city to a more recent and experimental venue that combines literature, art, culture, food, coffee and wine, the cafés featured on this list are truly special destinations.

One of the most enjoyable things about spending time in Tuscany, and Florence, in particular, is enjoying the slower pace of life. Even amidst the slew of tourists that descend upon the city and run around, trying to see it all, the Tuscan way of life remains intact - unhurried, relaxed and intent on enjoying things. Any holiday there should be taken and enjoyed in the spirit of the locals.

Don't just try and see it all but take time to revel in the space you're in and be really present in the moment. One of the best ways to do this is to spend time in the various piazze, sipping on a coffee and watching the world go by.

We've rounded up some of Florence's best, most famous, oldest, newest and coolest cafés for you to choose from so you can do just that. So, why not find a luxury villa in Florence and try living like a local.

The Fattoria di Celle, or Celle Farm, located just 5km from Pistoia is a stunning attraction and fascinating place. While the property has roots to a building from as far back as 1000 AD, the house was built in the 17th century and present form of the gardens is owed to 19th century reconstructions and were further enhanced in the 1980s. It is this enriching of the gardens, with a sculpture park, that draws crowds of art-lovers, schools and more adventurous tourists to this place each year.

The sculpture park showcases 70 site-specific installations sprinkled across the vast family estate and was created by local businessman Giuliano Gori over three decades ago, yet still displays cutting-edge art installations by the world's top contemporary artists. Selected international artists have been to be invited to create installations in the remarkable outdoor spaces of the Romantic park and farmland as well as inside the historic villa and various farm buildings.

Tuscany is known for her delicious food and it is, of course, one of the main highlights of any trip to the region. However, as much as most dishes involve cheese, tomatoes, pork, pasta and other lovely ingredients, some have components that may seem strange or unappetising to some of us from other parts of the globe. Yet, the Tuscans swear by these dishes and, if they say it, surely they are worth a try on your next trip?

People zipping around town on Vespas, immaculately dressed, past historic buildings and pretty piazzas, on the way to meet friends for coffee. It is one of those idealised images of Italy that many of us have and there is no doubt that, no matter how accurate a picture this may or may not be, Vespa is one of the most iconic products to come out of the country. It is intrinsically Italian. If you are a bit of a Vespa fanatic, there is surely one Italian destination that will have decided itself: Pontedera in the Province of Pisa, where you'll find the Piaggio Museum. Piaggio is the fourth largest producer of scooters and motorcycles in the world but it was the world renown of the Vespa that put the company on the international map.