Archive for 'Localities'

If you're considering a holiday in Tuscany, you have probably already started imagining all the delicious treats, food and drink that you are going to consume once you get there. Tuscany is a region of Italy, in particular, that is known for its cuisine and while the savoury dishes of Tuscany may be more familiar to most, it is a cuisine that also happens to be just rife with delicious typical desserts and sweets, many of which date back to the Middle Ages. If you've got a sweet tooth, it's the ideal part of Italy to visit. Just pick out the perfect luxury villa in Tuscany for you and yours and your particular needs and then grab a pen and paper because there are some sweets that you're going to need to track down when you arrive.

The Antro del Corchia is part of the cave system of Monte Corchia in the Apuan Alps Regional Park and is the largest cave system in Tuscany and one of the biggest in Europe. It is made up of over 60km of galleries which go down to a depth of 1200m into the earth. Exploration of the cave began in the 19th century but it was not opened to the public until 2001. Since then, it has become a popular tourist destination, attracting crowds who want to descend into the otherworldly magic of the caves and you can now even take tours in multiple languages. This is a particularly good family activity as it is informative and interesting with stunning visuals that are sure to keep even the strongest nay-sayers in the group happy. Just find a vacation rental in Lucca and spend a day underground in these astounding natural wonders!

Villa Mansi, is a historic villa and country estate which is located in Segromigno in Monte, Lucca and is just one of the many exceptional villas which were built in the area during the Renaissance. It dates back to the 16th century, with alterations made in the 17th, and is seen as one of the Lucchese villas which best represents the culture and society of the ancient Aristocratic Republic. Both the garden and villa are now open to the general public for tours and both are well-worth a wander on a cool morning in Lucca before heading off in search of something good to eat. Just find yourself the perfect luxury villa in Lucca and then head to Segromigno in Monte to explore this extraordinary building and its beautiful surrounds.

In the 16th century, Villa Mansi belonged to Nicolao Benedetti. His heirs sold it to Bartolomeo of the so-known Hieronimus Cenami for 656 golden scudi. It was described, at the time, as an estate “with various fields and meadows, with fruit trees surrounding the penstocks and the padronal palace, a stable, a well, an oven and a stoned wash-house, among others buildings, located in the municipality of Segromigno in Monte, in the area called Piaggia.” The Cenami remained owners of the villa and its grounds until 1675, when it was bought for 1600 scudi by the marquess Raffaello Mansi of the Mansi family, well-known in Europe for the commerce of silk. The Mansi name would go on to be the one that became firmly associated with the villa to this day.

Once you've found the ideal holiday rental in Livorno and are busy exploring the city and its beaches, make sure to stop and sample some of the local cuisine. Livorno is known for multiple local specialties including cacciucco, a rich fish stew made of tomato and five different kinds of fish and served with a thick slice of bread rubbed in garlic. The dish has become somewhat of a symbol of the town which is understandable, considering it is a port town of seaside resorts and lots of fishing activity. Other Livornese fish dishes include Triglie alla Livornese (Livornese red mullet) and Spaghetti al Nero (pasta with cuttle fish ink).

However, as important as fishing and seafood is to the town, you must also make time to try Torta di Ceci, a chickpea flour “pancake” which is a typical dish of Livorno. It makes for the perfect street food and is tasty, nutritious, cheap and easy to eat as a snack on the move, or as part of a meal. It is made from chick pea flour which is made into a thin batter and cooked in huge round tins in a very hot oven, preferably wood-fired. The resulting pancakes are then sold by waiting and is traditionally eaten in bread as a “Cinque e Cinque” (meaning “five and five”) which refers to the original value of the bread and the torta: five liras for the bread and five for the torta.

There are some important historic Tortai (places where they serve the torte) in Livorno, such as Cecco in the Borgo district, and Gagari by the covered food market. Try one while wandering the city and then finish it off with a Livornese “Ponce”. This is a potent hot drink made from coffee and rum according to a secret formula. The most famous bar in Livorno for Ponce is Civili in Via del Vigna, but it is available everywhere.

If you can't wait until your trip to try out a Torta di Ceci, try out this recipe and daydream about your perfect getaway in Tuscany.

Florence is the ultimate Renaissance city, the city where the Renaissance was born and where it still lives everywhere you turn in the city to this very day. From art, to architecture, to historical monuments, it is hard to forget the period that made the city truly great. If you're visiting Florence, you also probably have some Renaissance must-sees pencilled into your itinerary such as the artworks of the Uffizi, sculptures of the Piazza della Signoria and churches like the Duomo. However, in addition to these classic sights, you might want to consider something a little more off the beaten track that helps make your experience of the Renaissance fuller, that helps bring it to life and take it out of dusty history books. If so, you should consider the Renaissance Court Banquet experience. Just find a villa with internet in Florence and take a break from contemporary life to live it up like a Medici prince for an evening!