Archive for 'Localities'

Those wishing to visit the majestic nature park of the Apuan Alps will have to cross through the stunning area of Lunigiana and the town of Casola to get there. This rich diverse landscape is situated high up in the hills where the River Aulella and River Tassanaro rise up from the earth to begin their journey down this mountainous region of Tuscany.

Visitors wishing to explore this glorious area and the town of Casola for a few days have a lovely range of villa rentals in Fivizzano, a nearby town. This is the perfect spot to base a thrilling exploration of this enchanting part of Tuscany!


There are some remains of what was once a beautiful 15th century castle in Casola in Lunigiana. Today, only a few towers and outer walls remain but it still makes for a nice photograph. Visit the interesting museum in Casola’s Palazzo Pretorio where there is a rich and detailed account of the history of the Lunigiana area that dates as far back as Palaeolithic times. Also on display are some fascinating artefacts that were discovered by archaeologists over the years.     Read More

Visit the gorgeous town of Tresana in the province of Massa and Carrara in Tuscany, a little gem immersed in nature! This ancient town is surrounded by medieval walls and visitors can still see some of the four old towers and ruins of a castle that once stood majestically over the area.

It’s privately owned now but tourists can walk around the remains of what was once a glorious fortress to take some photographs. Those wishing to explore the area can find plenty of vacation rentals in Treschietto, a nearby town.

There is a second castle close by to Tresana called Giovagallo fortress and its ruins now stand up on a rocky hill outside of the town.

A legend of this castle tells the story of the meeting between the famous Italian poet, Dante Alighieri, and the wife of Morello Malaspina. She convinced the doubtful Dante to undertake his ambitious idea on creating what would be his most famous work, The Divine Comedy. This is one of the longest and most detailed poems in history which earned Dante the right to be called one of the masters of the literary world.     Read More

Explore this fascinating part of Florence city, which is off the beaten tourist track, called Oltrarno! It means ’Across the Arno’ and can be visited most directly by crossing the Ponte Vecchio, a very old bridge that crosses the large Arno River. Strangely, during World War II, the German army destroyed every bridge in Florence except for this one!

Tourists wishing to stay in this city for a few days have a huge range of Florence holiday rentals to choose from where they can relax and admire the city views and attractions!
Start off your day of exploring the Oltrarno by stepping of the other side of the Vecchio Bridge to the south side of Florence.

This quarter is packed full of beautiful artisan shops, antique stalls, delicious restaurants, craft fairs and much more. The added benefit is that it still is home to many lovely museums and churches to walk around but it’s much calmer than the busiest area of Florence where Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi gallery are.

There are three primary areas in the quarter worth visiting; Santo Spirito, San Niccolò and San Frediano. Firstly, why not visit the famous Capella Brancacci decorated with exquisite Renaissance frescoes in the Church of Santa Maria del Carmine. The architecture of this building is mesmerising and is one of the finest examples you’ll find in the city!     Read More

Why not spend a few days of your next vacation to Tuscany exploring the seven islands of the Tuscan archipelago.

Nicknamed as the seven jewels of Tuscany, the islands of Elba, Giglio, Capraia, Montecristo, Gorgona, Pianosa and Giannutri are surrounded by crystal clear waters and teeming with excellent tourist attractions and wildlife.

Visitors wishing to base their stay close to this magnificent cluster of islands should book a stay a one of many holiday villas near Monte Argentario, with sea views along the coastline less than forty kilometres from Giglio Island by sea.

These entire islands make up the largest natural marine park in Europe and are highly protected nature reserves that protect the stunning landscape, animal and plant life here. Visit Elba Island and the areas of Porto Azzurro and Portoferraio here where there’s plenty to do and see.     Read More