Archive for 'Localities'

Tuscany and Italy, in general, are both places famous for style, culture, and incredibly-made objects. There are countless heritage brands throughout the region that have existed for literal centuries and continue to produce stunning items. Of course, we know of the Guccis and the Ferragamos of the world but there are countless other amazing Tuscan brands to discover. In particular, there are lots and lots of wonderful homewares brands that produce the kind of stunning household goods that interiors lovers will lust over and even the totally uninterested will stop and admire in awe. Among these, the ceramics brand Ginori 1735 is an exceptionally brilliant example. Of course, with the expertise, impeccable design and construction, and gravitas lent by the age and reputation of the brand, the price tag associated with their goods in not insubstantial. For many, a large proportion of their pieces will fall well outside their usual budget for such things. However, if you like to invest in your homewares, or you really just want to own something from this beloved brand yourself, or you have a larger budget to play around with then you might be interested in the Ginori 1735 factory shop in Sesto Fiorentino. A brilliant way to get your hands on some stunning pieces at discounted rates or to really stock up if you are one of those people who have a larger budget, this is a must-stop spot for all interiors obsessives who find a luxury villa in Florence and are planning on spending some time exploring the area around the city or for those who find a villa with pool in Tuscany and are willing to make a specific day trip to the store.

If you are a music-lover and you are considering one of our Tuscany villas this summer then you will quickly discover that there is a rather wide array of incredible different music events and festivals that take place all across the region each year during the season. These events vary widely in genre, style, scale, setting, and cost from local celebrations that are more like parties and can be free to attend, to festivals dedicated to specialist genres for serious super fans, to more mainstream and larger-scale events and concerts featuring world-famous acts. No matter what kind of music or concerts you like, in particular, you’re sure to find some suitable event in Tuscany. If, however, you are a particular fan of opera and you were planning on finding a villa on the Tuscan Coast or a vacation rental in Pisa or a holiday rental in Lucca then the various wonderful perfomances of operas that are put on as part of the Festival Puccini each July and August will likely be of interest. In an utterly charming setting, dedicated to a musical genius from the area, and boasting some truly incredible productions, this is one of the best opera events to attend in Italy.

This year’s 68th addition of the Festival Puccini will take place between the 15th of July 2022 and the 29th of August 2022, giving you just enough time to take a look through some of our last-minute villas in Tuscany to make a wonderful Tuscan getaway full of culture and art happens for you this summer if you have yet to book your vacation this year. 

Those who are interested in finding a luxury villa in Florence and spending time in the city will quickly discover that, though there is an impossibly long list of things to see and do, it is one of those destinations where wandering around with no plan in mind can often be just as rewarding. Everywhere you turn in the historic core of the city, you will discover architectural gems, domes and church towers peeking over the skyline, works of art by great masters, impressive historic homes, renowned museums with lines stretching around the block and less famous museums tucked into old palaces, shopping streets abuzz with people and both the plush stores of well-known brands and little independent boutiques, street performers and artists earning a living with their skills, curious oddities like graffiti attributed to Michelangelo and bars where wine is delivered out to patrons through a tiny window, piazzas lined with cafes and restaurants and diners sitting out enjoying meals and coffee, and bustling markets. One spot that often combines many of these elements in one place is the Piazza del Mercato Nuovo, where you can find the Porcellino Market and the brilliant stalls selling all sorts of leather goods, a famous statue steeped in legend, regular dance parties inspired by the music played by street performers, and a gorgeous setting. So, if you have browsed our Tuscany villas and have found the perfect villa in Florence for you, then be sure to wander this direction between Tuesday and Sunday, as you explore the city. 

Festivals and celebrations abound in Italy and if you find one of our Tuscany villas and plan a trip, no matter when you go, you are likely to encounter some in the surrounding area. However, if you find a villa in Tuscany during the summer or autumn months, in particular, you are going to discover that there are plenty of festivals to choose from, especially those related to food and wine. Food and wine are serious fixtures of Tuscan life, in general, and certainly of all festivals and celebrations but there are many that specifically honour certain products. If you love a good vintage then September is a great time to plan a vacation in Tuscany as this is the month in which there are lots of wine festivals throughout the famous Chianti region. One of the largest and most impressive is the annual Expo of Chianti Classico Wines that takes place in the town of Greve in Chianti. Now in its 51st year, this is a storied and well-established wine festival that allows visitors to try a wide selection of some of the best wines made in Tuscany.

Love rock music? Considering a last-minute stay in one our incredible Tuscany villas? Well, then you’re in luck! Combine the two, find a last-minute villa in Tuscany or browse our villas in Florence, in particular, and then head to Florence to experience the music, stunning surroundings, and excitement of Firenze Rocks!

Firenze Rocks is a key event in the Tuscan summer schedule and sees the birthplace of the Renaissance attract some of the world’s largest contemporary music artists to the same streets that once were tread by the likes of Da Vinci and Raphael and many more instantaneously recognisable great artistic masters. A particular must for those who like their music on the heavier side and rock, hard rock, and metal fans, this festival was only actually born back in 2017 but has quickly become an annual fixture of the Italian music festival circuit and is finally back after two years. Taking place over the course of four days around the middle of June each year, Firenze Rocks has previously been played by the likes of Aerosmith, Placebo, Eddie Vedder, Glen Hansard, System of a Down, Foo Fighters, The Kills, Wolf Alice, Guns N ’Roses, Iron Maiden, Helloween, Ozzy Osbourne, Avenged Sevenfold, Judas Priest, Tool, Smashing Pumpkins, Dream Theater, Snow Patrol, Ed Sheeran, The Cure, Sum 41, Editors, and many more.