Archive for 'Localities'

  

Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Biagio
Photo credits: Mammaoca2008 / CC BY-SA 3.0

Certain sights in Tuscany become famous and end up photographed endlessly due to the fact that the various elements of the surroundings and a building or town or natural feature come together perfectly to create something utterly picturesque. There are a few notable examples of this but, among them, the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Biagio (or Tempio di San Biagio) is one of the most strikingly lovely. This pretty 16th century domed church is located in the lush countryside near Montepulciano, an area already impossibly charming in its own right but when you add this elegant building emerging as if from nowhere, at the end of a typically Tuscan cypress-lined road, the overall effect is breath-taking. For those who book a villa in Montepulciano and who are looking to get out and explore the natural and scenic beauty of the surrounding landscape, a stop by this church is a must!

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Skyline of Florence

Those who book a vacation rental in Florence will quickly discover that it is an excellent destination for those who like to get around on their own steam! The centre is smaller than one might imagine, given its incredible cultural importance and weight, with many of the most famous attractions located within close proximity of each other. In fact, right in the heart of the historic core of the city, you will discover that Florence is a patchwork of pretty piazze, ringed by architectural gems, shops, bars, eateries, and sights. So, as you move from one thing to another on your itinerary, you’ll have plenty to feast your eyes on along the way and ample opportunity to stop for a bite, a glass of famous Tuscan wine, a coffee, a gelato, or any other delights you might need to fuel your voyage. 

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Careggine
Photo credits: LigaDue / CC BY-SA 4.0

Tuscany is dotted by endless charming little towns, many of them set on hilltops and in scenic locations, allowing visitors to admire sweeping vistas of the famously lovely Tuscan countryside. However, among these, the town of Careggine, nestled in the Apuan Alps, may afford some of the most remarkable views in the region and access to some excellent settings for outdoor pursuits.


A perfect day-trip for those who find a villa in Lucca and are enjoying the delights of that stunning medieval city, we highly recommend coming to breathe in the fresh air and to take in the astounding views while hiking, exploring, or even skiing. 

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Abetone
Photo credits: Innocenti.rob / CC BY 3.0

Tuscany is unlikely to spring to mind for most who are planning a ski break but if you are considering a winter break in one of Tuscany’s great cities – Florence, Pisa, Lucca, or Siena – you’ll find that one of the best ski areas in central Italy is a short distance away: Abetone. However, this is actually just one of the well-regarded ski destinations in the region. So, if you’ve been considering a ski break this winter but you’d also like to indulge in the rich cuisine, delicious wines, and particularly delightful après ski on offer in Tuscany, then it might be time to book a vacation rental in Tuscany....

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A road in Tuscany

One of the things that our customers and any visitors to Tuscany can often find surprising is that those romantically winding roads through the region can present more challenging driving conditions than sometimes expected. While we usually recommend renting a car if you are booking a villa in Tuscany in order to make the most of your time in the region, this does come with the big caveat that there are some key things to keep in mind before going ahead...

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