Archive for 'Chianti'

Alpacas are fluffy, adorable, somewhat strange-looking South American mammals that look not unlike Llamas and are often confused for them. They are, however, noticeably smaller. Herd animals, they are bred for their wool and are often aloof but become more friendly when raised in places such as petting zoos or farms where they interact regularly with humans. Many people the world over have fallen for their charms and Alpaca farms are increasingly common across the globe. In fact, if you have found a luxury villa in Florence and you have a fondness for the lovely animals or kids you want to treat to an outing that they'll surely enjoy, then you'll be glad to find out that there is a wonderful Alpaca farm located nearby that makes for a perfect family day out! Escape the museums and the hustle and bustle of the city for a day to visit the Valle degli Alpaca (Valley of the Alpacas) in Barberino Val d'Elsa, a lovely town in the metropolitan area of Florence, and enjoy some fresh air, lunch, and hanging out with these cute creatures. Children (or those who are young at heart) in the group will thank you for it!

There are certain locations around the globe that people have in mind as spa destinations – the high-tech skincare clinics of the Swiss Alps, the reviving waters and elegant surroundings of Bath in England, the luxurious wellness centres of LA, the traditional hot springs of Japan – but one lesser-known spa hot spot is Tuscany. A villa in Tuscany not only means you can enjoy the delicious local food and wine for which the region is beloved by foodies the world over, incredible works of art and architecture from the part of the world in which Michelangelo and da Vinci (among many other extraordinary talents) were born, picture-perfect medieval villages perched on hilltops that have remained preserved and largely untouched by time, impossibly lovely vistas of rolling green hills that stretch throughout the countryside, charming coastal towns boasting idyllic beaches, and much more besides, it also means ready access to lots of pretty spa towns and healing thermal waters. Many towns in Tuscany, in fact, bear the word, “terme,” in their name, meaning thermal spring, and each of these boast naturally-occurring waters with healing and relaxing properties as well as modern spa facilities that have been built up around them. So, if you're looking for a holiday destination in which there will be plenty of options for a day or two (or several) at the spa to completely unwind while on vacation, then look no further than Tuscany!

The charming and historic town of Arezzo makes for an idyllic holiday destination to enjoy the unique culture and atmosphere of Tuscany while staying a little off the more well-trod tourist path. If you're looking to enjoy a key location in the region but you're less interested in bigger cities or more world-famous spots, then a villa with pool in Arezzo is just the thing for your next vacation in Tuscany. In this extraordinary gem of a place, visitors will encounter a picturesque Old Town that has remained largely untouched by time and is so cinematically lovely that it was featured in Benigni's beloved and Oscar-winning, “Life is Beautiful”, stunning churches and palaces often stuffed full of incredible works of art (like Piero della Francesca's astounding Renaissance fresco cycle that covers the walls of the Bacci Chapel), little museums that may not hold familiar works but are fascinating all the same (including a wonderful jewellery museum and the rich Diocesan Museum), pretty little shops selling local crafts and delicious regional treats, and more. Then, around the town's boundaries, you will also find a rather stunning part of the Tuscan countryside with some of the region's iconic and impossibly scenic, lush, rolling hills dotted by old farmhouses, majestic and ancient villas once occupied by ruling lords, and endless vineyards producing some of Tuscany's celebrated local wines.

The Chianti region of Tuscany is the most famous wine region of Italy and is home to countless incredible wineries producing delicious Tuscan wines. However, if you have found a villa in Florence or a villa in Siena and are looking for a nearby winery in Chianti to visit, then one that we recommend and one of the most picturesque and charming that you could possibly hope to visit is in the region is the Villa Spoiano. Browse our amazing villas in Chianti and get planning a foodie trip to Tuscany that includes plenty of delicious local wines and a wine-tasting session to help you learn more about the history and production of wine in the region in this special gem of a winery.

Italy is not a famous beer-producing country, unlike many of its neighbouring European counterparts further north. If you are planning a holiday in Tuscany, you are likely to be thinking of evenings spent sipping wine on a terrace, meals accompanied by excellent vintages and wonderful local wines, and day-trips to some of the region's incredible wineries and vineyards both small and intimate and massive and famous (read about some of our favourite Tuscan vineyards here). However, despite this long history of wine production and this reputation for being excellent producers of wine over beer, a craft brewing scene has developed in Tuscany in recent years, as it has in many far flung places the world over. If you're planning a trip to Tuscany and like wine well enough but can't quite give up your beer (and who can blame you; does anything hit the spot quite like a cold brew when you're on holidays?), then never fear! Read on to our guide to some of the must-see and must-sip craft beer spots that can be found in Tuscany.

Today, in fact, there are over 100 craft breweries in Tuscany alone! Despite the restrictions and intense specifications that are enforced in the production of craft beers in Italy, the industry has flourished in the region. The oldest example of one such establishment dates back to 2006...