Archive for 'Florence'

One of the great, unifying commonalities in Italy, outside of food, has to be football. It is the national sport and the country has birthed some of the best players in the world. While soccer may not be the first thing one might associate with Florence, in particular, it is actually deeply embedded in the history and culture for which the city is famous. In fact, Florence has a long tradition of a rather more violent game that was a precursor to soccer called, “Il Calcio Storico Fiorentino,” which is played annually during the third week of June.

If you're more interested in the modern equivalent, however, you're in luck as Florence is also home to a Football Museum. Just find a luxury villa in Florence and head to Coverciano, which is located about twenty minutes from the city.

Italy is famous for her Nativity scenes, or presepi, and Tuscany, in particular, has quite a long and rich tradition of exhibiting some very impressive examples. Many different towns have presepi, sometimes with live animals and actors, sometimes on a large scale, sometimes innovative, sometimes historic and traditional, and sometimes as part of an exhibition of multiple examples. In fact, last year, we wrote a whole guide to the different presepe traditions in Tuscany. However, one town with one of the most beloved and famous of these traditions in recent years has to be Castelfiorentino. If you have found a luxury villa in Florence and love Christmas, this magical little Tuscan festive tradition might be your cup of tea.

Continuing on from our last post, we are rounding up a list of some of the Tuscan museums that participate in the monthly “Domenica al Museo”, when many State museums, in an initiative sponsored by the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism, open their doors to the public for free on the first Sunday of each month. It is the ideal time to plan a trip to those museums that you have been dreaming of visiting. While this list may not be 100% exhaustive and all facts are subject to change (check with the institutions in question before planning a visit), this list is an easy way to get an idea of which museums you can pencil in if you have found a vacation rental in Tuscany and plan to be in the region for the first Sunday of the month.

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We would all like a taste of the dolce vita while on holidays in Italy but once you have found a luxury villa in Florence and are planning a trip, it may become apparent that the high life isn't easy to achieve. Luckily, we have lots of great bargains to snatch up but, in addition to this, there are also plenty of ways to stretch your budget further. If you've always wanted to pick up a piece from an iconic Italian fashion label while on vacation, then heading to an outlet is a way to do it on a budget. The Space Outlet in Montevarchi, for example, is one such place and a great destination for fashion lovers heading to Florence to pencil in to their trip. Just take half a day during your time in the city and drive out or take one of the public transport options and then indulge in a little retail therapy.

Continuing this week's theme of spooky Tuscan spots, we have more must-see locations with creepy background stories. Ghostly events and haunted palaces might not be the first things that spring to mind when you think of the famous Italian region but we can assure you that there are plenty of legends and tales to keep anyone interested in the spookier things in life – who have found a vacation rental in Tuscany – interested. Here more of the spots to pencil in...

5. Vincigliata Castle's Romeo and Juliet Tale

Vincigliata Castle, located near the town of Fiesole in the province of Florence, has a famous Romeo and Juliet legend that dates back to the 13th century and tells the story of Uberto and Bianca. They fell madly in love at first sight and kept their relationship secret until they were discovered. Then, sadly, they were torn apart by their powerful Florentine noble families who were fierce enemies.