Archive for 'Florence'

Finishing off this series, here are the last of our picks for 10 of Our Best Luxury Villas in Tuscany. While there are many more wonderful examples across our website, these ten are some of the best of the best. Be sure to browse the rest of our luxury villas in Tuscany and find one that suits you!

9. La Terrazza Dei Frati

La Terrazza dei Frati is a magnificent 13th century stone farmhouse and is part of an ancient farm complex that dates back to the late Middle Ages, once used as a resting spot by Camaldolese Friars during their visits to the Romanesque parish church at Dicomano. Recently refurbished, the villa is furnished with great care and taste.

One of the things many people have in mind when planning a trip to Tuscany is trying the delicious ice-cream, or gelato (though there is a little bit of a difference between the two), that Italy is so famous for. If you are one of those people, then check out our picks of key places and shops that you need to check out.

If you feel like eating the best ice-cream in the world, you're going to need to find a luxury villa in San Gimignano. Located in the central Piazza della Cisterna, known all over the world and visited by a large number of celebrities is the Gelateria Dondoli or Gelateria di Piazza. The gelateria has won countless awards, invents flavour combinations that attract gourmet-lovers to the town on a regular basis and has made it World Champion on two occasions. Arguably, this is one of the best places in the entire world to try some ice-cream and is consistently mentioned in the most important travel and food guides. Produced daily with very fresh, dutifully selected ingredients, the quality of the product is beyond compare. Additionally, (and surprisingly) this gelateria happens to be one of the cheapest in all of Tuscany.

For those who trust Queen Bey in all things, you stop by Edoardo's once you have found a luxury villa in Florence. Beyoncé and Jay-Z documented visiting the parlour while in Florence in May 2015 and their recommendation is only one of many reasons why to choose it. Edoardo's uses natural ingredients and has a focus on quality, artisanal products. They are also the first certified organic gelateria in all of Tuscany. Designed to give off an old-school 1940s atmosphere from the ice cream in the carapina ice cream boxes, to the walnut furniture, to the counter full of drawers, to the vintage cash register and down to the retro clothing of the staff, it is a cool and photogenic spot that serves up good ice-cream.

Another spot worth visiting in Florence is Perchè no! (meaning “Why not!”) Located between Piazza della Signoria and Piazza della Repubblica, it is near many of the main museums and attractions in the city, which is handy, but it is the artisanal gelato made using all natural ingredients that really sells it. It even provides vegan and soy options which means everyone can enjoy their tasty ice-creams! With both complex and simple flavours, from matcha green tea to chocolate, there really is something for everyone.

So, next time you visit Tuscany, you know where to go!

Continuing on from our last article, in which we introduced some of the best cafés in Florence, here are some more locations that are a little younger, cooler, less dusty and historic but that still serve up great food and are perfect for sipping coffee and watching the world go by. Once you have found a luxury villa in Florence and are spending time exploring the city, dashing around from place to place, stop by one of these great locations for a little bit of peace and quiet.

5. Black Spring Bookshop

Black Spring Bookshop is not the type of place one would immediately imagine when thinking of Florence or fantasise about visiting as their holiday draws nearer and, yet, it is something special and well worth the visit. Just opened in 2014, it is a cool independent bookshop and coffee shop that is located in the quiet Via Camoldoli. Set in a beautifully lit space through an interior archway,

Continuing on from our last post, here is the next batch of our "Ten of Our Most Romantic Villas In Tuscany".

4. Cosimo

Cosimo is a small, elegant and perfectly formed apartment, built for two, located in the heart of Florence. Situated on the third floor of an historical building in Piazza della Signoria, it is just few steps from the likes of the Palazzo Vecchio and Uffizi. Decorated in a classical Florentine style, it is comprised of a welcoming entrance, living room and kitchen area with high end appliances, a beautiful double bedroom, and elegant bathroom. A perfect balance between warm and luxurious, this apartment is ideally located to explore the city. With one bedroom and sleeping up to three, it is available from €154 per night.

With Valentine's Day coming up, you may have been inspired to think a little longer on your loved ones and about spending quality time together.

While cards and gifts and flowers are all well and good, nothing beats making memories that will never wilt, go out of date or break.

So, here are ten of our most romantic vacation rentals in Tuscany in which you can make those memories.