Archive for 'Siena'

There is no shortage of things to see and do and incredible attractions in Tuscany but there are seven designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the region: the historic centre of Florence (initiated in 1982); the Cathedral square of Pisa (1987); the historical centre of San Gimignano (1990); the historical centre of Siena (1995); the historical centre of Pienza (1996); the Val d'Orcia (2004), and the Medici Villas and Gardens (2013).

If you are planning a trip to Tuscany, these heavy hitters would all be excellent activities. In the last post, we discussed the first two entries on the list so here are more of those UNESCO sites and why you need to visit!

3. The Historical Centre of San Gimignano

When you're looking for anything – somewhere good to eat, a nice bar, a fun activity, a quiet beach – we tend to search for reviews nowadays. Hearing what real people have to say about something helps give us peace of mind and these reviews are even more important to consider when booking a holiday rental. Luckily, here at Tuscany Villas, we have been blessed with lots of customers who give us great feedback. Therefore, we thought that it would be a good idea to put together a list of our most-reviewed properties to show some of the excellent villas and experiences you can expect when you book with us!

1. Torre Del Cielo

Torre del Cielo is a superb 5 bedroom villa that boasts a large garden, a swimming pool and fantastic panoramic views over a valley towards lush green Tuscan hills.

Italians are serious about their pizza, as are tourist because, most of us could probably agree, it is one of the highlights of any trip to Italy. To help you have the best possible trip to Italy (and the best possible pizza), we have compiled a list of some of the highest rated and most beloved pizza places in Tuscany. Read on for the pizza you have always dreamed of and find a luxury villa in Tuscany for the holiday you have always dreamed of.

3. Lucca – Pizzeria da Felice

Pizzeria da Felice has been in business for over a hundred years and, yet, remains the most beloved pizza place in Lucca. Located on Via Buia 12, it is the type of place that inspires repeat visits; so much so that some report visiting several times in a trip and, even, twice in one day!

The Abbey of Sant’Antimo, located 9km from Montalcino in Tuscany, is one of the most beautiful of all Romanesque churches in Italy. Local legend attributes its foundation to Charlemagne in the 8th century AD, a miracle that helped cure his army of a plague and a promise to build an abbey on the land where they were saved. Recorded history, however, has a different tale to tell and puts the foundation further back, to the Longobards and the Monastery of St. Savior. The site also is thought to have originally been the location of an ancient Roman villa. The existence of Sant'Antimo, itself, is recorded since at least the 9th century.

This past week, Tuscany has welcomed some rather high-profile tourists; Barack and Michelle Obama, who arrived in Tuscany last Friday for a six-day holiday at a luxury Tuscan estate. The former President of the United States of America and his wife stayed in a luxury resort called Borgo Finocchieto, a town located to the south of Siena, that was bought by a US ambassador in 2001.

The village is made up of a grand manor house with 22 suites and several villas all arranged around a central piazza, boasting facilities such as a 60ft-long oval swimming pool, a library, tennis court, wine-tasting room, cellar and basketball court. More than 800 years old, the village offers views across the surrounding hills and valleys and is located on the route of the Via Francigena, the ancient pilgrimage route that connected Canterbury to Rome.