Archive for 'Must See Attractions'

Planning your next Tuscan getaway? Then check out this incredibly stylish apartment in the historic city of Cortona...

Cortona is medieval walled town perched on a hilltop overlooking the typical and lovely Tuscan landscape of rolling green hills and lush farmland plains of the region. One of the most undeniably picturesque destinations in all of Tuscany, it is the idyllic setting of the beloved book and film, “Under the Tuscan Sun.” With origins dating all the way back to the Etruscans and the Romans, it is steeped in history and tradition and is remarkably well-preserved. Merely wandering around the historic centre is a pleasant activity that could well occupy an entire day but in addition to the charming surroundings and aesthetic of this ancient citadel, there is an array of incredible museums in the town. Cortona boasts a City Museum, library, Museum of the Accademia Etrusca (MAEC), and Etruscan Academy Art Gallery (home to works by a variety of Tuscan and local artists from the 13th to the 17th century, such as Pinturicchio, Signorelli, Taddeo Gaddi, Spinello Aretino, Piazzetta and more) all located in the beautiful Palazzo Casali. Another fascinating museum in town is the Diocesan Museum and there are a number of gorgeous churches, including the Church of Santa Maria Nuova built according the design of famous 16th century architect Giorgio Vasari.

The Palazzo delle Papesse is a beautiful historic palace and architectural gem located in the centre of Siena that has a rich and fascinating history and is currently playing host to an equally fascinating exhibition that brings together the art of famous surrealist Salvador Dalí and the thoughts, theories, and discoveries of some of the ground-breaking and world-leading scientists who intrigued him, including Galileo, who once lived for a time in the building after his abjuration. A lesser-known but truly incredible tourist attraction in the historic core of this beautiful city, it is a must-see for those who browse our Tuscany villas and then find a vacation rental in Siena.

Tuscany and Italy, in general, are both places famous for style, culture, and incredibly-made objects. There are countless heritage brands throughout the region that have existed for literal centuries and continue to produce stunning items. Of course, we know of the Guccis and the Ferragamos of the world but there are countless other amazing Tuscan brands to discover. In particular, there are lots and lots of wonderful homewares brands that produce the kind of stunning household goods that interiors lovers will lust over and even the totally uninterested will stop and admire in awe. Among these, the ceramics brand Ginori 1735 is an exceptionally brilliant example. Of course, with the expertise, impeccable design and construction, and gravitas lent by the age and reputation of the brand, the price tag associated with their goods in not insubstantial. For many, a large proportion of their pieces will fall well outside their usual budget for such things. However, if you like to invest in your homewares, or you really just want to own something from this beloved brand yourself, or you have a larger budget to play around with then you might be interested in the Ginori 1735 factory shop in Sesto Fiorentino. A brilliant way to get your hands on some stunning pieces at discounted rates or to really stock up if you are one of those people who have a larger budget, this is a must-stop spot for all interiors obsessives who find a luxury villa in Florence and are planning on spending some time exploring the area around the city or for those who find a villa with pool in Tuscany and are willing to make a specific day trip to the store.

The town of Montepulciano is a town famous for its wine and, certainly, those interested in Tuscan wine will find incredible wineries to visit and taste wine in the vicinity, charming restaurants where delicious meals are perfectly paired with excellent vintages, chic bars to share a bottle with their travel companions, and some great shops to purchase a bottle of wine to enjoy as they relax in one of our amazing Tuscany villas if they spend any time in the area. However, if you also like somewhat unusual events and traditional festivals and celebrations on top of tasty wines then it would be best to plan your vacation in Montepulciano during the month of August, around the time of the Bravio delle Botti. This somewhat bizarre but very exciting and interesting event is a rather special annual race that takes place in town each summer and sees representatives of the different neighbourhoods of Montepulciano compete by dashing through the pretty historic centre while pushing a giant wine barrel. Though the sight of it might momentarily make you concerned that you have been indulging in the local speciality a little too liberally, we can assure you that this silly and fun event makes for the best opportunity and time of year to get to know Montepulciano.

For many people, shopping is an integral part of travel and getting to know a new place when you are on holidays. In particular, the unique finds, characters, excitement, and atmosphere of local fairs and markets are a brilliant part of getting to grips with a holiday destination and a perfect place to find the best mementos, souvenirs, and gifts. If you are one of these individuals and you have been considering our Tuscany villas while planning your next vacation, then this is your sign to book your villa in Tuscany today because few other places anywhere else can compete when it comes to volume, quality, and uniqueness of fairs and markets. Tuscany abounds with incredible markets that sell everything from local wine, to sun-ripened fresh fruit, to handmade crafts, to baked goods that smell utterly divine, to chic vintage finds, to works of art, to some of the best antiques in the globe. For the bargain-hunter or gem-finder who loves nothing more than to potter about, browsing bits, snacking, enjoying your surroundings, people-watching, and generally taking things slow and easy, then the endless list of local fairs and markets throughout Tuscany’s picturesque little towns and villages and famously lovely cities is sure to delight. One particularly note-worthy example if you are planning a vacation in Tuscany this summer and especially if you find a villa with swimming pool in Arezzo is the annual Fiera Antiquaria taking place on the 2nd and the 3rd of July and the 6th and the 7th of August 2022 (as well as on dates in September, October, November, and December – check out the website for more details).