Archive for 'Must See Attractions'

There are certain works of art that most of the world has grown up seeing all their lives. Many of these works come from the Renaissance and are still to be found in the so-called birthplace of the Renaissance itself, Florence. So, for anyone with even somewhat of an interest in European art, a luxury villa in Florence and a trip to the city at least once in their lifetime is an absolute must. In addition to enjoying the many other charms of Tuscany, a vacation in Florence ensures that you can see those so familiar works of art with your very own eyes and see how they stack up by comparison to what you imagined. One of the most iconic of all of these works in Florence and one of the definite must-sees has to be Michelangelo's idealised male form, his David.

Siena is one of Tuscany's most beautiful and picturesque historic towns. A Medieval gem famous for its iconic annual Palio horse race that takes place in the historical core of the the city each summer, it is a place where it appears as if time has long stood still. Come and wander her paved streets past stunning churches and incredible palaces, sample local delights, sip coffee or eat ice-cream while people-watching in bustling piazze, taste delicious wines produced in the verdant and breath-taking landscape that surrounds, visit amazing museums and galleries, and delve into the surprisingly long list of things to see and do in this astounding little city. If you want to experience a Tuscan city rich in culture, attractions, and charm but you want to avoid the somewhat bigger crowds of the likes of Florence, then you should definitely browse our villas in Siena and get booking a holiday today!

If you need more convincing as to why you should choose a vacation in Siena, here are just five of many great reasons to plan a holiday in the city...

When you plan a holiday, you can find that costs begin to add up quick and it is always good to have some excellent but inexpensive or free activities to add into your itinerary. If you are planning a vacation in Tuscany and you have found a villa with a pool in Siena, for example, then you should definitely consider planning a trip to the Natural History Museum of the Accademia dei Fisiocritici in Siena.

If you have found a luxury villa in Florence or a villa with pool in Florence then we recommend spending plenty of time to both thoroughly explore all that interests you in that beautiful city and to also go beyond it to other attractions in the surrounding area. Florence is a great, pretty central base from which to explore the wider region of Tuscany. Whether you are renting a car or you want to rely on public transport, this is the best and easiest place from which to do both when planning day-trips to other parts of Tuscany such as the comune of Poggio a Caiano in the province of Prato, which is home to a stunning Medici Villa, gorgeous gardens, an excellent museum, and a pretty town.

The villa at Poggio a Caiano is set on the slopes of Mount Albano and was a summer residence for the Medici that was built for Lorenzo the Magnificent, according to plans by Giuliano da Sangallo. It is located right between Florence, Prato and Pistoia, areas over which the Medici and Florence worked to control. Begun at the end of the fifteenth century, but not completed until halfway through the sixteenth century, as work was interrupted by Lorenzo's death in 1492, the villa was continued under Pope Leo X, Lorenzo's son. This pause in the building process, however, would inadvertently give it the time to become one of the greatest architectural gems of the period as increasing refinements in implementing classical motifs and ideals into Renaissance architecture came about in the interim period. Furthermore, subsequent occupants made minimal changes to it over the following centuries, leaving it to remain a testament to Renaissance taste and ideals.

For those interested in opera, a vacation in Italy at some point in your life is an absolute must. As both the birthplace of the genre and one of the major world capitals of opera, if you are interested in seeing the most incredible productions in the most spectacular historic venues, it is the destination for you. However, if you are a super fan of Puccini, in particular, and you were thinking of a vacation in Tuscany, then you should browse our villas with a pool in Lucca. Lucca has many claims to fame but one of its most lauded and famous sons was Puccini and for those who love him and his work, it is a special experience to walk streets that once inspired the artist. And, of course, you can't miss out on a visit to the Villa Museo Puccini, or Puccini House Museum.

Located at Torre del Lago, with an incredible view over Lake Massaciuccoli, the Puccini House Museum was Puccini's home and is now run as a museum dedicated to the great composer by his descendants. Not only is it a fascinating spot for those looking to learn more about the famous maestro and his life and work, it is also, in of itself, a beautiful and incredibly interesting architectural gem. Designed by the architect Giuseppe Puccinelli, this Art Nouveau looker was created in collaboration with Puccini himself and a host of great artisans such as Galileo Chini, the maker of the gorgeous fireplace in the main living space, and Nomellini, who painted the pictorial decorations on the walls.