Archive for 'Must See Attractions'

Picture your ideal way to explore the perfect and utterly picturesque countryside of Tuscany? Does it involve a Vespa? It should! What better way to see the pretty hilltop towns, rolling green hills and pastures, and vineyards and avenues of cypresses than from a Vespa as you zip around? You can feel the wind in your hair, take perfect commemorative photos on it, easily hop on and off to get a closer look at things, and you can get a real slice of the Italian experience. Sounds idyllic, right? Well, if you have found a vacation rental in Siena and want to explore the typically Tuscan and beautiful landscape of Chianti, then this package tour is just the thing!

Leonardo da Vinci is, without a doubt, one of the most famous names in the history of art. Throughout the centuries, while other artists have had fluctuating levels of fame and popularity, Da Vinci has remained one of the most globally recognised, fascinating, and elusive figures. His artistic skill, multiple talents in several fields, visionary ideas, intriguing glimpses of his personal life, his long string of unfinished works, and his unique career path are all captivating traits that have ensured the continued interest in the artist and this year that interest is set to only increase as we celebrate the 500th anniversary of his death on the 2nd of May 1519.

Museums, galleries, palaces, restaurants, wineries: these are probably the locations that first come to mind when picturing spending time in Tuscany. However, that beautiful and iconic landscape that Tuscany is famous for needs to be ventured out into and explored. Driving around or heading to outdoor activities like kayaking, zip lining, horse riding, and more are one way to experience it but an excellent way to see the landscape at its most beautiful is by going hiking. One particularly lovely place to go hiking is Pania della Croce.

This mountain in the Apuan Alps is the highest peak in the Panie Group, located not far from the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea and boasts views over Monviso, Monte Amiata, Corsica and the coastline on very clear days. For those who have found a holiday rental in Lucca or a villa rental on the Tuscan Coast, and who are looking to take in the majestic natural beauty of Tuscany, it is the perfect spot for a hike.

The landscape of Tuscany is always beautiful but each season boasts particular charms; the impossible technicolour of lush green lawns, sprinkled flowers, and blue skies of Summer, the golden tones and heavy vines of Autumn, the stark appeal and fogs of Winter, and, of course, the stunning fields of colourful blooms in Spring. Tuscany is especially lovely under a blanket of flowers so why not go ahead and find a vacation rental in Tuscany and explore the rolling hills and sleepy villages under a spell of blooms from the beginning of Spring right through Summer? If you are planning a trip over the coming months, these are the areas and flowers that you should keep an eye out for as you wander the region....

1. Foreste Casentinesi National Park

This national park is always a natural beauty and incredible nature reserve but it is even more amazing during Spring when the snowy white narcissus anemone, purple saxifrage, and red bilberry all start to sprout up among the maple and spruce trees like a rainbow-coloured blanket.

If you are very attached to your four-legged best friend and can't bear to part with them, if you're planning on bringing them with you on holiday and want to do activities where they don't have to be left out, or if you simply like dogs a whole bunch and you're booking a trip to Tuscany, then you need to take note of one particular destination: the Dog Beach of San Vincenzo, in Livorno. This dog-friendly cove is a wonderful stretch of soft sand, lapped by clear waters that is made all the more beautiful for all the cute critters wandering around. Dog-lovers who have found a vacation rental in Livorno, keep it in mind: it is a must!