Archive for 'Tourist Attractions'

As if the Tuscan island of Elba wasn't close enough to paradise on earth as it is, were you aware that it is also home to a world famous and exceptionally beautiful spa? The Thermal Baths of San Giovanni, located in front of Portoferraio gulf, are known for the healthy properties of its waters. Built in a thermal basin over five hectares of muddy land, rich in iron, iodine and sulphur, are the perfect natural setting for the ultimate day of relaxation. Between the stunning surroundings and naturally occurring ingredients, it's certainly unlike most spas you'll visit. Why not find a luxury villa on the Tuscan Coast and take a day out to experience the Thermal Baths of San Giovanni for yourself?

The home of Leonardo isn’t actually found within the town of Vinci, but is actually located nearby in the foothills of Montalbano in a village called Anchiano in the comune of Vinci. Leonardo da Vinci was born in Anchiano on April 15, 1452 as the illegitimate child of a servant and a local landowner. The surrounding landscape, typically Tuscan, will be familiar to any fans of the master as it often appeared in his works. The house in which he grew up was reopened to the public in 2012 and is a must for anyone who adores his ouevre. Find a villa with internet in Vinci and step into the area's rich past while easily staying in touch with the present.

If you still haven't had enough of Da Vinci after the last post why not find a luxury villa in Vinci and spend a couple days following his trail around Anchiano and Vinci?

Once you have visited his birthplace and the museum there, have been told the story of his life by a hologram and taken in the breath-taking Tuscan countryside which surrounds and inspired his work, you can follow one of the many itineraries that explore the surrounding territory.

One of the most beautiful and interesting of these itineraries is known as the Strada Verde, or Green Road.

In 1972 Dr. Roberto Mattoni, a veterinary surgeon, created the first Zoo Park of European Fauna in the town of Poppi in Arezzo. A natural park occupying 50 hectares of land covered in pines, oaks and chestnut trees, it is the only park of its kind and specialises in European Fauna. At the centre of the park there is also a Church dedicated to St. Francesco with beautiful views of Casentino, a lake with waterfowl, the Castle of Poppi, a botanical garden, playground, restaurant and the sacred mount of Verna. The park is open all year and is the perfect place to bring children or to have family days with lots to do and see and long opening hours.

To the west of the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Duomo there is a Baptistery which is dedicated to St. John the Baptist. Construction began in 1152 but was not completed until 1363. Largely Romanesque and Gothic in style it does, however, display Byzantine and Islamic influences as well. Small and perfectly formed and built to allow for exceptional acoustics, it is a symmetrical architectural gem, only a stone's throw from the more famous Leaning Tower. Why not find a villa with pool in the Pisa area and visit the tower and the baptistery, it's lesser-known but equally fascinating and incredibly beautiful cousin?