Garden of Torre Guinigi, Lucca
Posted in: Castles & Palaces Curiosities Localities Lucca Must See Attractions Tourist Attractions
Feeling energetic this summer? Why not find yourself a luxury villa in Tuscany and pay a visit to the Torre Guinigi, or Guinigi Tower, in Lucca?

You will have quite the climb ahead of you, with over 200 steps to the top, but I can assure you that it will be well worth the effort!

Lucca, famous for its medieval architecture and intact city walls was once home to many tall towers, precursors to skyscrapers. Of the 250 towers like this that once existed in the city, the Torre Guinigi is sadly one of the very few that still stands there today.
Facade of Tempio di Minerva Medica, Montefoscoli
Posted in: Curiosities Legends Localities Pisa Tourist Attractions
If you find yourself in the Pisa area and have an interest in architecture and history that goes beyond the Leaning Tower, why not find some time to visit the charming little Temple of Minerva Medica, or Tempio di Minerva Medica, (Goddess of Medicine and Wisdom) in Montefoscoli?

The structure was built according to the wishes of the internationally renowned Andrea Vaccà Berlinghieri, a physician at the University of Pisa, and dedicated to his father, Francesco, who also worked as a professor of surgery at the university. It was constructed on the picturesque site where Francesco had intended to build a villa.
Calcio Storico Fiorentino, Florence
Posted in: Curiosities Events Florence June Localities Tourist Attractions
A precursor to soccer called il calcio storico fiorentino is played annually during the third week of June in Florence. Quite unlike the game that we are all familiar with, calcio storico is a brutal, violent sport intimately interconnected with the city's history, rivalries and codes of honour. It is more like a blend of soccer with rugby and boxing.

Not for the faint of heart, players often refuse to invite their families to games as they find it too difficult to watch. For the sports enthusiast however, it offers a unique experience. Why not book into a luxury villa nearby and come experience it for yourself?
Tuscan countryside
Posted in: Chianti Localities Must See Attractions Tourist Attractions Travel Tips Unesco World Heritage Sites
Tuscany, land of Renaissance splendour, fine wines and majestic landscapes!

Legacies of great civilisations like the Etruscans and Romans have left their mark in the form of old castles, hilltop towns and a varied collection of fascinating artefacts on show in museums here.

Tuscany encompasses the ingredients for any type of vacation you desire; be it a seaside holiday along the coast or relaxing in a peaceful villa with a pool in the rolling countryside hills further inland.
Church in Calci
Posted in: Churches & Religious Buildings Localities Pisa Small Towns Tourist Attractions
Spend a fascinating few hours in the welcoming town of Calci in Pisa province. The origin of the town’s name comes from the Latin terms ‘calx’ and ‘calcis’ meaning lime. This mineral is abundant in stone quarries around Calci town.

Choose from a wide range of stunning Tuscan luxury villas or peacefully located vacation rentals with a pool in the Calci area.

This quaint little commune is tucked in the amphitheatre shaped Val Grazioso at the foot of the Pisa Mountains. Calci is surrounded by olive groves, chestnut forests and fragrant pine woods which make it look like a perfect scene out of a fairy tale!