Archive for 'Tourist Attractions'

Tuscany is famously a destination for art-lovers and a hub of extraordinary art works, galleries, museums, churches stuffed with incredible pieces of art, public statuary and sculpted fountains, astounding architectural gems and much more besides. Much of this can be traced back to the remarkable outpouring of world-famous artistic talents throughout the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and art movements from the following centuries such as Mannerism, Impressionism, and more as well as lingering remainders of the ancient Romans. However, though there may be fewer examples with names as famous as Giotto, Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Titian, and Caravaggio (to name but a small selection), Tuscany has also produced some incredibly famous scientists and has been a major hub of scientific discovery throughout the centuries. A vacation rental in Tuscany is, therefore, ideal for any science enthusiasts looking to learn more about both the world around them and above them!

A Tuscany villa is an excellent idea for those who want to enjoy a relaxing getaway as the entire region is home to lots of natural hot springs and the charming and historic spa towns that have grown up around these destinations. Drawing generations upon generations of both locals, Italians from other parts of the country, and tourists from all over the globe to enjoy the restorative waters and a range of other relaxing and holistic treatments, these are the places that you want to go to if you are looking to truly unwind and rest on your next vacation. We have discussed many different naturally-occurring hot springs, thermal parks, spas, and spa towns previously but one of the most luxurious spots in the entire region to enjoy a day at the spa and in the hot spring waters that we haven’t mentioned before has to be Bagni di Pisa. The day spa here, at this stunning 5 star hotel in a beautiful 18th century building, is a real slice of heaven and is ideal for those who have found a villa with pool in Pisa and are looking to treat themselves to a properly luxurious spa experience.

Located in the spa town of San Giuliano Terme, about 5km from the city of Pisa, the Bagni di Pisa spa is a serious looker, with the thermal pools and baths set in an elegant courtyard of the building, framed by lovely architectural details such a pilasters and arched windows looking into the old palace. This setting is a wonderful and atmospheric place to soak in the restorative waters and is an especially refined counterpart to the famous outdoor springs such as the iconic example in Saturnia – though we would highly recommend a visit to both types if you can manage it! 

The benefit of exploring churches throughout the region if you have found a Tuscany villa, no matter your religious affiliation or lack thereof, is that an incredible number of them house spectacular artworks by some of the most famous artists from the region throughout history. This is true of both tiny little churches that might not seem like anything from the outside and, more often of course, of the various town cathedrals throughout Tuscany. If you find a villa with pool in Siena, for example, and are spending time discovering all that beautiful and historic city has to offer, then you will likely see the ornate Gothic façade, rising tower, and central dome of the Duomo (or cathedral) from various points around the city. This might give you pause to consider the building and we highly recommend going one step further and actually planning a visit to this gem while staying in your villa in Siena. With a richly ornamented exterior and a stunning interior that boasts artworks by the likes of Pisano, Donatello, and Michelangelo, it is a wonderful reflection of the artistic heritage of Tuscany and is full of gorgeous objects and pieces of art to admire...

Walks on warm late spring or summer days, when the air is heavy with the scent of blooms and your surroundings are abuzz with the movement of bugs and bees busy going about their day, are often when one might be lucky enough to spy a butterfly floating past. These beautiful creatures are a wonder to behold and if you’re particularly interested in them and how they add to the ambiance and loveliness of a place then you should probably head to an area known to be rich in them or to an actual butterfly sanctuary. These are the best places to be sure to spot colourful and impossibly delicate little wings gliding and bobbing past. So, if you’re out to go for a stroll with some butterflies likely included in the process and you are looking for a villa on the Tuscan Coast this summer, then we highly recommend a visit to the Santuario delle Farfalle "Ornella Casnati", or Ornella Casnati Butterfly Sanctuary on Elba Island. There are plenty of reasons to plan a day trip to Elba while enjoying a vacation rental on the Tuscan Coast or a Tuscany villa as it is but an idyllic wander through this especially charming and scenic part of the island is another great attraction.