Archive for 'Tourist Attractions'

While lots of people associate a vacation in Tuscany with good eating, architectural gems, picturesque wineries, incredible museums full of world-famous works of art, historic old towns, a pretty and pastoral rural landscape, and holidays full of rest and relaxation, those looking for a little bit of adventure will discover that there is plenty for them to enjoy in the region, as well. From canyoning experiences, to hiking, to horse-riding, and more, there are lots of things to do in Tuscany that will keep you active and offer plenty of excitement. However, for one of the most unique adventures that Tuscany has to offer, you need to head to the spa resort town of Monsummano Terme. You won't be coming for the wonderful spa facilities (although you could always kill two birds with one stone and book in for some spa treatments and time in a natural hot spring while you are in town), though but an one-of-a-kind diving experience. Conveniently located between Florence, Pisa, and Lucca, the town and this unique adventure makes for a perfect day trip if you have found a luxury villa in Florence, a luxury villa in Pisa, or a luxury villa in Lucca or is just one activity that you can pencil in and enjoy during your stay if you have found a vacation rental in Monsummano Terme.

If you are planning on a vacation in Tuscany and you have some kids in your party that are animal-crazy or just anyone who is interested in the great outdoors and getting out and exploring it, then we highly recommend a visit to the Oasi WWF Bosco del Bottaccio, or the Bottaccio WWF Oasis in Capannori. This wonderful natural gem is the last part of the plain woodland that surrounded the Lake of Bientina that remains and is an example of the rich wetlands that once made up much of Tuscany's landscape. With a diverse and important flora and fauna and lots of paths to walk, it is a scenic place to enjoy a rather distinctive and beautiful but lesser-known part of Tuscany and to learn more about the natural world. If you have found a vacation rental in Lucca or a holiday rental in Pisa, it is a must-see.

There are lots of different wineries that one can choose to visit while on vacation in Tuscany but if you have found a luxury villa in Florence and are looking for a pretty, respected, and nearby winery to head to on a day trip out of the city then few options could be as ideal as Castello di Nipozzano. Located high on a hillside in the municipality of Pelago in the Chianti wine region, near Florence, overlooking the towns of San Francesco and Pontassieve and the ancient Roman road, the Cassia Vetus, it has long been a point of strategic importance in guarding the city of Florence. It has also been long recognised as a rather special architectural gem and has been a winery that is opened to the public and a foodie destination since the 20th century. A truly magical and utterly beautiful place to sample some delicious local wines, it is a must for wine-lovers who are spending time in Florence.

If you have been looking for a lesser-known corner of Tuscany to explore on your next getaway then we highly recommend a trip to San Miniato. San Miniato is most famous for its world-renowned truffle market each year and the surrounding area produces some of the finest white truffles in the globe. It is, therefore, a destination that some foodies may well have heard of before. However, there is more to this charming little town and plenty of other reasons to visit, though if you're a truffle fan then an autumnal getaway in the area is definitely a good idea as it is awash with delicious local products and produce to try during the harvest season. In addition to the good eating, San Miniato also boasts a charming and historic centre that has been largely untouched by time and is perfect for wandering, handmade leather goods made locally, a kite festival each Easter, wonderful panoramic views over the stunning surrounding Tuscan landscape, a small art museum that boasts famous names like Filippo Lippi, Fra Bartolomeo, and Verrocchio, and some stunning architectural gems. One such architectural gem is the town's beautiful cathedral.

The skyline of Florence is one of the most beautiful in the world as it has remained relatively untouched by time and is dominated by distinctive and stunning buildings such as the Duomo. Thankfully, if you have found a luxury villa in Florence, you will quickly discover that there are lots of buildings, outdoor spaces, and viewing points from which to enjoy incredible sweeping views over the city and the skyline. There are several gardens, most of which were once the private outdoor spaces of the nobility of Florence, in particular, that boast exceptional panoramas over the city from the Rose Garden of Florence to the Boboli Gardens. However, one of the best views of all over Florence, and one of the most scenic settings from which to take it all in, is boasted by the Giardino Bardini, or Bardini Garden.

Only opened to the public in recent years, the gardens of the Villa Bardini are located atop the hilly part of Oltrarno and look down over Florence, affording incredible views over most of the city. However, in addition to offering great panoramas of the city and framing them beautiful with trees and flowers, the garden itself is quite the looker. One of the loveliest gardens in all of Italy, it is well worth a wander.