Archive for 'Museums & Galleries'

During your next vacation to Tuscany why not spend a day or two in the glorious Empoli area in the lower Arno Valley of Florence? There are several charming towns and villages here that are of Roman origin which have plenty of things for tourists to see and do! If you wish to stay in the area for a few days, why not look at some superb vacation rentals with great reviews in Empoli town?

The rich fertile soil here has made Empoli into a successful agricultural area where many olive groves and vineyards thrive as well as many fields of healthy crops.

There is a huge range of nature trails and history attractions in the area as well as some fantastic towns to visit like Castelfiorentino, Montelupo, Montaione and Montespertoli.

Why not take a day to visit the intriguing Roman farm remains called Villa del Virginio in the province of Florence that dates back to the 1st century BC?

Discovered in the 1980’s by a team of local archaeologists, this well preserved structure offers tourists a rare glimpse back into Roman times as they walk around what was once the home of a very wealthy family that ran a huge farming business.

Visitors wishing to stay in this area to explore it for a few days have a fine choice of luxury villas in the nearby town of Montelupo.

Explore the extensive 3,000 square metre area that existed at the meeting point between the Virginio and Pesa rivers. Back in Roman times, this was the ideal spot for building a farming villa as it was close to water which workers would regularly carry and water the crops with under the burning Tuscan sun. History records detail the great importance this area was in terms of agricultural production for all of Tuscany!

Whether it is your first trip to Italy for your 100th, there are always new sites and sounds to take in thanks to the rich history and amazing culture. While many first-time visitors understandably spend much of their time visiting some of the more well-known tourist locations, there is a wealth of things to see and do throughout Italy, and in Tuscany in particular, that will surprise and delight you, not to mention keep you coming back time and again.

Here we are going to show you a side of the Isola d’Elba that you might be unfamiliar with. If you want to see it with your eyes, browse our vacation rentals in the area, and come to visit this amazing place.

You are more than likely familiar with Napoleon, at least by name and reputation. What you may not know is that he spent almost a year in exile on the beautiful Italian island of Elba from 1814 to 1815.

Although originally used for little more than the rich iron deposits that were found throughout the island, it is probably best known now as the location of some of the houses that Napoleon lived in during this period of his life.

If your are holidaying in or close to the city of Florence in Tuscany then a day trip around the Palazzo Strozzi is well worth your time! Situated between the Piazza Strozzi and the Tornabuoni road, this beautiful building and exhibition space is one of the finest examples of domestic Renaissance architecture in all of Florence.

Tourists planning to come here have plenty of luxurious holiday apartments and other rental accommodation available to them, both within Florence city and the surrounding area. Palazzo Strozzi is about a ten minute walk North West of the nearest train and bus station which is called Firenze Santa Maria Novella.

Palazzo Strozzi’s foundation was laid in 1489 but wasn’t completed until 1538. It was the home of the noble Strozzi family and remained in their ownership until 1937. It now belongs to the city of Florence and is its largest exhibition platform. Visitors can immerse themselves in the sheer magnificence of the exterior architectural design before going inside to be spoiled with an ocean of visual beauty from the many exhibitions it houses within its walls.

The Tuscan countryside is one of the most popular tourist destinations for individuals looking to experience Italy firsthand. From historic churches to unbelievable scenic destinations, the number of things to see and do are beyond what any person could accomplish in just one trip. If you want to experience the history of the area and get a feel for how the elite used to live, the homes of the Medici family should definitely be on your itinerary.

The simple fact is that you will not find architecture or scenery like this in any other part of the world or even in any other part of Italy.

Unlike the original residents of these homes, you do not have to be rich or famous to book your dream vacation rental and visit these buildings for yourself. From luxury villas to affordable vacation rentals, you can contact us and let our Villa specialists help you find the perfect vacation destination for you and your family.