Archive for 'Pretty Views'

The Tuscan town of Collodi, not far from Florence, is most famous as the place where the beloved children's character Pinocchio was created by author Carlo Collodi and featured in the 1883 book, “The Adventures of Pinocchio”. Propelled into fame on a global scale when the story was made into an animated classic by Disney in 1940, Pinocchio became an integral figure in the lives of many children throughout the world. Those who are particularly fond of the puppet who learned how to become a boy and his story and who have found a luxury villa in Collodi (or who have found a luxury villa in Florence and are planning a day trip to the area) will, no doubt, be sure to plan a trip to the theme park dedicated to character, Pinocchio Park. Throughout the town, too, you will find lots of different tributes to the story and plenty of souvenirs on sale from the massive statue of the puppet visible all over town to the little Pinocchio figures sold all over. However, if you are not merely interested in Pinocchio, you will find that the charming little town of Collodi actually has more to offer visitors beyond the park with its rides and whimsy, it is also home to the exceptional Garzoni Gardens and the Butterfly House, which are located just a few minutes away on foot.

If you have been considering a luxury villa in Florence and look forward to exploring the endless cultural pursuits, museums, galleries, architectural and artistic gems, boutiques, bars, coffee shops, restaurants, markets, street art, haunted spots, and more that can be found in the city but are also in search of some more peaceful days during your vacation, then you should definitely plan a day trip to the lovely area of Reggello. While a holiday in Florence means you'll never be short of things to see and do and experience, it can sometimes be a little tiring to constantly be surrounded by tourist crowds and to have to line up for various tourist attractions.

Cue a day or two or more set aside to explore the area surrounding Florence, where you'll find picturesque villages, impossibly pretty landscapes, fewer crowds, and a much slower pace of life just a stone's throw from the city. Reggello, in fact, is the quintessential example of one such nearby destination. So, book your villa with pool in Florence today, secure in the knowledge that you can have both the endless appeal of such a wonderful cultural capital full of history and heritage and cosmopolitan delights as well as easy access to sleepy little towns ideal for getting away from it all for a while, without compromising on one of the other!

There is no shortage of great views across Tuscany or panoramic spots from which to enjoy them; from the skyline of Florence seen from the tower of the Palazzo Vecchio to the view over the rolling hills and woods of the Crete Senesi as viewed from Monte Oliveto to the post-card perfect views over the famous Tuscan countryside taken in from the Podere Belvedere. Tuscany, with her endless vineyards, medieval hilltop towns, rolling green landscape, and stunning coastline, is just an impossibly scenic holiday destination, in general. Retaining lots of traditional charm, her towns themselves are also incredibly picturesque and wonderful places to wander aimlessly, soaking up the unique atmosphere and historic appeal of this lovely part of the world. If you have found a villa on the Tuscan Coast and are exploring the area, there is one particular spot that beautifully combines the region's scenic views and quaint old towns in a rather magical way: located in the coastal town of Piombino is the singular and utterly astounding Piazza Bovio.

The lands of Tuscany, particularly around Florence, Pisa, and Lucca, were highly contested and fought over by various rulers and factions in the Middle Ages and Renaissance. As a result, many fortified structures remain dotted throughout the already picturesque landscape of the region, making it all the more charming and magical. There are, of course, some that are prettier or better-preserved than others and one of the best and most charming examples of all has to be the lovely Fortezza di Montecarlo, or Montecarlo Fortress, built in four phases between the 12th and 16th centuries and located in a highly desirable strategic position between the valleys of Lucca and Valdinievole. If you have found a villa with pool in Lucca and you are looking to visit one of Tuscany's most magical fairytale castles, then this is an excellent option!

Monte Pisano (also known as the Monti Pisano but not to be confused with the Pisan Hills) is a small mountainous area in north-central Tuscany that separates Pisa and Lucca. A beautiful part of the country that is perfect for hiking, biking, photography enthusiasts, and those interested in different outdoor pursuits, it is the spot to head to if you have found a villa in Lucca or a luxury villa in Pisa and you are looking to get active during your holiday in the area.

Taking in stunning views over the picture-perfect landscapes of the surrounding area of Tuscany, there are many panoramic spots to enjoy and capture this gorgeous part of the world if you are exploring the area in and around Monte Pisano. However, probably the best, most exciting, and most impressive way to take in those views is from the air itself. How might one achieve this you may ask? Why, by heading out on a tandem paragliding adventure, of course!