Archive for 'Pretty Views'

This week we have been talking all about adventures in Tuscany and some of the most scenic spots that are located around the province of Lucca and it would be remiss of us, therefore, not to mention Foce a Giovo. If you have found a luxury villa in Tuscany or a luxury villa in Lucca, in particular, and are looking for places to enjoy outdoor pursuits, get some fresh air, and take in incredible views, Foce a Giovo is an excellent place to head to for a day-trip full of fun, action, and adventure!

Tuscany's beautiful landscape goes far beyond her famous softly rolling green hills and is more diverse than many may be aware of: varying from snow-capped peaks to dense forests and glassy lakes to perfect beaches. If you have found a luxury villa in Tuscany and are spending some time exploring the region and all that she has to offer, then you will likely encounter this often undersold and under-represented wealth of natural phenomena and beauties and, if you are interested in different outdoor activities, you will find that Tuscany is an excellent destination for those interested all sorts of adventures and outdoor experiences. In particular, if you have found a luxury villa in Lucca and are looking to stretch your legs and hike in the area then you'll be glad to note the presence of the incredibly lovely Parco dell'Orecchiella.

When people think of the beaches of Italy, their minds often go quickly to Sicily, Sardinia, to the Amalfi Coast. However, if you are in search of wonderful seaside destinations in Italy, you might consider planning a trip to Tuscany, instead. In addition to the impossible cultural heritage and artistic wealth of the region, the stunning landscapes and cityscapes, and the wonderful foodie culture, Tuscany is also home to the Tuscan Coast and endless incredible beaches to choose from. Just find a vacation rental on the Tuscan Coast and come explore the options!

Many of the region's best beaches, however, are located on the island of Elba. This little slice of paradise on earth is famously the place to which Napoleon was exiled and is, additionally, home to some stunning beaches where the waters are especially crystal clear, the surroundings especially lovely, and the natural beauty well-protected and cared for. While there are lots of little beaches on the island, one of the most popular, beautiful, and famous of Elba's beaches is, without a doubt, Fetovaia.

Those who have found a luxury villa in Florence will have no shortage of museums, famous works of art, architectural gems, incredible palaces, stunning churches, historic attractions, and more to visit and, while these are all truly fascinating must-sees, we also recommend delving into the beautiful outdoor spaces that also exist in Florence. We have often mentioned the famous gardens of Florence, many of which are holdovers from the time in which nobles with incredible townhouses featuring extravagant grounds filled with flowers, statues, grottoes, fountains, and more ruled over the city and great swathes of Tuscany but there are also some parks that were specifically created as urban spaces for residents and visitors to relax and enjoy the outdoors. One particularly lovely example of this latter type of garden in Florence is the Giardino delle Rose, or Rose Garden.

Located in the Oltrarno district of Florence, just below the Piazzale Michelangelo, the position of the Giardino delle Rose means that it boasts a rather impressive and lovely panorama over the city. Created in 1865 by the Florentine architect Giuseppe Poggi (who had also designed the Piazzale above), in the year that the capital of Italy had been moved from Turin to Florence, as part of a commission by the municipality of Florence to develop the left bank of the Arno River, the garden was designed as an attractive outdoor space that would befit the new capital city. About 1 hectare in size, the space was once part of the Podere San Francesco (San Francesco farm), which was the property of the order of the Oratorian Fathers. It was then redesigned and transformed into a terraced garden by Attilio Pucci and it was under his guidance that a rose collection was first planted and established.

Holidays are made for doing things you have never tried before and for doing the things that you love but normally do not have the time or energy to pursue in your daily life. From surfing to hiking to wine-tasting, there are all sorts of pursuits that can be enjoyed at your leisure while on holidays, without worrying about having to get back to chores or work and without having to consider any potential costs incurred in the way that you might normally have to factor into your plans. For many, one great example of an activity that they may have long loved but never have quite enough time for or easy access to if they live in bigger towns and cities and an activity that others may be curious about but never actually got around to trying out is horseback riding! Particularly enjoyable if you are exploring new landscapes, horseback riding is especially wonderful for those who have found a vacation rental in Tuscany as the stunning, rolling hills and pastoral settings of the Tuscan countryside make for the perfect place to befriend a new equine pal and plod along together through the prettiest of surroundings.