Archive for 'Travel Tips'

Continuing on from the last post in this series, this article aims to discuss more of the things that you need to keep in mind if you are planning on driving in Tuscany. Driving on Tuscan roads can be pretty stressful and there are some important (and unique) traits to the rules of the road in the region that need to be known before you ever climb into a car. In order to prevent your holiday from being ruined and any serious incidents or annoying missteps from occurring, here are some more facts that you should keep in mind.

3. Gas (and getting it)

Gasoline in Italy is at some of the highest rates in Europe, so bear that in mind. Also keep in mind that while the stations along the autostrade are open 24/7 and handy, they generally cost up to 10 cents more per liter.     Read More

Driving in Tuscany is kind of impossible to avoid and necessary to avoid – both at the same time. It really depends on where you are spending your holiday.

If you are staying in a small town or the countryside, a car is kind of a must, unless you want to have an incredibly relaxed time and do little other than relax in a vacation rental with a pool in Tuscany or there is a train station in the town. Realistically, however, relying on public transport can be awkward for tourists in rural Tuscany and it also means some places will still be pretty much impossible to get to. One of the best days of my family's recent trip to Tuscany was spent in a winery that was up a mountainside, down some winding back roads that would have been impossible to reach otherwise.     Read More

Having recently spent hours in the Uffizi Gallery, I have learned a lot through error from the experience and picked up some great tips for making sure I have a much more relaxed time during my next visit. If you have found a vacation rental in the Florence area, the Uffizi is, no doubt, on your itinerary. Read up on my tips and tricks in the last post and this one and make sure that you have a lovely day at one of the world's most incredible art galleries.

4. Avoid the groups

I suggested booking as a group but I would also try avoiding the big groups as they can really hamper your experience. Every time I spotted them, I changed direction as they get in the way and it is impossible to see anything.     Read More

Visiting the Uffizi Gallery was one of the highlights of my recent trip to Tuscany but having read so much about it in the past, I found that it was a very different experience actually going there and I learned quite a few things in the process. Here are my practical tips for visiting the Uffizi once you have found a vacation rental in the Florence area.

1. Book Tickets In Advance

I always say this in guides but it really is true. We had booked our tickets in advance and we still found ourselves approaching a rather depressingly long line. However, it moved quite quickly and we were in in no time.     Read More