Archive for 'Curiosities'

Not far from Montepulciano, in the rolling, lush landscape of this famous and beautiful wine area in Tuscany, you will find a truly incredible garden. The Parco Villa Trecci is something really special, one of those places that is absolutely breathtakingly lovely. Surrounding the Villa Trecci, a country villa located along the Via di San Bartolomeo, a stone’s throw from Monticchiello, the gardens of the park cover a total area of three hectares and are divided up into different sections such as the rose garden, olive grove, and more. Designed by the landscape architect Adelmo Barlesi and begun in 2014, the Parco Villa Trecci is a feast for the senses, a modern vision of bucolic bliss, and perfect contemporary villa garden. If you have found a vacation rental in Montepulciano and are exploring the area, it is a must-see.

The park, as noted, is made up of different areas and sections including the grey plants garden, the grove, the rose garden, the large graminaceous flowerbed (or flowerbed of grasses), the lake with the aquatic plants and the swamp, the lemon trees glasshouse, and the garden library. It is home to 400 species of plants, almost two dozen varieties and hybrids of roses, lots of different kinds of trees, herbs, fountains, statues, and more. As a result, it is a colourful, beautiful space that shifts, changes, surprises, and delights as you wander around. The herbs, flowers, and citrus plants all give off incredible aromas, insects and birds living in the gardens chirp and buzz, the blooms and grasses in different hues are ruffled by the breeze; it is a living, breathing, multi-sensory experience.     Read More

It is well-known that Tuscany is one of the best destinations for truffle lovers to visit, it is home to San Miniato, which is famous for its annual globally-renowned truffle festival, and there is no shortage of truffle-based dishes and food products to choose from in Tuscan stores and restaurants. However, if you were thinking about booking a vacation rental in San Miniato and spending some time in Tuscany and exploring her food culture, then there is a particular company that you should probably know about: Truffle In Tuscany. If you are interested in Tuscan truffle recipes or how to find truffles in Tuscany, then this is an ideal company to look into as they arrange a variety of different truffle-based activities and itineraries.

Established by Massimo, a San Miniato native who has truffle-hunting in his blood and comes from a long line of truffle enthusiasts, Truffle In Tuscany started as a personal passion and is now a leading truffle tour operator that allows visitors and tourists to experience the truffle and food culture of this beautiful part of Tuscany. There are a variety of tour options to choose from, depending on your particular interests.     Read More

Are you mad about strawberries? If so, have you tried strawberries (or, really, any kind of fruit or vegetables) in Italy during the summer? It is a whole different experience that can completely change your mind about things and convert you to foods that you never thought you liked! If you love strawberries, then you need to try Italian strawberries that have been perfectly ripened by the sunny days and fertile soils of Italy. It is a magical experience but it is at its absolute peak in the town of Terricciola. Located in the province of Pisa, this pretty little town is most famous for her annual strawberry festival, which is a must-see for foodies who have found themselves a luxury villa in Pisa and plan on spending time in the area during May.     Read More

For those who like to travel when tourist crowds are at their smallest, winter is a great time to visit Tuscany: it is when you can readily visit the most famous and popular tourist attractions without having to queue for long periods of time, when prices for things and various travel costs are often at their lowest, when things are most authentic and locals have the most energy for visitors as they aren’t coming in their swathes, and it is when the whole region seems like a different place entirely without the tourist crowds that arrive in summer.

However, you might also wish to experience many of the traditions and festivals that only take place during the high season in Tuscany. If this is the case, then fear not as the town of Buti, near Pisa, has the answer for you and makes for an ideal winter destination in Tuscany. If you are looking for the best time of year to visit Pisa, then come in time for the Palio di Buti. Find a vacation rental in Pisa and head to this town and this festival to get a slice of the palio tradition while enjoying the most peaceful time of the year in the region.     Read More