Archive for 'Curiosities'

One of the best things about Tuscany – besides the food, wine, culture, history and art – are the views. Tuscany has a distinctive, beautiful countryside and charming and historic towns and cities that really deserve moments where you stop running around from attraction to attractions and just take it all in. To help you out in doing so, we have compiled a list of some of the best views and places to take them in. Here are a couple more to check out on your vacation.

5. The Walls of Lucca

The walls of the Tuscan town of Lucca have always been one of the most recognisable features of this charming town. They now attract tourists and locals alike who admire their construction and design and who also make use of them as a place to walk, jog and cycle. For leisure, exercise or getting to know the layout and atmosphere of the city, the walls are the best place to start.     Read More

Tuscany is famous for her rolling green hills, vineyards, sleepy villages, medieval hilltowns and cultured cities. The views over this distinctive countryside adorn endless postcards, lockscreens, books and walls across the world and, if you are planning a trip to Tuscany, you probably want to finally see them with your own eyes. Of course, there are some spots in the region that are particularly good for taking these views in and, as such, we have compiled a list of some of the best views in Tuscany to help you out. Here are some more of them!

3. San Gimignano

The medieval town of San Gimignano is famous for its towers, built in Medieval and Renaissance times by wealthy families, adjacent to their homes, to show off their wealth and compete with each other.     Read More

If you have dreamed of going somewhere for a very long time, it can be hard to believe, once you're there, that it's actually happening. Tuscany is one of those locations for many. The best way to make it all very real for yourself is to find a great viewing spot and to take in the scenery that you've always seen in books and pictures and your own imagination.

Once Tuscany – be it cities or rolling countryside – is laid out before your eyes, you can truly take it all in and appreciate its beauty. We have compiled a list of some of the best views and panoramic locations in the region to help you experience Tuscany in all her majesty; and maybe even take some excellent shots to make everyone back home jealous.

Two spots in Florence, in particular, offer amazing views over that beautiful Renaissance city. Just find a luxury villa in Florence and make it a point to head to both.     Read More

The Grotta del Vento, or the Cave of the Wind, is a system of caves situated in the province of Lucca, in the Apuan Alps regional park. Named for the strong air currents that flow through the cave, it has been known to locals since at least the 17th century, when records show that is was used to keep food cold due to the lower temperature inside. Beginning in the 20th century there was more exploration and systematic study of the caves and in 1966 it was opened up to the public. Since then, many developments have been made in preserving the natural state of the caves to the best of their ability, while making it safer and more readily accessible to tourists – a difficult balance that has won the caves awards in the past and that makes it one of the best caves in the world to visit.

An amazing underworld of caves and tunnels is revealed upon entering the caves and can be explored via three different guided tours – revealing the incredible stalactites and stalagmites, alabaster walls, small lakes and underground streams – and are all relatively easy routes that most people will be able to tackle without a problem.     Read More