Archive for 'Day Trips'

  

Pieve di Barberino
There are many reasons to visit the small town of Barberino Val d'Elsa, which is located in the vicinity of the larger city of Florence in Tuscany.

Not only is it a prime example of medieval architecture that retains its original walled fortifications, but it also is home to many important works of art, exquisite chapels, and other sights to visit.

You can learn more about the history of the famous Barberini family, who have their origins here in this exciting municipality. The town is named after the valley of the Elsa, which surrounds it in lush splendor.

Within town, you'll find many things to see in Barberino Val d'Elsa. This includes the Church of San Bartolomeo, for example, which has fragments of a painting by the famous Giotto, as well as a bronze bust crafted by the artist Pietro Tacca. By following the Via Francesco da Barberino, you will work your way through the well-manicured streets up to the Sienese Gate, or Porta Senese, which dates back to 1365. Those interested in learning more about the area's ancient past can visit the Antiquarium Museum, which holds Etruscan artifacts found in the different necropolises scattered throughout the area. If you have seen the famous Cupola in Florence, you may want to take a look at the Chapel of San Michele Arcangelo, which has a perfect reproduction.     Read More

  

In Italy it's time to harvest grapes!

If you'd like to learn about the tradition of wine making and you love Italian wine, you should come here and enjoy this magical time of the year. Wine tourism during the harvest season is a splendid experience you shouldn't miss!

A lot of cities and towns all around Italy held fairs and “sagre” to celebrate the grapes and wine.

If you are planning to come in Tuscany on the last week of September, we suggest you to make a day trip to the town of Impruneta and take part to the oldest harvest festival in the area, “La Festa dell’Uva”.     Read More

  

View of Fiesole
Biking along the roads and paths of Fiesole is not only an extraordinary experience; it is an opportunity to explore history and nature like you’ve never done before. Fiesole is a small town in the Tuscany region of Italy.

The city was found between the 9th to 8th Century BC. It was an important part of the Roman Empire. You can see the remnants of the era in form of Roman baths and theatre.

The city is also famous for Etruscan walls, the beautiful cathedral of Fiesole, and the Palazzo Comunale, the exquisite town hall built in the 14th century.     Read More

  

Aerial View of San Gimignano
San Gimignano is a small, medieval hill town in Siena Tuscany province of north-central Italy. The town is famous for white wine and tall medieval towers, which may be seen from several miles outside the town.

It was founded in the 3rd century BC by the Etruscans. It was the stopping point for Catholic pilgrims on their way to Rome and Vatican during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance period.

The patrician families of the town built 72 towers-houses as symbols of their wealth and power. Only 14 of these towers have survived the test of time.     Read More

  

View of Castiglione della Pescaia
The beautiful coastal village of Castiglione della Pescaia is an ancient medieval town, about 20 km from Grosseto. It lies between blue sea and green hills and mountains.

The walled city developed around a medieval fortress, and is easily accessible via road and train. It is a popular tourist destination that is located on a hill around river Bruna. The city is known for picturesque beaches and clean sea. The scenic mountains and hilltops offer beautiful views of sunrise and sunset.

Renting a villa on the Tuscan coast is a great option, especially if you are looking for a relaxing and rejuvenating vacation.     Read More