Archive for 'Events'

  

An 1891 poster for the Moulin Rouge by Lautrec
Toulouse-Lautrec is a French artist of the nineteenth century who worked in similar circles to the Impressionists such as Monet. Even if his name is new to you, it is unlikely that you are unfamiliar with his works as they have become hugely iconic. The so-called “soul of Montmartre”, he captured the streets, lights, music and atmosphere of the bohemian Montmartre district in the late nineteenth century. He was an illustrator and engraver and is best known for the posters that he designed for establishments such as the Moulin Rouge. This key figure of Parisian art history is being showcased in a fantastic exhibition not in Paris but in Pisa at the Palazzo Blu which has become more and more well-known for its world-class exhibitions. Any serious art-lovers who are thinking of holidaying in Tuscany will want to find a luxury villa in Pisa and drop by before the exhibition closes in February.     Read More

  

Autumn in San Miniato
Autumn is harvest season which means that there are lots of delicious foods around. A particular harvest which is common across Italy is that of truffles. San Miniato in Tuscany, in fact, is one of the most productive truffle-rich areas of Europe and the white truffle that grows in the San Miniato hills is the most valuable variety. The truffle has greatly impacted local cuisine and is so important to local identity that the town hosts an annual market, the San Miniato National White Truffle Market, which is internationally celebrated and recognised. If you're serious about your food, and your truffles in particular, this is the only place to be this season. Just find luxury villa in San Miniato and head down to the market to let your palate rejoice!     Read More

  

Befana
Each country that celebrates Christmas has different and unique tastes, traditions and characters. In the case of Italy, there is a very particular tradition and character that you won't see in the context of many other Christmases; a witch. Something you probably associate with Hallowe'en instead, right? However, Befana (that's her name) is quite and important figure for children in Italy at Christmas. She is actually a good witch and kind to children and you can even meet her in local towns the way you might line up to see Santa Claus. There are places all over where you can visit her so just find a luxury villa in Tuscany this Christmas and pay a visit to this unique figure of Italian winter festivities!     Read More

  

Christmas lights
It might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of Christmas (somewhere with more snow is probably more likely) but Lucca is a great part of the world to be around the festive season. Between markets, ice-skating, pretty streets made prettier by twinkling lights, food and general good will and joy, it's got everything you could ask for. If you're thinking of spending Christmas away from home, Lucca is a great option as it is so full of Christmas spirit that you won't feel as if you are missing out on anything at all! You just need to find the perfect luxury villa in Lucca for you and yours so that you're nice and cosy and then start exploring the city and everything that is has to offer at this time of year!     Read More

  

A couple enjoying a Christmas market
Once you've found your perfect villa with internet in Florence and are planning out what you're going to do while you're there, you'll quickly realise that there is a serious wealth of options – too much to do on a thousand trips there, let alone one! The amount of choices might even be a little overwhelming or intimidating. However, if you're going to be in Florence in the run up to Christmas, there's one thing that you will definitely want to pencil into your schedule and make time for – the Christmas markets, of course! Specifically, in order to have the most Christmassy experience possible, you'll want to head to the German Christmas Market, or Heidelberger Weihnachtsmarkt in Piazza Santa Croce.     Read More