Archive for 'Markets'

While the Mercato Centrale is Florence's biggest and most famous market, the Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio is a close second in both scale and reputation and is actually preferred by many locals. Local chefs, foodies, food writers, and savvy shoppers, in particular, favour the Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio and if you have found a luxury villa in Florence or a luxury villa in Tuscany and are planning on spending time in the city then it is definitely an excellent place to shop, wander, people-watch, and soak up the unique atmosphere of Florence.

We have been talking a lot lately about the many things that make Tuscany a perfect spot for a Christmas getaway. One of these is her wonderful Christmas markets and, though Tuscany is not necessarily internationally renowned for her Christmas markets, the Tuscan breed is rather special, indeed. This is something that you will quickly realise if you have found a vacation rental in Arezzo and are planning on spending time in this charming medieval town over the Holidays as it is home to what has been described as the “the largest, the only, and the original Tyrolean Italian market”.

Located in the Piazza Grande, Arezzo’s Villaggio Tirolese di Arezzo is the largest in Italy after the one in South Tyrol. So, it may not actually, in truth, be the originator but this hyperbole is merely to extol the particular virtues of this wonderful Christmas market. It sees exhibitors from all over Europe come together and brings the charms of Alpine Italy, Germany, and Austria together through a particularly Tuscan lens.

Considering getting away this Christmas – escaping the chaos, the in-laws, the dinner preparations, and more – but not sure where to go? Why not think about choosing Montepulciano? It is a beautiful town, famous for its wine, located in lovely Tuscany, surrounded by the most gorgeous scenery, historic and well-preserved, and very peaceful and quiet. Better yet, it is utterly transformed at Christmas and becomes a magical winter wonderland with plenty to keep everyone in the family or in a group of friends happy! If you are looking for a home away from home that is full of Christmas cheer but far removed from your daily routines and responsibilities, then just browse our incredible vacation rentals in Montepulciano and plan a Christmas getaway in Tuscany.

From the 16th of November 2019, right through to the 6th of January 2020, the lovely medieval town of Montepulciano goes crazy for Christmas. A Christmas Village pops up in the Piazza Grande and the cute little wooden huts that make up the town’s Christmas market house various stalls selling all sorts of goods from Christmas ornaments and gifts to local crafts to seasonal treats and snacks to hot drinks of all kinds. Then, at the Poliziana Fortress, Santa Claus takes over for the season and it becomes his castle and the garden plays host to an ice-skating rink.

The charming medieval town of Anghiari, in the province of Arezzo, was of extreme importance during the Middle Ages due its strategic position on a hilltop in Tuscany. In a time where lands changed hands frequently, this positioning was useful in preventing it slipping from your own grip and into another's. It is also here that the famous Battle of Anghiari took place, in 1440 when Florentine troops defeated a Milanese army and gained control of the region. Said scene was famously depicted by Da Vinci, further solidifying the town's place and name in history. Today, it is an exceptionally pretty place with cobbled streets that wind up and down hills, quaint stone buildings draped in plants and flowers, cute restaurants and little stores, and more. It is also where an incredible craft fair takes place each Spring, showcasing extraordinary artisanal goods still made by traditional methods in the surrounding area. If you are interested in taking a step back in time and getting your hands on some truly unique souvenirs, it is a must-see destination. Just find a vacation rental in Anghiari, carve out some time to visit the fair, and be sure to leave some space in your suitcases to bring back the precious spoils of your venture.

Tuscany is especially beautiful over the Christmas period and has a lot to offer tourists looking to get away over winter and spend the holidays abroad. Whether you are a foodie looking for a culinary adventure or you want to hit some slopes, you want to wander a Christmas market or take in sparkling lights, or if you simply want to experience a Tuscan Christmas, it is an ideal getaway location for a magical holiday season.

Here are the reasons why you should make Tuscany your getaway destination this Christmas...