Archive for 'Localities'

  

julskitchen
Food is an important part of Tuscan life and culture and, as such, is an important part of vacations in Tuscany. While we have plenty of articles on typical products, foodie experiences, wineries, tours, classes and restaurants, it is always best to hear these things directly from the locals and, so, we have rounded up a list of some of the best and most informative food bloggers in Tuscany. Just find a vacation rental in Tuscany, take note of your favourites, follow them and start planning your culinary getaway to this foodie capital of the world!

Here are more of our favourite food bloggers in Tuscany but be sure to read our previous post for more of our picks as well.     Read More

  

Judith Slaying Holofernes
The Uffizi Gallery, in Florence, is one of the most extraordinary museums in the world and we have published various posts on the gallery itself, tips on visiting it and lists of highlights of the collections. However, there are also singular highlights, specific works, from the collection that deserve more of a word count and more consideration. One such piece is Artemisia Gentileschi's “Judith Slaying Holofernes”. One of the rare female painters of her time, a gifted artist and a fascinating person, she is an intriguing (and often overlooked) figure and this work, in particular, is intertwined with her life story and, thus, especially interesting. Just find a vacation rental in Florence, visit the gallery and make a point of seeking out this wonderful work of art.     Read More

  

Mini
Continuing on from the last post in this series, this article aims to discuss more of the things that you need to keep in mind if you are planning on driving in Tuscany. Driving on Tuscan roads can be pretty stressful and there are some important (and unique) traits to the rules of the road in the region that need to be known before you ever climb into a car. In order to prevent your holiday from being ruined and any serious incidents or annoying missteps from occurring, here are some more facts that you should keep in mind.

3. Gas (and getting it)

Gasoline in Italy is at some of the highest rates in Europe, so bear that in mind. Also keep in mind that while the stations along the autostrade are open 24/7 and handy, they generally cost up to 10 cents more per liter.     Read More

  

Barberino Designer Outlet
We have been discussing Italian fashion on the blog all this week, introducing new brands to all of those fashion lovers who are planning vacations in Tuscany. However, there is one thing that all fashion fans can agree makes everything better – a good bargain! Fortunately, Tuscany is actually one of the better regions to holiday in if you are after a bargain. There are several outlet centres located around Tuscany and they are lovely places to shop. The word “outlet” can evoke depressing images of unorganised bargain basements but these outlets are nothing like that. They are pretty, well-designed, well-stocked and well-organised.

One of the finest examples is the Barberino Designer Outlet in Barberino di Mugello, which is the original outlet village in the McArthurGlen Designer Outlets group. The centre itself is incredibly charming. Located just off the motorway, 30 minutes from Florence and a couple minutes from the small town of Barberino di Mugello, it consists of over 100 stores and brands and is built to look like a picturesque Tuscan village.     Read More

  

Fiat
Driving in Tuscany is kind of impossible to avoid and necessary to avoid – both at the same time. It really depends on where you are spending your holiday.

If you are staying in a small town or the countryside, a car is kind of a must, unless you want to have an incredibly relaxed time and do little other than relax in a vacation rental with a pool in Tuscany or there is a train station in the town. Realistically, however, relying on public transport can be awkward for tourists in rural Tuscany and it also means some places will still be pretty much impossible to get to. One of the best days of my family's recent trip to Tuscany was spent in a winery that was up a mountainside, down some winding back roads that would have been impossible to reach otherwise.     Read More