Archive for 'Localities'

  

Wine

Those who find a villa in Lucca will quickly discover that this part of the region is one with a long list of wineries that boast both incredible wines and wonderful tastings/tours to choose from all throughout the stunning surrounding landscape. Wine-lovers considering booking one of our Tuscany villas, therefore, will have lots of options when it comes to finding places to learn about, sample, savour, and buy some truly remarkable vintages during their vacation in Lucca.


While there are, indeed, lots of brilliant wineries to choose from, one of the top-rated examples has to Fattoria Al Dotto, which has been run by the Del Dotto family for many, many generations. Made of three ancient farms that have since been combined into one rather extraordinary wine estate, Fattoria Al Dotto extends over 62 acres of fertile farmland where you can find vineyards, olive groves, corn fields, and fields of cannellini beans. The vineyards are positioned on the gentle hills surrounding the centre of the farm, where there is a spectacular south-southwest exposure, and in close proximity to the Serchio river. Through this area, the Scirocco winds coming in from Livorno to the south and the summer Maestrale winds coming in from the north-west blow and result in a particular micro climate that is ideal for good maturation of the grapes. All in all, the vineyards here boast perfect conditions to produce some truly remarkable wines.

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Pool area and villa, Villa Agresto

Villa Agresto is a dreamy Tuscany villa located in the province of Siena that ticks so many of the boxes that one might have if fantasising about a vacation in Tuscany: it is close to a town but in a peaceful part of the countryside with wonderful views over the green hills and vineyards that surround; it has spacious and private grounds featuring a pretty garden and private pool; it has plenty of traditionally Tuscan touches and style but also all the mod-cons you could ask for; and it is elegant but comfortable. Sleeping up to twelve guests in six bedrooms with five bathrooms, it is available from between €600 and €1200 per night and also is part of our current €50 special deposit offer so book now, secure your dates for your 2023 getaway and figure out the details later!

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Italy is a place where history is very much still alive – in her preserved towns, her exceptionally rich museums, her active traditions, and much more besides. And, despite the wealth of sites, architectural gems, museums and galleries stuffed with works of art and archaeological finds, that one would need lifetimes upon lifetimes to even put a dent in, discoveries continue to happen and new finds continue to be uncovered. The latest discovery, in fact, was made only this week in a thermal bath in the small town of San Casciano, in the province of Siena, where some 24 bronze statues dating back to the ancient Romans were uncovered! Those with any sort of interest in art and history, really would be advised to plan a vacation in Tuscany – you never know what you might find on your trip!


Okay, so you’re pretty unlikely to find a hoard of ancient, precious sculptures yourself while on holiday in Tuscany but those who book one of our Tuscany villas can certainly see such incredible pieces with relative ease throughout their trip as there are endless museums and attractions to choose from. From famous spots like the Uffizi Museum to local galleries and institutions that you have likely never heard of in tiny towns all over the region boasting collections with famous names from the history of art among their holdings, you’ll never be far from your next chance to see the most extraordinary objects from throughout history. 

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It’s already that time of year – the famous and beloved Christmas markets of Europe are being confirmed and the dates are being published, which means that it is time to plan your Christmas market getaway for all of the Holiday spirit, festive fun, and magic memories that you could hope to wish for. While the Christmas markets of Tuscany may be a little less well-known internationally, the region actually abounds with some of the best and most special in the world. Though smaller in scale at times, the scenic settings of Tuscany’s charming and picturesque historic centres as a backdrop to alpine-style market stalls, carousels, twinkling lights, ice-skating rinks, Santa’s houses, and all of the other elements of a Christmas market only adds to the experience and makes them even more special.


Florence and some of the towns in the metropolitan area of the city are home to some of the finest and most numerous examples of incredible Christmas markets and celebrations in Tuscany so find a luxury villa in Florence and you can come and explore the area’s wonderful examples of Christmas markets this Holiday Season. Enjoy hot drinks, delicious Tuscan snacks, handmade crafts and local produce, buzzing excitement, stunning settings, and much more besides at Florence’s Christmas markets in addition to everything else that makes this part of the region a wonderful place to visit, particularly over the Holidays.


But what Christmas markets take place in and around Florence? Where are they found? What do they offer? And when are they open? Well, here’s our guide to visiting Florence (and her close neighbours) and the city’s magic Christmas markets in 2022...


Weihnachtsmarkt/Mercato Natale di Firenze, Piazza Santa Croce, Florence

19th of November 2022 to the 18th of December 2022

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Ghosts

Ghosts may not be the first thing that one associates with Tuscany but if you have been considering an October getaway in Tuscany then you will discover that, naturally, a part of the world with such a rich and complex history is full of tales of spooky encounters and terrible tragedies. History is very much alive (and undead) in Tuscany, with lots of places looking as though they have been left almost entirely untouched by the passage of time for centuries. These time capsules, these preserved historic city centres, ancient palaces, creepy yet lovely castles, and other remnants of times past make for the most atmospheric of surroundings and the most likely candidates for frightening and supernatural experiences. So, if you have always wanted to enjoy the delights, culinary treats, pretty scenery, incredible museums and tourist attractions of the region and much more besides and you are also fond of Hallowe’en adventures and creepy stories, then get browsing our Tuscany villas today! The ghosts of Tuscany’s intriguing past are just waiting to welcome you to this extraordinary part of the country.


But who exactly is it that awaits you? Well, we have compiled a handy list of some of Tuscany’s most haunted spots and famous spooky tales to act as a creepy backdrop to your vacation in Tuscany. These are the ghosts, haunted castles, witches, and devils to seek out as you explore the region...

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