Archive for 'Localities'

  

Monday, June 17, 2019
Giglio Island
Off the coast of Tuscany, there are a sprinkling of beautiful little islands that each have something special to offer. The island of Giglio boasts exceptional beaches and the most spectacularly blue and crystal clear waters of the Tyrrhenian sea that might make you get confused for a moment and have you thinking that you’re somewhere much further away, much more exclusive, and decidedly more tropical. All of which goes to show that you really don’t need to go further away or head to the tropics to experience perfect beaches, just find a vacation rental on the Tuscan Coast and head to Giglio Island, where you will find quite a wealth of choice and an array of beaches to choose from.

While there are lots of beaches and hidden treasures to be discovered on Giglio Island, there are, however, four main beaches that are the biggest and considered among the best. These are the beaches of Campese, Cannelle, Arenella and Caldane. All of the aforementioned beaches are pretty readily accessible from Giglio Porto, the main harbour of the island and likely the point at which you will arrive when taking a ferry to Giglio Island. Campese, Cannelle, and Arenella can be reached by car or taxi and Caldane is only accessible on foot or by boat but is just a kilometre away.     Read More
Posted in: Beaches, Localities, Must See Attractions, Tourist Attractions, Tuscan Coast

  

Friday, June 14, 2019
The Museo di Storia Naturale del Mediterraneo (or the Natural History Museum of the Mediterranean) is a long-standing beloved gem in the seaside city of Livorno in Tuscany that is a favourite of school groups and families. However, if you have found a vacation rental in Livorno and are planning on spending time in the area, it makes for an interesting visit for tourists too and, well, anyone, particularly those travelling with kids. Just set aside a couple of hours and come explore the models of various creatures, the dioramas, the interactive features, the impressive animal skeletons and much more besides…

Originally established in 1929, when famous naturalists from Livorno and the surrounding area collected lots of scientific equipment that had previously been part of the Cabinet of Natural History at the Technical Institute of Amerigo Vespucci. It was these objects that became the original basis of the collection of the museum. In 1944, bombing destroyed the museum and it was moved to the municipal aquarium and reopened there in 1952. The museum was moved once more in 1980 to a restored historic property in town, the Villa Henderson, and that is where it remains to this day.     Read More
Posted in: Architectural Gems, Livorno, Localities, Museums & Galleries, Tourist Attractions

  

Thursday, June 13, 2019
Mercato Centrale, Livorno
The Mercato Centrale (Central Market) of Livorno is also known as the Mercato delle Vettovaglie (Market of the Provision) or Mercato Coperto (Covered Market) and is one of the most incredible buildings and attractions that the Tuscan seaside city has to offer. Not only that, it is also a wonderful culinary hotspot for those visiting the city where you can enjoy lots of amazing local delicacies, treats, and specialities. If you are a foodie and have found a vacation rental in Livorno and are planning on spending any time in the city, then it is an absolute must! Just make sure you wear some comfy, roomie pants…     Read More
Posted in: Architectural Gems, Food and Wine, Livorno, Localities, Must See Attractions, Tourist Attractions

  

Tuesday, June 4, 2019
Florence is one of the great cultural capitals of the world and has been for centuries. If you have found a vacation rental in Florence and you are planning on indulging in that rich cultural heritage, then you will always find things to see and do. However, if you go during the summer, you will find an especially rich schedule of various sorts of events to choose from. From music to literature, art to dance, and more, there are all sorts of different cultural experiences to enjoy while in the city during this time in which the local museums, the local government and various cultural institutions compete with shining calendars of fascinating activities for Estate Fiorentina.

Estate Fiorentina, meaning “Florentine Summer”, is quite the thrill but can feel rather overwhelming as there is just so much going on. However, we have picked just a few events from the calendar that caught our eye. For more information, just head to the official website (sadly, offered only in Italian) and try and find events specifically around your schedule or that catch your eye.     Read More
Posted in: Concerts & Festivals, Events, Florence, Localities, Summer

  

Friday, May 31, 2019
The Medici family have left an indelible mark on Tuscany that is still felt today, centuries after they were at the peak of their powers. Works of art, buildings, and even towns remain as a mark of their incredible legacy but so, too, do stories. One of the most compelling is the story of the mysterious death of Isabella de' Medici, the beloved daughter of Cosimo I de’ Medici, the Grand Duke of Tuscany. Famously beautiful and free-spirited, she was a well-known Florentine figure who died suddenly and unexpectedly at the Medici villa in Cerreto Guidi in 1576 during a hunting holiday.

According to her brother, "while she was washing her hair in the morning ... She was found by Signor Paolo Giordano on her knees, having immediately fallen dead.” This unlikely and dubious version of events was doubted and, according to information obtained by the Ferrarese ambassador, Ercole Cortile, she was actually "strangled at midday" by her husband in the presence of several named servants. It is thought that her husband, Paolo Giordano, killed Isabella because of an affair that she had had with Troilo Orsini or that her brother, the Grand Duke Francesco de’ Medici actually had ordered her death.     Read More
Posted in: Concerts & Festivals, Curiosities, Events, Fairs, Florence, July, Localities, Must See Attractions, Tourist Attractions