Archive for 'Chianti'

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.

Montaione is a stunning Tuscan village in the Province of Florence that is, potentially, the most beautiful town in all of Tuscany; a rather big claim, we are aware, but not a baseless one. Perched up high on a hill, accessible only by winding mountain roads snaking through thickly wooded surroundings, this lesser-known gem is wildly picturesque, though, perhaps, not the most happening spot in the world. However, if you are looking to well and truly get away from it all for a while, why not find a luxury villa in Florence and spend a day in the stunning surroundings of this incredibly peaceful hamlet?

Far off the typical tourist route, away from long queues and bustling crowds and steeped in preserved natural beauty and cultural gems, the town has more to offer than first meets the eye. While the town does not have its own vineyards, which is a reason that many of its young people have left for elsewhere and more job opportunities, it is located in the Elsa Valley.

Continuing on from our previous post, here are more of the most beautifully decorated villas that we have to offer in Tuscany. These vacation rentals in Tuscany are not only well-located and well-equipped for ensuring you have a wonderful holiday, they also have incredible interiors that will make your temporary home away from home so inviting that you'll barely want to leave the house at all!

3. Montoro

Montoro is a lovely villa that was built in the second half of the 19th century, and has been completely renovated. The views from the property are like a picture of typical Chianti landscape, rich with gently rolling hills covered with vineyards and olive groves. Within the well-maintained fenced garden with trees and flower beds, there is a swimming pool, surrounded by a terrace. The interior of the house is furnished with comfortable, traditional furniture, antiques and yet features a very well-equipped kitchen and modern bathrooms.

The setting of any vacation is important and not just the destination, but the accommodation, as well. For some people, this merely means that a rental will have all of the basic facilities they require – whether that is closeness to a city centre or beach, the correct number of rooms, a private pool, parking or other special features – but, for others, the design is equally important. For setting the tone of your holiday, enjoying organisation and neatness that may be far from your daily life, living in a property unlike anything you can access permanently or for making others jealous, the décor of a rental can be very important.

Luckily, Tuscany Villas boasts some rather breathtaking properties in ideal locations, with excellent facilities and with, often, prize-winning interiors. Here are some of our vacation rentals in Tuscany with beautiful interiors.

Continuing on from our last post, here are some more architectural gems around Tuscany that are well worth a visit if you are interested in art and culture. Once you have found a luxury villa in Tuscany and are planning your trip, be sure to pencil some of these beauties into your itinerary.

Siena's Cathedral is a perfect example. It was built between 1215 and 1263 and was designed by Nicola Pisano. His son, Giovanni, continued the design when more building was undertaken from 1285. The upper half of the facade was not added until 14th century, a time of great wealth and prosperity for Siena. At the time, plans were considered to transform the church into a giant masterpiece that could even rival the mammoth St. Peter's in Rome but this never came to pass.

It is still a stunning building, Gothic in style, and elaborately embellished inside and out. Its anachronistically Romanesque black-and-white striped campanile is particularly iconic.