Alpaca
Posted in: Activities Day Trips Florence Food and Wine Localities Must See Attractions Pretty Views Shopping Tourist Attractions

One likely imagines South America when they think of alpacas as that is where they come from but these cute and fluffy creatures can also be found in petting zoos all over the world now. For example, Tuscany is home to a rather famous petting zoo with alpacas that visitors flock to from all over the region to enjoy the animals, taste some delicious food, and take in some stunning surroundings. So, if you book a villa in Florence and you are looking for an opportunity to explore the nearby and famously beautiful rolling green hills of the Chianti area of the Tuscan countryside while doing something that the whole family will enjoy, just head to the Valle degli Alpaca, or Valley of the Alpacas.

The carousel in Florence at Christmas
Posted in: Activities Christmas Events Florence Localities Markets Must See Attractions Skiing & Winter Sports

If you were thinking about planning a trip to a Christmas market but you also were considering booking a villa in Florence this festive season, then why not combine the two by visiting the city’s annual Christmas markets and many other wonderful festive attractions? With the various markets opening in mid to late November and continuing through Christmas and some right into the new year, there should be plenty of opportunity to experience this beloved annual tradition for yourself, plus the city boasts a wide array of other types of fun adventures at this time of the year... 

Birth of Venus
Posted in: Florence Localities Museums & Galleries Must See Attractions Tourist Attractions

Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is a famous art capital of not only Tuscany and Italy but also the world. It is a destination from which many of the most famous and globally-recognised artists in history have come or worked. As a result, it is a city that abounds in incredible museums and art-related attractions and is a key destination for serious art-lovers. If you have browsed our amazing array of luxury villas in Florence and are booking a perfect getaway full of art and making the most of your time in the city, you might have some questions that you would like answered before arrival. Here are some of the most common art-related questions when it comes to the city, as well as the answers to them:

Uffizi
Posted in: Florence Localities Must See Attractions Travel Tips

Considering booking a villa in Florence to tackle the wealth of incredible cultural gems and extraordinary art institutions in the city? Well, Florence is always a good idea and there is a truly endless list of amazing architectural gems, museums, works of art, gorgeous objects, historic locations, and more to discovered all around the city but what are the most famous galleries in Florence? What are the must-see art museums in Florence?


Some of the most famous galleries/museums in Florence include:

Bistecca alla Fiorentina
Posted in: Central Italy Florence Food and Wine Localities Travel Tips Tuscany

The serious foodies among those who book villas in Tuscany will likely be arming themselves with a list of the must-try foods and drinks and restaurants that they want to ensure they make time for throughout their stay. A cuisine steeped in peasant cooking traditions, it boasts lots of hearty dishes full of vegetables, legumes, bread, and cheese that are full of flavour and will leave you full and satisfied. Meat, of course, also features in Tuscan cuisine but often dishes were traditionally made making the most of smaller amounts of meat. Today, this is less of a concern for many and delicious dishes that will keep the carnivores among your party very happy are also on offer. Perhaps the most famous of all of Tuscany’s meat dishes is the Bistecca alla fiorentina, or Florentine steak.