Archive for 'Florence'

Continuing this week's theme of spooky Tuscan spots, we have more must-see locations with creepy background stories. Ghostly events and haunted palaces might not be the first things that spring to mind when you think of the famous Italian region but we can assure you that there are plenty of legends and tales to keep anyone interested in the spookier things in life – who have found a vacation rental in Tuscany – interested. Here more of the spots to pencil in...

5. Vincigliata Castle's Romeo and Juliet Tale

Vincigliata Castle, located near the town of Fiesole in the province of Florence, has a famous Romeo and Juliet legend that dates back to the 13th century and tells the story of Uberto and Bianca. They fell madly in love at first sight and kept their relationship secret until they were discovered. Then, sadly, they were torn apart by their powerful Florentine noble families who were fierce enemies.

This week, given the time of year, we have been talking about the spookier side of Tuscany. While Autumn is a wonderful time to plan a trip to Tuscany, as the seasonal foods, beautifully colourful landscape, and smaller crowds are all enticing, there is also a rich history that has resulted in a rather large ghost population that makes it all the more intriguing as an October holiday destination. Read on to learn more about Tuscany's spookiest spots...if you dare.

3. Poppi Castle's Ghastly Tales of Murder And Ghosts

Poppi Castle is a beautiful building located in Casentino, a valley famous for nature, art and history, and food and wine tourism, but underneath the charming exterior is a bloody history.

The Area Naturale Protetta di Interesse Locale del Monteferrato, or the Monteferrato Protected Area of Local Interest, is a stunning protected swathe of the Tuscan landscape that lies within the hilly-mountain system in the Florence-Prato-Pistoia plain. Named for the mountain complex of Monteferrato, it is a stunning area to hike, explore, get some fresh air and well and truly escape from daily life for a moment. If you have found a luxury villa in Florence or a holiday rental in Pistoia, it is a perfect place to go and spend a day of your vacation in Tuscany.

Here's something that you might not be aware of: those who have found a vacation rental in Florence and love perfumes, rejoice, as the city is the scent capital of Italy.

The city's Renaissance courts were a place where some of the greatest patrons funded the creation of some of the world's best masterpieces by famous hands but it was also a fertile breeding ground for the art of perfumery and Catherine de' Medici's passion for scents only furthered the interest in the topic. Still a place where crafts and traditions in craftsmanship of all kinds is alive and well, Florence is home to many traditional and historic perfumeries, pharmacies, drugstores and herbalists. It has long since established itself as a leader in the sphere and there is constantly more specialised in research and experimentation happening in the city.

f you think of a Tuscan getaway, you probably imagine summers spent eating gelato and drinking coffee between dashing from museums and stunning churches to famous stores and delicious eateries or relaxed holidays just either side of the busy summer season. However, Christmas in Tuscany has its own unique charms that are well worth exploring. There are lots of reasons to plan a Winter break in Tuscany and here are more of the most compelling selling-points of a holiday season in this stunning region of Italy...

3. The Magical Atmosphere

There is something special about the twinkling lights and festive atmosphere of Tuscany.