Archive for 'Lucca'

China Massagli (pronounced KEE-nah Mah-SAH-lee) is a unique Tuscan liquor that was first created in the nineteenth century by a one doctor Massagli, who was the owner of a pharmacy in Piazza San Michele in Lucca. Originally sold as a medicinal beverage during the Malaria epidemic of the 19th century in the city, it is now a local tipple that is a must-try for any foodie that has found a vacation rental in Lucca and is exploring the gastronomy of the city.

One of the main ingredients of the drink, from which it partially gets its name, is China Ginebona Officinalis. Also known as Jesuit's bark, the plant contains quinine, an ingredient used to fight fever and malaria, which is still sold in pharmacies to this day.

Villa Reale di Marlia is a stunning 17th century villa and estate with extensive and impressive gardens, located a short distance from Lucca, at the foot of the Pizzorne hills. Once home to Napoleon’s sister and Duchess of Lucca Elisa Bonaparte Baciocchi, it is considered one of the most important historic properties in Italy and is made up of a sixteen hectare estate that features incredible works of art, works of nature and flights of fancy. While the house is currently closed for renovations, the gardens remain open to the public for visits and make for the perfect place to spend a pleasant afternoon strolling around. Just find a luxury villa in Lucca and pay a visit to this extraordinary estate for yourself.

Pack a picnic and set aside a few hours because wandering this estate will occupy you for that long – there is so much to see and do and you'll need snacks to keep you going.

Tuscany really is impossibly beautiful. There is just so much to see and do and so much of it is made up of some of the most beautiful galleries, buildings, works of art and views in the world. Of course, there really are endless lists of excellent things to see and do so, in order to help you out, here are more of this author's picks of the most photogenic sights in Tuscany that you'll want to visit and then capture forever.

7. The Uffizi

The Uffizi is one of the leading art galleries in the world and for good reason. It is a must-see for the countless masterpieces that are housed inside of it but it is also quite the photogenic beauty in its own right. There is almost too much to see, which can lead to a bit of sensory overload. When I took a moment to just wander and not try and see everything for a second, I found myself strolling around behind my parents and I got this photograph.

If you have decided to spend Christmas abroad this year, we, of course, suggest Tuscany. However, the question of where exactly in Tuscany is a tricky one...there are just too many good options to choose from!

Tuscany is a wonderful destination at Christmas, full of good cheer, good food and good fun. However, each town and city offers something a little different and excels in different areas.

Florence, for example, is the perfect all-rounder as the capital and is also home to the best selection of Christmas markets in the region.

There are plenty of other Tuscan cities to choose from that boast wonderful festive experiences so here are some of our our picks for places to spend your Christmas this year.

I tried to promise myself that I wouldn't buy any clothes this time around on holidays but as Italy is one of the fashion capitals of the world and I'm fashion obsessed, it was too difficult. Instead, I made a deal with myself: I could buy a maximum of two items. I stuck to this bargain but it was not easy as I discovered lots of new, amazing Italian brands that I had never heard of before. If you are another style addict, like myself, visiting Tuscany, these are the brands you should check out to bring home pieces that no one else around you will have!