Archive for 'Lucca'

Giacomo Antonio Domenico Michele Secondo Maria Puccini was born on the 22nd of December 1858 and would go on to become an opera composer that would be labelled "the greatest composer of Italian opera after Verdi". Many of his works are very famous. In fact, among his ouevre are some of the best known operas of all time, amongst them are “La Bohème” (1896), “Tosca” (1900), and “Madama Butterfly” (1904). These are the operatic works that tour most often and have become standards of the genre of music.

The Lucca Summer Festival is one of Italy's most famous music festivals and, this year, celebrates twenty years since its inception. As a result, the line-up is rather extraordinary. With events taking place from June to September, there are plenty of chances to experience this Tuscan music institution once you have found a luxury villa in Lucca.

Italy takes her festivals seriously but while the word “festival” might conjure images of boho outfits or muddy fields to people in different parts of the world, Tuscany's festivals tend to be smaller local events that are more about food than music. Despite this, there are actually plenty of great music festivals throughout Italy that attract big names. In fact, local governments often organise big concerts in smaller cities that you would never have imagined would play host to such events. It's not unusual to accidentally stumble across a world-renowned act playing in a town square on a summer night.

One particularly well-established festival of this kind is the Lucca Summer Festival, which is in its 20th year in 2017. Taking place between June 14th and September 23rd, this year, it is held annually in the historical center of Lucca in Piazza Napoleone.

As we noted in the last post in this series, a good view is the final ingredient to a wonderful holiday and we have no shortage of vacation rentals in Tuscany with incredible views. Here are just a few more of our personal favourites.

3. Il Leccio

Il Leccio is a house that dates back to the seventeenth century and was originally built as a farm manager's house for the Mansi-Bernardini estate, with wine cellars, stables and a hayloft. It has been tastefully converted into a villa with charming rustic style. Situated on top of a hill, east of Lucca, it has truly magnificent views over the plain below and the swimming pool area, in particular, is located in a breathtaking panoramic position, about 150 metres from the house. By the side of the pool there is a cabin with kitchenette and bathroom and there is a tennis court on the estate. The house has all mod cons and a maid who takes care of the villa who, on request, will cook local dishes for clients. The Fattoria Mansi Bernardini office, on the estate, has English speaking staff and are at clients' disposal to give assistance for the duration of your stay.

Nothing beats a good view, right? When you're on holidays, in particular, waking up to a beautiful reminder that you are far from home and regular routines and responsibilities is the perfect way to start every day with energy and excitement and to ensure a good time. We happen to have an incredible selection of vacation rentals in Italy with great views so why not check out our favourites here? If the properties in question don't quite suit what you are looking for, just browse more of our holiday rentals in Italy or contact us for help and our expert team will aid you in tracking down the perfect spot.

1. Al Seminario

Al Seminario is a lovely stone farmhouse that is situated in a private and beautiful position in the hills between Lucca and the coast.