Archive for 'Orcia Valley'

You have been working hard and waiting to get away for a while now, your back hurts from long hours and you are drained from the daily grind, you're looking forward to a vacation in Tuscany. If any of these apply to you then we've got a treat: free spa experiences in Tuscany!

Tuscany is home to number of naturally occurring hot springs and some of them are free and open readily to the public. They can be visited without purchasing a ticket or planning in advance, whenever you want throughout the day (or night) or year. We have compiled a list of some of the best of the best of these for you to browse. In the last post, we discussed the famous and iconic Bagno Vignoni and the lesser-known and more rustic Petriolo so here are more of our picks!

Italy is home to a vast amount of naturally occurring hot springs that are dotted all over the country and Tuscany, in particular, boasts quite a number of them. There is no better way to relax on your holidays than to head to a quiet and pretty spa town for a day and spend some time soaking your worries away in the restorative and therapeutic waters of a hot spring. It is better, still, if it is free to do so and you don't have to worry about budgeting for the day. Luckily, some of the hot springs in Tuscany are free and open and can be visited without purchasing a ticket or planning in advance, whenever you want throughout the day (or night) or year. We have compiled a list of some of the best of the best of these for you to browse. Just get planning your relaxing getaway to Tuscany!

1. Bagno Vignoni

Bagno Vignoni seems to make it on to all of our lists about spas and pretty, little-known corners of Tuscany!

Tuscany is absolutely full of things to see and do but among this endless list of things, there are seven designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the region: the historic centre of Florence (initiated in 1982); the Cathedral square of Pisa (1987); the historical centre of San Gimignano (1990); the historical centre of Siena (1995); the historical centre of Pienza (1996); the Val d'Orcia (2004), and the Medici Villas and Gardens (2013). If you are planning a trip to Tuscany, a visit to any of these attractions would enhance any holiday.

In the last posts, we discussed some of the entries on the list so here are the last of those Tuscan UNESCO sites and why you need to visit!

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.

In our final post in this series, we have two more of our most beautifully decorated vacation rentals in Tuscany. Both of these properties are historic beauties with interiors plucked right from a period movie.

9. Rocca di Cetona

The noble residence "Rocca di Cetona" is set majestically atop of a hill with commanding views over the Chiana Valley, surrounded by the historic town of Cetona. The property has Etruscan roots as three towers, one of which remains. This tower is incorporated in a later 17th century villa and is surrounded by 2 acres of parkland. It is a true architectural gem with more than two thousand years of history but has been carefully restored to ensure a comfortable stay today.