Archive for 'San Gimignano'

Planning a trip to Tuscany but wondering what the key attractions are and where to find them? Look no further than our handy and compact guide to help you coordinate a perfect itinerary once you find a dream villa in Tuscany with us!

Florence

As the Birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is home to a bunch of the most popular tourist attractions in Tuscany. Basing yourself in a holiday rental in Florence is a great idea as it will allow you to see these attractions and plan day-trips elsewhere, though it is also easy enough to head into the city for a day or two to see some highlights, if you find a vacation rental in Tuscany elsewhere.

Saffron is an ingredient and spice derived from the saffron crocus that is used to give incredible flavour and colour to dishes and for medicinal purposes. While its origins are debated, Iran, Greece, and Mesopotamia all have claims to the world’s costliest spice by weight. Italian varieties have since become famous for their quality and there is even a Tuscan area of production in the lands around the beautiful Medieval walled town of San Gimignano. In fact, some of the ancient towers for which San Gimignano is known were built by families who partially made their fortune through San Gimignano saffron and saffron was even grown on some of those same rooftops!

Certainly, for the discerning foodie who books a villa in San Gimignano, purchasing a little of this local luxury spice to add into your culinary exploits back home is a must. It really is a perfect souvenir to bring back with you – small, easily transportable, precious, and immediately evocative of wonderful memories with its scent and flavour!

Tuscany has more than her fair share of famous, beloved, and iconic tourist attractions and destinations but which of these are also UNESCO World Heritage sites?

A title that indicates incredible cultural value, the absence of this accolade does not diminish an attraction but being awarded it does underscore the immense significance of a place. Attractions that are named UNESCO World Heritage sites are immediately considered, by many, to be unmissable. So, if you have booked your villa in Tuscany and you are wondering about the UNESCO World Heritage sites near you that you should check out during your trip, then read on to our definitive list to help you plan a dream vacation in Tuscany...

There are eight official UNESCO World Heritage sites in Tuscany:

The medieval beauty of a town that is San Gimignano already has endless charms and good looks to impress any visitors who find a villa in San Gimignano and come explore the place but did you know that it also boasts the best gelato in the world?

Gelateria Dondoli, located right in the middle of the historic core of San Gimingnano, has won multiple gelato World Championships throughout the years and has become very famous as one of Tuscany’s prime destinations for foodies and ice-cream fans, in particular. When you approach, you’ll likely be greeted with a long queue as this is very much not a hidden gem but the shop is usually very well-staffed and lines tend to move pretty quickly so don’t worry. And it will, of course, be worth the wait!