Archive for 'Siena'

Planning on spending Christmas in Tuscany this year? Well, browse our villas in Tuscany and come enjoy the incredible food and wine, the charming towns made prettier by lights and cheer, the traditional Christmas markets that take over historic centres across the region, the festive spirit, the beautiful churches and Nativity scenes, the unique traditions, and more that is on offer to those who choose to experience a Tuscan Christmas. 

If you’re in the region on Christmas Eve and you’re looking for something extra-special to do, head to the beautiful medieval town of Monteriggioni. Perched on a hillside overlooking lush valleys, forests, and fields and ringed by its ancient medieval walls and watch towers, this is a beyond picturesque Tuscan town and, each Christmas Eve, it hosts a magical event. 

As fall draws closer, we have been thinking about ways to get cosy and really slow things down and relax on holiday in Tuscany. For those who book one of our villas in Tuscany, we recommend not only enjoying the harvest delights of delicious food and wine, hiking the gorgeous landscapes and exploring the beautiful towns and villages while the temperatures turn pleasantly mild and perfect for such excursions, and making the most of the smaller tourist crowds and queues at famous attractions but also heading to a spa town. Tuscany abounds in gorgeous spa towns and destinations with natural thermal springs and we have listed many examples in the past but today’s pick is Terme di Petriolo, an easy spot to add into an itinerary if you are staying in a vacation rental in Siena.

The grand cathedrals of Tuscany’s cities are generally an extraordinary collection of buildings, often with ancient origins, additions throughout various periods and architectural styles, contributions by named and famous architects, gilded interiors full of stunning objects, and artworks by the likes of Michelangelo, Giotto, and more. Those, therefore, who find a villa in Tuscany and visit any given town or city should always make time to pop into the local cathedral but, in particular, if you book a vacation rental in Siena, we really recommend a visit. This absolutely gorgeous church has lots of remarkable details touched by famous and beyond talented hands. Here are just five of its highlights that make it a must-see for those on holiday in Siena.

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: