Archive for 'Siena'

In the last article, we mentioned the especially lovely Tuscan medieval walled town of Buonconvento, which makes for a perfect day trip idea if you have found a luxury villa in Siena and are spending time exploring the wider province and all that it has to offer. If you are already in the area of Buonconvento and also have a particular penchant for the medieval, then we might additionally suggest swinging by Bibbiano Castle to see a lovely example of a Tuscan medieval castle while you are at it.

Bibbiano Castle is located in a particularly scenic part of Tuscany that is also quite removed from mass tourism and the potential madness of crowds and queues. For those interested in a more relaxed type of travelling and a slower pace of life, it is an ideal destination. Named for the “bibbio”, or widgeon, an aquatic bird that lives in the area, the origins of a settlement at the castle date back to 850 when it was home to the Longobard count Guinigi di Reghinari during the time of Emperor Ludovico II. It was in possession of the Guiglieschi and then the Cacciaconti families until the 13th century, when it was handed over to the Republic of Siena and re-fortified under their rule. After this is was destroyed but then rebuilt in the fifteenth century by its new owner the Cardinal Raffaello Petrucci, according to designs by the architect Baldassarre Peruzzi.     Read More

Italy is home to lots and lots of pretty little historic villages and those that are set amongst the rolling hills, lines of cypresses, and vineyards of the Tuscan countryside are especially charming. In fact, the most beautiful villages in the country are officially awarded with this title and can be readily found listed online. However, if you were thinking about booking a luxury villa in Siena and spending time exploring the wider area of the province, then we have a suggestion of one such town to pencil into your plans: the impossibly lovely medieval walled town of Buonconvento.     Read More

You’ve finally decided to do it and plan that trip to Tuscany that you have always dreamed about but now that you’re looking into it, you’re not quite sure when is the best time to go. Will the summer be too hot for you? Will the spring not be warm enough? Is it too busy or too quiet at certain times of the year? When is it most expensive? These are all questions to keep in mind. So, if you’re wondering when is the best time to visit one of the world's most beloved travel destinations, then read on to our travel guide and travel tips and decide what time of the year sounds like it would best suit you. Then, find a luxury villa in Tuscany and count down the days until your trip to Italy!

Is Spring a good time of year to go to Tuscany?

Spring (March to May) is an excellent time of year to visit for those interested in fewer crowds, smaller queues for things, milder weather, abundant greenery, and lower prices. From March onwards, the weather gets more reliable and temperatures increase. There is some chance of snow, but not that much of a chance, and rain is to be expected some days but you can also expect up to 12 hours of sunlight by the end of the month and average maximum temperatures of 15°C. By April, the countryside is lush and filled with flowers and fruit trees in bloom. The average maximum temperature rises to 19°C, though cooler days are common and evenings are brisk with a low of around 9°C to be expected. Come May, things are getting busier and this is one of the most popular months to visit Tuscany. Temperatures can reach 24°C or more in some parts of the region, rain is uncommon, and there are over 15 hours of daylight.     Read More

Thinking of spending Christmas abroad this year? Want to get away from the chaos of the festivities and endless obligations so you can just enjoy yourself over the Holidays? Then why not consider a Christmas getaway in Tuscany? Tuscany is the ideal location for a Christmas break as it boasts pretty towns that are even more picturesque when all dressed up for the festive season, delicious foods that make for excellent Christmas feasts, lots of unique Christmas traditions, and plenty of yuletide cheer. One particularly beautiful Christmas getaway destination in Tuscany is Siena. The charming city of Siena, with its lovely historic centre and penchant for going all out for the Holidays is just about as idyllic a spot as you could get for a very special Christmas. Just find a luxury villa in Siena and get planning the Christmas of your dreams!     Read More