Archive for 'Must See Attractions'

The town of Montepulciano is a town famous for its wine and, certainly, those interested in Tuscan wine will find incredible wineries to visit and taste wine in the vicinity, charming restaurants where delicious meals are perfectly paired with excellent vintages, chic bars to share a bottle with their travel companions, and some great shops to purchase a bottle of wine to enjoy as they relax in one of our amazing Tuscany villas if they spend any time in the area. However, if you also like somewhat unusual events and traditional festivals and celebrations on top of tasty wines then it would be best to plan your vacation in Montepulciano during the month of August, around the time of the Bravio delle Botti. This somewhat bizarre but very exciting and interesting event is a rather special annual race that takes place in town each summer and sees representatives of the different neighbourhoods of Montepulciano compete by dashing through the pretty historic centre while pushing a giant wine barrel. Though the sight of it might momentarily make you concerned that you have been indulging in the local speciality a little too liberally, we can assure you that this silly and fun event makes for the best opportunity and time of year to get to know Montepulciano.

For many people, shopping is an integral part of travel and getting to know a new place when you are on holidays. In particular, the unique finds, characters, excitement, and atmosphere of local fairs and markets are a brilliant part of getting to grips with a holiday destination and a perfect place to find the best mementos, souvenirs, and gifts. If you are one of these individuals and you have been considering our Tuscany villas while planning your next vacation, then this is your sign to book your villa in Tuscany today because few other places anywhere else can compete when it comes to volume, quality, and uniqueness of fairs and markets. Tuscany abounds with incredible markets that sell everything from local wine, to sun-ripened fresh fruit, to handmade crafts, to baked goods that smell utterly divine, to chic vintage finds, to works of art, to some of the best antiques in the globe. For the bargain-hunter or gem-finder who loves nothing more than to potter about, browsing bits, snacking, enjoying your surroundings, people-watching, and generally taking things slow and easy, then the endless list of local fairs and markets throughout Tuscany’s picturesque little towns and villages and famously lovely cities is sure to delight. One particularly note-worthy example if you are planning a vacation in Tuscany this summer and especially if you find a villa with swimming pool in Arezzo is the annual Fiera Antiquaria taking place on the 2nd and the 3rd of July and the 6th and the 7th of August 2022 (as well as on dates in September, October, November, and December – check out the website for more details). 

Tuscany is home to some world-famous museums and galleries as well as churches and palaces with extraordinary collections that are known the world over and are immediate must-sees for those planning a vacation in Tuscany or to find a Tuscany villa. However, these well-known spots are not the only places to go to see art while in Tuscany. In fact, one might stumble across all kinds of incredible masterpieces all throughout the region from the Keith Haring mural painted on the side of an old church in Pisa to the examples of contemporary street art that dot cities such as Florence to random little chapels and tiny local museums that boast works by famous Old Masters. Or, you might find that a regional museum is playing host to a travelling exhibition or temporary loan of some astounding pieces from some of those more famous museums. One example of just such a regional museum and just such an exhibition is the Ex Cavallerizza in Lucca in the Piazzle Verdi, located in the stunning and historic city of Lucca, which is playing host to the, "I Pittori della Luce / Painters of Light," exhibition. Browse our villas with pools in Lucca and get booking today to see it for yourself this summer or in the early autumn before it closes!

Tuscany is famously a destination for art-lovers and a hub of extraordinary art works, galleries, museums, churches stuffed with incredible pieces of art, public statuary and sculpted fountains, astounding architectural gems and much more besides. Much of this can be traced back to the remarkable outpouring of world-famous artistic talents throughout the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and art movements from the following centuries such as Mannerism, Impressionism, and more as well as lingering remainders of the ancient Romans. However, though there may be fewer examples with names as famous as Giotto, Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Titian, and Caravaggio (to name but a small selection), Tuscany has also produced some incredibly famous scientists and has been a major hub of scientific discovery throughout the centuries. A vacation rental in Tuscany is, therefore, ideal for any science enthusiasts looking to learn more about both the world around them and above them!

A Tuscany villa is an excellent idea for those who want to enjoy a relaxing getaway as the entire region is home to lots of natural hot springs and the charming and historic spa towns that have grown up around these destinations. Drawing generations upon generations of both locals, Italians from other parts of the country, and tourists from all over the globe to enjoy the restorative waters and a range of other relaxing and holistic treatments, these are the places that you want to go to if you are looking to truly unwind and rest on your next vacation. We have discussed many different naturally-occurring hot springs, thermal parks, spas, and spa towns previously but one of the most luxurious spots in the entire region to enjoy a day at the spa and in the hot spring waters that we haven’t mentioned before has to be Bagni di Pisa. The day spa here, at this stunning 5 star hotel in a beautiful 18th century building, is a real slice of heaven and is ideal for those who have found a villa with pool in Pisa and are looking to treat themselves to a properly luxurious spa experience.

Located in the spa town of San Giuliano Terme, about 5km from the city of Pisa, the Bagni di Pisa spa is a serious looker, with the thermal pools and baths set in an elegant courtyard of the building, framed by lovely architectural details such a pilasters and arched windows looking into the old palace. This setting is a wonderful and atmospheric place to soak in the restorative waters and is an especially refined counterpart to the famous outdoor springs such as the iconic example in Saturnia – though we would highly recommend a visit to both types if you can manage it!