Archive for 'Tourist Attractions'

Florence is a city of remarkable art and galleries, with wondrous examples to be found at every turn, but those who find a luxury villa in Florence will quickly discover that it is also a city of rather spectacular gardens. We have mentioned many of them previously – from the breathtaking sculptural marvels of the Boboli Gardens to the heavenly aromas and wide spectrum of shades of the Rose Garden – but if you are planning to find a Tuscany villa or a villa in Florence itself in May and you have an interest in gardens and blooms then one of the gardens that should top your list of things to see and do in the region has to be the Giardino Dell’Iris, or Iris Garden.

Poised in a panoramic position, east of the Piazzale Michelangelo, boasting truly incredible views over the lovely and iconic skyline of Florence, this unique gem of a garden is only actually open to the general public during the month of May (though visits can be arranged outside this month by appointment or on a guided tour), during the international iris show and competition organized by the Società italiana dell'iris, or Iris Society of Italy. 

You may have noticed a type of wine increasingly in stores and restaurants in the last few years, in particular, that seems new and strange to you: orange wine. These wines are actually part of a very old tradition of wine-making that has been revitalised in recent years and basically involves the macerating of white wines with their skins and the treating of white grapes as one would red ones. While white wine is usually made by pressing the grapes, separating the juice from the skins, and then fermenting this juice, orange wine (or, sometimes, called amber, ramato, macerated, or skin-contact wines) is made by allowing both the skins and juice to ferment together.

Ranging from a golden hue to a richer, redder colour, orange wines have the complex flavour profile and tannins of a red wine but are similarly refreshing to white wine. It is a type of flavour that some find strange at first but it is worth familiarising oneself with as it is a perfect summer drink to enjoy while visiting a vineyard or to pair with a wide variety of meals and foods while dining in the region. And, while the region is not the first that comes to mind in Italy when thinking of orange wine, those who have found a villa with pool in Tuscany or a Tuscany villa will find that many wineries throughout Tuscany are producing wonderful orange wines. 

One of the best things about a vacation in Tuscany and a Tuscany villa is that the pace of life is ideal for those looking to slow down, relax, and properly recuperate on their getaway. Of course, many cities are busy hubs and, in particular, tourist hotspots can be full of crowds piling off tour buses, queues, and hustle and bustle but if you don’t want to deal with any of that stuff then it is easy enough to do so. All one needs to do is spend their time enjoying the scenic rural areas and natural gems, visiting fascinating but lesser-known tourist attractions, and exploring the endless array of sleepy and utterly picturesque little towns throughout Tuscany. Skip the busy spots entirely, keep your eyes open, and you never know what kind of incredible gems you might discover! From family-run restaurants serving delicious local delights, to stunning churches in little villages that boast works by famous artists, to views so perfectly scenic it is hard to believe they are real and beyond, there is so much to uncover and at your own pace, without the chaos that sometimes can accompany a vacation.

But, most importantly, before anything else, you need to find the perfect base from which to explore and enjoy Tuscany’s quieter, more peaceful charms. While there are plenty of options for different areas to take in the beauty and relaxation of Tuscany, we highly recommend browsing our villas with pools in Siena, in particular. Our villas in this part of the region often take in stunning and classic Tuscan scenes, are close to all sorts of different attractions, are spacious and pretty, and are regularly located in peaceful and remote spots, far from the stresses and concerns of daily life.

There is a vast wealth of attractions to draw visitors to the lovely historic city of Pisa but there is also plenty to be seen across the wider region by those who find a villa with a swimming pool in Pisa and are looking ahead for things to see and do during their holiday in Tuscany and while enjoying a Tuscany villa. Boasting a landscape that features those famous rolling hills and pastoral views for which Tuscany is so well-known, a whole host of wineries to be visited, great hiking routes to choose from, pretty little villages waiting to be explored, some exceptionally lovely gardens to wander, and much more besides, this is a particularly scenic part of the world that utterly abounds in natural bounty and beauty.

However, while the whole region features charming scenery and great swathes of unblemished natural splendour, there are several protected areas where nature remains largely completely untouched and these make for the perfect spots to get out and get active and leave the stresses of the modern world behind for a time. One such area is the Natural Park of Migliarino San Rossore Massaciuccoli, or Parco Regionale Migliarino, San Rossore, Massaciuccoli, a truly extraordinary nature park that is located just a few kilometres from the city of Pisa and extends along the coast, taking in parts of the municipalities of Pisa, Viareggio, San Giuliano Terme, Vecchiano, Massarosa, and Livorno. With much to see and do and plenty to keep kids and kids at heart alike happy, it is the perfect place to enjoy outdoor pursuits and to immerse oneself in the calming surroundings of Mother Nature.

When one thinks of the city of Pisa or considers a villa in Pisa and holiday in this famous destination, it is hard not to immediately first think of the city’s iconic Leaning Tower. However, as it is an ancient and storied city in Tuscany, there is a rich and vibrant artistic and cultural history that goes far beyond just one building. Those who have found a villa with pool in Pisa and are taking the time to see all that she has to offer will quickly discover many more wonderful architectural gems, fascinating churches with incredible frescoes and art objects, museums, and, even, a famous mural by the beloved artist Keith Haring.

This work, “Tuttomondo,” was painted in 1989, shortly before the artist died prematurely in 1990 due to complications related to HIV, the work was made in collaboration with the students of Caparol Center, the suppliers of an acrylic tempera paint. Based on themes of peace and harmony in the world, it is painted on the wall of the former convent of S. Antonio and makes for a striking message of hope and possibility as this bright and colourful and unmissable thing of sheer beauty created by a gay HIV positive artist on the side of a Catholic building. Free to visit whenever you wish and located across from the Keith Café, admirers can sit for a spell with a bite to eat or a coffee or both and examine the work more closely. It is a true must-see for art-lovers and Haring fans on vacation in Pisa!