Archive for 'Tourist Attractions'

Tuscany is a region that can be enjoyed to an extent if one is dependent on public transport but is, without a doubt, best explored if you have a car at your disposal because then you can both find the impossibly famous attractions on most people's bucket lists with ease, as well as stumble upon all sorts of other unexpected gems along the way. From tiny towns that most people have never heard of to pretty views that appear around a bend to incredible family-run eateries to wonderful local artistic and architectural feats, there are all sorts of things to be uncovered as you explore the Tuscan landscape. If you have found a luxury villa in Lucca, for example, and have rented a car to ramble around this beautiful province, you might find yourself stumbling across the impressive Fortezza delle Verrucole, or Verrucole Castle.

If Rome has the Trevi Fountain, then Siena has the Fonte Gaia. While not nearly so famous as the former, the Fonte Gaia is a serious looker and impressive artistic gem that is covered in stunning sculptural works. If you have found a luxury villa in Siena and are spending time in this beautiful city, then be sure to set aside some time to come and admire this incredible fountain and its wonderful decorative scheme for yourself. And, maybe, as with the Trevi Fountain, bring along a coin to toss in and make a wish.

The Fonte Gaia is located in Siena's famous Piazza del Campo, where the city's iconic Palio horse races are held each summer. The main square of the town, it is a massive, charming space filled with eateries and shops and is one of the places that locals, visitors, and tourists all end up floating to at some point. When you make it there, you will likely see a crowd gathered around the Fonte Gaia, something which is a permanent fixture of the square but much less intense and large than the crowds that constantly gather around the Trevi Fountain. You probably won't have to wait around for quite as long to get your chance for a look, a wish, and a photo!

When people think of the beaches of Italy, their minds often go quickly to Sicily, Sardinia, to the Amalfi Coast. However, if you are in search of wonderful seaside destinations in Italy, you might consider planning a trip to Tuscany, instead. In addition to the impossible cultural heritage and artistic wealth of the region, the stunning landscapes and cityscapes, and the wonderful foodie culture, Tuscany is also home to the Tuscan Coast and endless incredible beaches to choose from. Just find a vacation rental on the Tuscan Coast and come explore the options!

Many of the region's best beaches, however, are located on the island of Elba. This little slice of paradise on earth is famously the place to which Napoleon was exiled and is, additionally, home to some stunning beaches where the waters are especially crystal clear, the surroundings especially lovely, and the natural beauty well-protected and cared for. While there are lots of little beaches on the island, one of the most popular, beautiful, and famous of Elba's beaches is, without a doubt, Fetovaia.

Those who have found a luxury villa in Florence will have no shortage of museums, famous works of art, architectural gems, incredible palaces, stunning churches, historic attractions, and more to visit and, while these are all truly fascinating must-sees, we also recommend delving into the beautiful outdoor spaces that also exist in Florence. We have often mentioned the famous gardens of Florence, many of which are holdovers from the time in which nobles with incredible townhouses featuring extravagant grounds filled with flowers, statues, grottoes, fountains, and more ruled over the city and great swathes of Tuscany but there are also some parks that were specifically created as urban spaces for residents and visitors to relax and enjoy the outdoors. One particularly lovely example of this latter type of garden in Florence is the Giardino delle Rose, or Rose Garden.

Located in the Oltrarno district of Florence, just below the Piazzale Michelangelo, the position of the Giardino delle Rose means that it boasts a rather impressive and lovely panorama over the city. Created in 1865 by the Florentine architect Giuseppe Poggi (who had also designed the Piazzale above), in the year that the capital of Italy had been moved from Turin to Florence, as part of a commission by the municipality of Florence to develop the left bank of the Arno River, the garden was designed as an attractive outdoor space that would befit the new capital city. About 1 hectare in size, the space was once part of the Podere San Francesco (San Francesco farm), which was the property of the order of the Oratorian Fathers. It was then redesigned and transformed into a terraced garden by Attilio Pucci and it was under his guidance that a rose collection was first planted and established.

Holidays are made for doing things you have never tried before and for doing the things that you love but normally do not have the time or energy to pursue in your daily life. From surfing to hiking to wine-tasting, there are all sorts of pursuits that can be enjoyed at your leisure while on holidays, without worrying about having to get back to chores or work and without having to consider any potential costs incurred in the way that you might normally have to factor into your plans. For many, one great example of an activity that they may have long loved but never have quite enough time for or easy access to if they live in bigger towns and cities and an activity that others may be curious about but never actually got around to trying out is horseback riding! Particularly enjoyable if you are exploring new landscapes, horseback riding is especially wonderful for those who have found a vacation rental in Tuscany as the stunning, rolling hills and pastoral settings of the Tuscan countryside make for the perfect place to befriend a new equine pal and plod along together through the prettiest of surroundings.