Tuscany is situated in the middle of Italy, with the Mediterranean to the west, Liguria and Emilia Romagna to the north, Marche to the east and Umbria and Lazio to the south. There is a huge choice of vacation rental in Tuscany, ranging from a holiday apartment in the city to a luxurious villa rental in the middle of the countryside.
There is a very good reason why Tuscany is such a popular destination for travellers and holidaymakers; it has something for everyone.
Tuscany offers its visitors delicious food; delightful wines from Chianti, stunning scenery with cypress tress and olive groves, abundance of museums, long sandy beaches, water sports along the coast and many great cultural and historical sites. By renting a villa rental from a private owner or their agent and becoming part of the local community rather than a tourist in a hotel, you are bound to have a great holiday in Tuscany.
Cuisine
The cuisine in Tuscany is legendary. From the simple dishes of freshly chopped basil and tomatoes served on lightly toasted bread to the more traditional dishes such as Cacciucco fish chowder, Arista (roast pork), and Zuccotto cake. Dipping freshly baked bread in the olive oil from the local olive groves that cover parts of the Tuscan hilly terrain can be a delicious meal in itself. At restaurants in Florence the menu offers a large choice of mouth watering pasta sauces for you to try as part of your 4-course pasta extravaganza.
Climate
The climate in Tuscany is typically long hot summers and mild winters. This makes staying at a vacation rental in Tuscany an all year round possibility. Make the most of this great climate by walking through the streets of Siena or Florence on a warm balmy evening with a heavenly gelato (ice cream), or soak up the atmosphere in one of the many medieval piazzas whilst sipping your coffee in the sunshine.
Art
Tuscany is home to many masterpieces and priceless treasures by some of the world’s greatest artists such as; Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raffaello, Botticelli, Giotto, Donatello and Tiziano. Some fascinating museums and art galleries in Tuscany worth visiting include The Uffizi Gallery, The Accademia and Pitti Palace in Florence, Civil Museum in the city hall of Siena and Museum Dell Opera di Santa Croce in Florence.
There are so many historical sites worth visiting, such as the Etruscan theater and Roman baths at Fiesole, you would need to stay in Tuscany for months to see them all.
Wines
Tuscany produces numerous excellent wines, which stand shoulder to shoulder with their French counterparts. In particular, Tuscany is well known for its Chianti Classico wine-producing region near Florence and Siena. It’s possible to join a wine tour of the Chianti region or you can hire a car from your Tuscany vacation rental and discover some exquisite Tuscan wines. Most of the wine estates will give you a tour of their winery and offer a taste of their wine. Some of the famous wines from Tuscany are Tignanello, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and Brunello di Montalcino.
Activities
Tuscany has some wonderful spas, especially the ones at Montecatini and Chianciano where you can relax and forget about all the tensions and stresses of modern life.
Tuscany also gives the keen golfer many attractive golf courses to choose from around Florence, Siena, Arezzo and Pisa. Rent a golf holiday villa near a golf course to gain maximum time on the golf course. Using your villa rental as a base you can test your golfing skills at the oldest golf course in Tuscany, the Ugolino course, or the Montecatini golf course with its Roman clubhouse.
If you enjoy fresh air and nature, visit the national parks of Argentario and on the Isola of Elba.
Even though Tuscany has a short winter season, it does have a winter ski resort at Abetone near Florence, which has both down hill skiing and cross country skiing.
Festivals
Tuscany has many marvelous festivals all year round. Several cities in Tuscany organize a carnival on Ash Wednesday, before Lent starts. The main ones are at Viareggio, Florence and San Gimignano.
In spring, around the end of May, there is the Chianti wine festival in Montespertoli to celebrate the new wines.
During the summer in Pisa there is the Luminara, Regatta of Saint Ranieri and Battle of the Bridge around mid-June. At the same time of year in Florence, you can watch the 4 local teams dressed in 16th Century costumes compete in Calcio Storico (wresting and football combined!) in the Piazza Santa Croce. This is followed by a fantastic firework display.
Towards the end of July in Pistoia the Giostra dell’Orso, a medieval jousting competition is held. In Siena on the 2nd July and 16th August the Palio horse race is held in the Piazza del Campo. Siena’s different districts put teams into this bare back horse race, which takes place in a medieval setting and is followed by a big feast in the surrounding streets.
The Bravio delle Botti is a barrel-rolling race along the main street in Montepulciano on the last Sunday in August. As with most of these medieval competitions, there are also parades and street banquets to be enjoyed.
On the first Sunday of September in Arezzo there is the Saracen Tournament, based on the Christian efforts to hold back the advance of Islam in the 14th Century. Different teams of knights on horse back attempt to hit a target in the image of a Saracen.
Rent Property Direct is not responsible for any changes to dates and locations of the above-mentioned festivals. Please check with the local tourist office for dates, timings and locations.
Cities and towns
Florence – Florence is the capital of Tuscany. The river Arno flows through this very attractive city. A day visit isn’t long enough, so rent a holiday apartment in Florence from the wide choice of holiday accommodation available and enjoy exploring this city.
Pisa - Pisa is famous for its leaning tower. Sit at a café in the piazza and marvel at its gravity-defying stance. Really get to know this spectacular city by staying at your own vacation rental.
Siena - Siena is a beautiful medieval city with some exceptional examples of Gothic architecture. There is a plenty of villa rentals to choose from in this area of Tuscany.
Lucca – Lucca is a medieval town famous for its priceless art. From your holiday home discover the many charms this town has to offer.
Other towns worth visiting for shopping, restaurants, bars and holiday accommodation in Tuscany are; Arezzo, Pistoia, Piazza al Serchio, Sinal Unga, Lucignano, Gavorrano, Follonica, Livorno, Minucciano, San Gimignano, Cortana, Gallicano, Grosseto, Montepulciano, Laro Ciuffenna, Montalcino, Orbetello, Castiglione di Garfagnana, Stazzema, Massa Marittima, Bagni Di Lucca, Manciano, Casciana Terme, Viareggio, San Miniato and Pienza.
Travel
The international airports are Galileo Galilei in Pisa and Amerigo Vespucci in Florence.
Find your dream villa rental in Tuscany on Rent Property Direct and enjoy a great holiday in Italy.