In the centre of Italy lies the well-loved region of Tuscany, a largely rural area that is home to some of the most visited places in the world. Many people decide to holiday in the region because of the mild weather and beautiful scenery, as well as the region’s cultural and historical highlights. Choosing to stay at holiday villas in Tuscany is one of the best ways to explore the delights of the area at your own pace, whether you are holidaying as a family, couple or group of friends. When you take some time to explore this part of Italy you are sure to be charmed by the level of beauty and the rich history, due to the region’s involvement in the Italian Renaissance.
Tuscany enjoys a mostly mild climate but there is some variation due to the region’s diverse landscapes. Many people enjoy renting holiday villas in Tuscany during the summer months as the valleys and the coast receive a lot of hot and dry weather, whilst hilly and mountainous areas are cooler with more rain. Spring and autumn are particularly pleasant, especially if you prefer warmer weather to the hot temperatures of the summer. They are also quieter in regards to tourism, perfect if you want to relax during a villa holiday in Tuscany.
The region is revered for its contribution to the arts and has a wide selection of museums that are fascinating to visit for a day out during your stay at one of the holiday villas in Tuscany. Florence, the region’s capital, boasts an array of world-class art in itself and is home to the Uffizi Gallery, one of the oldest art museums in the western world. The Uffizi houses some of the most renowned works of art in history, including Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus and several paintings by renowned artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Another interesting museum is the Chianciano Museum of Art which boasts an impressive collection of everything from contemporary to historical works, well worth a visit when holidaying at luxury villas in Tuscany or great value properties in the region.
Florence is the capital of the region and is an extremely popular destination, receiving on average around 10 million visitors per year, many of those people enjoy staying at holiday villas in Tuscany. Numerous attractions that are located in the city celebrate the Italian Renaissance, from churches with incredible architecture to museums overflowing with paintings and sculptures. As well as the Uffizi Gallery, you may like to climb the Campanile of the breathtaking cathedral, which gives you great views of the Baptistery and Museo dell’Opera. Holiday villas in Tuscany that are in or around Florence are ideal for indulging in all of the city’s delights, which can be explored by foot due to the compact size.
The region is made up of 10 provinces, many of which are home to luxury villas in Tuscany and simpler, great value villas. Two of the provinces include Pisa and Siena. Pisa attracts many visitors who come to witness its infamous Leaning Tower, but it also has many other attractions. The city centre has much to offer with many shops and markets lining the River Arno, whilst the Piazza dei Miracoli is home to an array of incredible medieval architecture, including the Leaning Tower and the cathedral. From your holiday villa in Tuscany you may want to spend some time visiting Siena, which is considered to be one of the prettiest cities in Italy. The well-preserved medieval centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to the Romanesque-Gothic style cathedral that was completed in 1380. Adjacent to the cathedral is the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, which holds some of Siena’s finest paintings and artwork.
During a getaway to one of the Tuscany holiday villas that are available, you may want to indulge in some of the delicious food and wines for which this region is renowned. The region’s remarkable countryside produces some of the country’s finest olives and there are many vineyards filled with grapes that produce delicious wines. Chianti, a rich red wine, is one of the most well known exports and it goes well with the simple cuisine that is most appreciated in the region. You can experience most of the cuisine from one of the holiday villas in Tuscany by cooking yourself or visiting restaurants. Most food is based on fresh seasonal ingredients like fruits and vegetables as well as breads and cheeses such as pecorino cheese.
