Recently we spent a couple of days exploring the Serchio Valley in Tuscany. For anyone wanting to get away from the tourist chaos (and heat!) of summer, this makes for a perfect escape. It’s an easy trip in the car and a wonderful way to enjoy nature, tranquillity, and see some of the less well-known… Read more »
Read MoreBarga, The most Scottish town in Italy, and why I love it
Tuscany doesn’t want for variety. From countryside to coastline, a trip out here can make you feel like you’ve won the holiday lottery. Its Renaissance cities, Medieval hilltop towns and ever-changing landscapes, offer the traveller an embarrassment of riches. So with all the possibilities for a weekend away in Tuscany, did I really need to… Read more »
Read MoreFlorence in Summer, What to do and What not to do
We won’t lie to you. Florence is hot in summer. The kind of humid heat that sticks to your skin. In July and August temperatures can reach 37/38 degrees C (99 F), which can make sightseeing pretty unpleasant. Having said that, if you’re travelling to Florence in summer there are ways to enjoy the city,… Read more »
Read MoreTop Summer Events in Tuscany: Food, Music, Medieval Re-enactments
If you travel around Tuscany during Summer, you’ll find a variety of festivals and events livening up the towns and villages. With the long days and hot weather, people tend to spend time outside later when it’s cooler. Parks, piazze and open-air theatres put on their Summer Festivals throughout the region, with concerts, sagre (food… Read more »
Read MoreStaying Secure While Travelling in Tuscany: Essential Tips for Modern Travellers
A trip to Tuscany is one of life’s greatest pleasures. From the Renaissance wonders of Florence to the Medieval jewel that is San Gimignano, there’s so much to be discovered. But while you’re out there ticking sights off your bucket list, it’s crucial not to let your guard down when it comes to safety and… Read more »
Read More3 Small Towns in Tuscany We Love to Visit in Summer
There are three very special small towns in Tuscany just we can’t get enough of in Summer: Massa Marittima, Barga, and Pitigliano. These idyllic hilltop towns offer the visitor Romanesque art, good living, spectacular views and some special events during the Summer. Let’s be honest, there’s a lot of competition when it comes to picturesque… Read more »
Read MoreThe Eternal Appeal of Tuscany’s Landscapes: from the Etruscan to AI
The iconic landscapes of Tuscany have become a part of our collective imagination. They are synonymous with romance, beauty and dreams of the good life, and because of this they have found their way into hundreds of films and paintings, postcards and screensavers – all trying to capture the essence of Tuscany’s charm. But why… Read more »
Read MorePlants that Grow in the Dark, an Ancient Easter Ritual in San Casciano Val di Pesa
During Easter, churches around Italy are usually adorned with flower arrangements that recreate the symbols of Christ’s passion and resurrection. Here we take a look at a very specific version of this tradition in which churches are decorated with vetche or “vecce” – ghostly pale plants that are grown in the dark. It may sound… Read more »
Read MoreLa Dolce Villa, How Realistic is the Netflix Film Based in Tuscany?
Idyllic Tuscany scenery, plenty of stereotypes and lashings of Italian-style romance are the key ingredients of the Netflix movie “La Dolce Villa”, set in the fictional town of Montezara. There is not a place called Montezara in Tuscany, but the scenes are shot in real Tuscan towns, mixing and matching scenes from San Quirico d’Orcia,… Read more »
Read MoreEaster in Florence – Experience a traditional Easter in Florence
Easter is special in Florence, and if you’re visiting during the Easter holidays you can enjoy some special Florentine traditions and treats. The king of the show is the spectacular Explosion of the Cart in Piazza Duomo on Easter morning, a centuries old folkloristic show that offers plenty of excitement and adds colour to this already… Read more »
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