A dream holiday home in Tuscany
Thursday, June 5, 2014
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One of or favourite regions of Italy is Tuscany. It was 1986 that we first visited in search of beautiful holiday home properties and at the time, it was little more than a fact finding mission, call it research if you will. However, when the time came to move on, almost a year later, we realised that we had fallen head over heels in love with Tuscany.
During our time there, we stopped often to take in the beauty and sample local delights, whether they be ancient crafts or long relaxing meals. Not a moment was wasted, not even the days relaxing with an espresso in a little market town or sitting by a pool with the guide book, trying to work out where to visit next.
We soon realised that every day holds a new sight or a new scent in Tuscany. It's like the sea - different every day and breathtaking.
Visitors to Tuscany come for many, many reasons. When we're asked for a recommendation for a region to visit for fine arts, Tuscany comes to mind in an instant. When we're asked for a recommendation for a region to visit for beautiful countryside and breathtaking scenery, again, we can't help but think of Tuscany with its rolling hills, sea coast and islands. One equally as beautiful as the next.
Art, wine, cycling all produce the same reaction from us; Tuscany, Tuscany, Tuscany. It has it all.
Of course, there is a lot to see and do in Tuscany, which is where the difficulty really starts. A good place to begin is Florence, then of course Siena and Pisa, all cities of art, culture and fine foods. Then the surrounding areas of San Gimignano, Arezzo and Lucca are all impressive and unique.
The next difficulty is where to stay in order to access the beautiful cities and villages with ease. Well, one of our favourite spots for exactly this purpose is Palaia; a hidden treasure set in the most idyllic surroundings.
Palaia is located about 45 km southwest of Florence and about 30 km southeast of Pisa and boasts magnificent views where ever you look. Despite less than 1000 inhabitants, the town has a buzz about it, with a traditional market and plenty of cafes, restaurants and pizzerias to keep you occupied.
Our holiday property just outside Palaia is called Podere Palaia. It's a fantastic, traditionally Tuscan property ideal for families or multiple groups. Read more about it here.
It makes the perfect base for visiting Pisa, Florence, Siena, San Gimigiano, Volterra and many more places, all within about a 30 minutes drive. It really is an excellent rural base from which to explore the areas greatest sights and then return to a peaceful rural retreat.
And while you're there, why not try some typical Tuscan cooking or take some cooking classes to learn how to cook local Tuscan dishes. You'll enjoy the strong but basic flavours and the fresh ingredients of egg pasta, local meats grilled over wood and freshly picked beans simmered in earthenware pots. Heaven.
If you have any questions about the region of Tuscany or about Italica's rental properties in Tuscany, don't hesitate to contact us.
Arriverderci for now.
During our time there, we stopped often to take in the beauty and sample local delights, whether they be ancient crafts or long relaxing meals. Not a moment was wasted, not even the days relaxing with an espresso in a little market town or sitting by a pool with the guide book, trying to work out where to visit next.
We soon realised that every day holds a new sight or a new scent in Tuscany. It's like the sea - different every day and breathtaking.
Visitors to Tuscany come for many, many reasons. When we're asked for a recommendation for a region to visit for fine arts, Tuscany comes to mind in an instant. When we're asked for a recommendation for a region to visit for beautiful countryside and breathtaking scenery, again, we can't help but think of Tuscany with its rolling hills, sea coast and islands. One equally as beautiful as the next.
Art, wine, cycling all produce the same reaction from us; Tuscany, Tuscany, Tuscany. It has it all.
Of course, there is a lot to see and do in Tuscany, which is where the difficulty really starts. A good place to begin is Florence, then of course Siena and Pisa, all cities of art, culture and fine foods. Then the surrounding areas of San Gimignano, Arezzo and Lucca are all impressive and unique.
The next difficulty is where to stay in order to access the beautiful cities and villages with ease. Well, one of our favourite spots for exactly this purpose is Palaia; a hidden treasure set in the most idyllic surroundings.
Palaia is located about 45 km southwest of Florence and about 30 km southeast of Pisa and boasts magnificent views where ever you look. Despite less than 1000 inhabitants, the town has a buzz about it, with a traditional market and plenty of cafes, restaurants and pizzerias to keep you occupied.
Our holiday property just outside Palaia is called Podere Palaia. It's a fantastic, traditionally Tuscan property ideal for families or multiple groups. Read more about it here.
It makes the perfect base for visiting Pisa, Florence, Siena, San Gimigiano, Volterra and many more places, all within about a 30 minutes drive. It really is an excellent rural base from which to explore the areas greatest sights and then return to a peaceful rural retreat.
And while you're there, why not try some typical Tuscan cooking or take some cooking classes to learn how to cook local Tuscan dishes. You'll enjoy the strong but basic flavours and the fresh ingredients of egg pasta, local meats grilled over wood and freshly picked beans simmered in earthenware pots. Heaven.
If you have any questions about the region of Tuscany or about Italica's rental properties in Tuscany, don't hesitate to contact us.
Arriverderci for now.