Archive for 'Day Trips'

One likely imagines South America when they think of alpacas as that is where they come from but these cute and fluffy creatures can also be found in petting zoos all over the world now. For example, Tuscany is home to a rather famous petting zoo with alpacas that visitors flock to from all over the region to enjoy the animals, taste some delicious food, and take in some stunning surroundings. So, if you book a villa in Florence and you are looking for an opportunity to explore the nearby and famously beautiful rolling green hills of the Chianti area of the Tuscan countryside while doing something that the whole family will enjoy, just head to the Valle degli Alpaca, or Valley of the Alpacas.

Upon seeing the beyond famous artwork with their own eyes for the first time, many are so focused on the famous Mona Lisa’s mysterious smile that they do not really take the time to pay attention to the rest of the painting. In particular, few actually get the chance to properly admire the beautiful backdrop of the Tuscan landscape behind her, especially as jostling to get a view in the Louvre can be tricky. However, if you want to go admire that landscape in person yourself without the crowds all around, then you just need to book a villa in Tuscany and head to Val Di Chiana.

Once you get to this part of the region, not far from Arezzo, you will find the Romanesque Ponte Buriano bridge in the Penna Nature Reserve in Civitella in Val di Chiana. While not immediately striking to some, this is the very bridge that can be seen over the shoulder of the iconic figure. 

We have a wide range of truly remarkable luxury villas in Tuscany to choose from and these incredible properties all offer the most relaxing, plush, and elegant vacation experiences. Once you’re luxuriating in one of these amazing Tuscany villas, you definitely need an appropriately chic Italian outfit to go with the experience and if you don’t have any on hand to pack and bring with you on your trip, then never fear as there are plenty of great places to shop some of the country’s most beloved and stylish designer brands. Better yet, there are some places to get these pieces at amazing discounts! There are plenty of designer outlets all across Italy and the area around Florence, in particular, has a few to visit. So, browse our luxury villas in Florence and then come snag a seriously stylish bargain...

Tuscany and Italy, in general, are both places famous for style, culture, and incredibly-made objects. There are countless heritage brands throughout the region that have existed for literal centuries and continue to produce stunning items. Of course, we know of the Guccis and the Ferragamos of the world but there are countless other amazing Tuscan brands to discover. In particular, there are lots and lots of wonderful homewares brands that produce the kind of stunning household goods that interiors lovers will lust over and even the totally uninterested will stop and admire in awe. Among these, the ceramics brand Ginori 1735 is an exceptionally brilliant example. Of course, with the expertise, impeccable design and construction, and gravitas lent by the age and reputation of the brand, the price tag associated with their goods in not insubstantial. For many, a large proportion of their pieces will fall well outside their usual budget for such things. However, if you like to invest in your homewares, or you really just want to own something from this beloved brand yourself, or you have a larger budget to play around with then you might be interested in the Ginori 1735 factory shop in Sesto Fiorentino. A brilliant way to get your hands on some stunning pieces at discounted rates or to really stock up if you are one of those people who have a larger budget, this is a must-stop spot for all interiors obsessives who find a luxury villa in Florence and are planning on spending some time exploring the area around the city or for those who find a villa with pool in Tuscany and are willing to make a specific day trip to the store.