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Book a Call Enquire OnlineBY - Tim Latimer , 21 February 2023 - VIEW ALL ARTICLES
The Tuscany countryside is amongst the most picturesque in Europe, with its lush green hills, charming vineyards and vast fragrant olive groves. The beauty of the verdant rolling landscape is enhanced by elegant cypress trees, exquisite castles and delightful, rustic farmhouses. There is a sense of tranquillity to the area that makes a stay in a luxury villa in Tuscany a serene and rejuvenating experience.
The sense of deep calm that Tuscany offers does not mean that you’ll be at a loss for things to do on your luxury villa holiday in Tuscany – quite the opposite in fact. With Florence, Pisa and Siena all easily accessible by car there is a wealth of culture and art that simply begs to be explored. As all roads lead to Florence, it would be a crime to visit the area without dropping by to see Michelangelo’s David, the Uffizi Gallery and Santa Maria del Fiore. Pisa boasts more than its infamous leaning tower, with a host of Romanesque churches and the most exquisite architecture. It is worth picking a luxury villa near Siena if you are drawn to it’s Gothic and medieval architecture, botanical gardens and fascinating churches. Siena’s Il Campo is one of the most breath-taking public spaces in all of Italy, in fact the cityscape is so exquisite that you need not step foot in a single museum, just lap up the culture and enjoy the frisson of city life.
The medieval hamlets of Chianti are a draw for many wine lovers with endless vineyards, woodlands and a real sense of calm amidst the rustic charm. The renowned local wine of the area is readily available so you can enjoy it from your first night from your luxury villa in Tuscany. Look out for the finest wines formed from Sangiovese grapes, make sure you try a good Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano during your stay. If you’d rather a white wine then the area is also renowned for its Vernaccia di San Gimignano.
The area is steeped in rural traditions, leaving the countryside unspoilt and the cuisine deliciously uncomplicated and full of flavour. Famed dishes of the area include panzanella, bistecca alla Fiorentina and castagnaccio. Panzanella is a well-seasoned salad formed from combined soft crumbed bread, ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, red onions, vinegar and lashings of olive oil. This sort of dish that has such simplicity but is bursting with flavour and vivid colours is a true indication of the Tuscan cuisine where fresh, locally sourced ingredients form the basis of each dish. Bistecca alla Fiorentina is the tender and exquisite steak that Florence is so renowned for. Castagnaccio is a moist and flavoursome cake that uses chestnut flour to add a subtle flavour. Olive oil and rosemary are added, making it a unique and intriguing sweet treat.
The cuisine tends to be healthy, hearty and full of flavour. Look out for mountain cheeses, melt in the mouth meat, sun-ripened vegetables, the finest olive oil and perfectly piquant salamis.
Whether you pick a luxury holiday villa near Florence or Rome, or even one nestled up on a hilltop far away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you can guarantee that a holiday in Tuscany will delight each of your senses. From hiking through the mountainous countryside to exploring the architecture of the towns and cities, from the finest restaurant cuisine to traditional home-cooked rustic fare, from wine tastings to vintage car hire, Tuscany is the perfect place to relax and unwind.
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Explore our full collection of luxury villas in Italy
If you are considering a luxury villa holiday in Tuscany, we would also recommend that you check out the neighbouring region of Umbria. Umbria is equally beautiful, with rolling hills and charming villages galore.
Written by
Tim has been immersed in the travel industry for over 20 years. Tim is the owner and founder of Firefly Collection, a luxury holiday accommodation booking agent.