Provence, The Italian Lakes, Tuscany and Umbria present a dazzling array of places to visit and things to do - but it's good to have some inside information to find out exactly what they are. On this page you'll find a wealth of articles on how to have a wonderful time no matter where you book your villa - including some very special local secrets.
Naturally, you'll find information about the best villas for certain holidaymakers (couples, groups, families) or particular events (weddings, birthdays, reunions), including romantic retreats, rustic cottages, historic properties and 5-star villas.
From countryside hideaways to accommodation in hilltop towns and medieval villas - here you'll find all the inspiration you need for your next holiday in Italy or France.
Tuscany, Travel Advice
Travelling out of season can bring bonuses of lower prices, fewer visitors and emptier museums. But when is it worth coming? what are the tips for the shoulder season traveller?
Central Tuscany, Festivals and Events, Food and wine
Many Central Tuscan hill towns like Volterra, Casole d'Elsa, San Gimignano and Monteriggioni have impressive full costumed re-enactments of former glory days.
In San Gimignano today only 14 towers remain of the 72 which stood in the 14th century. This still makes it the "city of beautiful towers" and guaranteed its UNESCO...
Central Tuscany, Florence and surroundings, Historical landmarks, South of siena
It is not a coincidence that many of the towns visited in Tuscany require an uphill climb, nor was it a fluke that early settlers headed for the higher ground....
Central Tuscany, Restaurants, Food and wine
In a country whose cuisine is known world-wide it is not hand to find a tasty plate of food. Special occasions, however, call for a meal which is memorable as...
Lucca and Pisa, Hiking, Restaurants, Garfagnana and the Apuan Alps
A hike in the steep valleys at the feet of the Apuan Alps, around the mills that were driven by the powerful waterways.
Chianti, Culture, Wineries
A Tuscan winery has been shortlisted for the prestigious Mies van der Rohe 2015 award, which is the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture and is presented every two years....
Tuscany, For Children
Tuscany is a beautiful part of Italy, and can be enjoyed by people of all ages.However, if you are travelling with children, your itinerary may be slightly different in order...
Florence and surroundings, Restaurants
Conde Nast Traveller has name Gucci OSTERIA as one of the places to eat for 2018
Siena and surroundings, Central Tuscany, Florence and surroundings, Chianti, Museums, South of siena, Val d'Orcia and Amiata
Tuscan guidebooks wax poetically about the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, but if the centuries begin to weigh heavy on you and you yearn for something a bit more contemporary,...
