Tuscany

General

When you think of a dream holiday home in Tuscany do you think of rounded hills garlanded by cypress trees, immaculately kept vineyards and olive groves set amidst misty hillsides, acres of tall sunflowers facing the sun, with isolated old farms and elegant villas overlooked by high medieval hill towns? This is ’typical’ Tuscany and we are in the region’s central area of Chianti, roughly located south of Florence and Siena. Here, the roads are refreshingly slower, giving you a chance to meander and chance upon such wonderful places as Greve, with its delightful 17th century arcaded square - or Spaltenna an Badia a Coltibuono where ancient abbeys have been converted into sumptuous restaurants. For wine lovers, follow the ’strada del vino’ signs to exquisite wineries such as Barone Ricasoli or Felsina to sample the finest chiantis.

Art and architecture
And so to Tuscany’s sophisticated towns, home to some of the most famous art treasures to be found. Florence has more art per square metre than anywhere else in the world - the Duomo’s cupola by Brunelleschi, Ghiberti’s bronze panels on the east doors of the Baptistery, Michelangelo’s David in the Accademia. Try to make time for a romantic evening stroll along the Lungarno, with the twinkling lights of the Ponte Vecchio as a backdrop. Historic Arezzo, with its Etruscan and Roman origins, offers a roman amphitheatre and superb frescoes in the church of San Francesco. And Montepulciano is a real ’high spot’ - the Piazza Grande being the highest and most picturesque spot of all - once you’ve reached it, reward yourself with a glass of the local vino nobile. Last but not least, bustling San Gimignano, with its 13 towers and narrow medieval streets - if you’ve seen the film ’Tea with Mussolini’, you will know why this charming town is a must for your itinerary.

Shopping

To capture the real flavour of Italy, sample the chaotic exuberance of the outdoor markets - immerse yourself in the streets and piazzas and savour the dazzling colours, noises and aromas - this is a real Italian experience, even if you don’t buy anything! And if the food tempts you, which it will, you will discover a freshness and quality (and price!) that is unequalled. At the other end of the scale, you can sample the sophisticated delights of shopping for designer goods in Florence, antiques in Siena and Pisa or local crafts in San Gimignano.

Local Food

The Tuscan identity is truly evident in the spectacular dishes that await you. Try and sample the local pasta - ricotta and spinach ravioli al burro e salvia (with butter and sage); tordelli from Lucca stuffed with chard, meat and ricotta. For the carnivore, bistecca alla Fiorentina (a vast T-bone steak cooked rare). Even the humble vegetable is transformed - bietole Swiss chard with olive oil, garlic and chilli pepper. Try almond biscuits from Siena, and a final treat, vin santo e cantucci (almond biscuits dipped into delicious sweet raisin wine).

Local Wine

Tuscany offers a wide range of quality wines, and not just from Chianti. Here is just a small selection of highly recommended names for you to enjoy in a local Cafe or on the terrace of your holiday home in Tuscany: Chianti Classico are good and inexpensive reds, for example: Grosso Sanese, Castello di Brolio, Castello di Fonterutoli and the more expensive La Casuccia. Other superb red wines include Selvapiena Riserva, Piancornello, Casanove di Neri and Fuligni. Then, from the town of Montepulciano come Avignonesi and Poliziano. Bolgheri Sassicaia to sample. The best white wines are Vernaccia, which is made in San Gimignano, and Bianco di Pitigliano.

If you are considering renting a villa in Tuscany, Cottages to Castles are pleased to offer a selection of privately owned and superbly presented properties. Choose your dream holiday home in Tuscany here.