Vacation Rentals in Tuscany

Known for its meat and fresh local produce, a trip to Tuscany wouldn’t be complete without trying its world-renowned cuisine. A Lampredotto sandwich is a local favorite which is served with spicy sauce and salsa verde. Enjoy a hearty meal of Bistecca alla Fiorentina, the typical chargrilled steak is served with lemon wedges and cannellini beans.

Be sure to try the Fettunta, the famous Tuscan bread flavored with garlic, green olive oil, and traditional spices. Another must-try local delicacy is Panzanella, a bread salad prepared with stale bread, basil, olive oil, tomatoes, red onions, and vinegar. Ribollita is another traditional recipe made with stale bread and flavored with vegetables and legumes.

If you love pasta, you should definitely try tagliatelle al tartufo, a delicious pasta dish made with truffle sauce. Tuscany is renowned for its phenomenal wines. Some of the world's finest wines like Nobile di Montepulciano, Brunello di Montalcino, and Chianti will enchant you with their unique taste and aroma.

• Residential city of Florence

If you rent a vacation home or apartment in Tuscany, you can look forward to numerous sights. Many of them have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, such as the city of Florence. The former residence city of the Medici noble family stands for an important cradle of art and culture in Italy. Highlights include the Uffizi Gallery, a building complex that was originally intended to house ministries and offices and in which you can now find the art collection "Galleria degli Uffizi", with its unique masterpieces, as well as the Palazzo Vecchio, which today serves as the city hall of the city. Furthermore, the church of Santa Maria Novella is worth seeing as well as the cathedral with its bell tower by Giotto, which you can visit from your vacation apartment in Tuscany.

• Culture in Siena

Also Siena with its famous Piazza del Campo in the middle of the medieval center represents a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an exceptional destination. Adjacent to the piazza you will not find a church, as is usually the case, but the city's town hall. The building dates back to the 13th century and its tower "Torre del Mangia", added in the 14th century, can be climbed. Once at the top, there is a unique view over the city and large parts of Tuscany. In the city you will also find one of the most important buildings in Italy from the Gothic period, which you should visit from your vacation home in Tuscany - the "Duomo Santa Maria Assunta". Inside the cathedral, you can expect, among other things, the floor lined with marble slabs and the octagonal pulpit, which is supported by lion figures and columns.

• The Leaning Tower of Pisa

Another beautiful city in Tuscany is Pisa. Here, of course, you can't miss the legendary leaning tower in Piazza dei Miracoli, which fell into its famous crooked position just 12 years after the foundation stone was laid, due to the soft soil of mud and sand. Since 1987, the tower, the neighboring cathedral, the baptistery and the adjacent cemetery have been UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

• Lucca and the numerous churches

About 20 km from Pisa, there is the town of LuccaА, which is famous for its numerous churches. The reason for the many churches is that many families became so rich from the silk trade that they had their own places of worship built. And not only the churches of the city are beautiful, also the city center, where old and new are mixed, has its very own charm. Here you will find modern boutiques next to antique confiseries and high-tech stores next to centuries-old jewelers.

But even smaller cities are worth a visit when renting a vacation home in Tuscany, such as San Gimignano with its tower houses and towers. The panorama and scenic beauty of the Val d'Orcia valley, which belongs to the hinterland of Siena, are also impressive. In addition, there are indeed places in Tuscany where not every tourist goes. Here in our blog we have compiled a few of these secret gems for you. Take a look!

In addition to the many (large) cities you can visit, it is of course also possible to spend your vacation in Tuscany by the sea.

The region is known for its long and wide sandy beaches with idyllic bays and crystal clear water. In the background the dreamlike landscape with the typical pine forests.

• Beach vacations in Livorno

Go swimming in the third largest city of Tuscany: Livorno with its numerous beautiful beaches and picturesque pine forests, which attract many tourists every year. Here you can relax at leisure on the beach and enjoy the sun. For a change of pace, a visit to the city center from your vacation home in Tuscany is also worthwhile. The center of the city is the Piazza Grande with the Duomo San Francesco, where you should take a look at the impressive ceiling paintings. Livorno is also particularly famous for numerous fish specialties, such as cacciucco, originally a "poor people's meal" where a wide variety of fish are served on the table, such as squid, mussels, shrimp and gurnard.

• Beach vacations in Marina di Grosseto

If you want to enjoy nature, you should spend your vacation on one of the natural beach sections of Marina di Grosseto.

• Beach vacations on Elba

Other beautiful beaches can be found on the island of Elba, each of which has its own characteristics. Thus, there are long golden sandy beaches, small pebbly coves, beaches with black sand, those with rocks of granite or others with white small stones. Explore the diversity of the island and spend a very special vacation by the sea.

• Beach vacations in Vada

On the other hand, you can spend a sporty active beach vacation in Vada. Here there is the possibility of surfing, kitesurfing or windsurfing. Pick your favorite and throw yourself into the waves.

Located in the city of Pistoia, The Zoological Gardens of Pistoia (Zoo di Pistoia) is Tuscany's biggest zoo and one of the most popular family attractions in Tuscany. Encompassing 17 acres, this zoological garden is home to more than 400 animals including reptiles, mammals, birds, insects, and amphibians.

Cavallino Matto in Livorno is one of Tuscany's biggest amusement parks and it features robot shows, 4D movies, roller coasters, pirate ships, and plenty of other entertainment. Spreading across 25 acres and surrounded by a pine wood, this park is excellent for families, where both you and your little ones can have lots of fun.

Drop by the Acqua Village Follonica for an exciting family adventure offering a great mix of fun and adrenaline rush suitable for all ages. Kids will have a fantastic time at Acqua Village's Moku, an Island by Pago featuring a playground pool and thrilling slides.

Known as the cradle of the Renaissance, Tuscany is famous across the world for its architectural landmarks and UNESCO World Heritage sites. If you are visiting Florence, you cannot miss the iconic Duomo (Florence Cathedral), featuring beautifully designed terracotta-tiled red dome and Giotto’s Bell Tower.

Drop by the Galleria dell'Accademia to admire Michelangelo’s David sculpture, and the Uffizi Gallery featuring artworks of Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci. Another unmissable attraction is the Ponte Vecchio, a medieval arch bridge along the Arno River filled with glittering jewelry stores.

Head over to the city of Pisa, well-known for its imposing Leaning Tower. Located in Piazza del Duomo complex, this 180ft free-standing tower is renowned for its unintended tilt. Take a walking tour of Pisa to find the aristocratic palaces and Gothic style churches including the Santa Maria della Spina.

Plan a trip to Siena, which is known for its medieval architecture. The Palazzo Pubblico in the heart of Piazza del Campo (the central square) is a fantastic example of Gothic architecture. Another attraction is Torre del Mangia, a 334 foot tall 14th-century tower offering sweeping views of the city.

Viareggio Carnival is one of the most popular pre-Lent events in Tuscany featuring vibrant parades with massive paper-maché models along the sea promenades. The festival also includes musical comedies, street, and band performances.

Rificolona Festival is held every September to celebrate the birth of the Virgin Mary. One of the highlights of the festival is the paper lanterns parade which passes through the Piazza Santissima Annunziata and Piazza Santa Felicita.

The Lucca Summer Festival (June-July) is a star-studded event attracting some of the biggest names from the world of rock music. The festival is a must for any music lover, featuring an array of eclectic performances by legendary musicians and celebrities.