Tuscany Vacation Rentals

The region of Tuscany in Central Italy is renowned for its history as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and its picture-perfect landscape. Vacation apartments in Tuscany are sophisticated or rustic, depending on whether you are based in the city or the country and are always immaculately stylish.

Wherever you stay, from Florence to Siena, you will have history and beauty on your doorstep.

Art and Culture - The very heart of Tuscany

Tuscany is a hub of art and culture in Italy and has been for centuries. The region is home to a multitude of galleries, historical landmarks, superb architecture and museums. The Uffizi Gallery, the Accademia, home of Michelangelo's 'David', and the Bargello Museum are just three of the most important of the region's museums.

Beside the Leaning Tower of Pisa, historical buildings in Tuscany include the Populonia (now an archeological park housing a necropolis carved into cliffs) the Duomo in Siena and the Abbey of San Galgano.

Top 10 Things To Do in Tuscany With Kids

1. Visit Pinocchio Park in the town of Collodi. This cultural theme park is dedicated to the most popular Italian character in children's fiction.
2. There are four zoos in Tuscany, but Pistoia Zoo is the largest and specializes in wildlife preservation work.
3. Tuscany brings you to two Acqua Village water parks; one in Follonica, the other nearby Livorno.
4. Visitors staying in a Tuscan villa rental near Livorno also enjoy day excursions to the Cavallino Matto theme park.
5. The waters off the coast of the city Lucca are known for their dolphin populations. Local conservationist group CeTuS organizes regular dolphin watching boat trips.
6. Explore underground Tuscany with a visit to the natural caves at Antro del Corchia, or the man-made aqueduct tunnels near Siena.
7. The Museo d’arte per Bambini in Siena encourages children from ages 3 to 11 to think creatively and appreciate art.
8. South of Siena in Rapolano Terme, adventurous kids take on the treetop walk at the Parco Aventura.
9. Climb the imposing walls at the Castello dell'Imperatore and enjoy the spectacular views from the tower top.
10. Have a go at making your own ice cream at the Gelateria di Castellina in the picturesque Tuscan town of Castellina in Chianti, which is built upon a hill.

Must See Events and Festivals in Tuscany

1. Viareggio Carnival takes place each January and features a parade of historical and cultural floats.
2. Enjoy the best of Tuscan cuisine at Florence's Taste Festival in March. Perfect for buying local ingredients to prepare supper at home in your villa rental.
3. The stunning Luminara San Ranieri Festival takes place in Pisa every June. 70,000 candle lanterns light up the city's iconic landmarks.
4. Music fans should head to Lucca for the town's summer music festival, which attracts some of the biggest names in contemporary pop music.
5. The Puccini Festival takes place each year at the height of summer, celebrating opera in venues throughout Tuscany.
6. In September, the town of Lucca hosts an environmentally friendly, cultural festival called Cartasia. Aimed at younger travellers, it encourages children of all ages to create sustainable works of art.
7. Also in September, Rificolona celebrates the birth of the Virgin Mary with a lantern procession through the streets of Florence.
8. Head to Pisa for a summer of open-air jazz concerts, held on the small beach on the banks of the Arno River.
9. Every July, Monteriggioni hosts a medieval fair featuring historical re-enactments, traditional sporting events, and medieval food and drink specialties.
10. Perhaps the highlight of the summer Tuscan festivals is the Siena Palio, a high-octane bareback horse race around the town's main square which has taken place since 1633.

Self-catering in Tuscany

Eating out is always an easy option wherever you are in Italy and there are pizza and pasta places at every turn. If you prefer to cook for yourself you will find larger supermarkets such as Coop, which is the biggest in Tuscany, which sell everything you need to self-cater.

Smaller shops, where you can buy bread, cheese and cured meats as well as dried pasta and sauces are commonly found throughout the region's towns and villages.

The sights and sounds of central Italy

Leaning Tower of Pisa

The construction of the world-famous free standing belltower in Pisa's Cathedral Square began in 1172 and took 199 years before it was finally completed. In spite of this, it is the unintentional lean caused by the tower's weak foundations that makes it so popular with sightseers.

Boboli Gardens

The Boboli Gardens are known as an impressive example of 'green architecture,' providing the city with beauty and tranquility through every season. Begun in the 15th Century, the gardens were developed over 400 years and surround the Pitti Palace.

Boboli is one of Florence's greatest open-air museums and is home to sculptures, fountains and ancient oak trees.

Piazza del Campo

The Piazza del Campo in Siena is considered one of Europe's greatest and most well-preserved medieval squares. Beginning life as a marketplace sometime before the 13th Century, it is known around the world for its beauty and architectural integrity.

The Piazza is home to the famous Fonte Gaia, the Fountain of the World, which was built in 1419. Twice a year the Piazza plays host to a horse race which takes place around the entire square, an exciting event for all involved.

Frequently Asked Questions