The region of Tuscany in Italy is widely seen as the
birthplace of the Renaissance movement and offers a host of
treasures in terms of art and architecture in the stunning cities
of Florence, Pisa and Siena which all boast UNESCO World Heritage
Sites. The region is also renowned for its picturesque landscape of
rolling hills and vineyards especially in areas such as Arezzo and
Montepulciano.
Cuisine is a crucial aspect of the Tuscan lifestyle with
the typical dishes centred around local produce such as legumes,
olive oil, white truffles in season and the famous Chianina beef.
Wine also plays an important part in daily life with Chianti,
Brunello del Montalcino and the dessert wine Vin Santo being
favourites. It has always been believed that it is incredibly
difficult to better a typical Tuscan dining experience and this is
one of the reasons for the success of rustic style restaurants in
all of the major cities in the region.
Florence has always been a popular destination for
holidays and it is easy to see why. The stunning city is famous for
its history and cultural importance. The Santa Maria del Fiore
Cathedral is one of the grandest buildings in Europe and offers
visitors the opportunity to climb 463 steps to the top to enjoy one
of the finest views of the city. The Uffizi Gallery is renowned as
one of the finest art galleries in the world, sporting works by
Botticelli, Caravaggio, Michelangelo and Rembrandt to mention a
few. For those who wish to enjoy a relaxing experience after the
cultural delights, the Boboli Gardens across the river provide a
relaxing haven with excellent views of the surrounding area. These
majestic attractions present a glimpse of the impressive variety of
culture on offer in Florence with both Medieval and Renaissance
influences contributing, however if you want to achieve more than
just scratching the surface, there are many other Florentine
treasures to enjoy.
At ITC Classics we offer a number of stunning properties
located in both distinctive Tuscan countryside and in lively city
centres. A stunning example is Villa San Michele, by
Orient Express, situated in the hills outside Florence and
provides the ultimate in luxury and service. The former monastery
offers panoramic views over to Florence and the surrounding areas
along with a concierge desk that is happy to arrange private tours
and visits to anywhere in Tuscany. Castel Monastero is
found in an idyllic setting in the Ombrone Valley and offers a
sense of complete escapism. It boasts a variety of facilities and
an impressive spa. By contrast, The Savoy Hotel is situated in the
heart of Florence within walking distance of all the main
attractions but provides a quiet retreat from the excitement should
guests want to relax after the day's excursions.
A trip to Tuscany will undoubtedly provide a magical
experience and will leave you wanting to go back for
more!
