Every January, many of us kickstart the new year with brand-new goals and a lengthy to-do list (myself included). This year, however, I want to share a special place that invites you to slow down, look within, and power up from the inside out. I can’t think of a better spot to introduce to our TuscanDream community than the truly one-of-a-kind Formiche Islands. It’s a place that calls us back to our roots. When we…
Tuscany is wonderfully multifaceted. One moment, you’re immersed in the peace of rolling hills and vineyards; the next, you’re strolling through museums or vibrant piazzas (city squares). Add in pristine coastlines and charming hilltop towns, and you’ve got a region bursting with variety. With so much to see and experience, we want to share with you a spot that puts it all within reach. Meet Casole d’Elsa, a charming town situated in the heart of…
The best part of life in Tuscany is discovering just how dynamic this central Italian region really is. It continues to amaze me, even after years of living here. Tuscany encompasses a beautiful and diverse natural landscape with numerous UNESCO World Heritage sights. Many travelers are only aware of the famous Renaissance cities of Siena and Florence, but my personal favorites are the smaller towns where time seems trapped in a bygone era. One of the…
A Glimpse Into The Past Lucca is a city that has withstood the test of time. It showcases remnants of its illustrious past in its well-preserved architecture and city layout. Its origins can be traced back to ancient times when it was founded by the Etruscans. Over the centuries, Lucca was inhabited and influenced by various civilizations, including the Romans and the Byzantines. Each time period leaving an indelible mark on its character. However, it…
Chianti Colli Fiorentini wines are a true embodiment of Italy’s rich winemaking heritage and a testament to the artistry and passion of the Tuscan winemakers. The Chianti Colli Fiorentini wine region encompasses the rolling hills surrounding the historic city of Florence. Crafted primarily from Sangiovese grapes, the signature grape of the region, these wines carry a unique and unmistakable personality. They have long been celebrated as some of Italy’s finest offerings. Chianti Colli Fiorentini Chianti…
Exploring the Chic & Discreet Maremma. Maremma is one of our favorite lesser-known areas of Tuscany, Italy. This region of understated beauty between Florence and Rome on the lush Mediterranean coast is unlike anything else in our country. Not surprisingly, it has become an exclusive destination for travellers and locals alike. It encompasses the province of Grosseto and its surrounding towns along the west coast of Tuscany, not far from the famous towns of Siena, Montepulciano,…
One of the best ways to see Tuscany is by car. Here are our top tips for renting a car and driving in Tuscany. To rent a car, you will need to present a valid driver’s license from your home country and a credit card. When renting a car, debit cards are not usually accepted. International driver’s permits are needed in Italy to be able to rent and operate a vehicle legally. International Driver’s Permit…
2021 Retreat – Sailing in Tuscany Venus is the Goddess of love and beauty and has been the favorite subject of artwork and legend since ancient times. Legend tells of her loss of a necklace as she emerges from the waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The pearls of the necklace scatter and form the seven islands of the Tuscan Archipelago. Today, we know these islands as Capraia, Elba, Giannutri, Giglio, Gorgona, Montecristo, and Pianosa. For…
If you close your eyes and picture Italy like it is often depicted in the movies, you might see a peaceful place with rolling hills, quaint farmhouses and charming villages dotting the landscape. All this and even more describes of our favorite areas of the country, the scenic and fertile Val di Chiana (Valdichiana) valley, located in the southern Tuscany. It is also quite well-known for its excellent food, wine and extremely charming towns that…
You don’t need a silver fork to eat good food. – Paul Prudhomme In Tuscany, there is a maxim that in order to eat well, you must head straight to the (natural) source. Our cuisine is part of our heritage and when it comes to food, Italians are acutely attuned to what is fresh and in season. If you use the freshest ingredients you don’t have to make things complex – you can enjoy them…
Although it is a relatively small city of fifty-two thousand people Siena is a cultural behemoth and rightfully has earned its place as a Unesco World Heritage Site. This picturesque hill town has played a huge role in western civilization. Originally settled by the Etruscans, Siena rose to prominence when the Lombards conquered the city and built the Via Francigena, linking Rome with what is now France in the sixth century. The city became…
If a Hollywood set designer was asked to create the Tuscany of our dreams, chances are good that they would erect a model of the medieval town of Gaiole in Chianti, the small vineyard dominated village nestled fifteen kilometers north of the provincial capital of Siena and only forty kilometers southeast of Florence. In 1215, Gaiole became the central market town for the small villages of Radda, Castellina in Chianti and the nearby castles of…
Getting to Tuscany by air is quite easy. Pisa and Florence have international airports, but many of our TuscanDream luxury villas are less than a two hour drive from Rome’s Fiumicino airport, Bologna and Genoa. It depends where your villa or hotel is located and where you are flying from to determine which airport is best to fly into for your Italian vacation. If you are staying in a TuscanDream villa in Lucca, you could…
Tuscany has always been a shopper’s paradise – and now with the United States dollar having gained over 10 percent against the Euro it’s even better! Whether you’re looking for designer goods, ceramics, shoes and other leather goods, antiques or jewelry, we’ve got bargains galore! The Luxury Outlet “The Mall” is located 30 minutes southeast of Florence on the Via Europa 8, Leccio Regello (Florence) features a host of designer goods at about thirty percent…
Twenty minutes northeast of Siena, and less than an hour south of Florence, is Tuscany’s lush and fertile Valdambra region. Bordering the southern tip of Chianti, Val d’Ambra is the home of phenomenal restaurants, storybook castles, award winning vineyards and some of TuscanDream’s most popular air conditioned Tuscan villas. The unspoiled Valdambra countryside is punctuated by a collection of little towns and hamlets, including Montebenichi, Levane, Rapale, Capannole, Duddova, Ambra, Sogna, and its principal city,…
Villa Maurizio, one of our most popular Tuscany rental villas, located in the heart of Montepulciano’s Super Tuscan wine country, is discounting its remaining 2014 weeks by 15 percent! This six bedroom air conditioned villa is now renting for less than 5,000 Euros per week during high season! With spectacular views from Montepulciano all the way to Cortona, this stellar villa sleeps 15 people and is perfect for family holidays and gatherings of friends. To…
TuscanDream has an amazing deal!!! All remaining weeks from May 31st – September 1st at our two favourite luxury villas in Lucca, the 12 bedroom air conditioned Villa Borgo Bernardini and the eleven bedroom air conditioned Villa Controni are now 15% off their listed price. This offer extends to March 31st! Unparalleled luxury can be yours at an even more affordable price. Perfect for family vacations, weddings or just a group of friends who want…
We here at TuscanDream are excited to offer an amazing Spring holiday and culinary experience, as we invite you to join us in Lucca for our Gourmet Cooking School and Wine Experience under the guidance of acclaimed chef Valentino and sommelier Larissa. Valentino, known to many as the former chef at the revered Lo Scompiglio in Lucca and noted Sommelier Larisa will teach you the art of Tuscan cuisine and wine in an exclusive hands…
TuscanDream is proud to represent the majestic 16th Century air conditioned Villa il Palagio, owned by rock and roll legend Sting and his movie producer wife Trudie Styler, one of the most gorgeous estates not just in Tuscany but in all of Italy. Located in the rolling hills of Chianti outside the town of Figline Valdarno, this lush staffed vineyard estate is a 900 acre vacation destination unto itself! The villa is impeccably, yet comfortably…