Exclusive Places to Visit, Things to do and Experiences in Italy, Greece, Spain and Croatia

Christmas time trasforms some places into a small paradise on Earth. Thanks to the countless initiatives organized in these centres and to the beautiful decorations, some Italian towns adquire a special aspect that make them even more beautiful. One of the cities that turns into a small Santa Claus village is Gubbio, one of Umbria's best cities to visit. Would you like to discover why? Keep reading! What has made Gubbio an excellent winter destination is the incredible Christmas tree decorated on the slopes of Mount Ingino at the beginning of December. On the side of the mountain, the shape of a magnificent tree appears in a fewdays, thanks to the effort and involvement of all Gubbio's inhabitants. The tree is 650 meters long, it has a base of 350 meters, it is illuminated by hundreds of multicolored lights and by a lovely comet star with a surface of 1000 square meters put on its top. Its whole area covers the distance between the city walls and the basilica of the patron Saint of Gubbio, called Sant’Ubaldo, which is located right on top of the mountain. The making of this tree is a tradition taking place every year since 1991. This unique work of art has entered the Guinness Book of Records, because it is actually the largest Christmas tree in the world! Usually, it lights up from sunset until late at night, during the period from early December to Epiphany. However, the most romantic ones can also adopt one of the lights and dedicate it to someone they love! This will keep the light on 24 hours a day, for the entire Christmas period. However, there is much more to see in Gubbio! In Piazza 40 Martiri you can find the Tyrolean-style Christmas market , a charming place attracting the young and old with its large variety of handicrafts and typical gastronomic specialties. If you wish to visit the city in an original way, you can also use the majestic Santa's sleigh or the Gubbio Express Christmas train with your family, as they will surely guarantee fun to all your children! Finally, do not miss the large Ferris wheel of the North Pole, a tourist attraction that makes you admire the whole village and its imposing Christmas tree from above. Another way to see it is by climbing the "Colle Eletto" funicular, which connects the city center with the basilica located on the top of the mountain. The whole city center is decorated with splendid decorations In San Martino district there is a life-size nativity scene with more than one hundred statues, while in San Pietro district people organize a living nativity scene, staging ancient crafts and the everyday activites of Medieval life. Also, Christmas lights give a unique atmosphere to places like San Pietro and San Giovanni squares, which always light up with suggestive colored lights. What are you waiting for? Start organizing your trip to Gubbio and plan your visit! Take a look at our selection of villas for rent in Umbria, like Villa Gubbio or Villa Contessaand book your favorite one! © Alice Pilastri

The name of Pisa has always been linked to the famous Leaning Tower, but the architectural beauty does not end there. Discover the best attractions of the city and the things to see at all costs during a short and magnificent tour! 1. Piazza dei Miracoli Your tour should absolutely start from Piazza dei Miracoli, a wonderful sqaure that owes its name to a novel by Gabriele D'Annunzio where the square is called "Prato dei Miracoli". Its surface is partly paved, while the rest is covered by a green lawn that also surrounds some of the greatest architectural masterpieces of all time. The most important monument is the Leaning Tower, the symbol of the city of Pisa in the world. It was built in 1163 on a sandy bottom that did not hold the weight of the structure, so it immediately began to tilt. Likely, its designer was Diotisalvi, who also built another building in the Piazza. This is the gigantic Baptistery, which contains some splendid statues and an invaluable pulpit made by Nicola Pisano. Even this building had a difficult history: due to lack of money, the dome was made with different materials than the rest of the complex! The other great monument of Piazza dei Miracoli is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore, a Pisan Romanesque church dating back to the end of the 11th century. The facade has four orders of loggias, while the interior is divided into five naves. Among the most beautiful works located inside, it is necessary to mention the mosaic by Cimabue, the pulpit by Giovanni Pisano and the reproduction of the chandelier that inspired Galileo Galilei's theory of isochronism. Finally, you have to visit the last wonder of the square, called Camposanto Monumentale. In this sacred place, the Crusaders brought the land of Golgotha in ancient times. Nowadays, it hosts the burials of some illustrious Pisan personnalities and important works of art dating back to the Etruscan, Medieval or Roman periods. If you have little time available and you can't get into all these buildings, don't worry: a simple walk around the Piazza is enough to admire its beauty and to take some amazing photos in front of the Tower! 2. Piazza dei Cavalieri The name of this elegant square is given by the headquarters of the Knights of Santo Stefano located inside it. All the palaces overlooking the square conserve a unique charm, and these are the Rectory, the "Palazzo del Consiglio dei Dodici", the Church of Santo Stefano (built by Vasari) and that of San Rocco. The most famous palaces are certainly Palazzo Carovana, a splendid Renaissance building housing the exclusive "Scuola Normale Superiore", and Torre della Fame inside Palazzo dell'Orologio, which is the place where Count Ugolino della Gherardesca and his children died in 1289 according to Dante's story in the "Divine Comedy". The beauty of the square is enhanced by one last detail, namely the statue of Cosimo I de 'Medici in the role of Grand Master of the order of the Knights. By day, Piazza dei Cavalieri is certainly the perfect place to take some photos and appreciate the beauty of the buildings, but at night it becomes one of the main places of Pisa's nightlife: don't miss it! 3. The historic center The old town centre is not very large, so a few hours will be enough to see everything! Borgo Stretto is the best-known street, distinguished by the lovely arcades and Renaissance palaces. It also features Casino dei Nobili, a place where 18th century nobles went to have fun organizing parties, conversations and gambling. Instead, passing through Via delle Colonne you can reach Piazza delle Vettovaglie, an ancient food market that transforms into a lively location on Friday and Saturday nights. Admire the beauty of the center, taste some Pisan specialties in one of the restaurants and enjoy some shopping in the countless shops: you'll surely enjoy the best of this wonderful town! 4. Lungarno One of the most beautiful areas of the city is definitely the Lungarno, the perfect place to take a walk or admire the view from a bridge. The so-called "Lungarno Mediceo" houses some important palaces such as Palazzo Toscanelli, Palazzo dei Medici or the Church of San Matteo in Soarta, while "Lungarno Gambacorti" presents the beautiful Church of Santa Maria della Spina, an architectural jewel of Gothic art that owes its name to the relic of a thorn from the crown of Christ. 5. Museum of Ancient Ships / Murals "Tuttomondo" Do you love art and want to visit a nice museum? If you are interested in archeology, you cannot miss the "Museum of Ancient Ships" inside Medici Arsenals! These beautiful ancient ships were discovered in 1998 during some railway works, which brought to light about thirty Roman ships, their commercial loads and a series of priceless testimonies. If you prefer modern art, instead, don't forget to go to the Convent of the Servant Friars of Mary inside the Church of Sant'Antonio: you will be fascinated by the "Tuttomondo" mural created by Keith Haring! Are you ready to start your amazing tour of Pisa? Discover our selection of villas in Pisa and surroundings and start organizing your dream vacation ! © Alice Pilastri

Choosing Tuscany as your New Year's Eve destination is an excellent idea! Whether you are a group of friends, a young couple or a family with children, spending the last day of the year in this region guarantees fun and unforgettable moments to all. There are hundreds of different ways to celebrate New Year's Eve in Tuscany: what's your favorite one? Find the one that best satisfies you and make your wishes come true! All the most beautiful arts towns in Tuscany offer the opportunity to celebrate 2020 taking part to special open-air events. The main squares of cities like Lucca, Siena or Pisa organize concerts and festivals, surrounding visitors by frames of unique beauty . Along the streets of Florence, shows, entertainment and concerts offering various music genres are held all night long to entertain people. In addition to walking among the illuminated monuments, don't miss a visit to Piazzale Michelangelo, Piazza della Signoria or the Oltrarno, which all offer some wonderful atmospheres! The city of Siena also offers some great events in the heart of the city, called Piazza del Campo. Open air performances, small concerts and an unmissable "silent party" are some of the fantastic events organized every year, as the city of Palio always manages to amaze its visitors! Moving along the coast, Versilia is the location of incredible celebrations in its famous discoclubs and on its "Lungomare" promenade. In fact, Viareggio is not just a famous seaside resort, but also an exclusive winter destination with an enviable nightlife. While the youngest are attracted by its liveliness, families can enjoy other beautiful attractions such as the seafront promenade with cafes, fashion store and excellent restaurants. If you'd like to spend a day having shopping, you can also go to Forte dei Marmi, that offers countless luxury places to spend the most spectacular night of the year! And how about going to the mountains instead? The beautiful snowy peaks of Abetone, Monte Amiata or Lunigiana are perfect if you'd like to enjoy some downhill skiing or a rich dinner in a high mountain refuge! Instead, lovers of tranquility can spend a wonderful New Year's Eve in a lovely countryside village. Their countless facilities and delicious local restaurants will allow you to celebrate it in the best way! In addition to the famous region of Chianti, the areas of Val d'Orcia and Maremma also have nice towns where couples can organize a short romantic getaway, surrounded by landscapes of rare beauty. And finally, don't forget to consider a New Year's Eve in a SPA! For a relaxing December 31 away from the chaos, we suggest you go to wel--known destinations like Montecatini Terme , in Rapolano, Chianciano or Saturnia. It's definitely a great idea to start the year putting well-being in the first place! So whether you travel alone or in company, whether you prefer to have fun or rest, Tuscany is certainly the ideal destination to spend your New Year's Eve. Have you booked a holiday home for December 31st? Discover our selection of villas for rent in Tuscany and choose the one that suits you best to spend an unforgettable New Year! © Alice Pilastri

If you are visiting Sicily and the area of ​​Trapani, you cannot miss going to the medieval village of Erice! This quaint town is perched on a mountain 750 meters high and dominates a truly breathtaking panorama. Together, the Gulf of Trapani, the famous salt pans, Egadi islands and the typical Valderice countryside create a wonderful landscape that leaves every visitor speechless. There are many things that deserve to be seen in the center of Erice... are you sure you know them all? Discover the best attractions and places to visit during a wonderful tour and start organizing your trip! The history of the village sinks into an ancient and controversial legend. In fact, it sometimes associates the founding of the city with Enea, then with Eraclea or Erice, and scholars are still trying to reconstruct its past. However, what is certain is that Erice was known because of a famous temple where the Phoenicians worshiped Astarte, the equivalent of the Greek goddess Aphrodite and the Roman goddess named Venus. The best way to visit Erice is certainly walking through its narrow, paved streets. Passing among the small houses, the courtyards and the balconies of the historic center you will dip into a unique atmosphere that will stun you with its fantastic colors and scents! The imposing City Walls that surround the old town date back to the 8th-6th century BC and are made with large limestone blocks. The best preserved section is the one located between Porta Carmine and Porta Spada. However, to enter the town we recommend crossing Porta Trapani: this door puts you in front of the marvellous Duomo and the effect is simply amazing! The city's cathedral is a fortress-church dating back to the 14th century with a tall bell tower. Although the beauty of this building is unique, the most famous palace in Erice is Castello di Venere, a fortress of Norman origin built on the remains of the temple dedicated to the goddess Venus. It is from this high cliff that you can admire a breathtaking view over the entire gulf, especially at sunset! Moreover, if you are lucky and the air is quite clear, you will even be able to see Pantelleria Island and the distant coasts of Tunisia. Not far from the castle, you will also find Villa Comunale Balio, a famous villa with splendid gardens, and other Norman watch towers that were restored by Count Pepoli. Among these, there is the wonderful Torretta Pepoli, a corner of study and meditation immersed in vegetation. On another spur of rock located between the churches of Sant'Orsola and Sant'Antonio, you will find instead the unique Spanish Quarter, an imposing 18th century building that housed a garrison of Spanish soldiers but which has never been completed. It also offers an incredible view! After walking around the center and climbing Mount Erice, you cannot miss a sample of some local delicacies! Don't miss to try the well-known Erices' patisserie, which offers sweets in almond paste and exquisite artisanal "cassate". Of course, a sweet shop you should visit is that of "Maria Grammatico", a city's symbol that offers all kinds of desserts! On the other hand, if you love shopping we advise you to go into some pottery or carpet shops. In Erice, carpets are called "trappite" and they are made by weaving the threads with recycled fabrics. Do you still need to book your stay in Erice? Have a look at Villa Erice, Villa Bellini or Villa Salinella and start planning your amazing trip! © Alice Pilastri

Is there a city as beautiful as Florence? The "birthplace of Renaissance" is a treasure trove of beauties and things to see are endless. Among these, there are certainly many churches and cathedrals that deserve to be visited at least once in your lifetime. But how can you see them all in a few days? How can you choose the best ones to visit during your short stay? We have selected the 7 most beautiful churches in the city to help you organize your next tour: discover them all and get ready to discover all the beauties of the center of Florence! 1- The Dome The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore was started by Arnolfo di Cambio in the 13th century, while the Brunelleschi's dome was finished in the fifteenth century. The façade in white, pink and green marble is richly decorated and is a masterpiece of Italian Gothic style. Inside, the left nave hosts three 15th century frescoes made by Domenico da Michelino, Paolo Uccello and Andrea del Castagno. The dome was frescoed by Vasari with scenes from the Last Judgment: there is nothing better than climbing the stairs inside the dome to admire them from a closer distance! Also, at the end of the numerous stairs you will be rewarded by a splendid panoramic view of the whole city! Don't forget to visit the Baptistery of San Giovanni and the Campanile of Giotto, which are two unmissable monuments right next to the Dome. 2- La Chiesa di Santa Maria Novella This church is one of the most important Gothic churches in Tuscany. The façade is a beautiful work by Fra Jacopo Talenti and Leon Battista Alberti. Inside, you will see a magnificent Giotto crucifix, some frescoes by Ghirlandaio and the famous "Trinità" by Masaccio. If you love Renaissance art, you can't skip this stage! 3- The Church of Santa Croce The Church of Santa Croce is the burial place of many art, music, literature and science personalities. Walking along the imposing white marble tombs, you will be overwhelmed reading important names like Machiavelli, Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, Leon Battista Alberti and Alfieri. The building was started at the end of the thirteenth century by Arnolfo di Cambio, but the facade remained unfinished until the nineteenth century, when it was completed using polychrome marble and reproducing the typical Florentine Gothic style. In addition to the famous tombs, the interior of the church houses some frescoes by Giotto and Gaddi, as well as a beautiful crucifix by Donatello. The visit does not end here: you can also visit the cloisters built by Arnolfo di Cambio and Brunelleschi, along with the wonderful Cappella de 'Pazzi decorated by Luca della Robbia and Giuliano from Maiano. Finally, you will be able to see works such as the Cimabue crucifix inside the Museo dell'Opera. It's a fantastic stop of your tour! 4- The Church of Orsanmichele The name of this church derives from the union between the names of "San Michele Arcangelo" oratory and the garden from which it was surrounded. In ancient times, there was a building called "Loggia del Grano" (wheat's market) located at the church's place. Actually, you can still spot the drawings of the ancient units of measure and the corridors that connected the warehouses to the market! What immediately catches one's eye in Orsanmichele arecertainly the tabernacles on the façade, decorated by the "Florentine arts" and depicting the patron saint of each guild. They were made by splendid artists such as Donatello, Ghiberti and Brunelleschi! 5- The Church of Santo Spirito This church is hidden among the houses on the other side of the Arno river and it presents a very simple look. The original building dates back to the Renaissance, but the interior part was made in the Baroque age. Here, you can find some important works, such as the "Pala Nerli" by Filippino Lippi or a wooden crucifix carved by Michelangelo. The square in front of the church is always lively and crowded, as this is one of Florentine nightlife's main locations! 6- The Church of San Miniato al Monte The charm of Piazzale Michelangelo is unique and its splendid church makes this place even more splendid! The Cathedral of San Miniato is located in the upper part of the city and is a perfect example of Italian Romanesque style. It presents a splendid entrance stairway and a magnificent mosaic with a golden background, depicting Christ in throne. It is one of the most romantic places in the city, where you can enjoy a unique view of the entire center! Don't forget to visit the crypt frescoed by Taddeo Gaddi and the Monumental Cemetery, which is a panoramic location containing tombs of illustrious characters such as Montale, Villari or Stibbert. 7- The Church of San Lorenzo San Lorenzo is perhaps the oldest church of Florence... however, its facade is still unfinished! Its three naves contain magnificent works by Bronzino, Rosso Fiorentino and Donatello, while the Old and the New Sacristy are two splendid chapels that will leave you breathless. Built by Brunelleschi, they house some tombs of the Medici family and Michelangelo's sculptural decorations. Don't miss them! Looking for a vacation rental in Florence? Discover about Villa Le Fonti and Villa Ancora, some wonderful properties in the city's surroundings! © Alice Pilastri

A visit to Siena is like a beautiful journey through time: walking among historic buildings, churches and ancient buildings, you will feel like taking a dip in the Middle Ages! This beautiful center is one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and it can be consederd as one of the most beautiful in Italy, as well as in the whole world. Have you planned a trip to Siena? Get ready to see its top attractions during your tour! Discover 7 wonderful things to see in this city to organize a perfect tour! 1- Piazza del Campo The first stop on a trip to Siena is certainly Piazza del Campo, a world-famous square, known for the Palio (discover more about this event!) that is run twice a year, on July 2nd and August 16th. The square presents a shell-shape divided into nine segments, as it refers to the "Government of the Nine" that administered the city in the fourteenth century. It also includes a fountain called Fonte Gaia, one of the most important monumental fountains of the city. Piazza del Campo is located in a neutral territory and it is considered part of a common heritage of all the city "contradas". Actually, the Palio is particularly felt in Siena and it ignites great rivalries between its districts! 2- Palazzo Pubblico Overlooking Piazza del Campo, the wonderful Palazzo Pubblico housed the Government centuries ago. It is a Gothic-style palace with mullioned windows, three-light windows, arches and richly decorated facades. Its interiors host the Civic Museum, which is an exhibition space containg the famous fresco by Lorenzetti, called the "Allegory of Good and Bad Government". Yo can also climb the beautiful "Torre del Mangia", a bell tower built in 1338 that is also one of the highest towers in Italy! 3- The Dome and its Monumental Complex The Cathedral dedicated to Maria Assunta is an architectural masterpiece. Its façade is made in white marble and it's decorated with inserts in green and red marbles. It houses some works by Donatello and Michelangelo, as well as a majestic pulpit by Nicola Pisano. However, the floor is the part that always surprises the most: the fifty-six scenes inlaid in marble have been made by important artists of the fourteenth century and they leave every visitor speechless! However, the Cathedral complex does not only include the Dome: in addition to the Piccolomini Library frescoed by Pinturicchio, there is a magnificent crypt, the Museum of the Opera del Duomo and the Baptistery of San Giovanni. This last presents a charming marble baptismal font made by Jacopo della Quercia, which shows some splendid bronze panels made by Ghiberti and Donatello. 4- The Museum Complex of Santa Maria della Scala Right next to the Cathedral stairway, you'll find a magnificent complex with works of art covering a period of a thousand years. Now it is an important museum, but in the medieval period this building was a hospital for pilgrims from the Via Francigena ! Precisely for this reason, one of its most beautiful rooms is called "Sala del Pellegrinaio": it has some beautiful frescoes reconstructing the history of the place and its welcoming function! 5- Palazzo Buonsignori and Pinacoteca Nazionale You list must surely include one of the most beautiful buildings in Siena! Today, Palazzo Buonsignori houses a museum called "Pinacoteca Nazionale", exhibiting works by Sienese school artists dating back to the 13th-18th centuries. Some of these are Duccio di Buoninsegna, Simone Martini, Pietro and Ambrogio Lorenzetti. 6- San Domenico Basilica Go outside the fourteenth century city walls and find one of the most beautiful Gothic churches in the city! This Church presents a chapel in the middle of the nave and it houses the relic of Saint Catherine, who is also the patron saint of Siena. As well as being a stunning building, it contains some magnificent frescoes. 7- The Contradas The best thing to do to discover Siena is to venture through its narrow streets looking for beautiful views. However, you won't really know the city if you don't live its districts! We advise you to visit the buildings of some contradas, where you can admire the "Drappelloni" won in the past Palios, which are exhibited as trophies. In fact, the period of Palio is also the best time to visit Siena! In summer, the town center comes alive with songs, shouts, flag-waving parades and traditional dinners organized by each district, as everybody is waiting for the day of the race. Taking part in one of these parties or attending a Palio is definitely something to do at least once in your life! There are many more palaces and places you should visit in this city! All you have to do is start organizing your trip to Siena to see all its most important monuments: to bookan accommodation i Siena have a look at the villas below. © Alice Pilastri

Those who visit Campania for the first time are always stunned by its architectural and natural beauties. However, it's also thanks to the flavors of its excellent cuisine that this region makes everybody fall in love with it! In fact, Neapolitan cuisine is an explosion of genuine flavors that has its roots in ancient traditions, which arw still handed down from generation to generation. It is a collection of simple dishes made with few natural ingredients, which are still incredibily tasty. As well as its good first courses, main courses and appetizers, there are some excellent drinks you should try, such as Limoncello liquor or Falanghina and Aglianico red wines. Unfortunately, Napolitan dishes are so many that it's impossible to try them all during a short holiday in Southern Italy. Here's why we made a list of the best Neapolitan specialties to try at all costs during your trip: let these fantastic flavours surprise you and enjoy your authenitc Italian experience! 1. The pizza Neapolitan pizza needs no introduction! This world-famous recipe is based on a few simple ingredients, which are tomato, mozzarella -often with buffalo milk- and basil. The pizza boasts innumerable imitations in the world, but none can reach the perfection of the Neapolitan recipe! Cooked in a wood oven, it has a prominent soft crust and a thin center. Don't forget to try it at one of the best pizzerias in Naples, like those of Gino Sorbillo or Da Michele! Another type of pizza is that with "scarole", which is stuffed with endive, olives from Gaeta, capers, pine nuts, raisins and anchovies. You can taste it both hot and cold and it is typically prepared between Christmas and New Year. 2. The Neapolitan "ragù" The Neapolitan meat sauce is very different from the Bolognese one. This type of ragù is the result of a very long preparation and a slow cooking procedure, as the pieces of meat need to combine with the tomato sauce. According to tradition, the ragù is prepared on Sunday mornings and is served at the traditional family lunch. 3. The anchovy sauce Spaghetti with anchovy sauce is the typical dish of Cetara, a fishing village in the heart of the Amalfi Coast. The dressing of this dish is obtained by pressing salted anchovies, from which an oil with a strong and decisive taste is obtained. 4. The casatiello The casatiello is a traditional dish prepared in the Easter period. This cake can be both sweet and savory, if it contains ingredients such as cold cuts, boiled eggs and cheese. 5. The "married soup" The "minestra maritata" is broth made with meat and mixed vegetables, such as cabbage, broccoli, chicory, endive and aromatic herbs. To add some flavor, many people use ingredients such as lard, caciocavallo cheese or ham, to make the dish even more delicious. The name "maritata" derives from the union of different and explosive flavors: it's a perfect marriage between meat and vegetables! 6. The "impepata di cozze" Mussels are another great classic,which is usually cooked during the Easter period. They are cooked in a large saucepan and once they open they are seasoned with oil, pepper and parsley. The best way to taste them is with some slices of toasted bread or by the typical "friselle"! 7. The friarelli Very similar to turnip tops, friarielli are a kind of vegetable that only grows in Campania, specifically near Naples and the Vesuvius. They are usually fried in oil, garlic and chilli and they are often accompanied by sausages. The union of these flavors is sensational! 8. The babà The babà is the Neapolitan dessert par excellence. This baking leavened cake is made with the traditional rum bath. Its soft consistency requires a long processing, but the result is guaranteed! There are several versions of this dessert, some simple, others more complex, which include a pastry cream filling or a limoncello wrap instead of rum. However it is cooked, this sweet always satisfies all tastes! 9. The sfogliatella The sfogliatella is a small Neapolitan sweet with a delicious taste. It can be curly if prepared with puff pastry, or shortcrust if prepared with shortcrust pastry. Inside, it is made of semolina, ricotta and candied fruit. 10. The pastiera Pastiera is a delicious Easter cake on a short pastry base made with wheat, ricotta, eggs, lard, sugar, candied fruit. Each family passionately preserves its own secret recipe, as this is one of the best-loved dishes of Campania cuisine. Are you ready to start your tour between the best flavours of the Neapolitan cuisine? Book one of our properties on the Amalfi Coast! © Alice Pilastri

Lucca is certainly one of the most beautiful cities to see in Tuscany! Get a bicycle and start exploring this quiet town with labyrinthine alleys, where the charm of each building will leave you speechless. Since Roman times, the historic center of Lucca has expanded around its famous amphitheater enriching itself with infinite beauties to see. Also, its ancient walls offer breathtaking views of the whole city, where you will surely notice two tall towers rising above all the other palaces. These are Torre Guinigi and Torre delle Ore, the tallest buildings in the city and certainly two of the most symbolic. Want to know more about these historic monuments? Read on to discover the history and some important information you will need to organize a visit to these magnificent towers! While some centuries ago the towers of Lucca were more than a hundred, nowadays there are just a few left. In fact, these buildings have reached excessive heights and their instability has caused numerous collapses. The reason behind the decision of keep increasing their height was a medieval belief, according to which those who built the highest tower were worthy of greater respect, honor and prestige. On the other hand, some towers were voluntarily demolished by order of Castruccio Castracani. Torre Guinigi is located in Via S. Andrea 45, on the corner with Via delle Chiavi D'Oro. On top of its 45 meters there is a spectacular ambiance: a hanging garden with seven secular oaks! It seems that one of these trees was planted by Paolo Guinigi in person and a legend tells that one of the holm oaks predicted its death losing all the leaves when he was captured and imprisoned by Francesco Sforza. The tower was built at the beginning of the fourteenth century by the Guinigi family and it is a beautiful example of Romanesque-Gothic architecture. To admire the view from the top and visit this wonderful garden, however, you have to climb 20 flights of stairs! While the first steps are quite easy, the last ones are steep and smaller ... but don't worry: the view from the top floor will pay off for all the effort! Instead, Torre delle Ore or "dell'Orologio" dates back to the 13th century and is located in Via Fillungo, on the corner with Via dell'Arancio. It has belonged to several important families of Lucca, but its notoriety is mostly linked to some gloomy legends. According to a popular belief, a noblewoman named Lucida Mansi would have made a pact with the devil to stop time and stay young forever. Thirty years later, at midnight on August 14, 1623, the devil returned for demand payment of his debt. The woman climbed running into the tower to stop the bell ringing, but she failed. The devil then took the his soul and his body fell into the pond of the Botanical Garden, where it seems that her ghost still appears on full moon nights. The "Tower of the Hours" is 50 meters high and its famous clock has a dial with Roman numerals and a single hand. Although it dates back to 1752, the tower already had a clock in 1390 and it was precisely because of its importance that the building was never demolished. Climbing the 207 wooden steps of this tower you will then be able to observe the magnificent mechanism of this vintage clock, as well as enjoying a breathtaking view over the whole city. The entrance ticket for each tower costs € 5, but you can also buy a cumulative tickets to visit the Botanical Gardens, the Tower of the Hours and Torre Guinigi. In addition to these attractions, don't forget to see the other city towers, like Torre del Veglio in Piazza San Salvatore and Torre del Travaglio in Via Fillungo! Are you ready to organize your visit to Lucca? Book one of our properties in the town's centre, like Flavia Apartaments or Villa de Ranieri! © Alice Pilastri

Tuscany's beauties are endless! Considering its enchanted villages, dreamy landscapes and cities of art, this region is really the perfect destination for a memorable holiday. As well as Chianti, Val d'Orcia, Versilia and Maremma regions, there is a beautiful area in northern Tuscany that most tourists do not know, but it presents many natural wonders and splendid architectures. We are talking about Lunigiana, a borderland located between Tuscany, Liguria and Emilia Romagna that has always been a land of connection between north and south. Here, a stretch of the Via Francigena passes and dozens of clashes between Byzantines and Lombards have taken place in the medieval period Precisely for this reason, the hills of Lunigiana feature some ancient castles built in the Middle Ages which were used to control the valleys. Many of them have been destroyed over time, but there are still some magnificent buildings that can be visited and admired. Want to find out where the castles of Lunigiana are? Start planning your tour checking the list of the 7 most beautiful medieval castles you should visit and live an exciting experience in Tuscany! The first town where you can find a castle is Pontremoli , also called "land of booksellers" as it houses a famous book festival. In the Middle Ages, merchants and pilgrims passing through this region were housed in Piagnaro Castle. Today, this beautiful building contains the Museum of Stele Statues of Lunigiana, which is dedicated to sandstone artifacts dating back to the pre-Roman period. The caslte dates back to the 11th century and it was part of a large defensive system built up to protect the village from enemy attacks. Although it has been recently renovated, the castle still retains a majestic appearance and it dominates the surrounding valleys from above, instilling fear in those who wish to approach. Even Aulla was a famous stop of the Via Francigena in the Middle Ages! The road to the town passes next to two magnificent castles, namely those of Bagnone and Filattiera, as well as to Fortezza della Brunella, an imposing quadrangular building on a dark rock dating back to the Renaissance. This is a typical fortification designed for firearms and today it houses the interesting Museum of Natural History of Lunigiana. Continuing towards "Passo del Cerreto", you will arrive in Fivizzano, a town located between the National Park of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines and the Regional Natural Park of the Apuan Alps. It's an area of ​​great naturalistic interest, where you can make beautiful walks or follow a trekking itineraries to explore every corner of this paradise. Not far from Fivizzano there is a charming castle called Castello della Verrucola , a perfectly preserved XII century building surrounded by high walls. A tour inside the castle is a fantastic journey through time that will take you between the legends and the terrifying ghosts that still inhabit this place! Another castle you must visit at all costs is located in the village of Licciana Nardi : Malaspina di Monti Castle is one of the best preserved fortifications in all of Italy and it still preserves an authentic charm. And finally, all you have to do is take a trip to Fosdinovo to admire its magnificent castle! The fort stands imposingly in the center of the village and is still in perfect condition. What makes this castle so special is the possibility to visit it at night, taking part in some suggestive night visits. In summer, small groups of visitors can go in search of ghosts with the guides of the castle, listening to the story of Bianca Maria Aloisa Malaspina. The legend tells that girl was walled alive in the castle and that her ghost still moves between its rooms and corridors... Are you ready to organize a vacation in Lunigiana? Book Casa al Bosco, a stunning property for rent in this area! © Alice Pilastri

Autumn is definitely one of the best seasons to visit Tuscany! The temperature is milder, crowds of tourists have decreased and you can peacefully visit the beautiful cities of art enjoy an absolute tranquility. And, above all, in this period you can admire some wonderful natural country landscapes, as Tuscany lights up of some magnificent colors! Actually, September, October and November are the months that can make you fully enjoy the beauties of this region, also giving you the opportunity to participate in some unmissable events! Have you organized a tour of Tuscany in fall? Discover all the things you need to do, the must-see places and some unmissable activities that will turn your trip into a daydream! The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about Autumn is certainly a collection of beautiful colors. One of the most beautiful things to do in Tuscany is to admire the magnificent shades of Casentino National Park, especially if you love nature and its magical atmospheres. In this season, trees are tinged with unique colours and offer some breathtaking views you really don't want to miss. The Park is very extensive and the summit of Mount Penna, its highest spot, reaches 1000 m above the sea level. While visiting the Park, we recommend taking the road to Camaldoli hermitage and exploring the forest surrounding the Sanctuary of La Verna, as these places are surrounded by a mystical, surprising aura. In case you are travelling with children, you can also take the opportunity take part in some interesting workshops or to a wonderful night excursion in search of the deer that inhabits these woods! When you think of autumn, however, people also immediately think about the harvest! Tuscany's vineyards are one of its best-known symbols and the Chianti region (between the provinces of Siena and Florence) is a real natural paradise where an excellent red wine is produced. There is nothing better than driving a car along the roads winding through vineyards, olive groves, lovely villages and medieval castles to enjoy the beauty of this area! Once you are in Chianti, you can easily reach Val d'Orcia, Val di Chiana or the wonderful vineyards of Maremma, where the famous Morellino di Scansano red wine is produced. In fall, many Tuscan villages also organize events and festivals dedicated to their new oil or wine, where people can taste a large selection of local delicacies: it's something you must include in your tour! That's not all: another seasonal product is chestnut, a fruit cooked in infinite different ways in the coldest months! In Tuscany, there are two very popular areas of production of chestnuts. The first is Mugello, precisely in a town called Marradi where a famous chestnut festival has been held for more than fifty years. In October, dozens of gastronomic stands and delicacies of all kinds fill the streets of the city center, offering visitors a selection of unique and authentic flavors. The second one is the region around Mount Amiata, a mountain in Maremma. A trip in this part of Tuscany will include stops like Piancastagnaio, Castiglione d'Orcia, Abbadia San Salvatore and Castel del Piano, which are some lovely typical towns where chestnuts and mushrooms are simply delicious. And finally, autumn means truffle and a visit to the medieval village of San Miniato! Every year, this town in the province of Pisa hosts an internationally renowned market exhibition dedicated to the local white truffle. Don't miss its excellent tastings and menus, which you can also taste inside one of its charming restaurants! Haven't booked a house for your holiday in Tuscany yet? Check out our selection of villas, apartments and luxury properties in the region to book your favorite one! © Alice Pilastri