Holiday lettings in Tuscany

The Tuscan region offers a fantastic range of accommodation. Many visitors choose to base themselves in a city and explore the rural regions outside: If this is your preference you’ll have to choose between the cultural splendour of Florence, the seaside charm of Livorno or the medieval majesty of Siena, to name but a few. It is the countryside, however, that is really at the heart of Tuscany, and many visitors like to opt for a more authentic experience out in the villages that pepper the hillsides of this beautiful. Tuscany’s coastline is another reason the region is beloved by so many; there are some fantastic places to stay on the beaches of Italy’s west coast, and even on the idyllic outlying islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Tuscany’s two biggest draws are its history, as the home of some of the world’s most important art, and its beautiful nature and countryside way of life. The two exist hand in hand here, and it’s easy to enjoy both, even within a short trip. The leaning tower of Pisa is the region’s most iconic sight. Pisa is worth is spending a day in, as there are many more architectural marvels to admire here, as well as the quaint narrow streets lined with coffee shops and boutiques. Florence is the cultural capital, the centre of museums and galleries where some of the most important art works of the Renaissance period are on display. Outside of the cities, Tuscany’s countryside is a work of art in itself, with wineries, farmhouses, ancient Etruscan ruins and much more to explore.

Tuscany is a paradise for foodies, home to one of the world’s most proud and sophisticated culinary traditions. The cities are packed with restaurants that vye for your attention with their range of colourful dishes from locally produced ingredients. Tuscany is also at the heart of Italy’s winemaking region, with tasting tours available in many of the smaller towns - Chianti, at the centre of Tuscany, is the famous wine growing region. A great option for anyone with an interest in food is to visit an ‘agriturismo’. These are countryside houses, often working farms, that offer authentic home cooked Tuscan food to visitors. Thanks to the region’s temperate climate, Tuscan cuisine is as rich as it is varied, be sure to try Ribollita, a tasty vegetable soup, and at least one dish with cannelini beans, an essential ingredient in many Tuscan dishes.

Tuscany’s highlights are spread over a pretty wide area, so packing a lot of the region into one trip is sure to involve a lot of travelling. Italy’s train network is reliable and affordable, the region’s larger towns and cities are well connected by train and bus routes, so easy to travel between. As always, however, to really get out into the countryside you’ll need your transport. Cars can be rented easily all over the region. The roads are very safe, though visitors should take note of driving restrictions which are in place in many of the town and city centres. Many visitors opt to explore Tuscany by bike, which is a great way to get out into the gorgeous countryside, although there are some steep hills to deal with. The towns and cities themselves are easy to navigate on foot, with convenient public transport networks of their own.