Posts about Tuscany

Rising serenely above the Tyrrhenian Sea, Villa Talamo is an 18th-century former monastery that has been lovingly restored to create an enchanting, character-filled Tuscan home. Set in a private, 10-acre coastal estate with a 19m-long infinity pool, direct sea access, and extensive, luxuriant gardens, Villa Talamo comes with 10 bedrooms, full service, including a chef, a long-standing reputation for entertaining in style, and a little black book of contacts that means nothing is off the menu when it comes to transforming a great villa holiday into an extraordinary event.

This one's for the devoted riders who see the magic in every winding road. A well-planned cycling holiday in Italy will lead you through towns and tracks that don't always make it onto a typical itinerary, leaving room for many meaningful cultural encounters and memories that linger long after the ride is over.

Twice a year, the fashion world turns its attention to the runways of New York, London, Milan and Paris. Yet long before a collection reaches the catwalk, inspiration often begins elsewhere. Time and again, designers, photographers and creative directors return to the Mediterranean, drawn by its extraordinary light, centuries-old craftsmanship, dramatic landscapes and architectural beauty. From Sicily's gilded palazzi to the sculptural whitewashed villages of Greece, these destinations have shaped everything from haute couture collections to global advertising campaigns. As Fashion Month arrives once again, we explore the places that continue to inspire the world's most celebrated fashion houses—and the villas that allow you to experience them for yourself.

The southernmost part of Tuscany is known as the Maremma. It’s not on most visitors’ radars, but it brims with authenticity, inspiring landscapes, and historic towns. This South Tuscany itinerary spends a week working through that lower half of the region: its coastline, its islands, and the inland hills that many skip past entirely.

Northern Tuscany distils so much of what makes the region irresistible. Renaissance masterpieces and medieval hill towns sit within easy reach of a coastline that stretches for more than 100 miles, where elegant beach resorts, dune-backed sands and hidden corners of the Tyrrhenian Sea offer a different rhythm altogether.

We pride ourselves on knowing our destinations inside out. Our villas are not just places to stay; they are gateways to a slower, more thoughtful way of travelling. From Sicily’s sun-drenched coastlines to the understated elegance of the Greek islands, our team spends time in every destination we offer. Somewhere between the early morning market visits and long, languid dinners, we’ve picked up an idea or two about how to pack well for a truly memorable villa holiday. Packing, as it turns out, is less about what you bring and more about how you prepare to experience a place. Here, we reveal our expert’s packing tips for stress-free villa travel: thoughtful, practical, and shaped by years of exploring the Mediterranean.

There’s something about a villa that invites romance. Perhaps it’s the privacy, the sense of having the world, or at least a very beautiful corner of it, entirely to yourselves. Or maybe it’s the way time seems to slow when there’s no shared corridors, no schedules beyond your own, and no rush for the pool loungers. This Valentine’s Day, we’re celebrating the love stories that have unfolded across our villas: proposals and vow renewals, milestone anniversaries and quiet moments shared over long dinners under the stars. These are stories shaped by place but defined by people, and by the magic that happens when everything feels just right.

There are certain places in the world that feel cinematic the moment you arrive. Light dances differently. Colours seem richer. Landscapes unfold with a quiet sense of drama. Across Italy, Greece and Corsica, the Mediterranean has provided the setting for some of the most iconic films and television series ever made, and it continues to captivate directors, actors and travellers alike. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the turquoise waters of Skopelos, from Sicily’s Baroque towns to the rugged coastline of Corsica, these are destinations that belong on the big screen. Yet they are far more than film sets. They are living, breathing places of extraordinary beauty, ideal for a picture-perfect Mediterranean holiday. Below, explore the most famous Mediterranean filming locations and discover how you can step into the scene yourself.

The Mediterranean is a place of light, colour and centuries-old traditions, where every town and village has its own story to tell. From lively local festivals and religious celebrations to seasonal feasts, music events and time-honoured rituals, the cultural calendar here is rich and varied — reflecting the deep histories, seasonal rhythms and diverse influences of the region. Whether it’s stepping into a sun-soaked Greek panigyri, witnessing an extraordinary feast day in Sicily or joining a local celebration along the Italian coast, Mediterranean cultural events offer authentic, unforgettable experiences that bring communities together and invite travellers to share in their spirit and joy. Below you’ll find guides to the main events across different parts of the Mediterranean — from mainland Greece and the Cyclades to Corsica, Sicily, Puglia and Tuscany — so you can discover the celebrations that bring each destination to life.

With its rolling hills, glorious coastline, and timeless, art-filled cities and towns, Tuscany is an irresistible destination in so many ways. To experience the region at its most soulful, we recommend joining in with the locals as they celebrate their traditions, their folklore and their music. There are so many events and festivals going on throughout the year that you’ll always be able to experience what really make Tuscans tick. This 2026 Tuscany events calendar gives an idea of the wealth of magical moments that can transform a great holiday into one that will linger long in the memory.

Florence or Firenze, as Italians lovingly call it—is the birthplace of the Renaissance, a living museum where every cobblestone street whispers tales of artistic genius and architectural brilliance. Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, this compact city packs more cultural treasures per square kilometre than almost anywhere on Earth. Whether you're standing before Michelangelo's David, climbing Brunelleschi's magnificent dome, or savouring a scoop of artisan gelato whilst watching the sunset over the Arno River, Florence offers experiences that will stay with you forever.

Italy captivates travellers with its extraordinary blend of ancient history, world-class art, breathtaking landscapes, and phenomenal cuisine. Whether you're planning your first visit or returning to discover more of la dolce vita, choosing where to go can feel overwhelming with so many spectacular destinations. This comprehensive guide explores Italy's most remarkable places to travel, from iconic cities that have inspired generations to hidden gems waiting to be discovered.