Venere Travel Blog» Tuscany

Tour Wineries in Tuscany

Anita Choudhary — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:00:21 +0000

Located by the Tyrrhenian Sea along the west coast of Italy is the famous region of Tuscany. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country while Italy is a favorite of international travelers as well. There are 20 regions in the country, but Tuscany ranks in the top echelon of those that travelers prefer to visit the most. The major draw is the many wineries that can be found here which is primarily why this area attracts so many connoisseurs from all over the world.

Beaches in Tuscany

Megan McCook — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 16:00:58 +0000

Hitting the beach in Italy is probably not what you had in mind when planning your vacation, but with 7,600 km of coastline, a day at the beach is a great alternative to spending the day in a Piazza. Tuscany alone has plenty of fabulous beaches, a little something for everyone and all fairly easy to get to.

In Northern Tuscany, about an hour from Florence, you will find Versilla, where there are several different beaches to choose from, Forte dei Marmi, Marina di Pietransanta and Viareggio.

5 Fun Facts about Florence

Nicole Arriaga — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 16:00:43 +0000

1. The art capital of Italy

Known as the cradle of the Renaissance era (la culla del Rinascimento), the historic center of Florence was declared as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO in 1982. In fact, the centro storico is home to some of the most beautiful monuments, churches and museums of the world and attracts millons of tourists to the city each year. The historic city lies within medeival walls built around it in the 14^th century after Florence began to grow due to its economic growth. Some of its most prominent sights include the Duomo, the Uffizi museum, the Galleria dell’Accademia where the statue of David is held and the Ponte Vecchio.

Harvest Time, Three Great Italian Recipes

matteo — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 16:00:55 +0000

It’s Harvest Time in Italy! Autumn is the season to forage the forests for Porcinis and Truffles; to pick and gather the grapes and the olives…from the top to the tip of the boot and on the Islands, the forests and fields are teaming with activity. Hard work, yes! But, the fruits of the harvesting bring boundless pleasure to all. Fresh porcinis, so succulent and earthy add their velvety texture to soups and sautés. The exquisite truffle, magical and sensuous used in honey, oil and compound butters! So lovely shaved over salads and pastas. Just harvested wine grapes are perfect for the traditional Tuscan Grape Cakes and Breads.

How to enjoy the best beaches near Florence

Harriet Jeckells — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:00:46 +0000

Known as the cradle of the Renaissance (la culla del Rinascimento), due to its abundance of art and architecture, Florence attracts millions of tourists every year. However, the city's river valley location and its surrounding hills make for extremely hot and humid summer weather, with average temperatures ranging from 27 to 31°C from June to September.

Best Towns in Tuscany

Linda Koscova — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 15:09:17 +0000

Tuscany is one of the most beautiful and rich regions in Italy. It is well known for gorgeous landscapes and high culture. Travellers can admire medieval towns, the Renaissance art but also wine from the Chianti region and typical tuscan dishes.

Things to Do in Siena, Italy

Phil McDonald — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 16:00:20 +0000

In many ways Siena, Tuscany is the most perfect Italian city. Siena looks exactly how you imagine a beautiful ancient Italian city to look, and has been expertly preserved over the years. It has sumptuous weather for most of the year. It has food to die for and the inhabitants will welcome you like they [...]

Top 3 Sights in Florence, Italy

Katie Greenaway — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 17:00:32 +0000

If you go nowhere else extravagant in Florence but these three sights, you can relax and enjoy the views. 1. Piazza della Signoria I can’t not mention this gorgeous meeting place. My heart really resides in this piazza. Nothing makes my heart race more than making the walk down Via dei Calzaiuoli, looking up at [...]

What to See and Do in Chianti, Italy

Anita Choudhary — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 15:42:53 +0000

Offering the traveler excellent wines, fine cuisine, and spectacular natural beauty, Chianti is located in the Tuscany region of Italy and is famous for the red wine called by the same name. There are numerous wineries in the region and many of them are open for tours and wine tasting, as well as some excellent [...]

A Family Holiday in Versilia, Tuscany

Anita Choudhary — Sat, 23 May 2009 09:00:32 +0000

Located in the northern Tuscany region between the Cinquale River and the Lake of Massaciuccoli is Versilia, Italy. The area is one of the more popular destinations along the Italian Riviera and is well known for its fine sandy beaches, as well as being served by over 425 bathing establishments, 600 hotels, and numerous open [...]

How to enjoy an off-the-beaten-path holiday in Tuscany

Phil McDonald — Tue, 19 May 2009 11:00:44 +0000

We all know what Tuscany looks like when we shut out eyes but are we limited to only seeing the touristic northern half of the region? The likes Florence, Lucca, San Gimignano are beautiful, but is there more to this wonderful area of Italy than this? Well the answer is certain yes and if you [...]

Top 5 Sightseeing Tours of Elba, Italy

Anita Choudhary — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 07:00:25 +0000

Napoleon once said, “Able was I ere I saw Elba”, and is a historical quote that reads the same backwards as it does when you read it normally. Elba is an island that is part of the Tuscany archipelago situated off the western shores of Italy. It is most notably remembered as the island where [...]

The Best Places to Take Pictures in Florence

Katie Greenaway — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 14:17:48 +0000

Piazzale Michelangelo Piazzale Michelangelo has the views of Florence and beyond. All you have to do is turn around once you walk the hike up through San Niccolo, up further as you start to get your camera out to take your first picture of Florence, you must press on to the tippy top. Once there, [...]

Undiscovered Art in Carrara, Tuscany

Pazzi de Peuter — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 09:00:53 +0000

Touring Florence and the rest of Italy, is for art-lovers. But while they are enjoying the richness of Italian history, modern artist are struggling for survival in Michelangelo’s favorite digging place: Carrara. Visiting Carrara is like going back in time. Where right and left all the nearby cities and villages in Versilia entered the new [...]

A Great Day Trip from Florence to Lucca

Thom Harding — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 08:00:19 +0000

Everybody knows that Tuscany is one of the most inspiring, beautiful rural areas in Europe. The rolling hills, diagonal sloping vineyards, clear skies and spectacular light are just a few of the elements that take your breath away while traveling throughout this province in northern Italy. Its no wonder that artists in Florence, Pisa and [...]

Day trips from Lucca, Tuscany

Travel Agony Aunt — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 09:24:59 +0000

Our Travel Agony Aunt received another question from a traveler planning a trip to Tuscany: Dear Travel Agony Aunt, Florence to Lucca, on a Saturday afternoon. Train or bus? Any suggestions for day trips from Lucca, as I will be there for four days. Also, how do I check out concerts in Lucca and Florence? [...]

Anti-minimalism, Bistro Bar & Women-Only Rooms

Marion — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 14:13:07 +0000

Looking for a boutique hotel in Paris? Gridskipper publishes a “Top 6 Paris anti-minimalist hotels” including Hotel Thérèse situated in the area of Rue Saint-Honoré, Hôtel Odéon in Saint-Germain des Prés, Hôtel des Arts in Montmartre and Hôtel Bellechasse located near the Louvre Museum. Planning a gourmet trip to Florence, Tuscany? On Suite101 read an [...]

How to save time and money in Florence

Shreena Soomarah — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 15:13:43 +0000

In the heart of Tuscany, Florence is a dream destination. Idyllic cobbled streets are lined with designer boutiques, awe-inspiring art galleries and world-class food set in breathtaking architecture. These days, with budget airlines and a plethora of hotels to choose from, one is spoilt for choice when it comes to transport and accommodation – and [...]

Favorite Holiday Destinations… according to Venere Staff

Susan — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 11:24:52 +0000

Check out our guide to the personal favorite holiday destinations of venere.com employees: San Francisco Recommended by: Federica, 30, information architect I just got back from San Francisco where I went on honeymoon with my husband Luca (also a Venere.com employee). San Fransisco is my favorite city because every area is so different from the [...]

The Story and Recipe of Panzanella

Katie Greenaway — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 09:16:10 +0000

Definitely now summer has finally arrived, Panzanella is on the menu at many houses here in Florence. I enjoyed this fresh Tuscan bread salad a few nights ago with delight. Panzanella born on the fields of Tuscany grown with passion. Living a hard life, the farmers produced this amazing and fresh salad from the ground. [...]