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Hugged by the woods, my luxury villa in Tuscany made a surprising difference in my Italian holidays. Everyone’s idea on what luxury means is different, and mine at that time was a dream of ‘getting lost in the shadows’ of the olive trees and vineyards in the Toscana area. When I arrived at IL Borgo in Bucine near Siena, over 90 hectars of densely wooded area in the Chianti region was awaiting me. I knew that this complex was made up of eight flats having unique names, in rural buildings, each one accomodating a different amount of guests : from 2 to 8 people. As I was with my wife, we chose the one called Portico with simple but very comfortable necessities.
No Sweat Holidays in Tuscany
From this relaxing paradise, we decided to ‘escape’ to Florence with our car rental, which gave us total freedom to move about as we wished. In Florence, we decided to visit the area of San Lorenzo, in particular, the Basilica di San Lorenzo ( 2.50 euros from Monday to Saturday ). Brunelleschi was the architecture chosen by the Medicis family to rebuild this magnificent church over one that had been there in the 4th c. This church is considered to be the best example of Renaissance harmony and many of the family members are buried there. Donatello, who also lays there, was responsible for the two bronze pulpits. In the same square called Piazza San Lorenzo, we found the extraordinary Palace Medici-Riccardi ( 4 euros adults and 2.50 kids from Thursday to Tuesday ). You need to reserve entrance because there is a limit of seven people every seven minutes. This Renaissance building was the offical residence of the Medicis until 1540 and was used as an example for other buildings.
This time our stay was not going to be in a tuscany villa, but in a hotel in Florence that some friends had recommended: Hotel Dante. They told to ask for room number thirteen which was covered in mirrors. It was spacious, quiet and had frescos on the ceiling and the staff was friendly and the price was right- 120 euros for a double with bath and breakfast.
In Pisa we opted for a vacation rental in a villa with other guests. Villa Cevoli was an ancient toscana villa from the 16th century with its vaulted ceilings and paintings. And it still is today but with all the extra added commodities that make your stay comfy. Luxury was well at hand because only a few kilometres away there was a spa with thermal waters. That’s what I call excellent luxury villas in Tuscany.
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