Essential Advice
We created these pages to help you really Discover Italy. Journalists Donald Strachan, Steve Keenan, Jasmine Boni-Ball, Sara Sherwood, Sabrin Hasbun, Alicia Peacock, Chloë Sibley— who visit several times every year — have gathered a rich crop of local stories and written destination guides to help you make the most of your vacation. As they say in Italy, “Buon viaggio!”
Why Tuscany Now & More Is the World’s Best Luxury Villa Company
For the second year in a row Tuscany Now & More have earned first-place in the Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards. Rated on a very specific set of criteria, keep reading to find out why T + L say you should book your next villa getaway to Italy with us.
Discover Italy in the Off Season
From October through April, travellers can experience Italy at its peaceful best, with fewer crowds and more meaningful local encounters than you’ll find in the high season. But avoiding the crowds and summer heat aren’t the only reasons to opt for an off season trip.
When is the Best Time to Visit Venice & Verona
If you are planning a trip to Venice or Verona, read our month-by-month guide for the best times to visit. We’ll give you insider tips on the quietest and busiest months to visit, what weather to expect, as well as our favourite events taking place across Veneto.
A Large Group Vacation to Treasure
Whether you thrive best in the great outdoors or would rather spend your downtime at your favourite art museum, Tuscany provides an easy balance for luxury group getaways. Discover our round-up of 5 of our favourite villas in Tuscany for large group and family vacations.
Luxury Group Getaways: Why Tuscany is the Perfect Destination
Tuscany is a well-loved destination for an unparalleled group holiday experience, offering the perfect blend of captivating landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and delicious cuisine. Read our top five reasons why Tuscany is the perfect destination for luxury group vacations.
How to De-Stress in Italy
The Tuscan hills are ideal for your next de-stress holiday. Our short guide to stress-relieving travel has adrenaline-free ideas for enjoying your time here. Yes, you could just sit by the pool all week. But you could try some of these, too. Zen guaranteed.
From Art to Adventure: Crafting the Perfect Bespoke Luxury Experience in Tuscany
Whether you adore the art and culture of Florence or your dream day out is a hike along the Tuscan coast, get inspired with our guide to crafting the perfect bespoke luxury experience in Tuscany. All of our experiences are tried and tested, and entirely designed to inspire lasting connections with the places you visit and the people you cherish most.
Dream Homes in Tuscany: An Exclusive Selection of Beautifully Designed Luxury Villa Rentals
Discover our exclusive selection of exceptional luxury villas in Tuscany showcasing the finest local materials, designer finishes, meticulous attention to detail and beautiful, ultra-sleek interiors. These very special villas seamlessly blend contemporary-chic design with the idyllic Tuscan countryside we all know and love.
Stay in Style: A Guide to the Most Luxurious Villas in Tuscany
Whether it’s cuisine, countryside or contemporary design that inspires your travel, we have curated the perfect collection of luxurious getaways throughout Tuscany and Umbria. With over 30 years of expertise behind us, we handpick and visit every villa we list, and know the local area by heart.
September Hotspots: A Showcase of the Finest Luxury Villa Rentals in Italy
September in Italy is arguably one of the country’s best-kept secrets. Forest floors are littered with porcini and truffles, extra-virgin olive oil is fresh off the press and balmy temperatures grant you refreshing dips in your villa’s private pool. To help you find the perfect September stay in Italy, here is our pick of the finest luxury villa rentals for all our guests in the (late-summer)-know.
Top 5 Villas in Italy for Team Building Retreats, Company Reunions & Corporate Conferences
If you are looking to shake up your everyday office environment to work on new projects, connect with colleagues or simply celebrate business milestones, discover our luxury villas in Italy perfect for team-building retreats, company reunions and corporate conferences.
Scoppio del Carro
If anyone knows how to celebrate Easter in style, it is the Italians. The Florentines especially have mastered marking the occasion with spectacular impact. Every year on Easter Sunday the city turns out for a very special celebration, the Scoppio del Carro, or the “Explosion of the Cart,” which dates back over 350 years.
Impressions of Italy: The Estate of Petroio
It doesn’t get much more exclusive than the fully staffed experience at The Estate of Petroio in Rufina, near Florence. The main residence, an elegant 12th-century villa, and two accompanying stone farmhouses are set within a 900-acre Chianti wine and olive-oil estate.
Our Top 5 Fully Staffed Villas in Italy
Whether you are planning a multi-generational family holiday, a grand reunion, bespoke wedding, milestone celebration or simply enjoy the finer things in life, discover our top 5 fully staffed villas in Italy.
Farm-to-Table Dining in Italy
One of the best ways to experience another culture is through its cuisine, and the Italian emphasis on local, seasonal produce is second to none. Italy is a country with rich farming conditions and even richer regional traditions that are rooted in the land. Live off the land and immerse yourself in the country’s traditions with in-villa experiences focused on the freshest ingredients and respect for the natural landscape.
The Ultimate Luxury Villa Stays in Italy: How to Stay in your own Palazzo
Many travellers come to Italy seeking culture and history. Enjoy your slice of history and stay in our exclusive collection of historic and heritage villas. All these villas are fitted with luxury comforts such as private swimming pools, air-conditioned bedrooms and professional kitchens.
A Taste of Tuscany
Whether a mouth-watering Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a heartwarming serving of Ribollita or Pappa al Pomodoro, or a gourmet truffle experience in the hills outside of Florence, a true taste of Tuscany is as much about history and tradition as it is the flavour and quality of the cuisine. From our favourite farmers’ markets in Tuscany, to fully staffed and catered villas with chefs in Italy, this guide will help you sample local Italian food.
Top Tips for Christmas in Italy
Christmas in Italy is extra-special, not least because it is a time to spend with family and friends, indulging in great wine, hearty meals and sweet treats. Italy is still a Catholic country and it upholds a number of traditions that truly encapsulate the spirit of Christmas. The festive season officially starts on December 8th, with the Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception and stretches right the way through until January 6th, the day of the Epiphany.
A Guide to Acqua Alta
For a few days each year, between the months of October and January, Venice’s water levels rise and parts of the city flood. Many people are wary of visiting Venice in the fall because of acqua alta, but despite what you might think, it is a relatively rare occurrence. In fact, the autumn and winter seasons are our favourite times to visit the city.
Why Rent a Villa in Italy with a Cook?
Whether you’re looking for an intimate experience or a party villa, there is great joy in putting up your feet and relaxing for a week, enjoying the best food and wine from the region from the comfort of your own home-from-home. Discover the benefits of renting a fully staffed villa with a chef.
Introduction to Chianti
From rolling hills topped with vineyards, olive groves, and cypresses, to old stone farmhouses and ancient abbeys, Chanti is in so many ways the Italy of your dreams. Our short guide introduces Chianti’s best towns and villages, shopping and architecture, and of course food and wine.
Introduction to Italy
From wandering the ancient wonders of Rome, to exploring the height of artistic achievement in the architectural marvels of Florence; from immersing yourself in the explosion of revelry at Carnevale in Venice to scaling the vertiginous heights of the twisting Amalfi coast, Italy offers an endless trove of riches to explore. Read our introductory guide for pointers to Italy's best towns and cities, sightseeing and shopping, and food and drinks.
Navigating Italian Markets
Market tours are a unique experience for anyone visiting Italy. Italian markets can be overwhelming but our short guide to farmer’ market etiquette, culture and customs, will help you navigate like a local. Learn basic Italian vocabulary, how to think and act like a local, and most importantly, what to buy and eat.
Best Farmers’ Markets in Tuscany & Umbria
Any trip to Italy is incomplete without a visit to the region's best farmers market. These weekly and monthly occurrences are a great way to experience the real and authentic Italy. Meet and interact with locals, stock up on fresh seasonal products, and put to practice your Italian. Discover our favourite markets in Tuscany and Umbria.
When is the Best Time to Visit Umbria
Wondering about the best times to visit Umbria? What's on in Umbria through the year? Or what Umbria's weather has in store for your next trip? Our month-by-month When to Visit Umbria guide has it covered.
Italian Romance: Why Italy is the Perfect Spot for a Romantic Villa Getaway
Treat yourself and your special someone to a romantic break in Tuscany. Whether your idea of romance is exploring nearby towns and villages, partaking in a wine tasting at your villa, or watching the sunset from your private pool, any one of these 5 romantic villas in Tuscany make the perfect escape.
Why Umbria Should be your Next Destination
Umbria is one of Italy’s best kept secrets. From Sagrantino wine to 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, world renowned Cashmere to Baci chocolate kisses — this region of Italy has so much to do, see and eat. Begin your journey here and discover 5 Umbrian town.
Tuscany Beach Villas: Choosing the Right Villa by the Sea
Tuscany is celebrated for its vineyards, medieval towns and landscapes, but also for its 250 miles of coastline. From the famous wines of Bolgheri, to the turquoise waters of Monte Argentario, renting a villa along the Tuscan coast will give you a unique experience. Here is our pick of 5 Tuscany beach villas — each one fitted with air-conditioned bedrooms, private pools and stunning views.
5 Reasons Why Tuscany Should Be Your Next Destination
From medieval hilltop towns to wild paradise beaches, Tuscany has a little of everything. Our short guide highlights just 5 reasons why Tuscany should be your next holiday destination.
Cooking Classes in Italy: 4 Villas in Tuscany with Culinary Experiences
Want to discover the secrets behind Tuscan cooking? Make your vacation in Italy even more special, and discover the local food and wine that leads many travellers to Italy. These 5 luxury villas in Tuscany all offer cooking classes and experiences right in your own kitchen.
The Best Villas near Florence
Choosing your villa near Florence can be quite tricky – especially if they all come with private swimming pools, air-conditioned bedrooms and stunning views. These handpicked villas near Florence offer all these luxuries, and are located just minutes away from the city centre.
4 Villas for a Family Reunion in Tuscany
Stuck for inspiration for your next big family reunion? These 5 large Tuscan villas will wow your guests. At every one, you will find something for every generation of traveller — from tennis and hot tubs to nearby museums and historic sites.
When is the Best Time to Visit Tuscany?
Wondering about the best times to visit Tuscany? What's on in Tuscany through the year? Or what Tuscany's weather has in store for your next trip? Our month-by-month When to Visit Tuscany guide has it covered.
When is the Best Time to Visit Florence?
Read our month-by-month guide to city crowds, one-off events and typical weather to help you decide when to visit Tuscany's capital. From Epiphany to Christmas, summer highs to winter lows, we've covered the full 12 months in Florence.
Where to park your car in Florence
Guests ask us a lot — and we mean a lot — where to park their car in Florence. We have distilled all our local knowledge into this guide to parking in Florence. From private garages near the centre and navigating the city's ZTL, to overnight parking in Florence, our 101 has you covered.
An Introduction to Tuscany
Whether it’s a silent sunrise in the Val d’Orcia; lunch overlooking vines and olive groves; or the milky-pink sunset of a Chianti spring… At any time of day or year, there is nowhere quite like Tuscany. Our short guide introduces its best towns and cities, shopping and artworks, and of course food and drink.
How to Choose the Right Villa in Tuscany
Here's a secret: there is no such thing as the “best” villa in Tuscany. Only the best Tuscan villa rental for you. Maybe a villa with a pool is an essential, or a one with air conditioning, or even one of our fully staffed villas with maid and chef. We suggest five key questions to ask yourself before you book. Or just give us a call and we'll talk you through it.
Renting a Villa in Chianti
The Chianti hills between Florence and Siena were the backdrop often chosen by painters during the Renaissance, and with good reason. This is the Italian countryside at its most photogenic. Why should you choose a villa in Chianti? And what should you do when you get there?
An Introduction to Umbria
Umbria is more than just “Italy's green heart”. It's also its soul: saints like St. Francis of Assisi roamed its wildflower pastures in spring, and explored its mist-shrouded forests in the autumn. Read our introductory guide for pointers to Umbria's best towns and art, shopping and architecture, food and drink.
Tips for Americans Visiting Italy
Our three US-born expert expats all now call Italy home. Here they share their best tips for any North American planning a visit. Read their top do’s and don’ts, advice on tipping and what to wear, and handy phrases to help you order a glass (or two) of vino rosso using just the right Italiano.
How to Spend a Week in a Tuscan Villa
A week may be a long time in politics, but it's actually a fairly short time when you're relaxing among the vineyards in rural Tuscany. Based on decades of experience travelling around and experiencing the region, we offer up pre-trip advice on eating well, getting the right to-do list and generally slipping into the rhythms of local life.
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A Guide to Tuscany’s Unique Artisan Crafts
From handcrafted ceramics and textile arts to exquisite gold jewellery and leather goods, Tuscany's artisan crafts reflect the region's rich cultural heritage and unwavering commitment to craftsmanship. Read this guide for everything you need to know about Tuscany’s unique artisan crafts.
The best cities in Italy for a luxury City Break
Wherever you go in Italy, your closest city is guaranteed to be filled with cultural landmarks, fine food, and fascinating history. The best Italian city breaks promise world-class museums by day and aperitivo from a bustling piazza come evening. Discover our top five Italian cities to explore, with insider tips from our local specialists and the best luxury villas in Italy to enjoy while you’re there!
Pamper Yourself in Paradise: Tuscany's Finest Luxury Spa Retreats
Explore our finest luxury spa villa retreats in Tuscany that promise the calm and quiet of exclusive destinations, a chance to reset with a little outdoor therapy, beautiful private pools, hot tubs, saunas and wellness suites for bespoke treatments.
Galateo: The Do's and Don'ts of Italian Food Etiquette
During your holiday in Italy, you're likely to end up in many historic and renowned gourmet osterias and restaurants. While certain rules and etiquette such "fare la scarpetta" (using a piece of bread to mop up the remaining sauce on your plate) are embraced fully, actions like mixing salad with pasta or ordering a cappuccino with your meal, is frowned upon. Brush-up on Galateo (manners), and discover the do's and don'ts of Italian dining etiquette.