A few weeks ago we returned home from our trip to Italy and ever since I have been dreaming of our return. The entire country is absolutely magical, but for our next trip we are thinking about visiting Tuscany, Italy. Why Tuscany? Well, I did quite a bit of research and there are 5 reasons I’m dreaming of Tuscany. Plus, can you imagine staying in one of these gorgeous luxury villas in Tuscany? I mean, does it get any prettier?
5 Reasons I’m Dreaming of Tuscany, Italy
1.) Historic Cities
Tuscany is home to multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites, including FLorence, Siena, Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa, and more. There is something for everyone in these beautiful cities!
2.) World-renowned wine
Anyone else love Italian wines? We are big fans of Chianti wines in our home and I would love to sip a glass of wine while looking over the rolling hills covered in vineyards.
3.) Sandy beaches, sea cliffs and clear water
Apparently some of the cleanest beaches on the Mediterranean are located in Tuscany. The pictures look breathtaking!
4.) Delicious food
I would LOVE to take a cooking class in Tuscany. Is there anything better than Italian food?
5.) Thermal Hot Springs
I only recently learned about the hot springs in Tuscany, but now they are definitely on my bucket list! Who wouldn’t love to spend an afternoon dipping in the hot springs?
Have you been to Tuscany?
What are your favorite things about Tuscany?
Over the past 20 something years of traveling I’ve stayed in just about every type of vacation property possible- hotel, B&B, home, villas, apartment, shared space, etc. When I begin planning a trip I always start by looking at vacation rentals- from homes and apartments to luxury villas. They really are the most comfortable and provide the best home base for a vacation. Here are 5 reasons why you should rent a vacation rental or private villa.
5 Reasons Why You Should Rent a Vacation Rental or Private Villa
1.) Live like a local
One of my favorite things about traveling is learning more about the culture. And what better way to do that then to live amongst the locals? I love renting a home and getting suggestions from the locals. Sure a hotel concierge can give suggestions, but they are usually touristy. There is nothing better than watching the locals live their daily life as you explore alongside them. =
2.) Plenty of space
When you are home, do you spend all of your time in your bedroom? Probably not. So why would you want just a bedroom on vacation? We love spending time in the living room, backyard, kitchen or whatever space we have in a vacation rental. ESPECIALLY when traveling with family. We always rent a home with a good gathering space so we can make memories together. And what’s more memorable than renting a luxury villa or even a castle in Tuscany?
3.) Having a full kitchen
Is there anything better than cooking with local produce? I’m not 100% sure why, but European produce is so much more pungent and delicious than American produce. Anyone else agree? I love going to the local market to pick up eggs, fruit and vegetables when traveling. It is so nice to have the opportunity to wake up and make a fresh {delicious} breakfast or to create the perfect afternoon cheese, charcuterie and fruit board. And let’s be honest, some evenings you really just want a casual night in with a big bowl of spaghetti and a good bottle of local wine- right?
4.) More location options
Yes- hotels are often in good locations, but there are usually only a handful of location options. But when you rent a home you can almost always find a home near the exact location you desire. Sometimes you want a home in the heart of the city and other times you want a home in a remote location amongst the vineyards. When you rent a home you can find exactly what you want!
5.) Saves money
Sure, if you only need one bedroom it might not seem like you are saving a ton of money, but in the long run- you really are. When we rent a home we almost always cook every breakfast at home and usually end up cooking at least one or two meals at home. It is also much cheaper to purchase a few bottles of wine and a plethora of snacks and enjoy them at home than it is to go out and buy the same wine and food at a restaurant. And it’s usually more comfortable- I mean, have you seen the outdoor space, views and living rooms from some of these properties? If you are traveling with family or friends and require multiple rooms, then it is absolutely cheaper to rent an entire home or villa.
What kind of property do you like to stay in when you travel?
Why do you enjoy staying in a villa/home/hotel/etc?
Find my other travel tips here
***Thank you Luxury Villas for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own. All images are from homes in Tuscany on the Luxury Villas website.
11 Comments
Cynthia Severson
July 26, 2018 at 4:33 amAfter reading your post, i search Tuscany, Italy. This is really a great place for visit and stay some days. From now we are planing to visit there. We planing also visit some historical place of Italy. You posted amazing pictures. Really helpful post. Will contact luxury retreats, thanks for suggest. Hope Me and My Family will enjoy a lot.
Robert Budd
July 26, 2018 at 11:37 amSign me up.
teresa
July 26, 2018 at 6:46 pmI’ve stayed at an agriturismo before—Such a fun and lovely experience to eat locally grown food, enjoy meals with other visitors and learn from the owners. Those are some really gorgeous villas though- I’d love to try staying there in Tuscany on my next visit.
Sidhu Jetha
July 27, 2018 at 1:14 amThis is simply like living in your own room while travelling. That’s a great option while searching for accommodation. The villas look beautiful and it is really a great feeling to cook your own food while in a vacation. Tuscany has always been on my priority list because of the world famous heritage sites – where Architecture took its shape. A great post.
Alouise
July 27, 2018 at 11:56 amI know my parents and their friends rented a house when they were in Italy. I think they enjoyed having their own place (for a few weeks). I would certainly love to stay in a luxury Villa or cadtle.
Yukti
July 28, 2018 at 2:14 amI went to Florence, but missed those countrysides on the outskirts of Florence. I would really spend my time in those spacious villas which are surrounded by the splendid landscape of Tuscany. You have all valid reasons to convince me for planning for Tuscany, especially those historic cities.
Hetal Kamdar
July 28, 2018 at 7:26 amAfter reading your post I am now dreaming about Tuscany. I missed seeing this place while our Italy trip. I would visit this place for the sandy beaches, pristine clear water, and thermal hot springs. Also, I love the idea of staying in a fully furnished and luxury villa where you can spend quality time with your loved ones and cook away to glory. This is a great post dear and the villa looks spectacular.
Mick
July 28, 2018 at 9:14 pmHonestly, I don’t know why I haven’t made my way to Tuscany yet. I’ve been to Milan, Rome, and Venice….but if I had to go back, I would have picked Tuscany over Milan.
Your pictures look amazing and looks like a dream destination. My friends and I have a yearly trip, and I’ll definitely be making this suggestion for our next trip. I think they’ll love the fully furnished and luxury villa – sooo excited!
Amar singh
July 29, 2018 at 5:43 amOne of my favourite countries to visit and I have Tuscany on my list. I completed the south and now want to visit the north. Like you said so much to do for all ages. With the great heritage sites it makes it a great visit to learn and keep kids busy as well. What can you say about the wine it’s brilliant and keeps the older ones like us occupied. Very well presented and thanks fir sharing these tips.
Parnashree Devi
July 30, 2018 at 5:32 pmTuscany is nothing but a dream for me. Those open spaces, vineyards, wine and bread and the summer under the Tuscany sun would be the perfect idea of a quality holiday. I am in awe of Tuscany from the day I saw the first picture of that place. It’s high on my list. I am convinced. Its a great post.
Ken
November 23, 2018 at 4:19 amI have family there but still haven’t made it to visit. You have captured its beauty so well though!