Planning a romantic getaway in Tuscany and the money is not a problem? If your answer is yes, well you don’t need to look any further, the Andana hotel in Maremma is what you were looking for! Situated in the enchanting area between Chianti and the old city of Siena, the hotel was originally one of Duke Leopold ‘s country houses. With its marvellous gardens, green rolling hills and amazing views over the centuries-old vineyards which dot the whole region, the place is a true corner of paradise. The only drawback is that one night at the Antana hotel will cost you 550 euros (double room), but if you want to go the whole hog and stay in one of the luxurious suites, be ready to be set back 1800 euros at least!

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The villa La Massa which in the Renaissance period belonged to the powerful De Medici family was converted into a five-star hotel in 1948. Set in heart of the Chianti region and with a breathtaking view over lemon trees and green rolling hills, the 16th century villa has a glorious past; many important and noble families from England and Russia have over the centuries lived here. Actually the place has always been a big favourite with celebrities, so much so that back in 1990s English singer David Bowie chose it as the venue for his wedding party ( among the guests were Yoko Ono and Bono). So if you are planning your wedding and want to do it in style, the Hotel Villa Lamassa could be the perfect place where to spend the most beautiful day of your life. For further information please click here.

Continue reading: Luxury hotels in Tuscany: Villa La Massa, Chianti

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Located between the Chianti region and the Orcia Valley, in Tuscany, the old Fortilizio Piccolomini is a luxury relais which has been put up for sale. The Fortilizio which sprawls over 1,838 square metres comprises 31 rooms and several outbuildings including a wellness centre and a lovely stone cottage which was restored just a couple of years ago. Situated atop a hill, the relais has a magnificent view of the valley and park! Price: 7,8 million euros.

Continue reading: Luxury Relais Fortilizio Piccolomini up for sale near Siena

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The Residenza Il Colle in Tuscany has plenty to offer; located in the beautiful Chianti region, the resort has a breathtaking view of green rolling hills and fields and the peace one breathes there is like a balm, the perfect cure for your overwrought nerves. Far away from the maddening crowd, guests can at last relax, read or sipping an exquisite drink in the gardens or in the elegant gazebo. All rooms have air conditioning, satellite tv, mini bar and of course en-suite bathroom. I f you are in the mood for a luxury holiday, you can always choose one of the suits beautifully decorated in an outstanding Tuscany countryside style. The resort also has flats that you can rent (each flat features spacious bedrooms and a kitchen). Prices range from 300 euros (two nights’ accommodation in a double room with dinner and breakfast) to 540 euros (five nights’ stay in a double room with breakfast); the hotel also offers a really interesting package which includes two nights’ accommodation and two tickets to the art-exhibition Il Cotto dell’Impruneta, maestri del rinascimento for only € 275!

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If you’re looking for a private and secluded farm stay in Chianti, Tuscany, with a touch of exclusivity given the small number of guests that can stay there, Leccio agriturismo is for you. It’s located a few kilometres from Florence in the Chianti Classico region.

The beautiful farm building is an 18th century villa with a property that extends into the Ugolino golf course. The old building has features such as fireplaces and a rustic atmosphere from times ago. There is a swimming pool with views over the Tuscan countryside, but the best thing is the cooking.

Leccio agriturismo has two enormous kitchens in which host, Marialuisa Landi, prepares the kind of banquets that haven’t been seen for many a year. It’s worth a stop to take same time out in a kind of sabbatical in Tuscany, so look at the Leccio website for more information.

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Located in Tuscany, the Chianti region is real peace of heaven fallen to earth, renowned throughout the world for its superb wine and beautiful landscape. So if you want to enjoy a few days of rest and healthy food, Chianti is the place to be. One place which deserves your attention is the old convent of Badia di Coltibuono perched at the top of a hill and from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the famous Arno valley. The convent , built in 1051, also features a small hotel with 8 double rooms and two flats respectively called Il granaio (or The Barn) and Magnolia. The place also has a restaurant, botanic garden and an archaeological site; excavations by Florida State University’s archaeological services have brought back to light Etruscan/Roman remains and the old ruins of a medieval village. Cetamura, this the name of the place, will give you the opportunity to explore a long-vanished world and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of a truly unique landscape!

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A small town in Tuscany of just 2,600 inhabitants, has topped Forbes’ list of the most idyllic places to live. Gaiole in Chianti is at the top of a ranking of possible real estate in Italy, and Europe, ahead of towns and cities such as Saint Remy de Provence, Copenhagen, Kefalonia, Lubjana, Burford, Budapest, Sibiu in Romania, Rome, e Deia on the island of Maiorca.

History says that the town of Gaiole in Chianti was already around before the 11th century. By 1215 it had become a centre of commerce in the surrounding valley, with a market square. In 1300 it became part of the constitution of the Chianti League, with Gaiole becoming a small capital, together with Castellina and Radda.

Forbes believes that Gaiole would be an exceptional place to live, saying “it is now a sleepy and picturesque municipality. It holds an annual wine festival in September and has an average temperature of 68º F (20º C). A 17th century farmhouse high in the Chianti hills is likely to cost around 600,000 euros”. With hilly countryside, nature, wine and history, there is much to explore, including the Abbazia di Coltibuono in the photo.

Photo | Flickr

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Set in the Chianti region, this extraordinary villa (2000 square metres in size) has over the centuries undergone several makeovers; with an almost perfectly symmetric façade, the house, which, among other things, futures an old beautiful clock, comprises 13 bedrooms (each with a private bathroom) and several large reception rooms. The villa has been finely finished and decorated with precious materials. All rooms have large stone fireplaces, wooden vaulted ceilings and terracotta floors.

Continue reading: Old Italian Villa up for sale in Chianti, Tuscany

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With Easter looming on the horizon, you may need holiday tips and advice! If so, the package offered by Relais Fattoria Vignale, Tuscany could help you to make up your mind! The Hotel located in Radda, Chianti, has 35 rooms elegantly furnished with antiques and Oriental carpets, swimming pool, several panoramic terraces and a lovely garden; the place also includes 5 beautiful suites featuring, among other things, hydro massage tubs. If you book 30 days in advance you can get 15 % off and from 11 to 13 April your room will cost you only 228 euros (or 466 euros if you instead decide for one of the suites)

The relais Fattoria Vignale will officially open the season on 3rd April.

Continue reading: Easter breaks in Tuscany: Relais Fattoria Vignale, Chianti

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The word of the day in our learning Italian post today is “fiasco”. In Italy, the word “fiasco” generally means a spectacular flop for any performance in theatre or television. In English we often use it to mean a dramatic mess-up, failure or complete incompetence. But where does the word fiasco actually come from?

The fiasco was the traditional bottle in which Chianti was served, that you will often now see in old Italian trattorias for decoration; they had a straw basket around the base of the squat bottle. It was used from about 1300 until the advent of the more modern and hygienic glass bottle.

The meaning of the phrase “far fiasco” or to create a flop, is uncertain. It seems that Domenico Biancolelli, noted “Arlecchino” or harlequin in the 1600’s had a grand flop on stage with a fiasco as a prop, that he then threw away, saying “it’s your fault if they don’t laugh”.

Photo | Flickr

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We think we may have found the perfect accommodation in Siena, Tuscany, but you’ll have to wait a while to stay. Called Castel Monastero, the country resort will open in July this year, giving guests the opportunity to stay in an Italian medieval hamlet from the 11th century.

The hamlet is called Monastero dell’Ombrone and is situated about 23 kilometres from Siena in the Valle dell’Ombrone. The area is known for its beautiful landscape, amongst the vineyards of Chianti, with hillsides covered in wheat, chestnut forests and cypress walks.

The Tuscan country resort offers 74 suites, a villa, a spa, three swimming pools and a restaurant all in four hectares of green space. Rates haven’t been published yet, but should soon appear on the Castel Monastero site. Other sites of interest in the area include Monteriggioni, San Gimignano, Castellina in Chianti, Radda in Chianti, Greve in Chianti, Pienza, San Quirico d’Orcia and Bagno Vignoni.

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If you are single but on the look out for a partner, you can’t afford to miss this intriguing event that will take you to Tuscany on the pursuit of a mysterious murderer. Don’t look so worried! It’s just for fun! In fact the idea behind the event is to bring people together and maybe make them fall in love. For a whole weekend (10th - 11th January 2009) you will have to chance to put yourself in Miss Marple‘s shoes and solve a murder case! It will be like being in a thriller, a romantic thriller into the bargain! An amazing 16th century Italian villa full of mysteries to be solved is waiting for you. So put on your Sherlock Holmes hat, don your tweeds and start thinking like a supersleuth! This classic murder mystery weekend will cost you only 199 euros; All meals, drinks, amenities, activities and gratuities are included in the room rate

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