Enjoy the Art, History and Nature of the Tuscany-Elba Region
Arguably one of the most beautiful areas of Italy, the Tuscany-Elba region offers a varied landscape of mountains, vast plains and portions bordering the sea. Often referred to as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, Tuscany is as famous for its wine, museums, history and art, as it is for its capital Florence, which receives approximately nine million visitors each year. The island of Elba is best known for being the place of exile for Napoleon Bonaparte, but has also played other important roles throughout history and today, making it an excellent stop on a trip to Tuscany, or a solid standalone holiday destination.
When you choose a Tuscany villa holiday, you are choosing to stay where many historical figures called home, including Dante, Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Galileo Galilei, Amerigo Vespucci and Puccini. Much of the region still shows the strong influences of the Etruscans and Romans that inhabited the area. Prior to the Etruscans and Romans, history has it that a people known as the Apennine culture inhabited Tuscany from approximately 1350-1150 BC. However, the Etruscans are credited for much of the early infrastructure and agriculture of the region. The Etruscans gave way to the Romans in the 1st century, which began the period when many of Tuscany’s roads, aqueducts, sewers and buildings you see today were built, many of which are unchanged since that time period. The cuisine of the region is clearly a combination of the two latter cultures.
Tuscany accommodations vary depending upon one’s taste. There are bed and breakfasts, elegant Tuscany apartments and self-catering houses that are ideal choices for couples and families in search of Tuscany accommodation. With the popularity and romantic image of the Tuscany-Elba region, many people dream of a Tuscany villa holiday, which is actually much more affordable than some may think, particularly if you take advantage of all of the cost-saving benefits of a self catering holiday.
Art lovers will particularly love this region, which is where visitors can see Michelangelo’s David and the leaning tower of Pisa, as well as the abundant Renaissance artwork that can be found throughout Florence, which is believed to house more Renaissance artwork than any other city in the world. Aside from the capital city’s vast art collections, the Tuscan countryside has a distinctive appeal and is dotted with smaller towns that should not be missed, such as Peccioli, Bucine, Pomaia, Bibbona and Cutilgliano. When visiting Cutigliano, you will not want to miss the opportunity to visit nearby Vinci, where you can see Leonardo da Vinci’s childhood home, school and namesake museum. Visitors will also want to stop in San Casciano, which is home to four castles erected between the 10th and 13th centuries, a number of old-world churches and Bowman’s Grave, an Etruscan grave dating back to the 7th century BC.
Nature lovers opting for Tuscany accommodation can enjoy approximately 120 protected nature preserves where travellers can take in the native flora and fauna of the region. Whether you are a lover of art, history or nature, a Tuscany villa holiday will never disappoint. Whether visitors opt for centrally located Tuscany apartments or self catering Tuscany accommodation in the beautiful countryside, a holiday in this region is sure to be memorable, restful and the experience of a lifetime.
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