Tuscan Tennis Holidays - Why Choose Florence?

• The most beautiful example of renaissance architecture in Europe
• An amazing variety of shops, cafes and restaurants not to mention ice cream parlours!
• One of the best tennis clubs in Tuscany, with 16 courts, pool, gym, sauna, Turkish and a great restaurant
• Idyllic accommodation in a classic Tuscan settingwww.tuscanytennis.com/locations/florence/

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Tuscan holidays with Children

Visiting the spectacular Cities of Florence, Pisa and Siena are high on the list of parents choice of things to do, but don't always rate highly with the children.  Tuscany is a magical place full of Castles, History and Culture.  Whilst this often gains the attention of adults, children the world over can be heard saying “I don't want to go to a stuffy museum”. 

Here at To Tuscany we have come up with some ideas and tips for those of you that are venturing to Tuscany with your family in tow in the hope that you can survive some cultural and historical visits with everyone happy at the end.  It goes without saying that you will still have to provide lots of Italian ice cream and pizzas but you may just get to see some of the things that you want to see without too many complaints!

Our comprehensive free guide book includes a dedicated page to entertaining children in Tuscany, for when they have finished playing in the pool.

My children's favourite was the ice cream making and tasting in Castellina, one of the 5 main Chianti towns, make sure you book with Simone though!

 http://www.to-tuscany.com/local-tuscany/tuscany-for-children/foodylicious-fun/

Personal knowledge of villas in Tuscany   http://www.to-tuscany.com/

Picture sent by To Tuscany client staying in Hamlet Pretaccione which has added advantage of tennis court on site.

Lisa Leggate To Tuscany Ltd


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Welcome to Tuscan Tennis Holidays

A warm welcome to our new member Tuscan Tennis Holidays. Founded by Ian Campbell, a leading Tennis coach in Scotland, TTH combine a great tennis holiday in great locations. With 75% of customers being repeat bookers they certainly seem to have found a winning formulae!
http://www.tuscanytennis.com/

Quality Villas reveals luxury market boom

Quality Villas Ltd, a luxury villa rentals agent have reported a large increase in sales to Tuscany, currently at 100% up on 2010 figures. As a whole the company has seen a resurgence in interest in Italy and France together, which is generally attributed to unrest in other destinations in the world at the moment (Tunisia, Egypt, Japan).

However, strategic positioning in the past 12 months have enabled the company to take full advantage of this interest including the release of a new website and larger, taster style brochure.

Average villa rentals are £4000 per week, which looks favourable against St Tropez for example, which records average rentals of £7000 per week, thus it can be suggested that Italy is still showing value for money at the higher end, although it is debatable if the products are comparable.

A typical villa in Tuscany could be Villa Angelica, near Volterra, sleeping 8, this property enjoys a private pool, air conditioning, spectacular views and is walking distance of local shops. Prices range from £2530-£4430 for the complete property per week.

Quality Villas is currently in its 25th year of business, still independant and family owned. Tel 01442 870055 or visit their website for more Italian villas.




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What else is there to discover in Chianti aside from fine wine?

When you first plan to rent a holiday villa in Italy, you are probably dreaming of days soaking up the warm Tuscan sun and nights sipping on a glass of locally-produced Chianti Classico.

But there is much more to this stunning region of Italy than its fine wines - and you may find that your relaxing break is even better than you may have imagined!

While vineyards and wineries make up an important part of the local culture and you'll no doubt want to spend plenty of time exploring them, you may also wish to examine the other delights Tuscany has to offer.

Chianti is renowned as one of Tuscany's most beautiful areas, with postcard-perfect landscapes that have inspired artists and photographers for many years. The lovely landscapes here are made up of gentle, rolling hills, fragrant olive groves and countryside homes made from stones - keep your camera at the ready to capture the beauty as you pass through this stunning region.

For a close-up look at Italy's exciting past, why not stop at the Basilica of Santa Croce, the world's largest Franciscan church? Located in Florence, this is where some of Italy's most illustrious citizens are buried, including Galileo, Michelangelo, Machiavelli and Rossini, in a part of the building known as the Temple of the Italian Glories.

You may also wish to pay a visit to the former market town of Greve, which dates back to the Middle Ages. The municipality is most well-known for its unique triangular piazza and is a brilliant place to learn more about the history, art and culture of the Chianti area thanks to its fascinating architecture, museums and galleries.

Nearby, you'll also find several well-preserved castles - many of which are still inhabited as elegant residences today. Originally designed with defence in mind, some of these structures are now famous estates.

No matter where you choose to visit during your time in Italy, when you rent a villa in Tuscany, you are sure to have a brilliant time exploring all the area has to offer. Start planning your stay in Chianti today!




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Easter in Tuscany

Courtesy of HRH Prince William and Kate, we will all benefit from an extended Easter Bank Holiday this year.  The Royal Wedding on April 29th means many are planning on taking a break away and one of our favourite Easter destinations is ....... Tuscany. 

Easter is one of the most important celebrations in the Italian calendar and Tuscany does it in style.  On Easter Sunday, hundreds gather at the world-renowned Piazza del Duomo in Florence to experience the legendary Explosion of the Cart. 


On Palm Sunday, the Cascine Park also in Florence hosts the Fiera Quaresimale (Lent Fair), an eclectic mix of clothes, leather goods, shoes, fruits, flowers and much more. 

Book now to ensure you don't miss out on this fantastic time in the Italian calendar. http://www.cottagestocastles.com/

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"Tuscany still the most popular holiday region in Italy!"

The results of the most recent survey of ABTOI members has revealed that Tuscany continues to be the leading holiday region to Italy for UK travellers. 55% of UK operators named Tuscany as the top area for bookings between July and September this year.  


Read more at Opodo Travel News


Find out more about Tuscany - visit LoveItaly.co.uk