SquareSeas – Holiday and travel tips

Once again one of most booked travel destinations on atraveo. The longing and yearning for Italy has one name – Tuscany! You can expect charming country estates surrounded by olive groves and light flooded cypress avenues. Even famous stars such as Sting and Madonna have purchased lavish properties in this region. Not forgetting Leonardo da Vinci and Galileo Galilei who were inspired by this swathe of land. Do you dream of a vacation in the midst of the gentle sloping wine hills, extensive poppy fields and citrus gardens? With atraveo you are able to realise this dream. You are spoilt for choice as around 10.000 holiday homes and apartments are on offer!

Country Holiday in a rustico

The grand and splendid estates and simple farmhouses build from natural stones are referred to as rusticos. Since the Roman Age these terracotta coloured country houses shape the picture book landscape of Tuscany. At a first glance one may gain the impression that the time has stood still. Many of the impressive estates have been brought, restored to their old glory and comply with strict building regulations. The typical interior of a rustic comprises of terracotta floors, massive wooden beams and rustic furniture. This can for example be found in the renovated farmhouse from the 17th century.

Experience all those benefits which are associated with vacations in the countryside. Starting from 850 Euros per week you will be able to find on atraveo a holiday apartment in a quietly situated estate and buy fresh produce such as wine and olive oil directly from local producers. Explore the surroundings with your family by foot or on a mountain bike. Alternatively make some new acquaintances with fellow Tuscany holidaymakers at the shared pool. On atraveo you can find a restored estate with pool for a price from 471 Euros per week.

Art minded towns

On atraveo you shall be able to find more than 2.000 types of accommodation in the province Florence. Where long ago the family Medici lived with their riches now there are numerous tourists admiring the grand architectural sights of the Renaissance. Any person visiting Florence must take some time out to visit the cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore which is the landmark of the city with its imposing dome shaped roof. Whilst strolling through the city try out an Espresso in one of the cafés located around numerous piazzas that are the typical lively squares of the city.
Should you be looking for something to eat you may want to consider going to Trattoria Sostanza on the Via della Porcellana. In this reasonably priced and rustic restaurant with family atmosphere enjoy delicious specialties from Florence. In the Galleria Degli Uffizi you can marvel the world renowned art treasures of painters such as Botticelli, Dürer and Rubens. The romantic path over Ponte Veccio which is the oldest and most impressive bridge of the city is the ideal place to enjoy the sunset.

Past the yellow whin and rape the streets of Tuscany lead to San Gimignano. In the so called Manhattan of the Middle Age you must climb up the Torre Grosse. The staggering climb over the see through steps is worthwhile because of the spectacular view. A holiday apartment for two people including a pool in a small village and with a view towards San Gimignano can be found on atraveo for a price starting from 1043 Euros per week.

Siena is situated in the heart of Tuscany to which this entire province is also referred to. Here atraveo provides an offer of more than 1.600 types of accommodation. The student town in gothic style is surrounded by three hills. Those travelling by car are recommended to part at the Stadio Comunale and use public transportation. Go on a walk through the winding and steep lanes, be enthralled by the delightful architecture of the Gothic period and watch street artists perform amusing acts. The stroll through the city then passes on to the Piazza del Campo which is a shell shaped plaza in the centre and where numerous inviting cafés and restaurants are located. Alternatively sit on one of the cobble stones and enjoy the going-on. On the 2nd of July and 16th of August every year the famous horse race Palio di Siena takes place around this place.

In the midst of the imposing and ridged hilly landscape of the province Pisa is the town of Volterra at a height of 500 metres. Those interested in handicraft can buy typically local souvenirs made from alabaster. From Volterra to Pisa and the Etruscan coastline it is around 50 kilometres. This makes it an ideal location for everyone who wants to combine beach and countryside vacation as well as culture. In this restored former farm house you can spend your vacation with your family from 469 Euros per week and enjoy a spectacular vacation. The well maintained pool complex is available for joint use.

Sandy beaches and hidden bays

Tuscany is not only known for its impressive hilly landscape and culture but also for it relaxing beach vacation along the 300 kilometre long coastline with great diversity that passes on into untouched nature.

From Volterra a country road directly leads to the sea and the resort Cecina. Here one will find an aqua park where the kids can enjoy themselves and splash around. For a beach vacation in Cecina this lovely holiday apartment for four people could be suitable which is situated on an agricultural property and only 5 kilometres away from the Etruscan beach. Along the Etruscan coast the lovely sandy beaches, stone pine and shingle beaches alternate between the rocky bays.

On atraveo you will be able to find holiday apartments near the beach in the resorts of Marina di Castagneto, Vada and San Vincenzo. From the seaport Piombino you are able to reach the famous island Elba with the ferry.

Further to the south the Maremma coast joins up with the long sandy beaches lined with pine trees. Should you like it to be quieter then one should choose a place north of the nature reserve Parco Naturale della Maremma on the beach Marina di Alberese.

The ports of Castiglione della Pescaia and Punta Ala are popular gathering places for sailing enthusiasts. In the north of Tuscany one can find the fine sandy beaches and lively coastal area of Versilia and Liguria. In the article Liguria – Glamour of the italian Riviera you can find further details.