First time in Tuscany

If you are visiting Tuscany for the first time you will quickly realise that it is no ordinary holiday area, but a total escape into a timeless way of life.

Best period
Most beautiful in May, September and October these are the best months for escaping the heat and the crowds and to enjoy the colorful of spring and autumn where days are still warm and there's plenty of sunshine to enjoy.
Tuscany is largely rural and the landscape of cypresses, olive groves and vineyards are renowned throughout the world, for centuries Tuscans have preserved their surroundings, culture and traditions making of this the most fascinating region of Italy.

Rental suggestions
One of the finest ways to explore Tuscany is from the comfort and convenience of a self catering villa or vacation home. Some villas or farmhouses have been converted into a series of holiday apartments. Other properties may have a resident owner in one part and rent out a self-contained apartment in another part, rentals run from Saturday to Saturday and you'll be usually asked to arrive after 16.00 hours and depart before 10.00 hours. In this properties it is common to be asked to pay a security deposit on arrival to cover possible breakages and damage often expected to be in cash.

Suitable alternatives can be taken into consideration, for those who want to enjoy the peaceful and tranquil of the countryside without being isolated and still feel the Tuscan atmosphere we suggest to rent an apartment in a small village, this type of accommodation has normally private garden or terrace facilities and within walking distance bars, restaurants and shops.

Places to visit
To get the most of your first stay in tuscany, best sights, history, and most important art and architecture masterpieces there are some places you can't loose. The renaissance town of Florence, Lucca's fabulous Villas, medieval Arezzo and Cortona. Among all, Siena with its wonderful landscape of cypress trees and olive groves is the perfect basement for exploring the whole region.

Transport
Renting a self catering property in the countryside will allow you to relax in peace, recharge and taste Tuscany rural lifestyle but there are somethings you may well be grateful that you know before you arrive.
Countryside properties are normally only reachable by private transport, public transport will never be in most of them nearer than 1 km. Nearest villages or hamlets to the properties with restaurants and shops may be 3/5 km away ( don't leave the shopping until Sunday, practically nowhere will be open ) and most interesting points have no easy access by train or bus so hiring a car is highly recommended specially for exploring places out of the beaten tracks.
If you're coming with your own car or motorbike remember you'll be in the countryside and roads of access may be unmade or grevel tracks, if your own car has low supension or you're driving a motorbike you may find difficulties.

When travelling abroad we must accept that things will be different from our home country and therefore you may take into consideration the following points:

Building or road works may be in progress in the vicinity of your chosen accommodation. Farmhouses need constant maintenance and may require refurbishment from time to time. These works may start early in the day as is local practice and can occur at any time during the season.
Safety Standards are those imposed by the laws and regulations of Italy and could be less, or even more, stringent than those you enjoy in your home country, such regulations is a matter for the Italian authorities and the local supplier of the services concerned.
Most of the properties have satellite TV, but there is no guarantee of the channels you can watch. Usually no more than one English channel is available.
Usually food shops closed on Monday mornings and Saturday afternoons. Most will be closed from lunchtime until 4.00 p.m and open until 7.00 -8.00 p.m.
During hotests months you will be mined by mosquitoes, insect-repellents are highly recommended. Snakes, vipers and scorpions exist also here but they're normally scared off noise and open spaces.