Tuscany Escapes and Upcoming Events for 2025/26
If the thought of a holiday with screaming kids around the pool, wacky poolside games, and bikini-clad pensioners hogging the sunbeds makes your blood run cold, then we have the perfect answer to your vacation vexations! Imagine the freedom to do exactly as you please, without offending other holidaymakers. Why not hire a fabulous villa, either by yourself or with a group of friends, to ensure a truly decadent and relaxing time?
The Team’s Tuscan Adventure
The team recently decamped to the Tuscan Hills of Italy for a week of Villa VIPness, courtesy of SimplyTravel.com. We were in for a treat—a week in a luxurious villa nestled in one of the most picturesque regions of the world.
Getting There
Flying to Italy has never been easier, with flights to Pisa, the main airport for the Tuscan region, available from pretty much every airport in the UK. Flight times are only a couple of hours, so after a quick flick through the in-flight magazine, we touched down, ready to be greeted by our Simply Travel representative. They had arranged car hire as part of the villa rental and provided a map of how to get to our destination!
For those planning a trip, several airlines offer direct flights to Pisa:
- British Airways operates flights from London Heathrow to Pisa. Visit www.britishairways.com for bookings.
- Ryanair flies from London Stansted, Manchester, and other UK airports. Check out www.ryanair.com for details.
- easyJet connects London Gatwick, Bristol, and Edinburgh with Pisa. Book your flight at www.easyjet.com.
Discovering Pisa
As the Casanuova Villa was only a 40-minute drive away, we thought we’d explore this historic city first and unpack later. Tuscany really is one of the most beautiful parts of the world. Picture vineyards with rows of baby green vines marching in arrow-straight formation up gently rolling hillsides, bounded by darker green cypress trees. Sandy roads snake towards rust-coloured farmhouses and moss-coated castles, with towns perched on symmetrically rounded hilltops, all basking under the Tuscan sun.
Pisa, crammed full of tradition and beautiful architecture, centres around the famous Leaning Tower in the Piazza del Duomo. The tower, which has been leaning since its construction began in 1173 due to shallow foundations, is a must-see. However, the city offers more than just its iconic tower. The medieval heart of Pisa features a lovely vegetable market and some of the best restaurants and bars in town. The Lungarni district, with its medieval Tower Houses and noble palaces, offers a historical voyage through the centuries.
Autumn: The Ideal Time to Visit Tuscany
Autumn in Tuscany is the perfect season to visit—less hot, less crowded, and full of seasonal charm. With average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) in October, the weather is ideal for exploring without the intensity of summer. The reduced tourist crowds mean you can enjoy popular attractions and cities like Florence, Siena, and Pisa at a leisurely pace.
Villa Casanuova: A Luxurious and Cost-Effective Retreat
Our villa for the week, located near the small town of Ponsacco, was set in a national park and nature reserve, offering total seclusion with no neighbours or noise to disturb us—except for the occasional pheasant. Villa Casanuova, a rustic 400-year-old farmhouse, has retained many of its original features, including a stone sink in the kitchen, flagstone floors, and aged beams. This villa is exactly what an ancient Italian farmhouse should be—and more.
The villa exudes rustic charm, with a cozy lounge and a large kitchen/dining area complete with all modern conveniences. The kitchen, literally at the heart of the villa, is well-equipped for those who enjoy cooking. With three double bedrooms packed with antiques and open fireplaces, plus a snug area for quiet time, the villa comfortably sleeps eight. A basement lounge, main bathroom, and an additional double bedroom add to the overall sleeping capacity.
Set in its own large garden, the villa boasts a gloriously private swimming pool and sunbathing deck. It’s the perfect place to catch some unrestricted sun—and with the villa’s secluded location in the middle of a forest reserve, clothing is entirely optional if you’re aiming for that all-over tan. Just remember to check with your mates before whipping off your knicks!
In just a couple of days, the stresses of modern life melted away in the Tuscan sun. It was bliss to lie in late, soak up the rays, prepare a simple Italian meal of pasta and fresh bread washed down with a glass of wine, and retire with a book for the evening—all completely unhurried, unplanned, and unbelievably relaxing.
Exploring the Tuscan Region
If too much solitude leaves you feeling a little “Jack Nicholson in The Shining,” Villa Casanuova is well-placed to explore the beauty of the Tuscan region. Less than an hour’s drive in any direction, you can visit Florence, Lucca, Siena, Bologna, and San Gimignano—all teeming with historical culture and architecture that can, admittedly, blow your brain.
Shopping in Florence
For those in need of some retail therapy, Florence offers a wealth of luxury stores. The shops of Via Dei Calzaiuoli invite visitors to indulge in elegant Italian couture, while the streets around San Lorenzo market and Santa Croce are ideal for shopping, enjoying delicious snacks, or simply strolling around. Florence is also renowned for its leatherwork, fashion accessories, and jewellery, with many expert goldsmiths housed in workshops overhanging the Ponte Vecchio.
Eating Out in Tuscany
Evenings out in Tuscany can be as lively or low-key as you like. For peace and tranquillity, head up into the hills for a leisurely al fresco meal beneath the stars at an authentic trattoria. Tuscan cuisine, based on peasant cooking, relies heavily on tomatoes, olive oil, and beans. Try popular dishes like bistecca alla Fiorentina (steak grilled over an open fire), fagioli all’uccelletto (flageolet beans in tomato sauce), or pappardelle alla lepre (thick pasta ribbons in a meat sauce).
If you’re in the mood for something more up-tempo, head to the bright lights of the big cities. Siena, Pisa, and Florence all have laid-back bars and a smattering of clubs. During the summer months, the Tuscan Riviera is renowned for its bustling but sophisticated nightlife, with bars and cafés lighting up its seafront promenades. However, if you’re there with all your mates, why not turn up the stereo and host your own pool party back at the villa?
Must-Visit Places and Events
Many people visit Tuscany year after year and still haven’t unlocked the myriad secrets of this history-steeped region. For first timers looking to imbibe a modicum of culture away from the busy main attractions of Pisa and Florence, we’d suggest excursions to:
- The Garfagnana: Explore the atmospheric ruins of medieval ramparts and bastions in the spectacular hilltop town of Barga, where abandoned churches adorn many wooded peaks.
- Lucca: This magical walled city offers a monthly antique market, quaint shops, fabled extra virgin olive oil, and delightful restaurants all tucked away in picturesque narrow streets. Hire a bike and ride around the ramparts for a unique experience.
- The Mugello: With around a thousand ancient churches, this region boasts possibly the highest concentration of Romanesque churches in Italy. Visit San Lorenzo and San Giovanni Maggiore in Borgo San Lorenzo, two of the finest Medici country residences, along with the fortified Castello di Trebbio and the castellated Villa Cafaggiolo, preferred estates of Cosimo il Vecchio & Lorenzo il Magnifico.
- San Pietro a Sieve: Explore the Medici fortress brooding high above this delightful town.
- Scarperia: A medieval town fortified by Florence, located on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Sieve Valley.
- Bosco ai Frati: Visit the exquisite porticoed monastery church here.
Festivals and Events (September 2025 Onwards)
Tuscany hosts a vibrant calendar of festivals and events throughout the year. Here’s what’s coming up from September 2025 onwards:
- September: Chianti Classico Wine Festival (11-14th) in Greve in Chianti- Celebrate Tuscany’s renowned Chianti wine with tastings, music, and local food.
- October/November: Lucca Comics & Games (29th-2nd)– A must-visit for fans of comics, games, and pop culture. The city transforms into a lively hub for enthusiasts from around the world.
- December: Piazza Santa Croce Christmas Market contains stalls selling all the Christmas essentials and delicious seasonal food and drink. Enjoy some mulled wine as you browse through ornaments to start the festive season properly.
- January: Cavalcata Dei Magi (6th)– To Celebrate Epiphany, the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore does a re-enactment of ‘The Ride of the Three Kings’ through the streets of Florence.
- February: Viareggio Carnival (1st-21st)– This famous carnival kicks off in February with vibrant parades and festivities in nearby Viareggio, showcasing colourful floats and costumes.
- March: Festival della Carne in Panzano: A celebration of Tuscan meats with tastings, cooking demonstrations, and local specialties.
- April: Festa della Primavera (25th)– Celebrate Spring with local festivals featuring food, music, and floral displays across Tuscany.
- May: Maggio Musicale Fiorentino– A prestigious arts festival in Florence featuring opera, concerts, and ballet.
- June: Feast of San Giovanni (24th)– Florence’s patron saint celebration includes fireworks and historical re-enactments.
- July: Puccini Festival in Torre del Lago- Enjoy open-air opera performances in the birthplace of the famous composer, just a short drive from your villa.
- August: Siena Palio– This historic horse race, held twice in August, is a thrilling spectacle set in Siena’s main square, Piazza del Campo.
- September: Grape Harvest Festivals– Across Tuscany, towns celebrate the grape harvest with wine tastings and local festivities.
Final Thoughts
Whether you decide to explore or simply relax, Tuscany is an incredible place to experience, especially in the luxurious comfort of a private villa with friends. Autumn, with its milder weather and fewer crowds, offers the perfect opportunity to fully enjoy everything this enchanting region has to offer.
For more details on Villa Casanuova and other stunning Tuscan rentals, visit Simply Travel or To Tuscany.
