Journal

Serves: 2 people Cooking time: 50 minutes Ingredients: 400g soaked salt cod Oil for frying 200g cherry tomatoes or tinned tomatoes Extra virgin olive oil 1 clove garlic Small handful of parsley Pepper Flour for...

Serves: 6 people Cooking time: 80 minutes Ingredients: 400g flour 250g sugar 250g peeled almonds 3 eggs 3 egg yolks 1 sachet of yeast Pinch of salt Method: 1. Beat together 2 eggs, egg yolks and sugar, then add the flour, yeast and a...

Serves: 4 people Cooking time: 40 minutes Ingredients: 4 artichokes Breadcrumbs Salt & pepper 4 slices of cured ham 4 slices of Pecorino cheese Oil 2 cloves of garlic  Method: 1. Wash the artichokes, remove the greenest...

Serves: 4 people Cooking time: 130 minutes Ingredients: 300 g fresh cannellini beans 1/2 glass extra virgin olive oil 200g tinned tomatoes 4 pork sausages 1 sprig of sage 2 cloves of garlic Salt to taste Ground pepper to...

Serves: 4 people Cooking time: 75 minutes Ingredients: 300 g flour type 00 30 g brewer's yeast Water Salt to taste Oil for frying Method: 1. Flour the work surface. 2. Dissolve the yeast in half a glass of lukewarm water...

Serves: 4 people Cooking time: 30 minutes Ingredients: courgette flowers 275 ml sparkling water 185 g flour Salt to taste Sunflower oil Method: 1. First prepare the batter. Sieve the flour into a large bowl, and gradually add the...

Serves: 2 people Cooking time: 25 minutes Ingredients: 1 kg whole green peas 250 g mature Pecorino Toscano cheese 2–3 slices of Salame Toscano, 1 cm thick Extra virgin olive oil Salt to taste Pepper to taste Method: 1. Shell the...

Pappa al Pomodoro is a traditional Tuscan bread and tomato soup, originally made to use up leftover bread, which has become a beloved staple in Tuscan cuisine. Made with stale Tuscan bread, ripe tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, and vegetable...

Serves: 4 people Cooking time: 50 minutes Ingredients: 200g semolina flour 2 eggs Method: 1. Place the flour on the table and make a well in the centre. Crack the eggs into the well. 2. Mix from the centre outwards, using a fork to help...

Peposo de Valdarno is a traditional Tuscan stew from the Valdarno region, renowned for its rich and robust flavours. This hearty dish is made primarily with beef shank, with lots of black pepper, red wine, garlic, and aromatic herbs. It's...

Tuscan Panzanella salad is a traditional Italian dish perfect for the summer months. This vibrant and refreshing salad uses chunks of stale bread mixed with ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and basil, all dressed with olive oil and vinegar....

Serves: 4 people Cooking time: 30 minutes Ingredients: 100 g dark chocolate 50 g flour + extra to flour tins 2 eggs 3 egg yolks 100 g sugar 100 g butter + extra to grease tins Method:  1. Cut the chocolate into small pieces. Melt...

Traditional Tuscan ragu is a rich and hearty meat sauce made with a blend of minced beef and pork. The ragu is slow-cooked to perfection with tomatoes, red wine, and a medley of vegetables such as onions, carrots, and celery. The sauce is enhanced...

Serves: 5 people Cooking time: 30 minutes Ingredients: 250g Flour 40g Caster sugar 20g Butter 10ml Extra virgin olive oil Icing sugar with vanilla flavouring as necessary 2 whole eggs 1 pinch of salt Frying oil as necessary Method: 1....

We all love a beautiful view and if you capture one on camera you can admire it forever. But how do you take a great photo of a landscape? Photojournalist Alfredo Falvo, owner of Tuscany Photography Day, helps people get the best out of their...

Giacomo Puccini once said he would like to hear one of his operas at Torre del Lago, the lakeside where he wrote so many of them, next to his home. These days it is the setting of an open-air festival (www.puccinifestival.it) where virtually all...

First-timers to Tuscany often focus on the frescoes, not the fields of sunflowers. Take Florence. The city of Botticelli and Brunelleschi, home to half of Italy’s Unesco art treasures, can seem daunting. August can mean gridlock by the...

Sometimes you can get a fresh perspective on a place if you look at it from a different angle. That’s the case with Belvedere: In Volo Sulla Toscana (Flying Above Tuscany), a collection of aerial photos by the Florence-based photographer Guido...

They know how to throw a party in Tuscany, the annual calendar is filled with festivals and special events. One of the more unusual is the Luminara, a festival of lights that takes place in Pisa in spring. As the sun sets on the city on 16...

Finding new and lesser-known places in Tuscany can mean your trip is truly unforgettable. The charm and unassuming appeal of the local villages in the region offer a wonderfully authentic experience. These hidden gems may not often be included in the...

A Room With A View (1985) Director: James Ivory When a young Englishwoman, Lucy Honeychurch (Helena Bonham Carter), and her prim chaperone, Charlotte Bartlett (Maggie Smith), arrive in Florence, the capital of Tuscany, in the 1900s, they are...

Main Image: Tuscan tale: Casale La Canonica, the villa starring in ‘Meet Us In Tuscany’ When Janet Toll Davidson and her husband Richard embarked on a trip to Tuscany, little did she realise this fascinating trip would result in a...

After a turbulent few years, we know that lots of you are already making big plans to get together with family and friends next year. But we know that lots of you are already making big plans to get together with family and friends next year. So to...

It’s easy to keep the whole family happy on a holiday to Tuscany; just balance a bit of ‘me’ time with some ‘them’ time.With its family-first culture, Tuscany is a wonderful place for children. From water parks to...

Over the past 20 years, we have been kindly trusted with thousands of family holidays in Tuscany. During this time we have picked up plenty of insider tips to make your next villa holiday an unforgettable one. Here are our top tips when it comes to...

With so much on offer in Tuscany, it can be difficult to know where to start. We have compiled the top things to add to your itinerary during your Tuscan holiday whether you are looking for something to do with your children, places to try the very...

Ingredients: Celery Carrots Onions Potatoes Black kale, ‘cavolo nero‘ Cannellini beans, cooked Half a loaf of stale bread, torn into chunks Tuscan olive oil Water or vegetable broth

Panello con l’uva is a Chianti adaptation of the Florentine Schiacciata con l’uva. It is a sweet flatbread laden with grapes, typically prepared around the grape harvest in autumn. About the chef: This delicious flatbread recipe was...

Giulebbe di Ciliegie is a traditionally Tuscan dessert from the northern region of Garfagnana, an area rich in cherries, particularly of the sour and wild variety. The term Giulebbe is actually derived from the Persian meaning gulab (a sweet...

Studying a new language – or improving your linguistic skills – is one of the positive ways to boost wellbeing because putting your brain to work can stave off the effects of dementia, say the experts. So, when in Italy, why not speak...

If I offered to take you to a beer festival in Tuscany, you’d probably think I was confused. If I then drove you half an hour south-east of Siena and led you along a couple of kilometres of gravel track to a small farm in the middle of nowhere,...

Tuscany is food heaven. Crostini, fennel salami, bistecca alla Fiorentina, fish stew and chestnut cake – these are just some of the tempting local delights that await you. Then there are the wines: luscious Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino...

Fashion fans, it’s time to put down that glass of Chianti and hit the shops because the countryside around Florence is one of the world’s best designer discount-shopping destinations. This is where many of the top luxury houses...

They say the best things in life are free and Tuscany certainly has plenty of enriching experiences to offer that won’t cost you a penny. These outdoor activities and jaw-dropping sights will nourish both body and mind. Wallow in a hot...

Holidays are all about relaxing and escaping the daily grind – just what is needed to recharge our batteries. In reality, the sudden lack of routine means we often end up over-indulging and return home more exhausted than when we left. So,...

Tuscan wines are world-famous and renowned for being among some of the very best. But why are the wines so good here and which grapes are they made from? What types should you try and when? Questions, questions. Join us for a quick canter...

We asked To Tuscany’s golf expert, Grant Leggate, General Manager of Chestfield Golf Club and former Assistant Secretary at Royal St George’s Golf Club, to pick his favourite golf courses in the region. Royal Golf La Bagnaia Just...

We’ve picked some of our favourite sights and activities in the world-famous wine region that we call home. Our trail is a real mix, to suit all tastes. Whether you try just one of our recommendations or tick off all five, you’ll be sure...

Anatra in porchetta, or more affectionately known as “Nana” in porchetta, is a typical Tuscan roast dish served most frequently in the areas around Arezzo and Siena. About the chef: This delicious recipe has been kindly shared by...

Imagine you run a new brewery in the UK or US. Your first sale is probably going to be on tap in a pub. You’ve taken that tap from another beer, and when your first pint is sold, it’ll be at the expense of other beers on the bar. Now...

Tuscany has topped the charts yet again for having more official Blue Flag beaches and marinas than anywhere else in Italy, apart from Liguria. The prestigious global Blue Flag eco-label is awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)...

Food is part of the Tuscan identity and the markets here are famous for selling great quality local produce. So how can you make the most of your Tuscan market experience to get an authentic taste of the region? Here are our top tips for shopping...

Spring in Tuscany is a time of celebration, which means it’s festival time in the towns and villages as locals welcome the season of renewal. These are gentle events focusing on food, drink and, of course, family, as well as the serious...

Late summer and autumn is the time to indulge in Tuscany’s fantastic home-grown food and drink, with plenty of festivals, or sagre, to experience.

Tuscany’s truffles may not have the profile of Piedmont or Périgord, yet those in the know prize the precious white nuggets found in the hills here, especially around San Miniato. There are strict rules about how and when truffles are...

”Mess, don’t press!” Simone, chef-owner of the Ristorante Malborghetto, is showing me how to make a ragù. “This way we mix all the flavours – and we don’t burn the pan,” he smiles. He’s right....

What could be more romantic than to propose while on holiday in Tuscany? There are so many beautiful places in which to ask your beloved for their hand in marriage and we know some of the most magical. On the Ponte Vecchio If you are happy to...

Imagine placing your yoga mat next to an old olive tree or at the top of a hill overlooking a vineyard. With such beauty in your midst, and the slow pace of life here, Tuscany provides the perfect conditions to relax body and mind using the power of...

The arrival of the warmer weather calls Tuscans outside as they make the most of the region’s natural surroundings, enjoying activities such as folkloric festivals by day and concerts beneath the stars by night. So take a lead from the locals...

1. Just like wine, olive oils are awarded different labels and grades depending on their taste, production methods, origin and chemistry. 2. Olive oils are classified by taste through a blind test, which is carried out by a panel of professional...

It felt like I was walking into a painting. Beneath the blue sky, a grassy path curved around a field scattered with haystacks, with a row of cypress trees at its rear. The colourful patchwork of a distant hill was made up of golden fields, a pale...

Castagnaccio, also known as baldino or pattona chestnut cake, is a traditional dessert made with chestnut flour and raisins, pine nuts, walnuts, and rosemary. It is said to have been created in a plain form by the Tuscan Pilade da Lucca in the 16th...

Get out your binoculars and go on the trail of Tuscany’s wildlife. Here are four creatures that call Tuscany home. Wild Boar Tuscany’s wild boar, or cinghiale, has the dubious double honour of being a local emblem and a local...

Iris Garden, Florence Established in 1954, the Iris Garden is located next to Piazzale Michelangelo and managed by the non-profit Italian Iris Society. This enchanting garden, the sole of its kind globally, hosts an annual International...

Whichever way you turn in the Tuscan countryside, your eyes are sure to settle on a wonderful view. Yet this landscape isn’t all about sentries of olive groves and vineyards, it’s also home to wilder patches of nature. Here are three of...

This article was crafted by To Tuscany to ensure our guests enjoy the best possible experience during their time in Tuscany. Explore our extensive selection of villas.  Or contact our villa specialist team, who are available to assist...

Been relaxing around the pool all day? Don’t fancy getting dressed up to go out? Here are some fun games to liven up an evening at the villa. (In fact, you could even play some of these on the go – how about in the queue to the...

Rosado Rosadi is the owner of Palazzo Rosadi and Torre del Cielo, two villas featured by To Tuscany. In this series of occasional interviews with our villa owners, Rosado reveals his family’s long association with the region and talks about his...

As the steep gradient starts to bite, I raise out of the saddle to try to maintain my speed. But the back wheel of my bicycle spins and I lose traction, so I sit back down and try to power on. It’s my first morning in Tuscany and I have...

Tuscany may be popular for its historic towns and cities, dreamy rural landscapes, world-class art and fine wine, but there is a quirky side to the region, too. Whether you are a returning visitor or it’s your first time in the area, these...

Why should the Uffizi be top of my list of museums to visit in Florence? The Uffizi has one of the best collections of Renaissance art in the world, including paintings by Michelangelo, da Vinci and Botticelli, which were collected by the hugely...

Mum, dad, grandma, grandad – and don’t forget the kids… multigeneration holidays are all the rage. At To Tuscany, we’ve noticed more and more of you booking these convivial get-togethers during the past five years. In fact,...

Tuscany is all about the landscape. Yet, perhaps because of those famous vistas, the natural parks in Tuscany are lesser known. Here in the protected areas, you’ll find everything from untamed beaches to mountain wilderness and shaded forests...

Tuscany’s markets aren’t all about food. Check out this guide to the best places to pick up an antique or piece of art for a more authentic souvenir. Florence Mercato delle Pulci, in Florence’s Piazza dei Ciompi, is a daily...

London-based Greg Funnell has been a professional photographer for more than 10 years and his work regularly appears in publications including The Sunday Times, Financial Times and Vanity Fair. A documentary photographer by profession, he is also a...

Scoppio Del Carro When the Crusaders conquered Jerusalem in 1099, a member of the Florentine Pazzi family was the first to raise a Christian banner above the city. As a reward, he was given three previous pieces of stone from the Holy Sepulchre....

A holiday in Tuscany doesn’t have to be all about lounging by the pool. Pull on your walking shoes, grab a map, sun hat, and plenty of water and try out some of these rewarding walking routes. Via Francigena This was once the path taken...

Tuscany’s art Uffizi Gallery The Uffizi Gallery is a must-see if you’re making a day trip to Florence during your stay because it’s home to one of the world’s best collections of Renaissance art. Michelangelo’s...

Cannelloni are a type of fresh egg pasta filled with ricotta, spinach, parmesan and nutmeg, covered with béchamel sauce and parmesan cheese, then oven-baked until golden brown. Cannelloni are traditionally eaten on the eve of December 24,...

This delectable parfait is a light, vanillary treat for special occasions. It makes for the perfect dessert when you’re looking to impress your guests. Topped with little vegan meringues, the combination of textures is a delight for the senses.

This special orange cake is traditionally prepared in Florence during carnival, specifically on Shrove Tuesday. The characteristic feature of Schiacciata alla Fiorentina is its rectangular shape, which is covered with icing sugar and decorated with a...

Ricciarelli are soft, chewy almond cookies. Originally from Siena, they are a popular treat around Christmas time, although they’re just as delicious the rest of the year. About the chef This recipe was provided by Monica Lapis, one of the...

Torta Pasqualina is a savoury spinach and ricotta pie traditionally prepared for Easter Monday. Originally from Liguria, it is now a beloved spring dish all over Italy, including Tuscany. About the chef This recipe was kindly shared with us by...

Discover our exceptional selection of family villas in Tuscany, perfect for an unforgettable holiday altogether. With modern conveniences and authentic Tuscan charm, our family villas provide the ideal setting for creating lasting memories. Whether...

This smoked haddock recipe is the perfect sophisticated yet simple meal. This dish features tender, flaky smoked haddock paired with a rich dulse sauce, making it ideal for a comforting dinner. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, our smoked...

Imagine waking to sweeping views of rolling vineyards, where the first thing you see is sunlit rows of vines stretching to the horizon. Staying in a villa on a working vineyard offers more than just a holiday; it’s an immersion into...

A villa holiday in Tuscany offers the perfect balance of comfort, freedom and authentic Italian living. It’s so much more than accommodation; a villa becomes your home away from home in the heart of one of Italy’s most beautiful regions....

In 2025, To Tuscany celebrates a significant milestone: 25 years of helping guests discover the authentic heart of Tuscany through carefully curated villa holidays. What began as a bold decision to embrace a new life in Italy has grown into a...

Tuscany is home to far more than its celebrated cities of Florence, Siena and Pisa. Whilst these destinations are rightly admired, they also attract many visitors. Often underrated in comparison, Tuscany’s lesser-known towns and villages reveal...

We know how important it is to travel with the whole family, and that includes your dog. Dogs are more than pets. They’re loyal companions who make every moment more meaningful. And what could be better than exploring the rolling hills,...