Cottages in Tuscany

Holiday cottages in breathtaking Tuscan locations

Expect to see extraordinarily beautiful countryside with saffron-coloured rolling hills, iconic cypress groves and sun-splashed al fresco spaces in this unique heritage region situated in the western part of central Italy. Food and wine lovers are in for a treat with simple, rustic, delectable Tuscan fare and fine wines. Hikers and ramblers can wander along mountain paths with breathtaking views. Cyclists can traverse hills and dales with the stunningly beautiful rugged coastline and islands making affordable cottages in Tuscany a magnet for summer holidayers.

Wonderful Italian family holiday

These charming, rustic, stone cottage rentals are perfect for a wonderfully comfortable family holiday adventure or families of four exploring the Tuscan countryside and many of the cottages for rent in Tuscany are pet friendly! Many of these lovely cottages have the following feature:

• Fully-equipped kitchen
• Private pool
• Yard or terrace for al fresco dining
• Modern interiors

Return to your rental cottage in Tuscany after an enthralling day exploring the rich art and architectural heritage of the region and marvelling at the majestic surroundings and exquisite historic towns and villages. Relish a cooling dip in the pool and relax in a peaceful garden haven in the heart of Toscana!

Tuscany for hikers and ramblers

There are many classic Tuscan walks for hikers to enjoy through the Tuscan countryside. The trails pass through gorgeous ancient olive groves and charming, rustic Italian villas far from the main roads and the clamour of city life. Stroll past vineyards and ancient towns where ochre-painted stucco and cobbled streets provide the setting for stunning views and enjoying a magical day out in the fabled Tuscan countryside in all seasons. There are hiking routes suitable for all ages and abilities. Pack a picnic and enjoy a day exploring the stunning historical and scenic heritage of this iconic part of Italy on foot.

Tuscany for lovers of art and architecture

Tuscany’s citta’ di arte, or cities of art are world-renowned. Florence, Siena, Pisa, Arezzo, Cortona, San Gimignano and Lucca are all within easy driving distance from your rental cottage in Tuscany. These strikingly beautiful historical towns and cities are where Tuscany’s opulent and ancient art heritage can be seen in a variety of museums and art galleries. The historical sites are gorgeous stone-clad hilltop towns and villages with quaint, cobbled streets amidst the warm, glorious, unforgettable tints and hues of a medieval paintbox.

1. The City of Florence
2. A scenic drive through Vale d’ Orcia
3. Stop for a coffee break on Piazza del Campo Siena
4. Explore Elba Island
5. Lunch in the town of Lucca
6. Visit Montepulciano
7. Visit the Calafuria Coast

1. The City of Florence

Marvel at the gigantic, marble-fronted Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore that dates back to 1296. Take in the magical red tile roofs, domes and exquisite spires of the Florence skyline in this incredibly interesting Renaissance city that boasts a rich and wonderful architectural heritage. Be sure to stop at the Uffizi Gallery on the serene banks of the River Arno, where the most priceless artworks by the greatest artists of The Renaissance can be admired. If you have a holiday rental in Florence, you will have plenty of time to explore art and culture.

2. A scenic drive through Vale d’ Orcia

This gloriously scenic valley begins in the undulating hills south of Siena. Here visitors can experience the distinctive picture postcard Tuscan landscape where gentle hills dotted with dark green cypress and spruce give way to a verdant carpet of vineyards, olive groves and farmland. Stop for Tuscan fare in the historic town of Pienza for a perfect ending to a day out living “la dolce vita”, the sweet life in Italy!

3. Stop for a coffee break on Piazza del Campo Siena

Sienna is famous for unforgettably beautiful medieval brick buildings and has long been considered Italy’s loveliest medieval city. Be sure to stop for a cappuccino on the iconic Piazza del Campo where you can admire the graceful bell tower and distinctive Gothic architectural beauty. Don’t forget to sample the wonderful historical ambience of one of Italy’s finest piazzas in this remarkably well-preserved historical city. In July and August, the piazza is transformed into a spectacular horse racing track where an ancient, exciting, colourful, medieval competitive horse race takes place! Get a Tuscany cottage today for an exciting holiday.

4. Explore Elba Island

Elba is a fairytale island 10 km off the Tuscan coast where rocky cliffs are studded with heritage, Tuscan architecture and a range of gorgeous, secluded, rugged, cliff-backed coves. Explore the dazzling white sand beaches and startling sapphire blue waters that provide the perfect place for summer swimming and sunbathing. There is a wonderful hike for the adventurous up Capanne Mount with an unforgettable panorama of the island and the Mediterranean from the summit. There is also a cable car for visitors wishing to travel up the mountain. Visitors will enjoy delectable regional seafood dishes flavoured with local spices in rustic trattorias on this Mediterranean island paradise easily accessible from the mainland by ferry. If you have a holiday rental in San Gimignano, ensure you plan a day trip to Elba Islands!

5. Lunch in the town of Lucca

Look no further than the red tile roofs and burned ombre and ochres of beautiful Lucca, where some of Tuscany’s most legendary examples of Romanesque architecture can be appreciated. Climb the tree-shaded top of the Guinigi Tower or stroll or cycle along the wide, tree-lined walls that enclose the city. Browse market stalls and admire the gorgeous, shimmering, golden exterior mosaics of the church of San Frediano. Most restaurants in Lucca offer the delicious, local pasta speciality, tortelli lucchese, and visitors are in for a treat with other local dishes like rabbit and salt cod.

6. Visit Montepulciano

Perched 600m high up on a limestone ridge, this small, medieval, hilltop town boasts exquisite views of the surrounding countryside. If you have a pet-friendly cottage in Tuscany, you can spend the day exploring with your durry-friend whilst admiring stunning Renaissance architecture and sampling the famous Vino Nobile wine harvested from lush, verdant local vineyards. This jewel of a town is considered one of the best-kept secrets in Tuscany!

7. Visit the Calafuria Coast

The steep, rugged, wild cliffs and rich Mediterranean scrub of the spectacular Calafuria nature reserve are a short drive south of Livorno. The jagged coastland forms a dramatic backdrop for the crystalline coves of the Tyrrhenian Sea, where wonderful tanning spots and breathtaking sunsets make this a must-see summer stopover. This is a perfect location for snorkelling fans who can expect to enjoy the marvellous biodiversity of a pristine coral reef in this protected coastal wonderland!