villas rental in tuscany - Holiday Villa in Casentino, Italy

CASENTINO: THE VALLEY BEAUTIFUL
Casentino is a small Tuscan valley bordering on Romagna. But this flat geographical description does nothing to describe the sheer splendour of this most beautiful of Tuscan landscapes, a land of myth and magic. One of the most spectacular natural regions of Italy, the Casentino valley is easily accessible from the celebrated tourist destinations of Florence, Arezzo, Siena and Assisi. Renowned for its climate, culture and traditions, Casentino has also flourished as a tourist destination owing to the hospitality of its inhabitants and the variety of its accommodations.

Crossed by the River Arno, Casentino is defined as a “closed valley” owing to its location. From its headwaters on Monte Falterona the Arno meanders through the valley, though it does not have a monopoly on the Casentino’s famous waters. For that, you must travel to Chitignano for its sulphurous waters and the spas of Calcedonia and Bagni di Cetica.

Strategically located in the northwest of Tuscany, the Casentino was historically a region coveted by the Florentines who continually strove to wrest it from Arezzo. Today, the castles of the Guidi family of Poppi, who held estates in the valley, still stand, in some of the Casentino’s most scenically lovely positions: Romena, Porciano, Urbech, Castelleone, Castel San Niccolò, Borgo alla Collina, Montemignaio and Fronzola.

This list of names brings us to Dante Alighieri, who mentions them in many of his writings and who spent part of his exile in the Casentino as a guest of the Count of Battifolle. It is said that he even wrote some of the most famous cantos of the Divine Comedy here, and that the tower of Romena Castle was what inspired the cone-shaped structure of hell in Inferno.

For nature lovers, the Casentino Forests National Park is a must visit. Formed by centuries-old forests of fir, beech and chestnut, the park is a habitat for deer, wild boar, wolves and more species of birds than you can count. And for the culturally inclined, the feast days of patron saints, and pre-Christian village festivals provide plenty of entertainment as well as education about the region’s strong ties to the past.

As we have said earlier, the Casentino has hotels and restaurants to suit every budget, and you really haven’t lived until you’ve tasted traditional, down to earth Casentino food. Straightaway, we can recommend the acquacotta, scottiglia, potato tortelli, ravioli, pork, and chestnuts, but a stay at any one of the hotels on our list will give you a taste of more.

TUSCANY VILLAS: YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME

Tuscany is justly famous for its wine, food, warm and hospitable people, and dazzling natural beauty. However, in our opinion, Tuscany should also be celebrated for its beautiful villas, because the Tuscan countryside is dotted with some of the most superb villas dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries, and almost all of them are perfectly preserved, so that they can still be inhabited with ease. And guess what? We would like to invite you to stay in one of Tuscany's independent villas, which we have carefully selected for the discerning tourist. We can guarantee you every home comfort that you can ask for, in the luxurious and elegant atmosphere of these beautiful villas.

Without exception, the independent villas of Tuscany that we have chosen for you are located amidst some wonderful natural scenery. Take the Villa Ginestra, situated near the top of a hill in the Tuscan countryside, delighting guests with a magnificent view of the city of Florence. Also within view is the tiny village of Cercina. On a nearby hilltop, you can see the ruins of a great house that once belonged to a medieval bishop. The scenery is, in a word, magnificent. At Villa Ginestra, you will enjoy the best Italy has to offer – the timeless beauty of Tuscany’s rural countryside, and quick and easy access to Florence.

An orchard of half-century-old olive trees surrounds Villa Ginestra, providing visitors with a crown of green and silver. To the west is the still deeper green of a forested mountain, webbed with well-marked trails for the adventurous hiker. To the east is a superb view of the medieval town of Fiesole.

And that is just one example of what we can offer you. There are numerous independent villas in Tuscany that find place on our list, spread all across this beautiful region of Italy. Can you actually imagine staying in a place called the Villa Buonaparte? Well, we have it on our list too, and it is situated on San Miniato’s hills, about five km from San Miniato. It is a 16th-century building, carefully renovated and maintained to remind you of the charms of medieval Italy.

As we keep saying, these are mere samples. For a detailed list of independent villas in Tuscany, come to us and we’ll take you on a free and infinitely rewarding tour!

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