About To Tuscany
Founded at the turn of the millennium, To Tuscany is run by married couple, Sean and Sabina, who opened the doors to their very first rental in a restored Chianti winery and haven’t looked back since; twenty plus years later, they have gathered considerable expertise and some 500 more villas, all of which retain the personal touch that made their inaugural venture so special. To Tuscany loves this special region of Italy in the spring and autumn.
Five reasons to visit Tuscany in Spring
May is the perfect time to explore the area and the natural flora in the countryside bursting into life. The markets are full of local produce and life really doesn't get much better. The temperatures are ideal (average 24°C max), the countryside is alive with colour, and there are plenty of events celebrating spring and Tuscany's beloved produce, wine.
Spend time outside
Given the days are longer, you'll be able to spend lots of time outside. Al fresco dining is definitely on the menu and exploring the local towns and countryside is a joy. There'll be festivals and events in the region so be sure to check out what's happening.
Not too hot
The peak of the summer months can be extremely hot and thus, May offers the most ambient of temperatures, whether you're relaxing by the pool or sightseeing. The nights too are cooler so yo'll get a good night's sleep.
Time for a swim
May is when many of the villas in To Tuscany's portfolio open their pools. Temperatures warm up to over 20 degrees and a refreshing dip is the perfect holiday tonic.
Growing season
The countryside is full of colour and fres produce, from local asparagus, fresh pecorino and basil to whet your appetite.
Events and festivals
At the end of May, the Cantine Aperte takes place where wineries and cellars all over Tuscany open their doors and invite wine enthusiasts to explore the rooms, discover the secrets to great wine-making and, of course, taste their produce. The flower festival in the small town of Lucignano near Arezzo is full of the colours of spring with huge flower displays, folk music, marching bands, costumes and plenty of food.
Villas to rent in spring
Il Corno, Radda
Il Corno is a magnificently positioned restored farmhouse, situated on its own rise in the heart of the Chianti area, an effortless blend of the 19th-century rural history of the Italian stone structures with a contemporary Tuscan interior. Perfect for couples or families and friends, the semi-detached property and separate cottage are set in a landscape which is lined with vineyards and olive trees, enjoying 360 degree views. Click here to find out more.
Nespola at Poderone
Poderone is set in open countryside where wild forest gives way to arable and dairy farmland in the Alta Maremma. The resort is a collection of individually owned cottages with its own pool. Each holiday cottage is carefully crafted using traditional Tuscan stone, terracotta ceilings and floors has a furnished garden/terrace to dine al fresco in the cool evening breeze. Click here to find out more.
Ginestra at Piettorri
can be found in the valley that reaches out from Val d'Elsa to Val di Cencina, on rolling hills of open farmland. The Pietorri resort is a collection of charming holiday cottages ideally suited for a peaceful break. Click here to find out more.
Six reasons to visit Tuscany in the autumn
Autumn means the grape harvest in Tuscany is getting underway with al fresco lunches using hearty seasonal recipes. The temperature has cooled a little and holidaymakers can enjoy walking in the countryside soaking up the colours of the changing season. The summer crowds have dispersed making way for September's visitors to enjoy the sights in a greater peace.
Perfect weather
The temperatures are still pleasant enough in Tuscany in October so that you can get the most out of your day, with leisurely lunches outside. You will find a few sunny days traded for cloudy, rainy ones but this is the perfect time to take advantage of the indoor excursions, where crowds are much smaller than the peak summer season.
Food heaven
Autumn brings more to the culinary table with new flavours and local dishes with roasted chestnuts, varieties of grapes, porcini, figs with salumi, pears and apples with pecorino cheese and a selection of game, as the hunting season begins.
Enjoy the great outdoors
Crisp mornings are perfect for walking, taking a bike ride or jumping onto a horse. You're spoiled for choice with forests, mountains and valleys all being within reach. Enjoy the autumnal colour palette and the magnificent landscapes with kaleidoscope foliage. The vines in Tuscany's famous wine country are particularly spectacular during this time too.
It's not as busy
As the schools start a new term across Europe, many tourists return home by the end of August, leaving plenty of space for you to explore the beautiful region without the crowds.
Wine and festivals
Tuscany's wine and vineyards are renowned across the globe. And what better time to visit (and sample the spoils) than when the grape harvest is in full swing? Visitors have the opportunity to see the harvest in action too and may be even lend a hand.
And more
If wine isn't your thing, there are plenty of other things to do - from historic reenactments to musical concerts.
Wider choice of villas to rent in the autumn
Given that kids have gone back to school, you'll find a greater choice of villas available to rent in September and October.
Taglialegna at Montefiorile
Montefiorile is a Chianti Classico hillside resort, where the cottages are nestled on a south bank with magnificent views across rolling hills carpeted with vines. Taglialegna, which sleeps two, is the perfect escape for couples. Click here to find out more.
La Taverna at Montebuoni
Montebuoni was originally a wine and olive oil producing estate and its original stone buildings have been restored into cottages and apartments that recreate the feeling of an authentic Tuscan hamlet. Click here to find out more.
Porciglia Alta
Porciglia Alta is just the kind of place where you can create fond memories, for this is a wonderful, often stately stone-built property, with its own loggia and courtyard. Click here to find out more.
January 2023
By Team GWG
