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Cilento is a territory of natural and artistic treasures that can be seriously called wonderland. Since 1998, it has been included in the list of UNESCO world heritage sites to honour its unique beauty and historical importance. This charming region is located in Campania, precisely in a rocky stretch of coast including countless bays and coves. Situated in front of a chain of high mountains, the area is bordered by the Gulf of Salerno and by that of Policastro, which offer some lovely panoramic views. Also, it is well known for the splendid Cilento National Park, set up to preserve the wild nature, woods, lakes and the rich fauna that inhabits this magic place. However, nature isn't the only great thing to appreciate in Cilento, as there are lots of things to do and see ! Discover the unmissable sites to visit during a wonderful tour of Cilento and check out all the important archaeological sites, dream villages and architectural masterpieces to spot in this region! The first of the unmissable archaeological sites is Paestum, one of the most important polis of Magna Graecia. Originally called Poseidonia in honor of the god Poseidon, Paestum preserves three splendid temples of the Doric order in excellent condition, which are dedicated to the gods Neptune, Athena and Hera. Don't miss the National Archaeological Museum, which houses countless splendid artifacts! Instead, the archaeological site of Velia contains the remains of a city-state founded in the 6th century BC. It still retains a beautiful look, as the harbor, the Hellenistic Baths, the Acropolis, the Agora, the Southern and the Archaic District are almost intact. It was an intellectual and cultural center of great fame, since the Eleatici Philosophical School was born here. Finally, you must see the charming "Certosa di San Lorenzo di Padula", which is the largest in Italy and the one with the largest cloister of the world (15,000 square meters)! Today, this Charterhouse houses the Provincial Archaeological Museum of Western Lucania, which contains the archaeological finds coming from the necropolis of Sala Consilina and Padula. After leaving the archaeological sites, don't forget to visit the most picturesque villages of Cilento! Agropoli contains a magnificent Aragonese castle and some beautiful beaches, such as Baia di Trentova, Punta Licosa is built around a thirteenth-century castle, while Castellabate is known for being the set of the successful Italian film "Benvenuti al Sud"! The tour then continues in the fishermen village of Acciaroli, which inspired Hemingway to write some of his books, passes through Palinuro and its splendid Blue Grotto, and it ends in Camerota, where you can find a rich Byzantine art heritage. Do you love mysterious and legendary places? Then you can't miss a visit to Roscigno, a totally abandoned town where time has stopped two hundred years ago! The tour is over...but do you really want to leave Campania without tasting a delicious buffalo mozzarella? The streets of Cilento are dotted with dairies, especially in Paestum and in the Sele valley. These authentic mozzarellas have an excellent quality, thanks to the long tradition of buffalo breeding that characterizes these areas. Don't forget to make a stop! Now, are you ready to book your holiday in Cilento? Book one of our magnificent properties for rent in Campania, like the beautiful Villa Rupe Alta and start planning your memorable trip! © Alice Pilastri

The Historical Villas of Lucca are famous art masterpieces located in the hills surrounding the city of Lucca in Tuscany. They were built between the 15th and 19th centuries and served as summer residences to the city aristocrats, who looked for an alternative to the ordinary city palaces. In fact, the architectural beauty of these villas was a symbol of their social affirmation and they were used to consolidate the family status in the countryside. Actually, it was not a group of enriched nobles, but a class of politicians who kept contacts with noble European courts and who had commercial, social and cultural relations with important international figures. The residences of these so-called "ambassadors of culture" are extremely beautiful. The ideal canon of beauty was used to build each building, as well as the marvellous gardens, arcades, inner halls and the spectacular frescoes decorating the rooms. Would you like visit these splendid villas in Tuscany? Your itinerary must certainly include the six villas located in the countryside that present a unique architectural style, which are Villa Bernardini , Villa Grabau, Villa Mansi, Villa Oliva, Villa Reale and Villa Torrigiani . Discover more about them now! The stunning Villa Bernardini is located near Vicopelago and it was built in 1615 by Bernardino Bernardini. He worked as ambassador of the Republic at the court of some princes and at the Holy See and he used the villa to welcome his family and guests. The most beautiful corner of the building is certainly its magnificent garden: among the vast parks and flower beds, a small Secret Garden is hidden to give guests a corner of tranquillity! Even the interior of the villa amazes anyone who enters it for the first time. The large ballroom, the ancient furniture decorating the rooms and the luxury lounges are just splendid. Villa Grabau is another building where you can admire the same original furniture and paintings that adorned the villa in the 16th century. One of the most beautiful frescoes is undoubtedly that of the ground floor's living room, which presents some beautiful "trompe l'oeil" motifs. Instead, the large 9-hectare park surrounding the building hosts centenary trees, some arboreal rarities and the majestic "Limonaia", an eighteenth-century greenhouse housing dozens of lemon trees. Still outside, you can admire the impressive Verzura Theater, which is a space dedicated to shows immersed in the wonderful greenery. Villa Mansi in Segromigno in Monte appears against the background of a pretty English garden. If you wish to reach it, you need to enter the park through Piazzale delle Scuderie and cross a small bridge: from there, you can get to the marvellous water architecture and to the small waterfalls adorning the villa's outdoor. The interior has a peculiar structure, as it presents a succession of communicating rooms linked to a mysterious legend. It is said, in fact, that the corridors and rooms are haunted by the ghost of Lucida Mansi, the victim of a pact with the devil. It is a unique place that is definitely worth a visit! The magnificent Villa Oliva is located in the town of San Pancrazio and dates back to the end of the 16th century. It was created by Matteo Civitali, a master trained in Florence who transferred many of his works here. The beautiful Renaissance paintings show a precise search for harmony, through the study of proportion and perspective. The wonderful external colonnade, the large park and the poetry of the surrounding environment make this villa a truly fabulous place! Another place you cannot miss is Villa Reale in Marlia, which has been inhabited by Elisa Baciocchi (Napoleon's sister and princess of Lucca) in the 19th century. The property extends over 16 hectares and presents a series of splendid gardens and noble palaces. It's difficult to choose which one is the most beautiful! Moreover, in the park next to Viali delle Camelie, you can find the lovely Water Theater and the Verzura Theater, which is a magical open space where Paganini also performed. Finally, Villa Torrigiani distinguishes itself for a colorful façade, made with different materials such as gray stone, white marble and yellow plaster. The villa dates back to the sixteenth century, but it was largely restored in the seventeenth century. The Ambassador of the Republic of Lucca at the court of the Sun King, who owned the villa at the time, decided to transform it into a luxurious residence with flower gardens and mirrored pools, getting inspired by the park of Versailles. A tour in his garden will simply leave you breathless! Looking for a holiday rental near Lucca to visit all these beautiful Villas? Choose the luxury Villa De Ranieri, the comfortable Flavia Apartments or the fantastic Villa Fiamma! © Alice Pilastri

Versilia is not just a famous summer destination because of its beautiful sea and entertainments, but also for the various cultural events that it hosts in summer! Located close to the centers of Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi, Torre del Lago Puccini is the southernmost city of Versilia. As well as having a beautiful Mediterranean scrub, this town organizes many concerts, events and some world-famous festivals. Almost all of them are dedicated to the works of Giacomo Puccini, a classical music composer who lived in Torre del Lago for more than thirty years. Want to know more about it? Find below all the information, dates and our useful recommendations to take part to the next edition of the Puccini Festival! The Festival is one of the main events in Versilia's summer and this year marks its 65th edition. It takes place within the Massaciuccoli Lake, a magical setting located a few steps from the Tuscan coast where the beauty of the place joins the splendid musical symphonies. It is not just an outdoor concert, but a cultural event of great importance that attracts thousands of international fans with its rich program. The first edition of the Festival took place in 1930, six years after the musician's death. The choice to dedicate an entire event to the artist's works is due to his close connection with the land of Lucca, where Puccini was born and lived for many years . Fascinated by the atmosphere of the place, he composed here many of his works and wished until the last days of his life to see his music represented in this splendid natural setting. It was Puccini himself, in fact, who said: that he would have liked to listen to his own works in the wonderful setting where he usually went hunting or fishing. In honor of the artist, the town chose to change its name to "Torre del Lago-Puccini" and to inaugurate the "Giacomo Puccini Grand Theater" in 2008, in occasion of the 150th anniversary of the composer's birth. In the historical center of the city, moreover, it is possible to visit Villa Puccini, a liberty residence where the artist lived and composed the works. Today, the building houses his burial and has been transformed into a museum conserving an authentic atmosphere, as it displays the piano, the manuscripts and other objects related to the daily life of the "Maestro". The Festival program includes the representation of all the major artist's works, like "La fanciulla del west", "Turandot", "Bohème" or "Aida", as well as some minor works such as "Le Villi ". Under the direction of important orchestra conductors, the show sees the participation of world-famous opera singers and the supervision of great directors. Don't miss the chance to participate in the only festival in the world dedicated to Puccini's works! The ticket price can be purchased online or at the Festival ticket office, and it varies according to the sector chosen in the audience. The cost of an Opera performance is between € 20 and € 160, while the ticket for the "Lago dei Cigni" ballet ranges from € 15 to € 40. Shuttle services are available from Versilia and Lucca and an elegant dress code is required. Looking for a holiday rental for your stay in Torre del Lago Puccini? Discover more about Villa Camaiore, Il Gualdo and Villa Oliveta, some of our wonderful properties in Versilia. © Alice Pilastri

The natural wonders hidden in Tuscany are countless. Its infinite coast presents dreamy beaches overlooking crystal clear waters and each owns a singular charm. One of the most beautiful areas to visit in Tuscany is Maremma, a region located in the southern province of Grosseto. As well as having a lush Mediterranean vegetation, this part of Tuscany has a splendid sea, with transparent water and bright colors. In fact, Monte Argentario has become of the most famous and exclusive tourist destinations in Italy because of its breathtaking views and wild beaches. This lovely promontory emerges from the sea near Orbetello and it is connected to the mainland with two long strips of land. The uniqueness of its landscapes, the mild climate and the beauty of its centers, such as Porto Ercole and Porto Santo Stefano, have made Argentario a well-known holiday destination. Do you want to find out the most beautiful beaches, activities and all the things to see on Monte Argentario? Discover our travel tips and start planning your unforgettable holiday in Tuscany! First of all, two places to see at all costs are Porto Ercole and Porto Santo Stefano, the main coastal towns of the Argentario. The first one is an ancient seafront village dominated by a fortress, while the second is a chic destination frequented by many yachts, as well as a town where the fishing tradition is still alive. A promenade or a dinner in a typical restaurant are certainly things to do during a relaxing stay in these cities! However, the most beautiful monuments of Monte Argentario are not all found near its inhabited centers. The famous Spanish Fortressese are an example: with the exception of the Fortress of Porto Santo Stefano, Forte Stella and Forte Filippo are majestic buildings surrounded by greenery. These small castles, built in the era of Spanish domination, served to protect the Mount from attacks by Saracen pirates and are still preserved in excellent conditions. Even the Convent of the Passionists is a stop you cannot miss during your tour: located on the top of the Mount, this church offers some breathtaking views! Reaching the top of the mountain is the ideal adventure for trekking and mountain bike lovers! The beautiful nature trails wind through woods and charming landscapes until they reach a height of almost 700 m. Here, a 360° panoramic view on the Orbetello lagoon and the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago stuns visitors with its beauty. Mount Argentario also offers a golf course of 18 holes at the Argentario Golf Club, an incredible vertical wall under the Tower of Capo d'Omo where you can do climbing and the opportunity to discover its secret parts of coast during a wonderful sailboat ride! In fact, this is the perfect way to spot hidden coves, natural caves and secret corners of heaven found near Mount Argentario. However, if you prefer to travel Tuscany driving your car, you can explore Argentario on the stunning Panoramic Road connecting its centers and offering some splendid views, which light up at the moment of sunset. Mount Argentario also owns a splendid sea and some beautiful beaches to see at all costs! Each trait of coast is different from the others and presents unique features which make it suitable for various kinds of visitors. Whether you like rocky cliffs, pebbles or fine sand, you will spot the perfect place for you! Along the two seashores connecting the Mount to Orbetello, you will find the long sandy beaches of Feniglia and Giannella, which are located inside the Mediterranean scrub of two large Nature Reserves. This stretch of coast is perfect for families with children, as it is equipped with every comfort and is easy to reach. Even Bagni di Domiziano, Cantoniera and the beach of La Soda are comfortable coves with a seabed that gently slopes down. In case you'd rather spend your days on wild beaches, you can choose to visit the spectacular beaches of Cala del Gesso, which is considered one of the most beautiful shores in Tuscany, La Cacciarella or Cala Grande. These beaches are located far from inhabited centers and can be reached by long downhill paths. Although the journey is tiring, it is definitely worth it: the landscape that you will find at the end of the trail will leave you breathless! Moreover, these rocky beaches with pebbles are perfect for snorkelers who like to dive into crystal clear waters looking for a unique marine fauna. The last place we suggest to visit is Cala Mar Morto: this small beach hidden among the cliffs presents beautiful natural pools with crystal clear waters! Are you ready to book your holiday and visit Monte Argentario? Discover our beautiful villas for rent in the area, like Casale Argentario in Porto Santo Stefano or Il Principe and get ready to enjoy a dream stay in Argentario! © Alice Pilastri

There is a magical place hidden in the green nature of Garfagnana, near the city of Lucca. It's located a few kilometers from Pietrasanta and the area of Versilia, but its landscape has nothing to do with the long white beach that you can find in Viareggio or Forte dei Marmi. Malbacco is a village like many others born at the foot of the imposing Apuan Alps. However, this is where the Versilia river offers some fabulous views and small natural paradises called Pools of Malbacco , which you really need to see during a summer trip to Tuscany! Would you like to know more about them? Here's all the information you need before visiting Malbacco, as well as some useful travel tips to have a perfect time! Malbacco's Pools are natural ponds of fresh water born along the Versilia river. The source of the stream is 1321 m high, right on the top of Mount Altissimo. For this reason, its temperature is very cold and its colors are simply splendid. There are many Pools along the river route and it is not possible to establish an exact number. Actually, the most beautiful thing is to move away from paths looking for "secret pools" immersed in the green! The ideal period to visit Malbacco is definitely summer. The shade offered by the trees, the cool temperatures and, above all, the icy water make it an ideal destination to escape from the heat of July and August. In fact, you'll just need a dip in the pool to cool off! However, it is not easy to reach the Pools. The road that allowed to reach the natural lakes (Via Monte Altissimo) is now closed to traffic and it cannot be traveled by car. You can only park it before the road barrier in one of the small areas located at the end of Malbacco, coming from the road through Riomagno. Then, you need to walk for about 3 km uphill and take one of the paths crossing the wood to reach the river bed. Along the way, you will find directions to get to the main five "descents". Of course, you will need suitable shoes to walk this route, as well as some bottles of water and a packed lunch, because the Pools are not equipped with any service. If you prefer to reach the destination in a more comfortable way, you can use the shuttle service departing from the parking lot, which is active on the weekend with a price of € 3! The most famous is the Descent n.4 , which leads to the wonderful Pozzo della Madonna (Madonna's Well). The small lake is located about 2 km from the parking lot and it is necessary to continue for another 10 minutes on a tiny path before arriving at the pool. It's a tiring walk, but it's really worth it! The Well is immersed in the woods and surrounded by some large rocks where you can sit, lie down, leave backpacks and other objects. However, there isn't a lot of space available around the water, as it immediately drops for some meters to continue the river route. The beauty of the place is due to the stunning waterfall and to the depth of the pool, which reaches about two meters. It is possible to dive into it from a rocky wall or to try the wonderful natural water slide built by the waterfall itself! However, do not stop at the Madonna's Well: get back on the road following the river path and look for other "secret" natural pools hidden in the nature! You can keep climbing the mount's slopes looking for one of the pools located near the source, which are larger and even prettier than the "Pozzo". Otherwise, you can choose to get closer to the car park searching other dreamy places: if you're lucky, you'll find a beautiful puddle to enjoy a cool bath in absolute tranquility! Are you ready to visit Malbacco? Then book your holiday in Tuscany and have a look at our villas in Versilia, like Villa Camaiore and Villa Oliveta, or choose to stay in Lucca's surroundings to discover the wonders of Garfagnana region! © Alice Pilastri

Syracuse is surely one of the most beautiful cities in Sicily. It boasts an incredibly long history, as it was founded in 733 BC and it has been an important Magna Greece's town. Actually, Siracusa could compete with Athens' greatness! Even today, its artistic heritage is invaluable and the cultural diversity of its center makes it a spectacular place to visit. Precisely for this reason, "Syracuse and the Etruscan Necropolis of Pantalica" were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005 and have become a popular tourist destination. The oldest part of the city is its historic center, which is located on an island connected to the city by some bridges. The beautiful Island of Ortigia is a rocky islet full of breathtaking monuments and places to see, including numerous freshwater springs that distinguish its unique environment. Would you like to organize a trip to Syracuse and Ortigia? Discover the best monuments, places of interest, most beautiful streets and the 10 stops you should absolutely make during your city tour! Stop n.1: Have lunch or dinner in a typical Sicilian restaurant You probably already know that Sicilian cuisine is one of the best in the world. Once you arrive in Syracuse, whether it's noon or sunset time, why don't you start your tour tasting some delicious local specialities? Dishes such as arancini al ragù, cannoli with ricotta, pasta with pistachio pesto and grilled fresh fish will accompany you on an unforgettable journey through the best flavors of the Sicilian land. The restaurants of Ortigia to choose from are endless: if you are looking for a café overlooking the sea, a place located in front of a famous monument or in a quiet central street, you will surely find the option that suits you. Stop n.2: Temple of Apollo The tour starts from Piazza Pancali, where the remains of the majestic Temple of Apollo are located. Dating back to the 6th century BC, this is the oldest Doric temple in Sicily and one of the first examples of peripteral temples with stone columns. The original plan is still visible, although the temple has been largely destroyed. Located in the heart of a green park, the Temple is surrounded by modern buildings that create a beautiful artistic contrast. Stop n.3: Fontana di Diana Crossing Corso Matteotti, you will reach Piazza Archimede and the Fountain of Diana, a monument built in 1907. It depicts the goddess of hunting, who was the protector of the city in Greek times, as well as Aretusa and Alfeo. According to the legend, the god Alpheus fell in love with Arethusa, who fled from him and took refuge on the island of Ortigia. Here he asked for help from Diana, who turned it into a source. Stop 4: Piazza Duomo Take via dell'Amalfitana, pass by via Landolina and reach Piazza Duomo, the most enchanting place in the city. You will be able to see buildings like Palazzo Senatorio, which is the Town Hall, Bishop's Palace, the Monastery, the Church of Santa Lucia, Palazzo Gaetani and Palazzo Beneventano del Bosco. But, above all, you'll be surprised by the beauty of the Cathedral of Ortigia which, following the advent of Christianity, incorporated the ancient Doric temple dedicated to Athena. The marvelous façade presents elements in Baroque and Rococo style, while the interior also features classical and medieval motifs. Don't miss it! Stop n.5: Piazzetta San Rocco From Via Picherali, you can get to Piazzetta San Rocco, which is the ideal place to spend a lively evening. In fact, every weekend after 10pm the square offers live music and DJ sets. It is a landmark of the Syracuse nightlife frequented by many young people where you can have a cocktail with your friends! Stop n.6: Largo Aretusa If you want to stop on a bench and relax in front of a beautiful view, then don't miss the stop in Largo Aretusa! This large square offers a beautiful panoramic view of Syracuse and its main port, both at day and night. Stop n.7: Fonte Aretusa Right next to the panoramic square you will find the famous Fonte Aretusa, a magical place where legend meets reality. Born from a source of fresh water, Fonte Aretusa looks like a small lake of crystalline water where the only papyrus trees of the European continent grow. Stop n.8: Castello Maniace Walk along Lungomare Alfeo, admire the seafront view and reach the tip of the island of Ortigia to see the wonderful Castello Maniace. It is one of the most important Frederick castles and a magnificent example of military architecture from the Swabian period. You can choose to visit its interior or admire it from the outdoor, where elegant bars prepare cocktails with background music in the evening. Stop n.9: Marina di Siracusa Return to Fonte Aretusa and now take the road descending towards the sea. This walk is called "Marina di Siracusa" and it is a beautiful promenade offering dozens of nightclubs, bars and pubs where hundreds of people like to spend the night. Along the main port of the city, you will pass by an enchanting park of secular trees which will give you a pleasant shade in the warm days. Stop n.10: Get lost in the streets of the historic center Before leaving Ortigia, immerse yourself in its maze of narrow streets and lose yourself in its beautiful streets! Get away from any tourist itinerary and discover the beauty of the ancient heart of Syracuse: the magical atmosphere of this area will surely steal your heart. Are you ready to leave for your trip? Book your holiday and have a look at our villas for rent near Syracuse, like Villa la Plage, Villa Floridia or Villa Cuorematto! © Alice Pilastri

The Adriatic Coast in Emilia-Romagna, which is also called Riviera Romagnola by Italians, is simply the perfect holiday destination. Whether you are seeking a spot where you can have a lot of fun or you'd rather prefer spend your days relaxing on the beach, the Riviera will satisfy all your desires. Actually, there is always something to do, as the activities and the places to see are many. Families, elderly people, children and groups of young friends will find endless ways to have fun! That's why in a few years places like Riccione, Rimini and Milano Marittima have turned into exclusive tourist destinations for the summer, where even VIP love to spend a holiday away. Do you want to discover the best things to do on the Adriatic coast? Keep reading and check out the list of the most beautiful beaches and the best places to enjoy the nightlife in Emilia-Romagna! If you like dancing until the morning lights, the Riviera is the perfect place for you! Every evening, international DJs play in some of the most famous Italian clubs and organize some amazing parties. There is nothing better than spending the night in a seafront club dancing under the stars! Riccione is certainly the best known city for nightlife lovers. Clubs like "Villa delle Rose", "Baia Imperiale", "Byblos" and "Peter Pan" are sassy discos where high-level guests like to have elegant evenings. Instead, the town of Milano Marittima hosts the splendid "Pineta" club, a chic place with a glass ceiling where the first lights of dawn create some spectacular effects. The party already starts in the afternoon in "Papeete Beach", a beach club organizing parties under the sun everyday, featuring music and excellent cocktails. After dinner, the location changes and the party moves to "Villapapeete", a disco with commercial music that offers a dreamy atmosphere. However, if your idea of the perfect holiday includes infinite days on the beach, don't worry: the Adriatic Coast offers innumerable options to relax by the sea! Each city offers various areas, each suitable for different kinds of visitors like families, couples or groups of friends. The beaches on the Riviera are appreciated for being equipped with every comfort, like bathing establishments with children areas, bars, restaurants and even DJ sets with music in some cases. The main seaside destinations are Rimini, Riccione, Cervia, Cattolica, Cesenatico and Milano Marittima , which offer lots of miles of golden beaches. Many of them also boast the "Bandiera Blu" (Blue Flag) award due to their cleanliness and beauty. These are actually the most charming beaches of Italy! © Alice Pilastri

Discover the beautiful landscapes of Emilia Romagna, swim in the waters of the Adriatic coast and run on the vast golden beaches during IRONMAN Race, one of the most famous sporting events in the world! This year,Cervia and Milano Marittima have been chosen as location of this incredible competition, where athletes from all over the world challenge themselves to reach the final goal. Discover more about this special sporting event and take part to the next edition! This is the longest and toughest triathlon competition in the world, as it is much more demanding than the Olympic triathlon that includes 1500m of swimming, 40km of bike and 10km of running. The so-called long distance IRONMAN, in fact, includes a first session of 3.8 km swimming, 180 km of bicycle and a final running session of 42.195 km. As well as being a very demanding race, it is also one of the most scenic, since its route passes through the most beautiful places of the region where it takes place. There are various editions of the event throughout the year , as they are organized in a different part of the world. The first competition took place in the 1970s in Hawaii and it was called " Hawaiian Iron Man Triathlon ". The idea of the triathlon was born from the intuition of two friends who were discussing about what was the hardest discipline between cycling, running and swimming. Since then, hundreds of thousands of athletes challenge each other to become "the first iron man" to cut the finish line and to show that "everything is possible"! The 2019 edition will start on Thursday September 19th with the 10 km Night Run taking place on the Romagna coast. On the next day, there is a running race for children and kids called IRONKIDS, while Saturday September 21th is when the real IRONMAN Long Distance begins. The event does not end here: on Sunday September 22nd there are the "5150 Cervia Triathlon Emilia Romagna" (a triathlon with the Olympic distance) and the first edition of "IRONMAN Italy Emilia Romagna 70.3". The IRONMAN Long Distance will start with a first swimming lap in the sea of ​​Cervia and will continue with a bike ride through some of Emilia-Romagna wonders. As well as the beautiful countryside, athletes will visit the Natural Park of the Saline and the splendid vineyards where Sangiovese wine is produced. After a tour between pink flamingos, verdant hills and unique landscapes, the race will end in the center of Cervia. here, the running race will begin and it will run along the beautiful sea promenade, ending in the town of Milano Marittima. Here is where the new IRONMAN will be awarded! IRONMAN is a spectacular event where every athlete challenges himself in an unbelievable competition. Unfortunately, the registrations to take part to this September's edition are closed, but attending the event is a unique experience that you will not easily forget! Organize your trip to Milano Marittima and discover the beauty of Emilia-Romagna by booking our splendid house with a luxury property with private pool. © Alice Pilastri

If you are in Tuscany on the first Sunday of October, than you cannot miss one of the most beautiful cycling races in the world: l'Eroica! Driving along the marvelous roads that cross the Chianti region, you will meet dozens of people riding their vintage bikes and wearing vintage clothes. Actually, this is what makes the Eroica race so unique! This is not an ordinary competition, but a journey back in time that will also accompany you into the beauty of nature. More than 7000 bikersparticipated to last year's edition and thousands of other people went to watch this show, as they wanted to taste its magical atmosphere. In fact, the competition is also a wonderful opportunity to visit the villages where the route passes. Every year, Gaiole in Chianti, the town hosting the departure, gets literally crowded by tourists who want to see the beginning of this epic race! L'Eroica is also lived as an opportunity to share some unforgettable moments with those who have the same passion for the beauty of Tuscany. The participants are lead into another dimension, where time flows slower and the soul enters into a symbiosis with nature to enjoy its smells and colors. The route can be chosen among various itineraries: the easiest one extends for about 46 kilometers, while the "long route" includes 210 kilometers and a very challenging total climb (about 3,890 meters). Those who choose this itinerary arrive to the finish line at night and begin the competition in the so-called "French way", as they can choose any departing moment between within a time slot between 5 and 6 am. Hundreds of kilometers to be traveled with old bicycles and vintage equipment... this is not just a tourist event, but a truly heroic experience! Actually, the Eroica is a race against yourself to overcome your limits. There is no other competition that can give you the same emotions you can feel traveling through the fabulous wonders of Tuscan countryside. Gaiole in Chianti, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Asciano, Buonconvento, Montalcino, Montaperti and Radda are towns which names evoke ancient families, bloody battles and magnificent wines that you surely won't resist to taste during your splendid journey. In fact, Eroica is not a race with winners and losers, but an event where a large group of people riding charming bikes can't wait to get to the various stages to stop, sit on a stone bench, eat a tasty sandwich with "Cinta Senese" ham and sip a good glass of Brunello wine. In this competition, there is no hurry to reach the finish line, nor the need to exaggerate with the physical effort. Enjoying the route is what really matters and nobody really wants to get to the end of this dream trip! You don't necessarily need to visit Tuscany in October, as you have the opportunity to travel the Eroica all year to discover the beauty of Chianti! It's a fantastic tour to do at least once in a lifetime, which will make you experience unique emotions and enjoy the magic of one of the most beautiful places in the entire world. Are you ready to go? Book one of our villas for rent in Chianti, like Villa Barbischio, Villa Ulivacci or Villa Aria! © Alice Pilastri

There is much more than just the Leaning Tower and Pizza dei Miracoli in the splendid city of Pisa! Statues, ancient buildings, beautiful churches and centuries of a unique history are the features that distinguish Pisa from any other city in the world. In fact, Pisa was an important "City State" in the thirteenth century, as well as a rich "Maritime Republic" that has dominated the Tyrrhenian and the Mediterranean Sea for several decades. The pride of belonging to this noble city has never completely disappeared, neither after the territorial conquest by Florence in the 16th century. One of the strongest symbols of the so-called "pisanity" is the Game of the Bridge, an annual event where two quarters of the city called "Mezzogiorno" and "Tramontana" face each other to conquer "Ponte di Mezzo", the main city bridge that also symbolizes the dominion over the whole city. It is a unique event in the world that was born in the 16th century that is considered part of the Tuscan culture. Ready to discover more about it? The "Gioco del Ponte" is a tremendous event in which 240 men divided into teams of twenty "fighters" face off pushing a heavy cart with their back, to take it to the opposite side of the bridge. The first edition was held on February 22, 1568 and was completely different from the current one. In fact, it was the so-called "War with the Stones", a popular type of combat in Florence that was later banned by Francis I. Later, the event turned into the "Gioco del Mazzascudo", that is to say a battle of fighters equipped with armor, bats and shields taking place for a whole day. As time passed, Pisans started to appreciate this event, which started to undergo some transformations. Initially, the Game became a complex combat with soldiers and small towers that served as a training for the war. There were thousands of participants and the battle tended to be very bloody. In 1785 the Game was suspended by the Grand Duke of Tuscany and it did not take place in the following 150 years, until the period of fascism. Since 1957, the Game has been organized every year and it has completely changed its characteristics. Now, it's a non-violent event based on the competition between two teams of 20 fighters that must push of a large wooden trolley on rails on the other side of the bridge. Teams are led by a "Captain" who shouts his commands, just like the captains of the great Pisant ships of the 13th century did with their crew. The Game of the Bridge takes place every year on the last Saturday of June and includes two parts, the "Historic Procession" and the "Battle" . More than 700 participants attend the parade where each one has a specific role and wears typical Renaissance costumes. The main moment of the Game takes place at night, under the light of thousands of torches put on the streets and next to the Arno river. The atmosphere is very lively, as thousands of Pisans and tourists watch the battle with passion, enthusiasm and transport. This is an event you cannot miss! This year, the Game of the Bridge will take place on June 30 and tens of thousands of people are expected to participate. Wouldn't you like to take part to it? Book one of our holiday rentals near Pisa, like Flavia or Il Fienile di Giovanna and discover this wonderful Italian tradition! © Alice Pilastri