Country Vacations & Resorts

Here’s a very yummy update from Matt at Thrifty Tuscany on Christmas holiday meals – Tuscan style. I hope he will forgive me for showing this fantastic image of dessert (Torrone) first!

What is the most appreciated thing in Tuscany at Christmas? Food of course!

Since times long ago the preferred way to spend the holidays in Tuscany is around a table with good food and good company. And good food is also the perfect means to make new friends. Families with their relatives get together to celebrate the festivities with long hours around a dining table. The luckiest ones can warm up the evening with the romantic flame of a fireplace, but in any case a Christmas tree and nativity scene are always present.

Needless to say, preparations for the dinner require quite some time and go on from early morning, often with the help of a handful of people. The dinner usually includes a variety of appetizers, at least two first entries, two meat dishes, various kinds of side dishes, cheese, fruit and typical Tuscan desserts.

Among the most common appetizers you will find tarts, also known as “crostini“. These are bread slices covered with sauces.

Splint and liver crostini are the most Tuscan there is, but you can exercise your fantasy and produce a number of variations. Butter, salmon and lemon is also popular, but also parsley, boiled egg, garlic and anchovies, without forgetting mushroom, truffle and raw sausage condiments. Cold cuts with oil and vinegar preserves is an evergreen on the Tuscan Christmas table, altogether with Fettunta (the Tuscan name of Bruschetta), which can be simple or with various condiments on.

Among the classic first entries a Tuscan table cannot be left empty of at Christmas is a plate of filled pasta in a meat stock. Pasta usually is Tortellini or Cappelletti, both small and filled with meat and spices. The stock should be the boiling water of Lesso or Bollito preparation, which includes chicken, veal, entrails and vegetables, and is served as one of the main courses. Another popular first entry is Ravioli Gnudi (naked ravioli) or Malfatti, lightly boiled dumplings made of ricotta cheese, spinach and egg, in a meat or butter sauce. Other kinds of filled pasta, such as Ravioli, or Tagliatelle egg noodles with a rich meat sauce are also very common.

As anticipated, Bollito and the more dainty Lesso are a tradition on Tuscan tables at Christmas. It is served on a large tray and accompanied by a variety of oil and vinegar vegetable preserves, such as artichokes hearts, small white onions, spicy peppers, and green and black olives. Dressings are also very important; the most common are Agresto, Salsa Verde made with parsley, and homemade mayonnaise.

Following the boiled meat, roasted pork, chicken, or fowl meat with roasted potatoes is served. Stewed wild boar is also a common alternative. Second courses are always accompanied by one or more side dishes. Green salad dressed with olive oil, vinegar and salt, and a vegetable pie, called Sformato are the most common.

If after also eating cheese along with dry and fresh seasonal fruits you still have an empty space in your stomach, you must try the classic Tuscan sweets.

Copate, Panforte, Panpepato, Torrone, and Cavallucci all originated in Tuscany, while Panettone and Pandoro are from Milan and Verona respectively.

Enjoy your Tuscan Christmas Dinner!

Matt writes for Thriftytuscany.com, a direct booking website with apartments and hotels – also an excellent site to help you find your perfect wedding villa in Tuscany.

Follow our Christmas in Tuscany mini-series starting here.

Discuss great past vacations with almost anyone and sooner or later, someone will mention Tuscany. The many destinations this scenic region in Italy offers are all so rich that you may never fully discover all of them. Tuscan history and museums, scenic sights and natural reserves, charming Tuscan villas and apartments, original cuisine, and the many restaurants offering it are just a few of the faces of this unique land.

Thermal Springs and Spas

There is an additional one to bring to your attention and one that is increasingly popular with tourists and visitors from all over. It is the underground of Tuscany, or better, what springs from its underground.

The Tuscan region is among the most volcanic lands in Italy. The mount Amiata itself, between Siena and Grosseto, is an ancient inactive volcano. As a result, throughout the region there are at least two dozens recognized thermal springs, each one with its own specific therapeutic property. However, nowadays they are mainly used as a resource of deep relaxation and wellness. Some of them offer natural pools and ponds, outdoor and indoor, to be enjoyed in any season, some have very specific approaches targeted to beauty treatments. Entire towns in Tuscany are dedicated to thermal baths and their benefits, such as Montecatini, Chianciano, Casciana and many others.

The ancient and deep relationship of the Tuscan people with thermal spas has produced a splendid effect. Although not all Tuscan villas and hotels have direct access to an underground hot water spring, an increasing number of them have recreated on their premises many of the elements that make a spa the ideal relaxation for your holidays.

Splendid waterfalls and pools filled with hot bubbling waters massage your city stress away, while emotional showers, aromatherapy steam baths and Finnish saunas reinvigorate your body. Detoxifying muds and personalized massages are also available for a more complete experience. Many accommodations also employ ayurvedic and Yoga practices among their services offered to guests. It is important to note that for more advanced treatments, you will always be catered to by professionally certified practitioners.

Those Tuscan villas offering a wellness spa environment make it their pride and a centerpiece around which they create a complete relaxation experience for you. That is why you will almost certainly find such properties far away from the hustle and bustle of city life. A relaxing room overlooking the soothing green hills of Tuscany and the garden of the property offering space for long walks and scented flowers to stir your senses, are a common finding at these accommodations.

Tuscan properties including a wellness spa allow you to enjoy this Italian region even more during the coldest months, when prices are at their lowest and sights are not swarmed by tourists. Is there anything better than to soothe in a hydro massage pool while the valley slowly covers up with snow? Think about it for your next trip to Tuscany!

Matt from ThriftyTuscany.com is the guest author of this article. He loves to discover and write about Italy giving useful tips. Matt’s advice is to stay in Tuscan villas to enjoy the true soul of this region.

Like my sister. Who is there this week. I could have gone along as her stylist, or carried her bags, or played concierge…but no – she decided she could travel with her husband instead of her sibling. Such is life!

Here are a few vacation rental ideas in the Campania region of Italy. Click on the banner to explore these or other exceptional vacation rentals in beautiful Italy…

A villa, in Sorrento, with a pool – for $148US a night? Are you kidding? Check it out…you won’t find a better deal anywhere…

Who wouldn’t want to stay on or near such a beautiful spot as Lake Maggiore? One of my favorite places in the world has to be Ascona, Switzerland. Read more about this beautiful locale and you’ll see why.

Lake Maggiore

Vacation rentals in the form of apartments, cottages, villas, and hotels are readily available. Make Ascona your destination and see the best that both Switzerland and Italy have to offer. Small town charm, beautiful scenery – need more enticement?

‘Casa dei Cieli’

This stunning villa is located in the Marche Region in east-central Italy, northeast of Rome, between the eastern slopes of the Sibillini Mountains and the Adriatic Sea. Le Marche, known for it’s vineyards, will not disappoint, and a mere 5 minute walk from your villa takes you to a local winery in San Giuseppe.

With an incredible panoramic view of the Sibillini mountains, of the 6 nearby historic hill top towns, and with sweeping views of numerous vineyards, flowers, and fields of grain, Casa dei Cieli’s outdoor setting is equally matched by it’s indoor quality and charm.

Inside the villa…

High quality materials, including travertine and oak flooring, wood beamed ceilings, and granite work surfaces come as standard in this 2007-built villa. This 2500 square-foot, 2-story, 5 bedroom, 3 bath estate includes an open plan living room with 4 sets of French doors leading to the patio and outdoor dining area, travertine-tiled bathrooms containing claw-foot bathtubs and rain-showers, a spacious farmhouse kitchen with all amenities, and is complimented with premium furnishings which ensure maximum comfort.

“Spacious, open, and outdoor-living friendly,” are words one could use to describe this spectacular villa. Central heating and an open fireplace will keep you warm on those cool mountain evenings.

Outside the villa…

Space is abundant around the Casa dei Cieli. Extensively landscaped to include various planted terraces and dining areas, along with a coveted, large saltwater pool to help you unwind and take in the wonderful view and fully experience private alfresco dining. Maintenance of this superb area is easy with it’s fully irrigated garden, large water tank and storage room.

The salt-water swimming pool is 9m x 5m (29 ft x 16 ft), with a walk-in, Roman end for easy access. Step under your private, outdoor shower for a quick rinse, press a button to close the electric pool cover, and your restful day in the sun will be complete.

Nearby attractions and amenities…

The ancient walled city of Ripatransone is a short drive (5min) away. Drive 15 minutes longer to reach the beautiful beaches of Cupra Marittima, Grottammare and San Benedetto. Check out a Grottammare web cam here before you head out to this fantastic resort town.

The National Park and Sibillini mountains, less than a 1-hour drive from your villa, are great for walking, mountain biking, paragliding, horse riding & water sports such as sailing, windsurfing and skiing.

Asking price for this luxurious villa is 760,000 € (approx $1,025,696.00 US). For further info…

Prefer to just tour the Sibillini Mountains? Learn more about them and some spectacular trekking options here. Maybe one of the sybils will speak to you…

Vacation rentals in the Le Marche Region:

For our “I” destination research, how about an island in Italy called Ischia?

Outside the fact that it fulfills the “I” requirement three times in one sentence, Ischia is an island paradise for those looking for a destination that is: near urban centers, a favorite of locals, quaint and somewhat rural, full of hot springs spas and thermal resorts, and easy to visit. Ischia has all this and more.

Where is Ischia, Italy?

The more people who don’t know Ischia’s location, the better for the rest of us contemplating a visit but we’ll spill the beans just for this post.

Ischia is located in the Campania region approximately 17 miles from Naples and is a volcanic-based island located at the northern end of the Bay of Naples. You’ll recognize it from it’s expansive 21 miles of pure coastline! Plan on getting to Ischia from Naples – the easiest route. Your choices are varied as to transportation either via the Italian railway system, or by boarding a ferry or hydrofoil. Let speed and necessity be your guide. Some ferries can also take you to points further in the Bay of Naples should your vacation include visiting other islands such as Ponza. I believe the Roman Emperor Tiberius used to banish people to Ponza, but don’t let this stop you from planning a visit.

The island’s resident population is 55,000 but this number swells in July and August when many Italians and their families take their vacation on Ischia. For lower hotel rates, greater availability, and less crowds to deal with – go outside this July and August timeframe.

The island is comprised of 6 different administrative areas or towns – Ischia (main point of origin for many travelers), Barano, Forio (the busiest town), Serrara Fontana, Casamicciola Terme and Lacco Ameno – each with their own level of charm, scenic, spa, and beach areas and activities.

Beaches

With 37km of coastline, choosing one will be your toughtest call. Many beaches on Ischia, unlike Grenada are owned by businesses who charge you to use them – with charges for beach accessories such as towels and chairs. There are also plenty of “spiaggia libera” or “free beaches”, but you may have to walk a bit or hire a water taxi to find you a more secluded and free location.

But who cares? With beaches like this, I’ll walk a bit.

One of Ischia’s premiere beaches, the Spiaggia dei Maronti, is located Sant’Angelo and Barano – and so the rumors go – might be a good place to check for pirate loot! For a truly unique beach day, visit the nearby natural thermal spring at Cava Scura. Rock-based open-air pools contain therapeutic waters…

Take a thermal spa again (travel is such hard work), at Spiaggia Citara beach where the Giardini Poseidon terme (spa or hot springs), offers a nearly ancient Rome thermal spa experience. Other beaches include Spiaggia Mandra and Spiaggia dei Pescatori between Ischia Porte and Ischia Ponte, and Spiaggia degli Inglesi or “Beach of the English.”

With it’s scenic landscapes and small fishing and boating ports, Ischia has a lot to offer just by being there. However, don’t miss a chance to see the Castello Aragonese fortress at Ischia Ponte the landscape garden at La Mortella, the island’s history museum and “Nestor’s Cup” located at Lacco Ameno, and the and the stunning views from Mt. Epomeo, the island’s highest point. Due to the island’s natural hot springs, spas abound and are seemingly limitless in size, temperature, and therapeutic purpose. Some research will be in order to make sure you choose just the right location should you find yourself in need of spa rejuvenation.

Five-star destination.

There are several luxury accommodations to chose from on Ischia which is to be expected since nearly every resort has a hot springs pool or thermal spa, wellness centers, and concierge-level attendance to your needs.

Among these are the Hotel Mezzatore – just outside Lacco Amerno, Miramare e Castello with is Ischia Ponte view of the Castello Aragonese, the Hotel Europa, also located in Ischia Ponte and last but definitely not least, the Terme Manzi Hotel and Spa in the nearby Casamicciola. But don’t overlook other smaller hotels where customer service is exceptional.