Tuscany - Commendable Rentals

How to Plan the Ultimate Tuscany Family Holiday

22/01/2020 by emily

The beautiful rolling hills, stunning coastal views, and the rich history of Tuscany entice visitors year after year. While the region has a reputation for fine wines and high culture, the quiet Italian countryside appeals to all ages. Spend a family holiday in Tuscany and indulge your senses. Embark on culinary escapades. Peruse fascinating museum exhibits. Stand in awe of historic, architectural feats and breathtaking rural scenery.

Read on to learn more about what you and your family can do during your stay. Then, take a look at our Travel Guide for more great suggestions to include in your vacation itinerary.

Get Your Guide!

Your Tuscany Family Holiday: Know Before You Go

Is Tuscany Child-Friendly?

Families will find plenty of kid-friendly activities to enjoy on vacation in Tuscany. The region sets the scene for a quiet, enchanting experience that everyone will love.

What Is There to Do in Tuscany for Families?

Despite Tuscany’s reputation for mature, cultural activities and wine-tasting, this stunning region boasts plenty of attractions that will entertain the kids. From beautiful beach days and cooking classes to engaging museum exhibits and visits to the gelaterie, you and your children are bound for an amazing time.

4 of Our Favorite Things to Do in Tuscany for All Ages

1. Visit the Birthplace of the Italian Renaissance: Florence

The city of Florence attracts visitors of all ages with attractions such as the Gallerie Degli Uffizi, Piazzale Michelangelo, Galleria dell’Accademia, Basilica of Santa Croce, Museo Galileo, and so much more. You will also encounter some of the best restaurants and gelaterie in the region.

2. Plan a Beach Day on the Mediterranean Coast

Porto Ercole, Monte Argentario, and Porto Santo Stefano all set the scene for a relaxing seaside getaway. It’s only an hour and a half away from Rome and carries its own Medieval air, history, and lore that piques the interests of those young and old.

Travel Resource: What are the Best What Are the Best Day Trips from Porto Ercole?

3. Ride Bikes in Lucca and Pose With the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Ride bikes along the paved and landscaped Medieval walls of Lucca and explore all that the colorful town has to offer. While you’re in the area, venture to Pisa for pictures with the famous tower. You can even climb it if you’d like.

Travel Resource: What Do You Need to Wear on Holiday to Italy?

4. Soak in the Beauty of the Rural Southern Region

The rural southern region of Tuscany is home to Marammese cowboys, the archaeological ruins at Roselle, the tiny town of Pitigliano (carved entirely out of brown and black tufa rock), Cascate del Mulino thermal springs, and so much more.

Stay in Authentic, Upscale Accommodations in Tuscany

Whether you’re planning a multigenerational family trip or a single-family holiday in Tuscany, rest assured that you’re in great hands when you stay with Commendable Rentals. Our beautiful properties capture the essence of Tuscany with elegant decor, magnificent views, and luxurious amenities. From the Mediterranean coast to the rural outskirts of Cortona, you can choose from expansive, historic estates and charming, cozy cottages.

Maybe you’re drawn to the coast near Porto Santo Stefano on Tuscany’s Argentario. In that case, you’d love this elegant villa with expansive sea-facing terraces, splendid Mediterranean views, and an 18-meter infinity pool. Perhaps you’d prefer a stay in the heart of Tuscany, near the historic city of Florence. If so, our Medieval Castello Lorenzo will delight with its 15th-century architectural features, aristocratic aesthetics, and unparalleled scenery. It even has an elevator, perfect for multigenerational family stays. Single families will find our smaller yet sophisticated homes—such as our Toscana Fantastica Villa and Cottage in Cortona or our Villa della Fonte in Porto Ercole suitable to their lifestyles.

Discover More Tuscan Properties

What Do You Need to Wear on Holiday to Italy?

24/06/2019 by alexadams

shopping blouses | what to wear on holiday to Italy

Wouldn’t it be marvelous if we could pack your bag for your upcoming vacation to the beautiful region of Tuscany? Well, we can do better than that! In this blog, we’re going to tailor your vacation to your style and help you determine what experience is best for you. Pick the style that fits your personality the most, and we’ll reveal what to wear on holiday to Italy and the fabulous plans we have for you. Read on, take notes, and start planning your getaway today with Commendable Rentals!

Pick Your Style and We’ll Tell You What to Wear on Holiday to Italy!

If You’re Trendy

You love trendy pieces and wearing fashionable clothes. You’re always on the lookout for fresh trends and staple pieces, just like Kate Moss, Chiara Ferragni, or Gigi Hadid. You love adventure, living a luxurious lifestyle, and enjoying every minute of life as if it were the last! You have a radiant, bubbly personality and you’re often considered the life of the party in your group of friends.

Where to Stay

There’s one destination a dedicated follower of fashion like you cannot miss: Rome! This high-fashion capital is filled with haute couture stores, especially along the Via Condotti. Our home in Trastevere is a 4-bedroom, 4-bath condo with an open-concept living area and terrace with panoramic views of Gianicolo, Rome’s highest hill. The condo’s designer, Frederica Fendi, has worked in the luxury fashion industry since 2000, which makes it the perfect home for you!

What to Pack

Your bag for Rome should include a few chic dresses, some patterns like polka dots and gingham (to channel your inner Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday), sandals, a pair of fashionable sneakers, some dramatic sunglasses, heels for going out at night, and a pair of comfortable jeans. Avoid the shorts and flip flops combination—it’s a no-no in the Italian capital!

If You’re A Romantic

If you’re a romantic at heart, it certainly shows in your style. You live for flowy dresses, floral patterns, and timeless style. Your style icons include Kate Middleton and Grace Kelly. You radiate elegance and poise, and are full of joie de vivre!

Where to Stay

You want a vacation destination with scenic views and a slower pace of life. You dream of long walks on the beach, rides through the countryside, and summer dinners under the cypress trees. If this sounds like you, Tuscany is your perfect match! Stay in our beautifully renovated 18th-century farmhouse near Argentario. You’ll love the Renaissance charm of this magnificent villa, with its terracotta floors and high ceilings.

What to Pack

It’s time to wear all of your maxi dresses, puff-sleeves, floral patterns, wide-brim straw hats, cute bathing suits, sandals and flats, high-rise shorts, and airy tops! Remember to bring sunscreen, since you’ll spend a good amount of time by the water, or reading in the garden sipping a glass of apricot juice.

If You’re Practical

You’re not too interested in the constantly changing world of fashion and would rather rely on comfortable and sustainable pieces in your wardrobe. You love to plan ahead and meticulously map out an itinerary before traveling. You’re not the type to leave your vacation up to chance! You like to enjoy life’s simple pleasures and explore the treasures of history while unwinding from your daily stress.

Where to Stay

Rome is a fascinating place to explore, so we bet you’ll be right in your element there! You need something at the center of it all, not too big, and of course, cost-effective. That’s why we think our Colosseum Apartment is perfect. This 2-bedroom accommodation can fit you and your family nicely, and offers all the perks of the charming neighborhood that surrounds. Did we mention it overlooks the Colosseum?

What to Pack

You’re going to be doing a lot of sightseeing in Rome, so plan accordingly! Your suitcase should include at least a couple pairs of comfortable shoes (sneakers!), a small fanny pack or cross-body bag to protect you against thieves, neutral t-shirts, and a couple pairs of stretchy pants. Don’t forget a large scarf! This last item is a must if you wish to visit Rome’s churches. They require women to cover their shoulders, and men to cover their knees. Carry your scarf around and pop it out when needed! That way, you won’t have to wait in long lines for nothing.

Why Commendable Rentals Is the Top Choice to Plan Your Holiday in Italy

Planning a vacation can be stressful, which is exactly what you want to avoid when taking time off. Instead of hopping from place to place, how about finding a home abroad? Commendable Rentals provides just that for you. Experience Tuscany, Rome, even the beautiful landscapes of Provence and Uzès, like a true native, and find your home away from home! Our villas and apartments are perfect for couples, families, and even groups of friends. They all feature modern amenities and luxurious decor. No matter which destination you choose, you’re sure to find a home away from home in Italy with Commendable Rentals!

Browse More Italian Homes

What Is the Best Place in Tuscany?

10/05/2019 by alexadams

If you are planning a trip to Tuscany, then there’s a place you must visit no matter what. Monte Argentario is a gem of a peninsula and one of the best-kept secrets in the region! In this blog, we’ll tell you all you need to know about its incredible scenery, rich history, and relaxing atmosphere. Read on to discover some of our favorite activities and start planning your trip to the best place in Tuscany today!

Discover Why Monte Argentario is the Best Place in Tuscany

Monte Argentario Is Tuscany’s Best Hidden Treasure

Monte Argentario might not be the first place you picture when you think of Tuscany, but it’s one of the most beloved beach resorts. If you’re looking for a Cote d’Azur experience without the crowds and expensive prices, then Monte Argentario is the perfect destination! It’s only an hour and a half away from Rome and has a unique geographic position. Indeed, it’s connected to the mainland by three isthmuses. Imagine golden beaches, lush pine forests, lagoons filled with flamingos, and a quaint, medieval town.

Note: Monte Argentario is split between two centers: Porto Ercole, a fishing town, and Santo Stefano, which was rebuilt after the second World War.

Perfect for History Buffs

Monte Argentario is the perfect mix of natural beauty and history. You’ll love exploring impressive historical sites like Fortezza Spagnola, the Frati Passionisti Convent, and other forts and towers built by Spanish kings over 400 years ago.

Gorgeous Beaches

Did you know that Monte Argentario is surrounded by more than 20 beautiful beaches? If you want to relax under the Tuscan sun, there’s no better place than here. La Feniglia, for example, is one of the most accessible beaches and connects Porto Ercole to the mainland as well as splendid pine forests and dunes. If you’re looking for a more private beach, head to Cala del Gesso. This sandy bay is a great spot for snorkeling!

Take a Boat to the Island of Giglio

Fancy a little adventure on the Meditteranean sea during your stay in Monte Argentario? Hop on a boat from Porto Ercole and head towards the island of Giglio! The ride takes about an hour and ends in a quaint, coastal village full of colorful shops and delicious restaurants. After a hike or bike ride on the island, make sure you stop by La Vecchia Pergola Restaurant for some of the best seafood you’ve ever had! You’ll love the soft pink building, blue gated entrance, and pergola with a sea view. We highly recommend ordering the sea bass or pasta!

Make Monte Argentario Your Home with Commendable Rentals

Monte Argentario is the perfect destination for your next family trip! Take your loved ones on an unforgettable vacation in Tuscany and unwind for the summer. Our Favoloso Villa is ideal if you wish to travel in style and still experience Tuscan tradition. The gorgeous, modern villa sleeps up to 15 people with seven bedrooms and bathrooms.

You’ll love the see-through staircase, the fireplace in the modern living room, and the mix between the old Terracotta building and the new glass and wooden additions. The villa also offers incredible views of the Meditteranean Sea! Sip your morning coffee overlooking the pristine water and gaze at the distant islands in front of you. After a long day of exploring Monte Argentario, come home and jump in the infinity pool where you can swim with the sunset as your backdrop.

Browse More Tuscany Properties

How and where to plan a multigenerational travel in Tuscany

27/01/2019 by florealexandre

A family trip to Tuscany is always a good idea. That is the conclusion we came to during our family Christmas dinner last December. As part of a very extended and scattered family, it is always a struggle to be able to see everybody throughout the year. So we all decided that 2019 was going to be the summer when we would all meet halfway, and where better than Italy, where the sun shines from April to late October and activities are as diverse as the landscapes. Besides the obvious -the beach, the country, the food, the people- Tuscany is in our opinion one of the best places to comfortably travel with a crowd, as large villas are plentiful; it involves some mandatory logistics and planning if you want everyone to remember this trip positively as an unforgettable experience. Here are some tips for arranging successful multigenerational Tuscany trips.

Should you want a countryside vacation, protected from the hustle and bustle of touristy cities, Pitigliano is your best option: our ancient, former convent Il Convento makes a perfect holiday seeing and will welcome you and 10 other family members. It is just a 15min drive away from this incredible town. Located in the south of Tuscany, Pitigliano is unquestionably one of the most beautiful, charming and interesting towns in the area. Its rich history goes from prehistory through Etruscan and Roman settlements and Italian Renaissance, all of which you can discover at The Orsini Palace, now the Civic Archaeological Museum of Pitigliano. Within its spectacular old city centre is an area known as a “Little Jerusalem” for its once large and active Jewish community that was active in the 15th century. Don’t miss the recently restored Synagogue! On top of its rich history, the town is also famous for its wine production. The vineyards in this area, aided by volcanic tufa and millennia-old soil, produce one of the most lauded Italian white wines: Bianco di Pitigliano, a DOC appellation and a must-have while on the Strada del Vino! From there you can also visit the nearby towns of Saturnia and Sorano, which have benefited from hot springs for centuries and are now a must-go spa destination.

For a seaside vacation, about an hour away from Pitigliano is the Monte Argentario and its fantastic archipelago! Perched on a cliff on the edge of the Mediterranean sea, the Villa degli Angeli gazes from Ansedonia at Italy’s most spectacular views, and can comfortably sleep up to 14 people. While there, though you may want to do nothing, there are plenty of possible excursions to keep you busy. In Ansedonia, don’t miss the remains of the ancient city of Cosa, an archaeological site of international interest dating back to 273 BC and included in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can also walk or bike in the nearby pine forest and beachcomb the long beach, that is if you tire of swimming in the sea from the private beach of your villa…

You can also explore Orbetello or discover traditional festivals such as the Balestro del Girifalco, stroll by boat in unspoilt places accessible only by the sea, dive into the Mediterranean waters and discover marine life, or try hang gliding at the many centres and schools in the region. We happily recommend Porto Santo Stefano and Porto Ercole, two fishing ports that have become seaside resorts, surrounded by high rocks and connected to the mainland by the wide sandy beaches of Gianella and Feniglia.

Closer to San Giminiano, Siena and Florence, perched on a hill and overlooking vineyards, is Castello Lorenzo. Located in San Casciano in Val di Pesa, where Niccolò Machiavelli wrote his most famous book, The Prince, Castello Lorenzo was originally a medieval fortress built in the eleventh century, converted in the fifteenth century into a magnificent villa of the Tuscan aristocracy with a unique charm and impeccable taste. With its 10 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms, it will easily welcome up to 20 guests! Don’t miss the Antinori Wine Estate, simply breath-taking: the winery overlooks the countryside from a terrace surrounded by vineyards, and while staying at Castello Lorenzo, you can visit the cellars and participate in tastings, but also have lunch in their restaurant Rinuccio 1180 located on the roof of the building. We will take care of your reservations, tastings and excursions!

Finally, further north in the Tuscan Maremma, we definitely recommend Castagnetto Carducci, home of La Civetta, a 14-people villa with pool and private access to the beach! There is shopping should you want to cook family meals yourself, or you can use our wonderful cook, but there are also plenty of restaurants to enjoy. Local foods are based on Maremma specialties, fresh fruits and vegetables, freshly made mozzarella and of course, the famous Super Tuscan Wines nearby. Not too far away, is the famous city of Pisa (and its leaning tower!) and Lucca is about 1-hour drive north.

At Commendable Rentals, we can help you plan your whole trip, from choosing properties to rent , to booking guides, boats, chef, cooking lessons, and museum tickets in advance; don’t hesitate to ask for our help!

Tuscany and its Mediterranean coast

26/08/2018 by florealexandre

Summer is here !

This year, we found ourselves once again (why deprive ourselves!) under the sun on the Tuscan coast. One of our goals, besides enjoying the wonders that this region conceals, was above all to discover three new properties, for you and we were not disappointed! We found three splendid homes for seaside pleasure full of serenity and delight, and we cannot wait to introduce them!

We loved lunch and dinner at beach or harborside restaurants, where fresh fish comes straight from the fishing nets to your plate. Dining in the soft, sea air while watching the sun set and the moon appear is no small pleasure. The days bring crystal-clear, aqua-blue waters, which beckon from beaches where you also find many boats available for rent, or, from your villa, where a private staircase cut into the rock might lead directly from the villa to the sea.

This region has been home to some of the most influential figures of the Renaissance, so it is not surprising that it plays host to a plethora of museums and historical sites, including 6 UNESCO World Heritage sites, of which Florence, its famous capital. The seaside towns also rich in attractions and curiosities: Porto Ercole, one of the two ports of Monte Argentario, was the last home of the famous painter Caravaggio, who died there mysteriously after being banished by the pope and chased by the Knights of Malta The nearby town of Capalbio is home to the Tarot Garden, the famous garden and “art environment of monumental sculptures by the French artist Niki de Saint Phalle; a little further on the vineyards and wine bars of Scansano offer you tastings of some of Italy’s best wines. Don’t forget to travel on to Pitigliano where the views of the surrounding countryside and the Cathedral Saints Peter and Paul will amaze you. You can even book our 7-bedroom convent here Il Convento
Tempted by a visit? We will be happy to make a reservation for you!

Tarot garden fontain

The attractiveness of the area also lies in its authentic culinary traditions, complemented throughout the year by a rotation of seasonal local products, such as flesh and fragrant tomatoes, Porcini mushrooms, truffles, or the excellent mozzarella di bufala, as well its heritage of unique winemaking: Chianti, Montepulciano, Scansano and Montalcino are among the most famous vineyards you will find anywhere!

Finally, Tuscany also lends itself to relaxation and pure pleasure: the Tuscan coast is beautiful, its sunshine is plentiful, and its beaches and coves shelter a transparent and temperate water. So, we are heading to one of its elite resorts -Ansedonia next to the Argentario peninsula

One of the many advantages of Monte Argentario, a small peninsula south of Grosseto on the Tuscan coast, is that it concentrates everything that attracts us to Italy: castles, medieval forts and Renaissance streets, beaches, and restaurants, as well as typical landscapes and historical anecdotes.

Explore Orbetello or discover traditional festivals such as the Balestro del Girifalco, attend the Palio Marinaro dell ‘Argentario, a rowing race accompanied by a pageant on August 15 in Porto San Stefano, and visit the ancient baths of Saturnia.
On the sea and in the air, other surprises also await you! Stroll by boat in unspoilt places, accessible only by the sea, dive into the Mediterranean waters and discover marine life, or fly hang gliding through the many centres and schools in the region.
Taste Italian idleness in landscapes of unique beauty, between pine forests and crystal-clear waters. We happily recommend Porto Santo Stefano and Porto Ercole, two fishing ports that have become seaside resorts, surrounded by high rocks and connected to the mainland by the wide sandy beaches of Gianella and Feniglia.
Finally, walk through Ansedonia, the current name of the ancient city and Roman colony of Cosa. Here you will find is one of the most beautiful villas in the region …

Perched on top of a hill overlooking the Mediterranean, Mare degli Angeli (literally “Sea of Angels”) offers many beautiful views of Monte Argentario and the Tuscan archipelago, the island of Giglio. It can accommodate 14 people in the Villa alone and if you add the adjacent Guest house and it can accommodate 20. The summer season is a real pleasure, but so are the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. You can enjoy gardens, terraces, swimming pool and private access to the sea, from May to October when the Italian sun and sea invites you to life outdoors! The Villa’s two fireplaces will nevertheless reassure the most cautious visitors once autumn days start to cool.

During my time there, I particularly appreciated the comfort of the furnishings and the thrill of living with Roman antiquities as part of the decor. Pure white walls are accented by interesting and colorful paintings, while furniture in festive shades of summer add a touch of gaiety. Sunlight penetrates all the rooms of the house while numerous bays and wide windows lead your eyes to the sea.

It’s a magical villa, perfect for a stay with family or friend; its rooms and surroundings lend themselves to moments of complicity and conviviality between generations, while activities abound: tourism, culture, gastronomy and sports to seduce young and old!