Ligurian Riviera, Cinque Terre and Tuscany in a nutshell

Liguria is a narrow strip of land, situated on the Italian West Coast, at the meeting point between the Alps, the Apennine Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. The Ligurian Riviera is better known as “ the Riviera”, and is one of those places people read about once, and dream about forever.

A secluded part of Liguria, near the French Border, the Riviera is a ruggedly beautiful stretch of coastline, inset with five tiny colourful villages, perched between the Mediterranean Sea and a range of steep coastal hills. The aura of romance about the place is enhanced by the very names of the five villages: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. Here, historic churches ring the time of the day as they call attention to their incredible beauty, and wherever you go, you are bound to suddenly come across one of the Riviera’s numerous grand aristocratic villas, some of which have remained in the family for centuries. This picturesque and culturally rich region, also boasts breathtaking sea views and gorgeous mountain backdrops, and is close to the heart of Europe and to the artistic and architectural wealth of Central Italy. This fascinating Riviera is situated on a gulf that embraces the warm, intensely blue Mediterranean sea, rich in tones and shades, and an inland of olive groves and deep green forests, all still to discover. Here you will enjoy the most beautiful sunsets, and the extremely romantic footpaths, cut through lush extensive Lemon orchards and olive groves.

For those who love sports, tennis courts, soccer fields, basketball courts, public swimming pools, horse riding, sailing schools, windsurf and water skiing and boat renting, just to name some, are all available to you. Ample, sunny, golden sand beaches and pebbles are tempting and seductive. For nightlife lovers, restaurants, pizzerias, discos, ballrooms, movie theatres, theatres and night clubs, will satisfy you by every standard.

Here you will find untamed nature. Fifty years ago, only few people knew of this happy stretch of coast. Today, the Riviera IS always a paradise, but no longer a secret. Such an Eden could not stay secret for long. The scent, the flavour and the colours of the little villages overlooking the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, should be discovered and tasted slowly, like a very special glass of wine.

Furthermore, when based at this villa, all of Tuscany is within very easy reach.
Tuscany is a land of charm, where the genius of man, combined with the beauty of nature, made this enchanted Region one of the most visited by travellers since the middle ages: think of vineyards and olive groves extending beyond the horizon, and of winding country roads lined by dark green cypress trees, and rust-coloured farmhouses and beige castles scattered everywhere on gentle, round hilltops.

Tuscany is a living sculpture. You may have visited it ten times, you still will have much more to discover about this unique region. Its capital, Florence, with its innumerable Museums, Palaces and Churches, is an authentic jewel box. Then think of Arezzo, home town of Petrarch, father of the modern Italian language, or of Guido d'Arezzo, inventor of modern musical scale. Or think of the beautiful frescoes of Piero della Francesca or the 15th century church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. And there is old Cortona, capital of Chianti wine, and Asciano with its nearby 14th century monastery of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, and Volterra, an ancient stronghold dominating the sea with its thick ramparts and its countless masterpieces. And what about Lucca, with its intact city walls and its romantic elliptical-shaped piazza Anfiteatro, and Montepulciano with its splendid medieval churches and renaissance palaces and world-wide renowned wines.

Tuscany is an architectural as well as a natural feast, with its strongly perfumed air, permeated by the scent of shrubs, bushes and spontaneous Mediterranean flowers. Everything in Tuscany speaks about Eternity.