Holiday Villas in Tuscany and Umbria: Relaxing Time in Italy

If you're like many other visitors to the Italian peninsula, one of the main goals for your trip is rest and relaxation. Mixed among jaunts to some of the finest museums, cathedrals, and galleries in the world, you expect some time to simply lay back and enjoy the tranquility the country has to offer. Nowhere is this more true than in Tuscany and Umbria, two of the most laid back locations on Earth.

The region of Tuscany is best known for two things: wine, and the incredible city of Florence. A visit to Tuscany is a great way to combine two kinds of vacations; one being of the art and history-filled variety, strolling through some of the finest collections in the world, with the other being a more leisurely stay in the Tuscan countryside. Take your family and rent one of the many holiday villas in Tuscany for a vacation you'll never forget. After a few days of exploration in Florence, wine-tasting up in the hills will taste even sweeter. There are many Tuscany villas for rent, and a quick search online will yield results to show you the quality you can expect from this experience.

Just east of Tuscany is the region of Umbria. The two, separated roughly by the Tiber river, are close enough for visitors to easily see both on one trip. The hills and mountains of Umbria are world famous, and you'll likely recognize the picturesque landscapes from photos and portraits you've seen in the past. Many people have said that Umbria lies in the shadow of Tuscany, and in some ways this is true.

For visitors coming to Italy, however, this can have distinct advantages. For one, you'll never have to deal with the masses of people who head to Florence. Your experience will also likely be more authentically Italian. Without the exposure to mass tourism, folks here enjoy a slower pace of life, and are more willing to stop and talk to a stranger, giving an intimate glimpse into Umbrian life and culture. There is a lot to see and do here, with a landscape of rolling hills dotted by castles, watchtowers, and fortresses waiting for exploration.

Perhaps you're simply looking for a relaxing break after the touring through Florence and Tuscany. If so, there are many holiday villas in Umbria that fit the bill perfectly. Stay in a converted barn that has stood for hundreds of years and combine history with all of the comforts of home. Many of the villas with a pool in Umbria are reasonably priced, so it's likely you can find a great spot to take your whole family.

Umbria and Tuscany are both fantastic places to relax away your holiday, with incredible food, sights, and sounds. For a fulfilling, unique experience, choose to spend your vacation in these two special regions of Italy. With a fantastic combination of exciting opportunities for exploration and calmer pursuits, this section of northern Italy is the perfect mix for your family.

Expert in tourism and vacation rentals in Italy, Gianluca Cardelli works as communication consultant for http://www.eurocasa.com , a tour operator focused on rental of holiday villas in Umbria and Tuscany.