Enjoy the Romance of Tuscany – Holidays to Touch the Heart
Planning to take a loved one to Tuscany? Holidays to this spectacular region of Italy can be filled with romance - but it helps if you know where to find it. Here are some tried-and-tested ideas to impress your partner.
Stay in a Castle
In Tuscany, holidays can be even more romantic if you organise a stay in a castle! In some cases you have the option of booking just a room or an entire apartment, so you can have as much privacy as you want. Many castles have the advantage of being very large, so you can choose an all inclusive package: you can wine and dine your sweetheart, go for a swim in the pool, and enjoy views of a beautiful landscape - all within the walls of your very own medieval castle. There are many luxurious Tuscan castles to choose from, some of which even have their own vineyards.
Relax in a Natural Hot Spring
Usually you’d associate a hot spring with mountains or somewhere with snow on the ground, but due to the Tuscan underground geothermal activity, you can bathe in a hot spring without having to venture into icy or dangerous terrain. In many parts of Tuscany, holidays can include an experience to enjoy this delightful natural phenomenon. Your skin will love the benefits of the sulphurous water in one of the excellent natural spas, and it can be an incredibly romantic experience to enjoy as a couple.
These hot springs are available all year round and many of them are free and open to visitors. The warmth of a natural hot spring on a freezing winter’s day is definitely one to tick off the bucket list.
Float in a Hot Air Balloon
Hot air ballooning can make for a very romantic lazy afternoon. Savour the astonishing views of the Tuscan landscape as you drift high above the countryside. While on foot it can be a bit of a challenge to explore the landscape, from the air you can see it all without moving a muscle! As you sip on champagne with your loved one, taking in the spectacular views, this has the potential to be the highlight of your holiday.
Visit the Tree of Love
Situated in the village of Lucignano is the Golden Tree of Lucignano, otherwise known as the Tree of Love. It is a Gothic style creation made from gold and silver with the branches decorated with corals and crystals. It stands at 8.5 metres high and is the only tree shaped shrine in the world.
A romantic tradition surrounds the Tree of Love: it is said that if you make a promise with your partner in its presence, that promise will never be broken. It is a popular attraction with romantic couples and the village of Lucignano itself is one of the most picturesque in Tuscany. Holidays with a romantic theme just wouldn't be complete without declaring a promise before the Tree of Love.
Carolyn Spinks is COO of ABTOI - The Association of British Travel Organisers to Italy. Looking for the perfect Tuscany holidays? The LoveItaly website provides destination information, contact details of tour operator members to help you plan the best Italian holiday, ‘insider’ tips, year round special offers and information on everything from beach holidays in Sardinia, cycling in Sicily, to a wedding or honeymoon in Tuscany.