Friends of Tuscany - Tuscany and Umbria villas

26/05/2026

Refugio Isera is a beautiful campsite nestled right in the heart of the Orecchiella National Park.

It is the ultimate spot to stop for a great lunch before or after a hike up the Pania di Corfino. Plus, when the weather is really hot further down the valley, it serves as a wonderfully cool haven for a picnic or a sit-down meal. They offer fantastic traditional cold cuts, pasta, and BBQ’d meats.

There are many signposted trails starting right from the site, ranging in difficulty and length. If you are planning a trip and want some recommendations, we are more than happy to pass on our knowledge and help you pick the best route.

21/05/2026

If you are staying with us in the Garfagnana at the moment, there is a brilliant local festival happening this weekend that is well worth a visit.

Castiglione di Garfagnana is hosting its traditional "Passeggiata Degustativa" (Tasting Walk) this Sunday, 24th May. It is a fantastic opportunity to see the village, taste proper regional mountain food, and experience a genuine local tradition.

Here is what you need to know:

When: Sunday 24th May. If you want to join the guided wild herb walk ("Erbi Bon"), that starts at 10:00 am.

The Food & Wine: From 12:00 pm, the food trail opens through the village streets. Local village associations prepare traditional dishes, and in the afternoon, there is a wine tasting featuring local Castiglione producers.

There will be live music from, a small market with local crafts, and a spring mushroom photography exhibition.

Cost: €25 for adults, €15 for children under 12. This grants you access to the food tasting route. Otherwise it is free to attend.

Castiglione is just a short drive from most of our villas. If you want directions, parking advice, or need us to double-check any details for you before you head out, just drop us a message or give us a call.

13/05/2026

Garfagnana is the region a lot of travellers miss. It is a place of mountains and medieval villages, places that have worked hard to hold on to their traditions.

In our latest blog, we share why this corner of Italy remains so distinct and offer a guide to some of our favourite things to do. We take a look at what sets the area apart, from the rugged mountain landscape and traditional food to a local history that includes some surprising links to Scotland.

You can read the full guide here:

Where is Garfagnana, Tuscany? Discover a wild mountain region of villages, rivers, trekking, and real local life — far from crowds.

07/05/2026

The SP13 road from the Garfagnana to the Ligurian coast is one of the most dramatic drives in Northern Tuscany. Starting in the chestnut forests near Castelnuovo, the route climbs through the marble mountains of the Apuan Alps before dropping down towards the sea.

Along the way you’ll find hidden villages like Isola Santa, roadside cafés filled with locals, abandoned quarries reclaimed by nature and street art, and views stretching all the way to the Mediterranean. It’s a side of Tuscany that many travellers miss completely.

Instead of the usual tourist trail, this is a slower, more authentic day out, the kind of route where the best stops are often unplanned.

In our latest blog, we share the full drive, where to stop, where to eat, and a few places most visitors overlook completely.

Read the full guide here:
Friends of Tuscany – SP13 Road Trip Guide

Discover the ultimate Apuan Alps day trip. From Isola Santa’s emerald lake to Lerici’s coast, explore authentic Tuscany with our expert, local guide.

14/04/2026

If you are visiting Borgo a Mozzano on the 18th or 19th of April, the annual Azalea Festival is worth a look while you’re there.

​The town is famous for the Devil’s Bridge, but that weekend the streets are also lined with flower displays and stalls selling local plants and produce. It’s a nice addition to a day out in the valley, especially with the spring colours coming out.

On April 18 and 19, 2026, the Azalea Market Exhibition returns to Borgo a Mozzano with flowers, plants, crafts, food stands and activities for all. | Visit Tuscany

11/03/2026

To our friends in the NHS and Social Care

We know how hard you work, and we know how much a proper "reset" matters. To say a small thank you, we are proud to offer a dedicated discount on our villa rentals across Tuscany and Umbria.

Whether you need a quiet poolside in the Garfagnana hills or a family farmhouse near Siena, the Friends of Tuscany NHS offer is here to help you get away for less.

- Save up to 5% on your stay
- Get personal support
- Swap the wards for the olive groves—you have earned it.

How to claim:
Just mention your role when you email us, or show your Blue Light Card when booking.

Find out more here: https://friendsoftuscany.com/nhs-discount-tuscany-villas/

The Friends of Tuscany NHS offer gives healthcare workers a special discount on villa rentals. Book direct for the best rates in Italy.

11/03/2026

Tuscany isn’t all rolling hills and tour buses. In our corner of the north, it’s about rugged peaks, ancient stone villages like Castagnola, and absolute silence.If you’re tired of the crowds in Chianti and want your kids to see 'real' mountains, this is where you need to be.

We’ve personally visited every villa in our collection to ensure they’re perfect for families who love the outdoors.

Photo credit: in collaboration with

"Con le Alpi Apuane sullo sfondo, Castagnola emerge dalla natura che si risveglia, un luogo dove ogni respiro sa di quiete e autenticità.

📸 Foto di in collaborazione con "

05/03/2026

When people think of Tuscany they imagine vineyards.

But in Garfagnana it's castles, watchtowers and ancient stone bridges.

The Matildica Way of the Holy Face is an old pilgrimage route that passes through the area on its way to Lucca.

A nice article about it here:

Among the mountains and valleys crossed by the Serchio river runs the Via Matildica del Volto Santo, an itinerary of striking fortresses and unmissable bridges. | Visit Tuscany

24/02/2026

Visit Tuscany has just shared a lovely itinerary:
"One week in Tuscany with Cortona as your base"

And it’s a very good idea.

Cortona gives you medieval squares, big views over the Valdichiana, excellent restaurants, and easy day trips to Siena, Arezzo and the Crete Senesi.

But here’s what we often tell guests:

You don’t necessarily want to stay inside the hilltop town itself.

Parking can be tight. Streets are steep. Houses are close together.

Casa Dardano sits just 3km outside Cortona, close enough to be in town in minutes, far enough to enjoy proper countryside space.

Private pool. Open views. Quiet evenings.

You explore all day, then come home to peace.

If you’re thinking of using Cortona as your base, this is a very comfortable and practical way to do it:

👉 https://friendsoftuscany.com/property/84-casa-dardano-renovated-farmhouse-with-private-pool-near-cortona/

Inspired by this Visit Tuscany itinerary:
https://www.visittuscany.com/en/itineraries/one-week-in-tuscany-with-cortona-as-a-home-base/

Charming farmhouse with fenced private pool near Cortona and Lago Trasimeno. Spacious garden, character home ideal Tuscany location.

08/12/2025

We’re delighted to welcome Villa Croce to our Friends of Tuscany collection — a beautifully restored 18th-century villa set within seven hectares of private parkland. Sleeping up to 18 people, it’s perfect for families and groups, with a private pool, spacious gardens, ping pong, table football, football nets, a children’s swing and a little playhouse.

Villa Croce is also ideal for events and small weddings, offering plenty of space and a wonderfully atmospheric setting.

Guests enjoy a welcome basket of local treats, and we can arrange private chefs, yoga, beauty services, hairdressing and private tours. Mid-week cleaning is included.

Message us for availability — we’re always here to help you plan your Tuscan stay.

Villa Croce is an 18th-century Tuscan villa set at the end of a cypress-lined drive and surrounded by seven hectares of fully fenced private parkland. Once an