Authentic Tuscany

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Authentic Tuscany

Authentic Tuscany offers characteristic vacation rentals and memorable experiences in and around the charming Medieval town of Vicopisano inTuscany.

21/07/2024

🌟 Ciao tutti! 🌟
We’re Marie and Lorenzo based in a small Medieval Town in Tuscany, Italy!

In case you are new here we wanted to take a moment to introduce ourselves to our new followers and say thank you to those loyal followers who have been with us for a while.

We are passionate vacation rental hosts, and we’re thrilled to share part of our 12th-Century Medieval home, Casa Colomba, to those looking to spend a truly authentic stay in Tuscany,

We’ve lived, worked, and played in this beautiful little corner of Tuscany for 24 years in a small town called Vicopisano which is within easy travelling distance to Pisa, Lucca and Florence!

Lorenzo is originally from Piedmont in northern Italy but is fearlessly proud of his Sicilian roots. Marie is a Brit with a mix of English, Jamaican and a touch of southern Italian heritage.

Beyond Casa Colomba, we also collaborate with other local vacation rental owners, so whether you’re planning a larger gathering or looking for a place with a pool, we can help!

But we offer more than just beautiful accommodations. Our true passion lies in sharing the hidden gems of our beloved little corner of Tuscany. Whether you want to discover off-the-beaten-path treasures, explore Pisa or Lucca like a local, chill at the coolest beach spots, wander through sunflower fields, or visit exquisite vineyards, we provide our guests with insider tips to make their stay unforgettable.

We understand that not all of our followers are able to make the trip to Tuscany soon but that doesn’t mean to say that we can’t share the magic of our little corner of Tuscany with you.

Thank you for following our journey. We appreciate each and every one of you!
Feel free to reach out anytime.

With love,
Marie & Lorenzo

🇮🇹

02/07/2024

What an unforgettable long summer weekend we’ve just experienced in our little corner of Tuscany! 🌟 Friday evening kicked off with our beloved Cena in Borgo, a communal street dinner that draws hundreds from our neighbouhood.

This annual Tuscan tradition held in the small Medieval town of VIcopisano is the perfect way to experience life as a local, just as some of our guests did during their stay over last weekend. .

Our 'Authentic Tuscany table' hosted 18 people—neighbours, friends, and guests from the USA and across Italy. The evening was filled with laughter, delicious home-cooked food, and a blend of the Tuscan and English language making for a memorable night of new friendships.

We've received so many questions
about the Cena in Borgo—how it’s organised, who cooks, the cost, and how to get an invite for next year!! 😆🤍🤩

We’ll be covering all this in the coming days, so stay tuned for more insights and highlights!

Would you love to experience this kind of event on your next trip to Tuscany?

18/06/2024

Meet Sadie, the adorable 14-year-old Chihuahua!

She recently stayed with us at Casa Colomba with her lovely owners, Clarissa and Andy.

Lorenzo and I love all animals and to be honest we would love a dog but we’re not sure Mizzi our cat would like another furry friend at home - she’s very much set in her ways! 😂😼

However we’re thrilled to welcome your 4 pawed friends like Sadie, not only at our Casa Colomba, but also at some of the other vacation rentals where we collaborate with their owners.

Do you have a furry friend? Do you love taking them with you on your travels?

Would you bring them to Italy if you have to travel overseas to get here?

We’d love to hear your stories on how and when you traveled with your pets abroad!

Thanks for the snap

21/05/2024

Still catching up on birthday vibes!

In case you missed our stories, I (Marie) celebrated my birthday last week in a charming olive grove hidden along the terraces of our Medieval town. It was the perfect spot for a small gathering and we hope to host more private events here in the future!

We’re also trying to convince the proprietor of this olive grove to offer this romantic location to more people. What do you think?

Would you like to celebrate a special occasion under the olive trees and Medieval towers? 💚💚

Thank you to everyone who made my birthday picnic so special and for the wonderful food you prepared!

And all the other friends who are not on Instagram!

04/05/2024

Coming soon to our Medieval street!
Cena in Borgo! 21 June 2025 🥂

31/03/2024

🐣 Happy Easter - Buona Pasqua from our cosy corner of Tuscany!

Easter lunch has come to a close and the ritual of the passeggiata fills our cobbled lanes and Medieval alleyways.

Tomorrow brings pasquetta, another day of joy and togetherness with loved ones. Whether you celebrate this festival or not, we wish you all a blissful Sunday. 🌷

17/03/2024

Only 3 more days until the official start of spring! 🌸
Our weather has been quite variable lately, with a mix of sunny days and rain showers.

Did you know that the Italians refer to the month of March as a little crazy - they even have a proverb all about ‘Marzo pazzerello’. This is a month where you can experience both sunshine and rain.

Jackets and umbrellas are still within reach, but there are moments when you can soak up the Tuscan sun, shades on! ☀️ 😎

This snapshot captures a vibrant corner of Vicopisano, where the warm hues of burnt orange always shine. It’s not our home or a public spot, but our neighbor doesn’t mind us snapping pics for Instagram! 📸

Do you have any colorful spring breaks planned? Whether it’s in Italy, Tuscany or Vicopisano - maybe it’s somewhere close to home or exotic, we’d love to hear about your upcoming adventures! Share below! 🌼

28/02/2024

These last few days have been wet and overcast and we’ve been spending far more time indoors, except for going to the bar for our morning coffee!

Despite the rain and gloomy weather, we must be grateful for the colours that surround us in our little Tuscan town! 🌈✨ It’s fascinating how strict rules on house colours create such a harmonious environment.

Do you have any similar rules in your neighbourhood? Or can you paint your home including the fixtures and fittings any colour you like?

Let’s us know in the comments below and don’t forget to tell us what part of the world you call home!

And btw it should be noted that historic stone buildings must remain the same like the first picture here which was once the guards house to the fortress on the hill!

22/02/2024

Feeling excited over our morning coffee as it has just been announced that Lorenzo and I won the Saint Valentine’s prize organised by our local comune/council here in Vicopisano. 😍😍

Remember our goofy video jumping into a big red sparkly heart? ❤️❤️

Every year our local council puts up a big red heart and invites all who pass her to take a snapshot and post on social media.

This year we were encouraged to add the hashtag to be eligible to win a romantic meal for two at one of our wonderful restaurants here in Vicopisano! 😍🍷🍝

You can see the actual video which won us the prize just a few posts before this one.

Other fun moments in the big sparkly heart were with our friends Nicki and Carlo . It was a very special day - the day we finally got to meet Elizabeth, Peppe Leni and Rosie for the first time from (2nd photo)

Sadly the day Nicki snapped this photo we didn’t know the rules about adding the correct hashtag! 🤦‍♀️😭

The others photos I saved from our council’s Facebook post are of some of the other participants. I wish there had been space to post them all! There is even a snapshot of our lovely regular guest Jaci (3rd photo)

Now Lorenzo and I just have to decide where we will enjoy our romantic dinner for two! 🥰🥰

Grazie mille Vicopisano and for all who voted for us and organised this fun event ❤️❤️❤️

19/02/2024

Saluti da Livorno mare giornata meravigliosa

10/01/2024

Here’s an update for all of those who showed interest last month in our very first small group holiday!

🌸Experience Tuscany as a local at our Springtime Walking Festival Adventure! 🌼

You should have received an email update from us yesterday - If you can’t find the email in your inbox check your spam just in case or get in touch with us here.

Our monthly newsletter will be mailed out tomorrow where you will also be able to receive details of our Springtime adventure!

If you want to get on our mailing list - DM us here or follow the link in our profile.

More news on the event coming here soon! 🥾🌸🌿🌼

10/01/2024

Ciao tutti! 😁

As the seasonal celebrations draw to a close here in Italy with the Feast of the Epiphany over the pat weekend, we thought it's a fitting moment to reintroduce ourselves as we have received so many new followers over the past year and it’s been a while since we personally said ciao!👋😍

We're Marie and Lorenzo, the creators of Authentic Tuscany - Lorenzo is a born and bred Italian and I, Marie, hail from a small town in England. We met in the UK, fell in love, and tied the knot on a small lake in the north of Italy. The rest, as they say, is history! 🇮🇹🇬🇧

Lorenzo and I purchased and restored a Medieval Tower house in the quaint town of Vicopisano in Tuscany back in 2006.🏰😆

We converted part of it into a vacation rental, hosting guests from around the globe for over a decade now! Collaborating with other locals in our village, we offer unique vacation rentals and provide our guests with local insights and the opportunity to partake in local experiences. 🍝 🍷 😍

For those interested in our story, you can find more on our website; I'll include a link in the first comment.

We want to express our gratitude for your support and for being part of this community. Your presence is truly valued.🙏😍

This year, we're thrilled to unveil exciting new adventures in our little corner of Tuscany. Some of you might already be aware of these if you're subscribed to our newsletter.🗞️

Our next newsletter, featuring these updates, will be published on the 10th of January. If you're not yet subscribed but would like to receive our news, let us know in the comments, and we'll send you a link to sign up.

Grazie mille
Marie and Lorenzo!

09/01/2024

Basking in Tuscany’s winter sun! ☀️❄️

Today hit 9°C (25°F) – chilly but charming. 🥶😂

Have you experienced Tuscany in winter? 🧣🧤

Would you trade summer for the tranquility of the low season? 😎😌

We’d love you to share your thoughts! ☺️

01/01/2024

Wishing you all an awesome 2024! 🤩😍❤️

I wasn’t going to post today but hey - why not!
The first day of the year happens to be a Monday and if you’ve been catching up with us over the last year you will remember that Monday is for Mare and here we are at Marina di Pisa today. A little fresh for a swim though - roll on summer just 171 ones day to go! 😎🕶️☀️👙🩳

Are you a summer babe/dude or do you prefer the winter vibe?

31/12/2023

Sharing holiday joy in our last post of 2023!

Snapped not in Tuscany but during our holiday
In Greece earlier this year as we always forget to take photos together when we’re at home! 😆📸

Thank you for your support and kindness throughout the year! It was great to actually meet and hang out with some of you along the way and we look forward to welcoming new friends and to those returning next year! 😍❤️

Wishing you all happiness, good health, love and prosperity for 2024 - may all your dreams and wishes come true. 🎉🥂🎊💫🥂

.

31/12/2023

As we round up 2023, we invite you to step into the rhythm of our small Medieval town - what a season it’s been! 🏰

Beyond the cobblestone streets and ancient towers, our guests have experienced the timeless and genuine allure of Tuscany as a local. From vibrant spring festivals amongst the wildflowers to the warmth of our late summer Medieval festival where our town steps back in time one thousand years! 🌸🏰🌼

Our little town may not be the best known in Tuscany but if your looking to make memories and enjoy the magic of the seasonal festivals and the joy of al fresco dining - get in touch and let us be your guides to unlock the secrets of this Medieval gem. 🏰🌿

If you’re planning to hit the tourist hotspots on your trip to Tuscany you may be pleased to know that’s easy to do from our little Medieval town. Ideally you will rent a car but you’ll be pleased to know that there are public transport options to travel to the above cities.

Pisa - much more than the Leaning Tower!
25 minutes.

Lucca and her maze of cobbled lanes and charming piazzas!
35 minutes

Renaissance Florence the capital of the region! 45 to 60 minutes.

If you want to know more about accommodations and what you can do and experience with us in 2024 visit our website link is in the first comment

25/12/2023

Merry Christmas everyone . 🎄✨💫🥂😍Buon Natale a tutti 🎄😍🤩🍾

21/12/2023

Happy Winter Solstice! ❄️ Sharing tonight’s rosy-colored Tuscan sky that you loved in my stories this evening. 🩷💜🖤

Shortest day, longest night—here’s to embracing the beauty of the night sky 🌅🌌

17/12/2023

In case you didn’t get our latest newsletter or see our post in our Authentic Tuscany Travel Tips Group 🤓

We are here to share our exciting plans for 2024! 😍

🌿 We wanted to let you know that we will be hosting a 4-night Tuscan small group holiday adventure, blending nature, culture and foodie experiences! 🇮🇹✨

Do you love the outdoors?

If so you will get the chance walk, hike, and ramble through the picturesque Tuscan countryside during the Vicopisano Walking Festival. A 2 day event where you can enjoy over 50 events, including yoga, street food, and live music. 🎶

🍇 Beyond the countryside, dive into local Tuscan life with visits to olive groves and vineyards at an organic farm. Discover the secrets of extra virgin olive oil, savor local wines, and indulge in Tuscan nibbles. 🍷🍇

🍝 Immerse yourself in Tuscany's culinary wonders! Learn to make fresh pasta in our Medieval Tower House, Casa Colomba, and relish authentic communal meals with the locals in addition to dining at some great local restaurants. 🏰🍲

📅 Save the Date: March 21st, 2024! Limited spots available, to join the waitlist for more information let us know in the comments and we’ll reach out to you. 🌟🇮🇹

12/12/2023

Indulging in Tuscany’s coffee culture! ☕ 💜Every morning, our ritual unfolds at the local bar in the piazza.

Did you know about Tuscany’s ‘macchiatone’? It’s the perfect balance – not as much as a cappuccino and a tad more than a macchiato.

Cheers to the art of coffee in Tuscany and to the art in the coffee bar at the end of our street! ! 🇮🇹

15/11/2023

Casa Colomba didn’t always look as it does today! 😅

Throwback to Casa Colomba early days! This afternoon I found some old pics of the renovation journey – not many as social media wasn't our focus back then. Lorenzo and I, both had jobs, Lorenzo was managing a hotel bar and I was still working as a long haul stewardess. 💁‍♂️🍾👩🏽‍✈️🛩️

We took on a lot of tasks ourselves while the pros handled the crucial bits like electrics and plumbing. Restoring history demands time and money – that’s for sure and looking back on these old photos I don’t know how we did it! 😅

Any fellow historic home restorers out there? Share your moments of wanting to throw in the towel and, if you made it your triumph! 🔨👷‍♂️💪

09/11/2023

🎨 Pisa reclaims its status as an urban art capital with the Festival della Strada from October 27, 2023, to January 7, 2024! 🇮🇹

🏛️ Hosted at Palazzo Blu along the Arno River, the festival offers a dynamic mix of exhibitions, widespread installations, workshops, and striking new murals.

🌟 Among these masterpieces is a colossal mural by renowned Brazilian artist Kobra, paying tribute to Pisa's legendary son, Galileo Galilei. This captivating work sprawls across 160 square meters on the Centro Maccarrone building, just a stone's throw from Keith Haring's iconic "Tuttomondo" mural from 1989.

🌈 Kobra is famous for his multicolored David atop Michelangelo's quarries, making this festival a true celebration of Italy's rich artistic heritage in Tuscany! 🎨🌟

Our tip is to go see the mural on a Sunday when there is less traffic and you will probably get some better angles than I was able to get without dodging the cars! 🚘🚙

No fear I will be returning to see this majestic mural and we hope to visit the exhibition Festival della Strada soon!

In the meantime if you want to see an awesome video of this masterpiece you can find it in Instagram and I’m going to put a video in the Authentic Tuscany Travel Tips Facebook group too!

05/11/2023

Less than a month ago, residents of Vicopisano we were dining al fresco during an abnormally warm October.

As you have probably heard in the news heavy storms and almost tropical rains recently hit Tuscany, causing flooding and chaos in many towns, including Pontedera, home to the iconic Vespa, just a 10-minute drive from Vicopisano. Fortunately, no one was hurt, but many shops on the high street were underwater.

Vicopisano is near the Arno, Tuscany's main river, so excessive rainfall is always a concern. Luckily, our village is protected by channels that overflow into the Imperial canal, an ancient waterway at the edge of the historic centre which actually flows under the river Arno, pushing any excessive rainwater into the Ligurian Sea near Livorno. This feat of amazing engineering deserves it own post one day!

For now, we are safe, albeit a bit apprehensive as the wind howls through our Medieval lanes.

Not all of Tuscany suffered the wrath of the storms but our heart goes out to the families who lost loved one during this terrible time.

Thanks for your kind messages checking on us and making sure all is well in our Medieval town! 🤗😘❤️

By the way have you been affected by recent storms and excessive rain in your region over the lat few days?

28/10/2023

We’ve received 1,000 reactions to our posts in the past 30 days. Thanks for your support. 🙏🤗🎉

23/10/2023

A Monday moment but not at the mare as we usually are at the start of the week!

This snapshot was taken a couple of weeks ago in the small hilltop town of Lajatico - the hometown of Andrea Bocellii!

I’m currently away for a few days visiting family and friends in my hometown of Leamington spa in England - while Lorenzo is holding the fort and looking after guests Tuscany!

My hometown is located in the centre of England just as Tuscany sits in the centre of Italy. I have to admit I’m forever grateful that our little corner of Tuscany is close to the mare as well as beautiful hilltop towns whereas my hometown in England is a long way from the sea!

18/10/2023

😍We’ve got something to tell you!!!!
😆Just in case you didn’t see it in our group post!
📮We’ll be sending out a newsletter Thursday !
😁Sign up if you haven’t done so already!

http://eepurl.com/dvXV1P

We’re embracing the Autumn vibe! 🍁🍂
Announcing new vacation rentals for 2024 and updating you with old favourites!

14/10/2023

👨‍🌾🐶 One man and his dog! Meet Luca, the truffle hunter, with his trusted Lagotto truffle dogs Fiuto and Dante 🍄✨

Here we are sharing a special moment with our guests Anthony and Liann from the United States who had a dream to hunt for truffles in Tuscany!

It's white truffle hunting season, so if you're staying with us between now and the end of December, don't miss this incredible truffle adventure! 🇮🇹👣🌲

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05/10/2023

There’s something about a clock tower which strikes on the hour and half hour in a small Medieval town!

It’s a Tuscan tradition which has been occurring for hundreds of years but sadly due to complaints from overseas tourists some Tuscan towns have limited the sound of the bells so that the visitors can sleep!

Personally we love the sound of the bell tower in Vicopisano and thank goodness we have a mayor who would never dream of upsetting the local residents by switching off tradition!

Luckily the type of visitors we welcome to Casa Colomba are seeking to step back in time and live Tuscany like a local!

How do you feel about mixing local tradition and tourism?

Should the bells be silenced or should local customs continue?

Vicopisano’s Torre dell’Orologio dates back to the 12th Century and you can visit the tower at the weekends - Climb to the top and get a birds-eye view over the terracotta roofs and landscape.

By the way Casa Colomba’s tower bedroom is in the rear of the building so although the bell can be heard it won’t shake the wrought iron bedstead! 😅

29/09/2023

Have you climed to the top of any of these Tuscan towers?

1 Torre Pendente (Leaning Tower) - Pisa
2 Giotto’s Campanile (Bell Tower) - Florence
3 Brunelleschi’s Fortress Tower - Vicopisano
4 The rescue Tower - Vicopisano
5 The Guinigi Tower - Lucca
6 Torre dell’Orologio (clock tower) Vicopisano

For a bit more information about each read the captions at the bottom of each photo.

If you have never climbed any of the above - let us know if you would like to one day or if you have climed any other towers in Tuscany!

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