Farm holidays in Florence are the real soul of Tuscany

Anyone who has ever read the book or watched the movie "Under the Tuscan Sun" has seen a wonderful snapshot of what the more rural portions of Tuscany have to offer. The traveler who seeks a relaxing pace and tranquil atmosphere will revel in it, as will any avid agritourist. The home like atmosphere of a bed and breakfast in the hills surrounding Florence will make you feel like you are one of the ex patriots.

The Tuscan country side is one of the limited regions that actually live up to the hype. Rolling hills that are green and filled with life year round make a backdrop that will make perfect photos for even an amateur photographer. The postcards and photos you have seen are not exaggerations, it really is that lovely.

Tuscany's soul can not be separated from it's stomach. Farming here is an art. A respect for time honored tradition and an insistence on the highest quality possible means that farming, especially small farms, are alive and well and thriving. Family owned farms that produce their own olive oil and their own wine dot the Tuscan landscape.

When you wake in the comfort of your bed and breakfast in Florence, the surrounding hills will call you. With the grey leaves of the stubby little olive groves hiding their fruit, the creeping vines of Sangiovese trained over so many years into their well ordered rows you will soon see why Tuscany is the top agritourism destination in the world. The people here live to eat and enjoy, and that can not but help to make for a fabulous vacation.

Sangiovese vines carry the lifeblood of the Tuscan soul. Spending your nights snugly in your bed and breakfast, Florence hills occupying your days and wine tastings rounding out the experience will show you exactly why red wine is not only good for your heart, but also for your soul.

Touring the countryside is a breeze here. Thousands of years of residence have evolved into small towns and villages being located within easy traveling distance of each other. In the matter of 15 or 20 minutes you can be in a small town that is having an amazing food festival or in an ancient family owned winery sipping wines that have been made the same way for centuries. And by the same families. Another short trip will take you to a world class restaurant nestled in the Florence hills. Back in the comfort of your bed and breakfast you can reminisce about the meal and the sparkling fireflies that lit the hills.

Vacation time spent in the heart of Tuscany will show you the depth of the Tuscan soul. The cultural appreciation for beauty, art and the art of the table is ingrained in the people. You can not help but come back from your time here not only refreshed and renewed, but with an increased appreciation for the soul enhancing love of all the simple pleasures in life. La bella vita lives here.

Nicola Alessi writes articles about Tuscany accommodation and collaborates with many important online travel guide. He also works for http://www.poderecasalino.com , a comfortable bed and breakfast in the Florence surrounding located just among the Arno river and the Chianti hills.