Archive for 'Activities'

Often, when you go into the store of a nationally famous beauty brand in any country, you will see that they proudly proclaim, “Established in” and then a year. For many this might have been in recent history, some throughout the 20th century, maybe the 19th century, more rarely they will be slightly older still. If you come to Italy, however, it is not entirely uncommon to find that major heritage brands have far longer histories. 

Take, for example, the brand Carthusia, hailing from the gorgeous island and exclusive tourist destination that is Capri. While the current iteration has been in existence for just over 20 years, it has a background of centuries of history and tradition and the brand is intertwined with legendary tales of monks on the island going all the way back to the 14th century. While stores throughout Italy sell the brand, those who find a vacation rental in Campania and who come to the island should make a point to visit their stunning fragrance laboratory for themselves to discover the perfect scent by which to remember a dream holiday...

Are you a book worm about to plan a holiday in Florence? Well, we’re sure you’ll pack some great books to bring with you – there’ll probably be room for little else in your suitcase! – but there is nothing quite like the thrill of browsing new bookshops in a new place. 

As the birthplace of the Renaissance and a great city of culture that has attracted some of the world’s leading artists of all art forms throughout the centuries, Florence is just the kind of dreamy location in which you might find your new favourite book and a magical bookshop where you can get lost for hours…

So, we have decided to put together a little guide to some of the city’s best and most beloved bookshops to help you get started on your literary adventure once you have booked your vacation rental in Florence and are on your way…

While picture-perfect colourful seaside towns, the gentle rolling hills and golden scenery of Tuscany and Umbria, and the grand cities of Rome and Florence are some of the images that predominate in our collective imaginings of Italy, the wilder and more dramatic views of Italy’s varied landscapes are equally captivating. Particularly, in the north, where the Alps tower overhead, Italy affords some truly breath-taking and awe-inspiring scenery. These glimpses of the sublime, of nature at its most unchecked, untamed, and wild, offer the perfect chance to escape the mundane, refresh your eyes, and wonder at the majesty of the world. And, one of the best examples of a place to take in such views and scenes is the Gran Paradiso National Park, which can be visited if you book one of our vacation rentals in Aosta Valley or holiday rentals in Piedmont.

Thinking about booking a villa in Italy this year but dreaming of coinciding with one of the famous events in the calendar year in Italy? Well, read on and find out when you should secure your vacation rental in Italy!

Italy is famous for many events from the fashionable to the tasty to the unusual so if you love jumping into it and being part of it all or you have particular interests, you’re sure to find something special to enjoy during an amazing holiday in Italy… 

Have you been thinking of planning a ski break in Italy’s ski region in 2024?

Do you want to really do it right?

Well, once you have secured your vacation rental in Italy and you’re on your way, all that’s left to do is to properly enjoy the excellent ski lifestyle that is on offer in Italy.

An integral part of this experience is warming up after a day on the slopes with a hot drink or an alcoholic drink... or both! The bombardino is a classic winter warmer from Italy and here is how you can make it at home while you look forward to your trip...