Archive for 'Central Italy'

One of the things that we love best about a vacation in Italy is that it not only offers incredible experiences and stunning locations but often combines the two to utterly magical effect. These experiences are the unforgettable kind that make a holiday a truly once-in-a-lifetime thing. For example, if you are planning on booking a vacation rental in Rome and diving into the beyond endless list of museums, churches, palaces, gardens, architectural gems, works of art, historic sites, and much more besides, then why not combine a visit to a stunning historic church filled with extraordinary works of art in the city with a breath-taking opera experience? 

One of the things that you get when you book a villa in Italy with us is a human touch all throughout the process from finding a vacation rental using our free personalised villa selection service by contacting us, right through the stay itself with one of our amazing owners or local hosts. In fact, many of our owners and hosts are one of the best parts of guests' stays. Casa Ivan, for example, is a gem of a two-bedroom, two-bathroom villa in Tuscany with a swimming pool near Cortona that has lots of amazing features but is particularly celebrated in its many 5-star reviews from previous guests for the remarkable hosts and the excellent service that they offer...

Those who may have left it too late to plan a getaway for summer 2026 or maybe anyone who was simply hoping to book a September stay in a villa in Italy is sure to enjoy the perfect combination of leftover summer sun and early autumnal culinary delights. Food festivals and seasonal specialities are not unique to autumn and can be enjoyed all throughout the year in Italy but once autumn sets in and harvests are completed, the whole thing kicks into overdrive. So, for those who love to eat well and eat heartily, it is a great time to explore Italy. 

Cheese-lovers, in particular, should find a vacation rental in the Orcia Valley around the first week of September when the local town of Pienza celebrates its beloved and award-winning cheeses in the Festa del Cacio...

Continuing our new series of identifying the best and most unique bucket list items to add to your Italian itinerary in addition to the more traditional examples that many will note – the Uffizi, Milan's iconic Cathedral, Vatican City, and more – we have another gem that we think you should make a point to see if you are booking a vacation rental in Rome: the sculptor Bernini's magical and mind-blowing ability to turn marble into flesh.

This incredibly gifted 17th century sculptor and architect left a huge stamp on Vatican City with his designs for St Peter's and his multiple sculptures that are famous for their extraordinary optical illusions and immense skill. He managed to act out full scenes with his sculpted figures through their expressive faces and the changing perspectives viewers were offered as they walked around a piece. However, Bernini's greatest feat might perhaps be on display in his piece, the Abduction of Proserpina.

Dreaming of a perfect vacation in Italy? Well, why not allow our guests to help you find a dream villa in Italy by browsing recent rentals that received 5-star reviews? 

From luxury villas in Apulia to villas with pools in Tuscany, these gems are all charming properties with amazing amenities that have something extra special to offer. Here’s what makes them stand out from the crowd...