Archive for 'Central Italy'

Everyone knows that the best part of travelling is getting to try new culinary delights and gastronomic adventures that you might otherwise have never experienced. However, just because we all might be stuck at home right now doesn't mean you have to miss out on this aspect of travelling, with an internet connection at hand, you can readily explore and try out dishes from all over the globe from your own kitchen! So, if you're craving something a little different and want to turn your hand to experimenting in the kitchen, why not try these tasty, unique, and sometimes bizarre, Italian dishes?!

As Italy was the birthplace of the Renaissance and has, and continues to, given rise to some of the most famous artists to ever exist, there is an incredible artistic heritage in the country and endless museums, galleries, churches, towns, mural walls, stately homes, temporary exhibitions, and more that are stuffed with outstanding works of art to take in all over the country. However, if, as in moments like this, you can't quite make it to Italy or her exhibitions then fear not! A large number of truly excellent exhibitions and world-class museums and cultural institutions are available online to visitors through virtual tours and other online resources. We've rounded up a list of some great examples that you can visit right now from the comfort of your own homes as we all look forward to adventures in the real thing sometime very soon in the future...

Abruzzo is likely a name unfamiliar with many international tourists considering a vacation in Italy. Nestled between the worlds of the industrialised and cosmopolitan north of Italy and the relaxed and sun-drenched south, Abruzzo is a beautiful region with lots to offer, despite being a hidden gem. The very same wild and mountainous qualities of her landscape that meant Abruzzo has never developed economically or culturally quite the way other parts of Italy have are also what make the region utterly picturesque and magic. This is where you will find the biggest concentration of protected land in the country, some of the last pockets in which large wild fauna can be found readily in Europe, some larger industrialised towns, and pretty little villages still alive with tradition, all set amongst rocky peaks, lush meadows and hills, large lakes, and a long and beautiful coastline. In addition, you will find a wine region that produces delicious wines that are nourished by this rich, diverse, and bountiful landscape. So, if you’re looking for a relaxing holiday full of tasty wines and pretty views, a vacation rental in Abruzzo is an excellent idea.

This year presented a major calendar of various events and exhibitions throughout Italy celebrating the life and work of Da Vinci on the event of his 500th anniversary since passing. With 2020 just on the horizon, so too comes another big anniversary in art history after this year of celebrating Da Vinci, the 500th anniversary of the death of Raphael, and, with it, another series of events and exhibitions throughout Italian museums and other fine art instituions around the globe.

Unlike Da Vinci, or Michelangelo, this great name of the Renaissance only lived into his late thirties, with his two great peers making it into their eighties. Today, his name is less lauded on the scale of those two great artists but he was no less beloved in his time and, though his life was shorter, he was incredibly productive, leaving behind an impressive oeuvre of fine art.

If you have always wanted to visit Rome, we recommend a visit over Christmas. Not only is the city lit up, decorated, and full of festive cheer and activity at this time of the year but it is also a great time for tourists as there tends to be smaller tourist crowds to contend with. While things close on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, the days either side of the holidays are when Rome is at its least hectic. As a tourist destination where you will always have to contend with crowds of some description, it is a real bonus to get it at its best and least insane. So, if you have always wished to see the Eternal City for yourself, browse our vacation rentals in Rome and get planning the Christmas getaway in Rome of your dreams!