Archive for 'Central Italy'

Those who have found a vacation rental in Emilia Romagna or a villa in Rimini, in particular, or a holiday rental in Le Marche should definitely try and set aside a day to spend visiting the intriguing San Marino.

The enclaved microstate of the Republic of San Marino, also known as the Most Serene Republic of San Marino, is located inside Italy, not far from the riviera of Rimini and is a fascinating little country within a country that is just 61 square kilometres in size. It is thought to be the oldest sovereign state, oldest republic in the world, and was founded in 301 AD. In addition, it is one of the least visited countries in Europe and is a really special gem with a unique history and culture of its own. Impossibly picturesque and a path less travelled, the discerning and adventurous tourist exploring the surrounding area of Italy will definitely check it out but, if you're not yet convinced, here are ten reasons to add San Marino to your bucket list...

While there is absolutely no shortage of things to see or do in Rome – in fact, there are lifetimes worth of activities to keep even immortal beings amused – there are reasons to venture further afield if you have found a vacation rental in Rome. Head to Tivoli, for example, and you will discover the truly extraordinary Villa Gregoriana. In fact, it is the least well-known of Tivoli's three ancient villas (all worth visiting) but it is, perhaps, the most scenic and beautiful of all despite this.

This natural park complex is made up of wooded parks, paths, waterfalls, grottoes and plant-life, all set at the base of an ancient acropolis, was commissioned by Pope Gregory XVI in the 1830s. It went on to attract both local nobles and artists from near and far, as well as becoming an important pitstop for international members of the nobility and gentry who were undergoing their Grand Tour (a practice of travelling all over Europe to take in major historic sites at the end of one's schooling) in the 19th century.

Spring is a beautiful time of year, when the earth defrosts after the long winter, flowers burst free from their slumber deep below the ground, baby animals find their footing on lush green pastures, the sun begins to show up on a more regular basis, tourist crowds awaken but remain smaller, and everything comes roaring back to life. It is a perfect time for a vacation, before demands and costs run high and the sun starts beating down, and Italy, in particular, is especially lovely at this time of year. However, there are some specific destinations in Italy that are at their best in Spring and we have been listing the best of the best among them in the last couple of posts. In this final entry in this series, we will discuss our last picks so you can get choosing among them and planning your Spring getaway in Italy...

5. Levanto, Liguria

The Ligurian Coast is swamped come Summer, particularly along the famous Cinque Terre. However, this lesser-known town is actually also an incredibly popular destination as one of the best surf destinations in Italy, which are in short supply.

With endless, impossibly green rolling hills, fields of flowers, more pleasantly cool weather, smaller tourist crowds, and lower prices, Spring is an excellent time to visit Italy. Hit up any of the cities and you'll find things a little slower and calmer than in Summer or head to the most popular destinations and you'll find it easier to book your rental and activities. All of which is a real bonus and takes a lot of the stress out of travel.

However, instead of simply choosing a destination that is a little bit more accessible and easy during the Spring months than the Summer, why not head to a destination that is actually also at its best during Spring?

These are the places in Italy that are at their loveliest and most charming over the next few months...

Recently, we discussed the beautiful building, art space, and cafeteria of Chiostro del Bramante, a cloister that was originally part of a monastery complex in the centre of Rome, just steps away from the famous Piazza Navona. It is a stunning space that now acts as a cultural centre, which is used for various purposes, including hosting events and regular excellent temporary exhibitions. Currently it is hosting the highly photographed and visually stunning, “Dream: L'Arte Incontra I Sogni” (“Art Meets Dreams”), which will continue into May and is a magical must-see art experience in Rome at the moment. If you have found a villa in Rome, it is definitely something to pencil in to your itinerary.