Archive for 'Events'

Each country in which Christmas is celebrated has its own unique traditions, particularly around food. Food is central to celebrations of all kinds around the world but in Italy it looms especially large as a main character and, certainly, anyone who plans any sort of vacation in Italy is surely looking forward to eating very, very well. Book your holiday rental in Italy over the Holidays and you’ll get to enjoy a whole host of intriguing and delicious foodie traditions and dishes. But once you arrive, what should you eat and when?

Still don’t have plans for New Year’s Eve? Well, how about making some extra-special plans?! Instead of trying to find a party or a restaurant or some over-booked event, why not book a villa in Italy instead? Find a dreamy rental and get away with some of your favourite people or even by yourself and experience the light, colour, excitement, food, wine, and more that is on offer in Italy.

When one is planning a vacation during the winter months, there are really two ways that you can choose to go: embrace the cold by planning a ski break or try and fight the cold by going to a warm destination or a place where you can get warm readily. In the latter case, the naturally-occurring thermal springs located all around Italy mean that even if temperatures outside are not that high, the soothing, therapeutic, relaxing mineral-rich waters in these hot springs are sure to warm you up, right down to your bones!

So, if you're someone who is always trying to fight the cold and you are looking to enjoy a relaxing spa getaway this winter, we highly recommend heading to one of these destinations. Plus, if you want to combine a bit of both ways of coping with the cold – embracing it and enjoying winter activities and soaking in thermal waters to warm up afterwards – many of the same towns where thermal springs are found also have ski facilities themselves or ski resorts located close by. Here are our picks for the top thermal spa destinations to discover on vacation in Italy this winter...

If summer in Italy (and, increasingly, everywhere else) is about the aperitivo, then the winter in Italy is about the digestivo. Consumed after a meal, to aid digestion, this tradition can be indulged in whenever you wish but is particularly suited to the colder months, when we are all likely to eat meals that are a little heartier in order to keep the chill away. 

Grappa and the Aosta Valley

One of the most famous digestivi in Italy also comes from one of the best destinations in Italy for a winter break: grappa from the Aosta Valley. The smallest region in Italy, ringed by the rugged and romantic snow-capped peaks of the Alps, and dotted with adorable towns and ski resorts, this is the perfect place to escape to for magical winter scenery, charming Christmas markets, delicious and warming meals, and some of the best grappa in the world. Just browse our incredible range of holiday rentals in Aosta Valley and come experience this winter wonderland for yourself!