Archive for 'Events'

If you are looking to plan a city break over the coming months and you are looking for a destination that perfectly combines beautiful surroundings with an unbelievable wealth of things to see and do (from museums to galleries, architectural gems, historic sites, activities, parks, and more), a great culinary scene, and also some excellent shopping, then the Eternal City is, without a doubt, one of the best options around. For a taste of that Dolce Vita, a vacation rental in Rome is just the thing, as it truly is a place that lives up to its name. Rome is always lovely, always fascinating, always a good idea, and always a perfect place to indulge in a bit of retail therapy. And, while there are plenty of interesting independent boutiques, elegant flagship stores for some of the world's best-loved labels, buzzing shopping streets, and more to be explored, a shopping trip is never complete without a visit to a local market. Wouldn't you know it? Rome happens to also have one of the best markets we've laid eyes on! A contemporary, well-oiled gem with the freshest of produce and some really cool traditional and new retailers, if you're planning a getaway in Rome and you're thoroughly exploring her shopping scene then you should definitely make time to visit the Nuovo Mercato di Testaccio, or Testaccio Market.

One of the best food markets in Rome today and home to some incredibly stylish shops, Testaccio Market in the Testaccio Quarter has been utterly transformed in recent years. Formerly shambolic and untidy, it is now a very smooth operation with a little bit of something for everyone and just lots to see...and eat! Among the oldest markets in the city and a neighbourhood fixture for over 80 years, Testaccio Market was moved to its current location back in 2012 and, with the move, became the more orderly beast that it is today. Glass-covered, bright, clean, and charming, the market is made up of nearly one hundred different stalls and retailers, many of which have been run by the same families for generations.

Plenty of people prefer to travel outside of the summer months or, even, travel multiple times throughout the year and if you've been thinking of planning a vacation in Italy then a fall getaway is just the thing. Autumn is a wonderful time to visit Italy as you can often find bargains when it comes to the cost of travel and accommodation, the tourist crowds get smaller, the weather becomes less intensely hot as summer ends, and the variety of the landscape and climate of Italy means that there are holiday options to suit everyone, no matter what kind of vacation they are after. From hiking in the Alps to lying out on perfect beaches to taking in some of the world's prettiest cities and landscapes at their most beautiful, there are all sorts of incredible experiences to be had and memories to be made while exploring Italy this fall. Here is our guide to the best holiday destinations for those considering an autumnal trip in Italy this year.

Modena is a city famous for its balsamic vinegar, opera, and sports cars (Ferrari and Lamborghini are both headquartered in the city). For many, however, it is most well-known as a key foodie destination that is a must-see for food-lovers who are exploring Italy as, in addition to balsamic vinegar, it is a place that produces two other important Italian heritage foods: parmesan cheese and prosciutto ham. If you are interested in stocking up on the highest-quality Italian ingredients to enjoy at home and in trying some of the most delicious food made with said ingredients while holidaying, then finding a vacation rental in Emilia Romagna and planning a culinary-themed day trip to Modena is an absolute must. Not only will you eat well throughout the entirety of your time in the region but your visit to Modena will give you ample opportunity to stock up on some of the best of the best foodie bits in all of Italy! And if you're looking for the best place to do exactly that then we highly recommend a visit to the Mercato Storico Albinelli, a covered historic food market that is opened six days a week and boasts amazing stalls, sellers, and products!

We have recently been highlighting Sardinia as a holiday destination, not only because it is a stunning gem of an island with a rich and unique culture, delicious food, wonderful beaches, and more, it has also been named a White Zone in Italy for several weeks in a row . So, for those who have been missing travelling and can't wait for their next vacation in Italy, it is one of the best, safest, and hottest destinations for summer 2021. Browse our villas in Sardinia today and get planning your next trip!

Italy is a dream destination among foodies as it boasts a rich cuisine, endless food festivals, delicious restaurants at every price point, fascinating local specialties, lots of options to learn from locals (plenty of our villa rentals come with the option of adding on in-house cooking class experiences to your trip) and the freshest and best of raw ingredients with which to cook. So, if holidays for you are all about trying food, learning about food, and experimenting with food, then browse our incredible vacation rentals in Italy and find a villa with an excellent kitchen in which you can try and recreate some of the nation's most beloved and delicious dishes!

If you have found a vacation rental in La Spezia, a lesser-talked about but pretty and atmospheric seaside town in Liguria, then you will find that you are in a prime position to get shopping for, and cooking, some delicious local specialties with the most incredible ingredients. As a seaside town, it is a given that excellent fresh fish, shellfish, and other treats from the sea will be readily available. The winding streets of the old town are also lined with trattorias serving up the best of Ligurian cuisine for you to learn from. Plus, the whole port and surrounding streets turn into one giant market on March 19th during the feast day of the city's patron saint, St Joseph.