Archive for 'Events'

  

Mercato Centrale, exterior
Photo credits: Sailko / CC BY-SA 4.0

While we often talk about the museums and art and architectural gems that one must make time for if they book a villa in Florence, it is important to remember that, as a city at the heart of Tuscany, this is also a dream holiday destination for all of the serious foodies of the world. From historic coffee houses serving incredible brews, to pastry shops where recipes have been passed down for several generations, to family-run eateries boasting hearty and delicious meals for a steal, to chic restaurants offering cutting-edge delicacies, to wine bars boasting amazing city views to pair with unbeatable Tuscan wines, and beyond, there are all sorts of culinary experiences on offer in the city. Among all of the foodie tourist attractions and musts, a visit to one of Florence’s famous markets is also unmissable. One of the most exciting among the markets in town is the Mercato Centrale.

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Flamingoes

For those who are thinking about planning a stay in one of our villas in Tuscany come autumn for an off-season getaway and who love nature and natural beauty, there is one particular area that many international tourists have yet to hear of but that should top your list of attractions. This is the Orbetello Lagoon.


One of the best preserved and most unspoiled natural areas in all of Italy, it consists of 1500 hectares of marshland along the Tuscan coast that is separated from the sea on the west and east by two 6km strips of land and by the Argentario headland. On a third strip of land that stretches into the centre of the lagoon, you will find the town of Orbetello itself and a bridge connecting it to Monte Argentario, creating a dramatic picture overall. 

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Polignano a Mare

Polignano a Mare is one of the most impossibly picturesque towns in Apulia and in Italy. Let us paint you a picture: white washed buildings perched right up to the edge of rugged cliffs, jewel-toned water sharply contrasting below, endless pretty and winding little cobbled streets, balconies overflowing with plants and flowers, a charming little bay nestled between two of those rugged cliffs right at the centre of town with a pebble beach, and elegant piazze with canopied cafés for sitting out and watching the world go by. A magical gem of a place, it is a wonderful spot in which to enjoy a day-trip if you have found a villa in Apulia and are exploring the area.


However, we would note that Polignano a Mare is an especially idyllic spot to visit if you are planning a spring getaway in Apulia. The region is lovely pretty much no matter when you visit but there is no doubt that those who prefer to avoid tourist crowds will find that the hot and exciting summer months, when all sorts of events taking place in the area and the weather draw holidayers to the seaside towns, are perhaps not the ideal time to plan a trip. Never fear, though, a vacation in Apulia in spring is wonderful for many reasons and Polignano a Mare, in particular, has lots to recommend it at this time of the year. Here are just five of the excellent reasons to come and find a holiday rental in Apulia and plan a day-trip to Polignano a Mare this spring...

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Woman with mimosa flowers

We all likely have some pretty amazing women in our lives that we feel indebted to and would like to celebrate and every March the whole world celebrates women with International Women’s Day. In Italy, in particular, there are specific ways to celebrate the day and traditions that have been created around this holiday.


International Women’s Day, which takes place on the 8th of March, traces its origins to women’s suffrage and labour movements in the 20th century. The earliest iteration of a formal day to celebrate women and promote the pursuit of equality and the establishment of more rights for women is said to have been a Women’s Day that was organsied by the Socialist Party of America in New York City on the 28th of February 1909. Then, in 1910, German delegates at the International Socialist Women's Conference suggested the idea of an annual version, though with no set date at that time.

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Polignano A Mare

Welcome back to our new series of What to consider when planning a holiday in Italy and the continuation of our guide to the different charms and considerations that one should keep in mind when deciding on the best time of the year in which to plan a vacation in Italy. In the first part of this guide, we looked at winter for all of those who are just itching for a getaway right away or who are after some winter sun or fun on the slopes as well as the gentle charm of the warmer climes and lushness of spring. This half of the guide will introduce our readers to the most popular time for Italian vacations, summer, as well as to the wonderful selling points of autumn, just on its heels. So, if you are thinking about finally booking that trip but you are still trying to decide when to go, then read on and start planning a perfect holiday in Italy today!

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