Archive for 'Christmas'

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.

Have festive plans got your head in a tailspin? Are there too many parties, commitments, things to buy, rooms to clean and decorate, foods to prepare? Have you been considering just escaping this Holiday Season? Well, we think that’s a great idea! Especially if you have been thinking about a vacation rental in Italy, as we would argue that it is one of the best possible destinations at this time of the year.

Whether you personally celebrate Christmas or not, those who find themselves on holiday in Italy over the Holidays will discover many of the permanent charms of the country with a pretty, festive, exciting Christmas veneer on top. Many cities and towns are at their most beautiful at this time of the year, there are even more things to see and do, as well as lots of incredible seasonal dishes to enjoy, so its an excellent time to visit!

We have previously extolled the virtues of booking a vacation rental in Rome and spending the Christmas Holidays exploring the city and all of its festive delights. Of course, for practising Christians to whom religion is a core tenet of their lives, it would make sense to celebrate one of the biggest religious events in the calendar in the spiritual hub of the Catholic Church. However, for those who are less religious or not even Christian at all, there is still much to recommend a holiday in Rome over the Holidays!

From the food and wine, to the beautiful decorations, to the Christmas markets, to the special events and unique traditions there is even more to see, do, and enjoy in the endless list of attractions already on offer in the Eternal City at this time of the year. Plus, it may be when the city is at its loveliest – with twinkling lights and other decorations adding a festive cheer and pretty addition to the grand monuments and wonders of the past of Rome!

In addition to attending choir services, shopping at markets, going to a play or the ballet, visiting museums and architectural gems, wandering gorgeous historic streets with a sweet Christmas veneer, trying seasonal delights in bakeries and restaurants, chatting over drinks, and more, those who book a holiday rental in Rome and visit at this time of the year might also want to try one very seasonally appropriate and magical activity: ice skating in the charming festive surroundings of Rome! A great way to embrace the season and warm up as you explore the city during the winter, there are a variety of different rinks around the city to choose from each year...

In many places around the world, businesses and cultural institutions can shutter for days or even weeks over the Christmas holidays. If you are planning a Christmas getaway, therefore, it can be hard to know where might best be suited to a trip at this time of the year. If you were considering booking a vacation rental in Italy, for example, and were hoping to spend the Holiday Season exploring some of the great cities, museums, and attractions of Italy then you might be wondering if this is possible.

Thankfully, Italy is actually a great destination for a break over the Holidays as, while almost all museums and many independently owned businesses remain closed for Christmas Day and New Year's Day and close early on New Year’s Eve, in the days surrounding these two major national holidays days most institutions are open and ready for business.