Archive for 'December'

Florence is undeniably lovely and beautiful no matter what time of year you visit but it is especially charming at Christmas, when it is filled with excitable shoppers dashing around, cheerful traditional Christmas markets, bright and pretty, seasonal displays in storefronts, festive cheer, and, of course, Christmas lights. However, if you have found a luxury villa in Florence and are planning a Christmas getaway in Florence, you might be glad to know that the city goes a step further with their lighting arrangements to make something extra special and even more magical over the Holiday Season: the Florence Light Festival, or F-Light Festival.

The Fattoria del Toce is a farm with an agricultural park that is dedicated to education and knowledge. Officially recognised and supported by the governing bodies of the Piedmont region, the farm was founded in 2002 and introduces visitors to local plant varieties such as camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons, as well as trees like maples and ancient olive trees, and, of course, some adorable farm animals such as the 43 different breeds of rabbits, various breeds of poultry and some endangered creatures, too. Popular throughout the year for families, schools and tourists, it is especially wonderful over the Christmas period and is a wonderful place to spend a day if you and your family have found a vacation rental in Piedmont and are looking for some festive fun!

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If you were to find a vacation rental in Tuscany and decide to spend Christmas in Florence, you might find yourself coming face-to-face with the Italian love child of a French crepe and Mexican enchiladas; the Crespelle alla Fiorentina.

Usually served as a first course during a typical Florentine Christmas meal, this tasty dish is comprised of thin pancakes stuffed with ricotta and spinach, coated in béchamel sauce, tomato purée and cheese and baked until golden brown.

Murano glass is one of the most famous craft products in the world and is an artisanal glass that has been made on the Venetian island of Murano for centuries. The artisans of Murano were world leaders in innovation and design and created some of the most stunning glass objects that the world has ever seen. Today, they are still employing these centuries-old techniques and making all sorts of things from works of art, to trinkets, to household objects. These pieces are characteristic souvenirs for tourists visiting the city and there are are a number of factories and some individual artists' studios at work on the island to this day.

There are many Christmas markets held all over Italy each year and there are many great markets among them. You're spoiled for choice, really, if you're a Christmas market lover that is spending the festive season in Italy.

One particular Christmas market in Bologna, however, stands out amongst the others as especially interesting. This is the ancient Fiera di Santa Lucia, a market that can trace its beginnings all the way back to the end of the 16th century. For a market positively steeped in tradition and history, there is no better option. Just find a holiday rental in Emilia-Romagna and visit Bologna and the market.