Colosseum at Christmas
Posted in: Central Italy Christmas December Events January Latium Markets Pretty Views Tourist Attractions

While other destinations are more famous as Christmas getaway hot-spots, Rome during the Holidays is something truly magical indeed. The Eternal City is filled with churches that host special Masses, concerts, charity events, and more, theatres putting on concerts and festive performances, a historic centre made more lovely by Christmas lights, monuments like the Colosseum adorned with a Christmas tree or decorations, shops with beautifully decorated windows, festive excitement, Christmas markets, and much more besides. 


Not only is there plenty to see and do to get you in the Christmas spirit but you would be hard pressed to find dreamier backdrops anywhere else in the world. Plus, the city does host a rather large and lovely Christmas market that might not quite compete with some of the more famous examples in the world but will do rather nicely indeed if you book a vacation rental in Rome for this holiday season...

A family enjoying Christmas together
Posted in: Christmas December Events January

The Holiday season can get pretty hectic – with all of the decorating, shopping, ceremonies and traditions, commitments to catch up with various friends and family members and acquaintances, and much more besides. Though it is meant to be a time to slow down and come together with those you love, it can end up being a rather stressful experience. If, however, you would prefer to avoid all of this and focus only on a small number of loved ones, quality time, proper rest, and making memories that will last a lifetime – the greatest gift of all – then you might be considering a getaway over the holiday season. Tuscany is an ideal destination for just such an escape so why not browse our villas in Tuscany for a Christmas or New Years and plan a break today?

Luxury store
Posted in: Activities Events January Localities Milan Shopping
Italy is well-known around the world for her reputation as a fashionable place and a global fashion capital. As such, there are many who have dreamed of going shopping while holidaying in Italy. However, if you are a bargain hunter or want your money to stretch farther, then you need to plan your trip for a particular time of year: during the “saldi”. Unlike many other places in the world, Italy’s sales are far more carefully regulated by the state and do not happen willy-nilly all throughout the year. One of only two times per year that sales happen is during this period, the saldi of January. If you’ve always wanted to visit the official fashion capital of Italy, this is the best time. Find a vacation rental in Milan and get ready to shop until you drop!
Murano Christmas Tree
Posted in: Curiosities December Events January Must See Attractions Northeast Italy Tourist Attractions Veneto
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.
Procession of the Magi
Posted in: Churches & Religious Buildings Curiosities Events January Legends Localities Milan Tourist Attractions
One of the most important traditions of Milan during Christmas holidays is the Procession of the Magi, which takes place on the 6th of January each year. A large number of people take part in this incredible traditional procession, starting from the central Duomo and making their way, through the city, to end at the Basilica of Sant’Eustorgio. Featuring vibrant costumes, dancers, singers, a circus and the festive spirit, the whole thing is a wonderful spectacle that is a must for anyone who has found a vacation rental in Milan!