Chocolate ice-cream
Posted in: Central Italy Food and Wine Must See Attractions Restaurants & Cafés Slow Food Tuscany

Tuscany is famous for her food, in general, but many people do not know that she is also a perfect destination for chocolate-lovers. Many of Italy’s most beloved chocolate brands come from Tuscany and those with a sweet tooth will find plenty of delicious things to sample during a vacation in Tuscany. So, browse Italy Villa’s amazing selection of villas in Tuscany and then come and tour these chocolate hot-spots around the region...

Centre of Montepulciano
Posted in: Books and Movies Central Italy Food and Wine Must See Attractions Pretty Views Tourist Attractions Tuscany

The gorgeous and dreamy historic town of Montepulciano in Tuscany known for its delicious wine gained international fame back in 2009 when it was chosen as a filming location for one of the movie adaptations of Stephanie Meyer's Twilight book series, New Moon. Fans worldwide were suddenly focused on this Tuscan gem and were were captivated by both the town's beauty and its newfound connection to the beloved franchise. So, if you love the movies and/or books and have always wanted to experience the allure of Montepulciano for yourself, then browse our villas in Montepulciano and plan a visit to this charming town...

Enjoying prosecco on holiday in Italy
Posted in: Food and Wine Friuli Venezia Giulia Northeast Italy Veneto Wineries & Breweries

Italy is world-famous for her food but also for her wine and travellers who find a vacation rental in Italy with Italy Villas will likely be excited to indulge in a little of both while spending time in this country and culture of enjoying the good life. Many regions of Italy have wine specialities and produce various reds and whites and sparkling wines but one of the wines with the most recognisable name values is Prosecco

Caprese salad
Posted in: Campania Food and Wine Slow Food Southern Italy

Many different towns and regions and areas of Italy are famous for specific food products due to tradition or climate or landscape or a combination of all three. From complex wines and balsamic vinegars, to hearty pasta dishes based in peasant tradition, to unbelievably rich chocolates, to street food favourites that perfectly hit the spot, and more, there are all sorts of incredible culinary treats and experiences to be had if you book a villa in Italy.


For really serious foodies looking to plan a holiday in Italy, it can be a great place to really go back to the basics, find the best ingredients, and learn to really appreciate everything that you are tasting. You can learn so much by studying the key products and examples of produce that are used commonly in Italian cooking. Take, for example, the humble but essential ingredient that is mozzarella. With its delicate flavour and creamy consistency, this versatile ingredient is used in lots of ways. It is eaten with tomatoes, basil, and olive oil (and often balsamic vinegar) as the simple but delicious appetiser that is the Caprese salad, in a starring role on the Margherita pizza, and added to all sorts of pasta dishes like lasagna, stuffed cannelloni, and baked pasta, to make them heartier and bring richness and creaminess to every bite.

Rome at sunset
Posted in: Architectural Gems Central Italy Food and Wine History Latium Must See Attractions Roman Empire Tourist Attractions

Even if you had lifetimes, it would be hard to put a dent in the unbelievable wealth of tourist attractions, architectural gems, works of art, beautiful sights, and curiosities that can be found in the Eternal City. With such a long and rich history and as such an important political, religious, and artistic centre, Rome is a city quite unlike any other. However, while Rome is definitely a must-see, it might not be the main stop of a holiday in Italy as the wider country of Italy also has a staggering list of things to see and do and of types of getaways. So, if you have browsed our Italy villas and you are planning say, a beach holiday in Italy or a vacation in the Lake District or a ski break or a shopping trip to some of the most chic cities in the world or some combination of all of the above, then you may only have a day or so to set aside to stop off in Rome.


If this is the case and you want to make the most of a day in Rome during your vacation in Italy, then read on as we have put together a perfect itinerary for getting a succinct and varied taste of the city and her highlights. Of course, feel free to adapt the plan to your needs but this is a suggested way for getting as much in as possible during a day in the city. Just be prepared to reserve a day for the outing, to get up a little bit earlier than you might normally do on a holiday, and to head to Rome to make some truly unforgettable memories...