Archive for 'Food and Wine'

Venice is, without a doubt, the most famous part of Veneto and one of the most famous cities in the entire world. However, the wider region of Veneto is incredibly interesting and lovely and much of it is largely untouched by the immense tourist crowds that descend daily upon the city. Made up of marshes, rolling green hills and vinyards, mountains, forests, nature parks, and a charming coastline, a vacation in Veneto has plenty more to offer beyond Venice – though a visit to that most romantic and fascinating of cities during your time in the region is also always a good idea!

Take the municipality of San Michele al Tagliamento, for example. It is likely a place many have never heard of before but if you find a villa in San Michele al Tagliamento, you will quickly discover that you have access to some gorgeous beaches, historic sites, fun activities for the whole family, some excellent wineries, some wonderful walking and hiking trails through the lush and picturesque landscape of this part of the world, a brilliant wellness centre in which you can perfectly unwind, a host of fun activities to enjoy with your family, and more. So, come and sample all that Veneto has to offer by basing yourself in a vacation rental in San Michele al Tagliamento and then heading out to explore all of the remarkable charms of this region that are close at hand. Among them, there are some particular highlights...

Those going to vacation in Rome are likely to be somewhat overwhelmed by the unbelievably vast list of things to see and do in this extraordinary cultural capital of the world from museums to ruins, palaces to fountains, painted ceilings to soaring cathedrals. However, while we definitely recommend seeing as much as you can and certainly the things you are most interested in, we would also suggest that visitors to the city do not overlook the other kinds of cultural riches to be found in Rome. Namely, the culinary heritage of the city.

There are plenty of dishes, drinks, snacks, famous restaurants and cafes, and more to explore while on holiday in Rome but one of the city’s oldest and most enduring foodie hotspots and must-sees is a tiny little bakery that one might easily walk right past. This is Il Boccione, a kosher bakery with over two hundred years of history, incredible cultural importance, and (vitally) some delicious treats to be enjoyed.

Tropea is one of those destinations that is so exceptionally picturesque that it can often seem utterly unreal. The turquoise blue of the waters, the pale sands, the lush green hillsides and white cliffs, the rainbow of sun umbrellas and towels along the strand, the market stalls overflowing with vibrant fresh produce, and the gorgeous pink sunsets all make this town look like a stunning painting rendered in the brightest and loveliest hues. In addition to being fronted by one of the prettiest stretches of beaches in all of Italy, adorned with one of the most scenic monasteries in Italy (which is really saying something), and overlooked by one of the most charming towns in Italy, this often lesser-known gem for international tourists is a true must if you find a villa in Calabria. An ideal spot to spend a day sunning yourself on the beach, splashing around and cooling off in those bluer than blue waters, wandering about the pretty tangle of streets throughout the town, taking endless pictures, and finding some cute little place to grab food, it is a perfect place for a day-trip while in the area. Come and see its exceptional looks with your own eyes and discover the endless charms and delights that it has on offer...

Those who want to enjoy a slower pace of life, incredible weather, stunning surroundings, deliciously ripe food, flavourful wines, and picturesque scenes at every turn on their next vacation in Italy would be hard pressed to find a better option than a villa in Apulia. This southern region and heel of Italy’s, “boot,” often doesn’t get half the praise it deserves from international tourists but is, without a doubt, one of the most magnificent travel destinations in the entire country. There are endless reasons to visit and an infinite number of things to make you fall in love with the region but, to start you off, here are just ten excellent reasons to plan a vacation in Apulia today!

1. The Natural Beauty of the Region is Truly Extraordinary

Apulia’s landscape can be roughly divided into two areas: the lengthy coastline and the plains inland that make up over half of the region. Dotted by picture-perfect beaches, staggering and awe-inspiring rock formations, well-preserved and remarkable nature reserves, seas so blue that seem like they can’t possibly be real, and pretty and historic towns perched on remarkable rocky promontories, the 800km long coastline (the longest coastline of any mainland region in Italy) is immediately striking and appealing. However, while the good lucks of the coast are not to be missed and worth celebrating, the less well-known landscape of the plains of Apulia are also incredibly lovely. The flattest region of Italy, there is only a small mountainous area that is part of the Apennines and the rest of the landscape is largely made up of vast and lush hilly plains that are often blanketed in olive groves and vineyards. In fact, parts of Apulia can look quite like the more internationally renowned picturesque countryside of Tuscany but it is a bit more of a hidden gem and for those in the know. Certainly, no matter what part of the region you are wandering at any given time, a vacation rental in Apulia ensures that you’ll never be far from the next remarkable landscape to explore, enjoy, capture, and remember forever – the perfect surroundings for a holiday in Italy!

There are plenty of amazing architectural gems located all around Italy that are then further enhanced and complemented by artistic decorations inside the property such as frescoes, sculptures, paintings, and more. As it is Italy and has long been a hotspot for great creative talent it is not uncommon, therefore, to come across two, or many more, wildly famous and world-renowned artists at work in the same great house. This is very much the case at the Villa Barbaro, or Villa di Maser, one of the stunning villas that was formerly the sprawling home estate of the noble stock of Veneto and was designed by the impossibly influential and incredibly gifted architect Palladio. Inside, the talent continues in abundance with truly stunning frescoes by lauded painter Veronese, among other great talents. Those who were considering a vacation rental in Veneto, therefore, who consider themselves fans of beauty, art, architecture, and/or culture should definitely add it to their list of must-see gems in the region as it is a true masterpiece and utterly breathtaking.