Archive for 'Food and Wine'

Cannoli, popularised in the English-speaking world by the particular fondness of the dessert of Italian-Americans as depicted in film and television, are one of Sicily's best-loved and most enduringly popular sweet treats. Indulgent, tasty, and fairly addictive, if you're trying to conjure the perfect beaches, Arab-Norman architecture, dramatically barren landscape, vibrant culture, and slow and leisurely pace of life of Sicily but can't get there in person, cannoli are just the ticket! Travel with your taste-buds from the safety of your own kitchen today and try your hand at making this delicious dessert until you can savour the authentic flavours in person in Sicily!

Everyone knows that the best part of travelling is getting to try new culinary delights and gastronomic adventures that you might otherwise have never experienced. However, just because we all might be stuck at home right now doesn't mean you have to miss out on this aspect of travelling, with an internet connection at hand, you can readily explore and try out dishes from all over the globe from your own kitchen! So, if you're craving something a little different and want to turn your hand to experimenting in the kitchen, why not try these tasty, unique, and sometimes bizarre, Italian dishes?!

Abruzzo is likely a name unfamiliar with many international tourists considering a vacation in Italy. Nestled between the worlds of the industrialised and cosmopolitan north of Italy and the relaxed and sun-drenched south, Abruzzo is a beautiful region with lots to offer, despite being a hidden gem. The very same wild and mountainous qualities of her landscape that meant Abruzzo has never developed economically or culturally quite the way other parts of Italy have are also what make the region utterly picturesque and magic. This is where you will find the biggest concentration of protected land in the country, some of the last pockets in which large wild fauna can be found readily in Europe, some larger industrialised towns, and pretty little villages still alive with tradition, all set amongst rocky peaks, lush meadows and hills, large lakes, and a long and beautiful coastline. In addition, you will find a wine region that produces delicious wines that are nourished by this rich, diverse, and bountiful landscape. So, if you’re looking for a relaxing holiday full of tasty wines and pretty views, a vacation rental in Abruzzo is an excellent idea.

We have already talked about the romantic city of Verona and how it makes for a perfect holiday destination built for two this week. As the location of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, it is home to countless love stories both fictional and real but it is also just exceptionally pretty, the kind of place made for wandering hand in hand. To come and fall in love with this city and more deeply with each other, just browse our vacation rentals in Veneto and plan a trip to Verona during your stay.

If you are in the area, you might also consider heading to the Villa Mosconi Bertani. This beautiful neoclassical country house is a stunning gem that reflects the strong tradition of such incredible villas and this style of architecture in the region and is also home to astounding gardens and an excellent winery. It is the perfect place to spend the day surrounded by splendour and getting to know the delicious wines of Veneto.

First built around 1735 for the Fattori family, the villa was constructed over a pre-existing 16th century wine cellar and a site that dates back to settlement during the time of the Ancient Romans. It was not completed under the Fattori family and was purchased in 1769 by the Mosconi family who finished the job and added an incredible eight hectare English-style Romantic garden. Under the Mosconi family the wine business was also expanded and became one of the largest cellars at the time in Northern Italy. After an initial glowing period in the 19th century as a centre for cultural and intellectual figures, the villa fell into neglect and disrepair in the 20th century. Thankfully, it was bought and saved by the Bertani family who run the winery to this day.

Catania is Sicily’s second city and a rather special gem in Italy. Overlooked by Mount Etna (and by a lot of travellers, unfortunately), it is a picturesque cityscape that is a little rough around the edges but in the most rugged and charming of ways. It is filled with architectural beauties, cultural and historical riches, Baroque piazzas, grandeur that is crumbling just a little, famously vibrant markets full of famously delicious food, hip bars, excellent museums, abundant energy, bargains, and surprises. If you have found a vacation rental in Sicily and you are exploring the wider island, it is a must-see. Or, if you are looking for a holiday destination within Sicily, Catania, which is often overlooked in favour of the capital of Palermo, is a wonderful and unexpected delight. Browse our vacation rentals in Catania here.

There is lots of see and do in the city and lots of unique charms to be uncovered so, if you’re heading to Catania, keep an eye out for these highlights…