Archive for 'Food and Wine'

  

Monday, November 13, 2017
San Marino
The Republic of San Marino is a tiny country located in Italy that is just over 61 square kilometres in size and has a population of approximately 32,000 people. Located on the border between Le Marche and Emilia Romagna, it is the third smallest country in Europe with only the State of Vatican City in Latium, Italy and the State of Monaco in France being smaller. In 2008, it was officially recognised for its unique charms, historical and cultural value, and scenic beauty and was added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.

At Christmas, this pretty and historic little country is even more beautiful and full of things to see and do. Why not come and experience San Marino's unique appeal for yourself this festive season for something a little different? Just find a vacation rental in Le Marche or a vacation rental in Emilia Romagna make a day trip (or maybe two) to this incredible little land.     Read More
Posted in: Central Italy, Curiosities, Emilia-Romagna, Food and Wine, Must See Attractions, Northeast Italy, The Marches, Tourist Attractions

  

Monday, November 13, 2017
leleplay76
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.     Read More
Posted in: Activities, December, Events, Food and Wine, Must See Attractions, Shopping, Tourist Attractions

  

Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Christmas cookies
If you have found a vacation rental in Florence and are planning a trip to the city in the run up to Christmas, one of the highlights and must-see attractions has to be its Christmas markets. Christmas markets are one of the best things about Christmas. They offer delicious foods, lovely hot drinks, a vibrant Christmassy atmosphere, shopping, festive music and fun in one place (because one can't say “under one roof” in this case, can they?). There are plenty of Christmas markets in Florence to choose from but one of the most famous is the Weihnachtsmarkt, located in piazza Santa Croce in Florence.

Named for, and based on, the style of Christmas markets you can find in Germany, it offers everything you would want from a typical festive market, all with a distinctive Tuscan twist on the model. Running from the end of November until a few days before Christmas, it is a great place to taste Tuscan products and food, mulled wine and beer from all over the rest of Europe as well     Read More
Posted in: Activities, December, Events, Florence, Food and Wine, Localities, Must See Attractions, November, Shopping

  

Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Couple at a Christmas market
This week, we're talking Christmas markets on the blog. They're wonderful things, aren't they? Festive music playing, excited kids running about, happy families smiling, young love all abloom, food being enjoyed, hot drinks warming hands and no reason to rush at all: what could be a more perfect way to spend a day in the run up to Christmas?

While Italy is not as famous as her northern neighbours for her Christmas markets, there are actually plenty of great Christmas markets around the country, including Milan's Oh Bej! Oh Bej! (meaning "oh so nice! oh so nice!" in the Milanese dialect).

Just find a vacation rental in Milan and explore this excellent traditional market for yourself!     Read More
Posted in: Activities, December, Events, Food and Wine, Localities, Milan, Must See Attractions, November, Shopping

  

Friday, October 27, 2017
Ornaments
Another lovely Italian Christmas market tradition exists in the Alpine town of Bolzano in Trentino Alto Adige. Set against the Rosengarten Dolomites, it is a beautiful medieval settlement made up of romantic arcaded streets and picturesque squares.

It boasts two markets each Christmas, one of the biggest markets and also one of the oldest markets in the country.

White Christmasses aren't a common-place thing in Italy, as a general rule, but this Alpine setting means you'll get that snowy, atmospheric setting, perfect for, not just one, but two Christmas markets. For the ultimate Christmas market experience in Italy, find a vacation rental in Trentino or a vacation rental in Veneto and visit this lovely town for the day.     Read More
Posted in: Activities, December, Events, Food and Wine, Northeast Italy, November, Products & Specialities, Shopping, Tourist Attractions, Trentino-Alto Adige