Archive for 'Products & Specialities'

There are Christmas markets all over the world that one can choose from. There are the local markets that pop up in your hometown, the original markets in Germany and then there are more unique versions that take the idea a step further.

If you have found a luxury villa in Florence and are visiting that great city over the festive season this year, there are plenty of different markets to check out but there is one that differentiates itself: Florence Noel.

Florence Noel is the perfect place to do a spot of shopping, have fun with all the family or your friends, learn about Italian Christmas traditions and taste some delicious examples of Tuscan Christmas cuisine.

In our last article, we outlined the unique nature and particular charms of the Italian interpretation of Christmas markets, before outlining some of the best of the best around the country. In addition to those examples in Rome, Florence and Milan, we have compiled a list of some more of the finest Christmas markets around Italy, should you have found a vacation rental in Italy and be planning on spending the festive season there.

Verona is a very famous Italian city and UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site best known for its connection to Shakespeare's most tragic of lovers. However, come Christmas, it gets a German makeover when a large Christkindlmarkt opens in Piazza dei Signori. Made up of wooden stalls with over 60 exhibitors selling handicrafts, decorations, regional foods, and German specialties, it usually opens late November through to December 21st.

One of the best parts about holidaying in Italy is trying its cuisine in between bouts of dashing around museums, taking in the landscapes, admiring the buildings and artworks, learning about the history, shopping the boutiques, wandering the markets and venturing through its beautiful streets. Every single town and region has its unique dishes to try and it would take several lifetimes just to put a dent in the long list of delicious dishes. In saying that, we suggest you persevere and try and make even a little dent in that list. Friuli Venezia Giulia is a region, in particular, with an interesting cuisine, inspired by neighbouring nations, its mountainous terrain and harsh winters. Once you've found the best possible vacation rental in Friuli Venezia Giulia, we suggest that you try pitina, a traditional cold cut from the region.

We've previously discussed all sorts of things that you can do and attractions in Turin such as visiting a rooftop racetrack, its history of magic and the hugely famous Turin Shroud. If, and while, you're spending time in this beautiful city in Piedmont in the north-west of Italy, however, there is one thing that you should definitely find the time for: chocolate. Piedmont is known for her delicious treats, particularly of the chocolate variety and Turin's Gianduiotto is one of the most famous and delicious of the bunch. So, find a holiday rental in Piedmont and spend a day wandering her capital, grabbing a coffee and tasting one of her signature treats.

Sadly, Ferrero is very secretive about their products and how they are made. This means that, unlike Perugina, they don't offer tours of their factories like the one at Alba. However, this doesn't mean that you can't take in a Nutella and Ferrero inspired itinerary of the area if you are a super-fan of the brand and its products! All you need to do is find yourself a vacation rental in Piedmont, hop in a car and get exploring the area and its chocolatey heritage! We've put together a little itinerary to help you out and guide you through the production process right up to the most important part, the tasting!