Archive for 'Restaurants & Cafés'

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...

Polignano a Mare is one of the most impossibly picturesque towns in Apulia and in Italy. Let us paint you a picture: white washed buildings perched right up to the edge of rugged cliffs, jewel-toned water sharply contrasting below, endless pretty and winding little cobbled streets, balconies overflowing with plants and flowers, a charming little bay nestled between two of those rugged cliffs right at the centre of town with a pebble beach, and elegant piazze with canopied cafés for sitting out and watching the world go by. A magical gem of a place, it is a wonderful spot in which to enjoy a day-trip if you have found a villa in Apulia and are exploring the area.

However, we would note that Polignano a Mare is an especially idyllic spot to visit if you are planning a spring getaway in Apulia. The region is lovely pretty much no matter when you visit but there is no doubt that those who prefer to avoid tourist crowds will find that the hot and exciting summer months, when all sorts of events taking place in the area and the weather draw holidayers to the seaside towns, are perhaps not the ideal time to plan a trip. Never fear, though, a vacation in Apulia in spring is wonderful for many reasons and Polignano a Mare, in particular, has lots to recommend it at this time of the year. Here are just five of the excellent reasons to come and find a holiday rental in Apulia and plan a day-trip to Polignano a Mare this spring...

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.

Though Milan is famous as a fashion capital of the world, those who have found a luxury villa in Lombardy or a vacation rental in Milan itself, and who are looking to bring a little bit of Italian style home with them, might not know exactly where to head for the best shopping experiences in the city. We have previously put together a guide to some of the city’s most beloved and best vintage boutiques and stores but for those in the market for an upmarket purchase to remember their trip by, an investment piece to indulge in on a special occasion, a little taste of the designer lifestyle, or simply some excellent window-shopping and people-watching, then a visit to the main shopping street of Milan, Via Monte Napoleone, is a must. The third most expensive street in Europe and home to stores for Gucci, Moncler, Roger Vivier, Bulgari, Versace, Armani, Alexander McQueen, Bottega Veneta, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Prada, Saint Laurent, Rolex, Cartier, Dior, Burberry, Tod’s, Fendi, and many more luxury brands, it is an upscale shopping street that will make fashion-lovers googly-eyed with excitement. So, whether you have the budget to directly shop in this neighbourhood yourself or you simply want to see how the fashionable set of Milan live and dress with your own eyes, be sure to take a wee stroll in this gilded part of the city...