Archive for 'History'

For those who find a vacation rental in Rome, a visit to the Colosseum is likely already going to be part of your itinerary and, as a new area is about to be opened to the public for the first time, there is even more reason to head to this renowned attraction whether you have been there before or not! Opening to the public on the 27th of October 2025 is a tunnel underneath the iconic landmark that was once only used by Emperors. So, if you want to walk in the footsteps of the rulers of Ancient Rome, it is a perfect time to plan a holiday in Italy…

There is almost no time in which a trip to Rome won’t be a rewarding and fascinating experience as there is simply so much to see and do in this grand city. At different times throughout the year, however, a vacation rental in Rome and time in the city means that you will also be able to enjoy some specific celebrations, seasonal experiences, or special events. From the intense Christmas celebrations in this hub of Catholicism, to the wonders of the blooming gardens of the historic palaces in spring, to the thrills of the Italian Open for tennis nerds planning a visit in May, to Roma Jazz Festival in October, there are all sorts of unique offerings throughout the year.

However, the 15th of March, known as the Ides of March, has long been a particularly significant day in Rome. It was often a time around which new year ceremonies would take place, was sacred to their supreme deity, Jupiter, was the beginning of a holy week in the later Imperial period, and more. However, it became cemented in popular imagination from antiquity all the way to the current day when, on the 15th of March in 44BC, Julius Caesar was assassinated on that very day.  

If you are a perfume enthusiast and you happen to have been browsing our Italy Villas to find a perfect vacation rental in Florence, then you might not know that the city is actually the perfume capital of Italy. So, find your villa with pool in Florence, prepare to indulge all of your senses, and bring home the scent of the birthplace of the Renaissance...

During the height of power and wealth among the Renaissance courts of Florence, patronage of artists and artisans was a key way that nobles could display their discernment and riches. Great sculptures and paintings, iconic buildings, stunning churches, impeccable pieces of jewellery, lush fabrics, and more were all created at the behest of these influential citizens. However, there was also a wealth of patrons paying for the finest fragrances in the world. During this vibrant era, the art of perfumery flourished and the likes of Catherine de' Medici's deep passion and important patronage only futher ignited the city's fascination with fragrance. 

Even if you had lifetimes, it would be hard to put a dent in the unbelievable wealth of tourist attractions, architectural gems, works of art, beautiful sights, and curiosities that can be found in the Eternal City. With such a long and rich history and as such an important political, religious, and artistic centre, Rome is a city quite unlike any other. However, while Rome is definitely a must-see, it might not be the main stop of a holiday in Italy as the wider country of Italy also has a staggering list of things to see and do and of types of getaways. So, if you have browsed our Italy villas and you are planning say, a beach holiday in Italy or a vacation in the Lake District or a ski break or a shopping trip to some of the most chic cities in the world or some combination of all of the above, then you may only have a day or so to set aside to stop off in Rome.

If this is the case and you want to make the most of a day in Rome during your vacation in Italy, then read on as we have put together a perfect itinerary for getting a succinct and varied taste of the city and her highlights. Of course, feel free to adapt the plan to your needs but this is a suggested way for getting as much in as possible during a day in the city. Just be prepared to reserve a day for the outing, to get up a little bit earlier than you might normally do on a holiday, and to head to Rome to make some truly unforgettable memories...