Archive for 'History'

Christmas is celebrated differently in every country and each country has various different traditions that are unique and special. If you have found a vacation rental in Italy and are planning on spending the festive season there this year, then you might want to learn a little about what you can expect from an Italian Christmas. Here are five things you need to know about Christmas in Italy.

1. Santa is a Witch.

Befana is a good witch whose name comes from the Roman dialect's pronunciation of the Italian "epifania" (or Epiphany). Long ago, the three wise men stopped into Befana's house on their way to Bethlehem. She was such a nice hostess that they invited her to come with them to find the newborn Jesus. She initially declined their offer but changed her mind and packed up some toys that had belonged to her deceased child and set out after them.

You are likely to be somewhat familiar with Rome and her sights: you've probably seen them on postcards and in books, magazines, films, television shows and documentaries your whole life, as have most of us. It is one of the most famous, beautiful and heavily documented cities in the entire world, with a long, rich and fascinating history.

If you have found a vacation rental in Rome and are visiting the city, there are probably many things you want to see and do and it is one of those places where even the most seasoned and cosmopolitan travellers will find themselves wanting to swing by the touristy spots.

However, if the lines and crowds grow wearisome, there are some lesser-known destinations and attractions that you might consider as well. One of these is the Aventine Keyhole.

Once you have found the perfect luxury villa in Campania and are planning what to see and do in the area, you might consider taking a break from busy itineraries of trying to see everything and take a breather by Fusaro Lake.

The lake is one of the most peaceful and stunning spots in the area and is a perfect little paradise that has gone unspoiled and untarnished by time and change.

Not only is it a destination for the nature lovers of the world but it is also a spot that will please culture vultures as there is an architectural and artistic gem on the lake that has gone on to inspire some of the most famous musicians, poets and artists of the world to create further works of art.

The city of Verona is most famous for two fictional inhabitants – the tragic figures of Romeo and Juliet, who were the eponymous doomed lovers of Shakespeare's most famous play. As a result, tourism in the city often plays up to these famous figures and you can find endless businesses named for or with the theme of Romeo and Juliet and attractions “related” to the pair.

However, gross capitalism and consumerism aside, there is a certain romantic air to the city and, as it is within a stone's throw of Venice, it is the perfect spot to spend a honeymoon, in particular.

Just find a luxury villa in Veneto and explore the stunning region and its famously romantic cities as you begin exploring your first days or your new lives together.

We don't know about you but here at Easy Reserve we like to avoid the crazy tourist crowds, long lines and madness as best we can when we're on holidays. As such, we're always on the hunt for attractions that are just off the beaten track, sights that are special and a little less well-known, and adventure. In cities like Rome, for example, there are many world-famous attractions that draw people from far and wide. While some of them might be personal musts, there is a lot more to the city beyond those postcard moments.

In fact, right in the central district of Piazza Vittorio, inside the park, the remains of an old villa reveal the Porta Alchemica, the “Alchemist Door” that locals often call the “Magic Door.” This portal is famous among locals and steeped in legend but most tourists never see it and walk right on by.

Find a vacation rental in Rome and discover this hidden gem for yourself!