Archive for 'Localities'

Postcard images of Italy probably flit before your mind’s eye the moment you think about the country. It is a land that has produced some impossibly scenic views where cityscapes and nature, architectural gems and incredible monuments all come together synergistically to create unforgettable scenes. But, if you were to pick a few to single out and ensure that you see them for yourself during a vacation in Italy, which ones would we recommend? Given that we think about Italy on a daily basis and have helped thousands of customers have perfect holidays in Italy throughout the years, we think we might have a bit of insight as to some of the unmissable views that you should make a note of...

1. Florence from the Piazzale Michelangelo

A very popular spot to watch the sun set over the city, the Piazzale Michelangelo is now a buzzing spot that attracts excited crowds who bring takeout to enjoy, musicians who set up and play to said crowds, and some particularly enthusiastic attendees who often start the crowd dancing. Those after the view and not so much this atmosphere can come at sunrise instead and will have the place pretty much to themselves. Either way, you’ll get some amazing views over the gorgeous skyline of the city and it is undeniably one of the best free things to do if you book a villa in Florence.

Thinking about planning a vacation in Italy in November but unsure of where to go? Well, we’ve put together a helpful guide of the best holiday destinations across the country if you are looking to book a villa in Italy during November.

While November is not the first time of the year that comes to mind for many when it comes to planning a holiday in Italy, it might just happen to be the only time that you can travel or you may be looking to avail of the smaller tourist crowds and lower prices. The summer rush is well over and Christmas cheer will be starting to sprinkle into the bigger towns and cities but you won’t have the festive crowds quite yet either. Plus, while rain is common throughout most of the country in this month and the weather is becoming decidedly wintery, usually you can rely on great conditions for both hiking and exploring cities. City breaks or holidays full of outdoor excursions are ideal at this time of the year.

There are many ways to tour the incredible birthplace of the Renaissance during a stay in one of our villas with pools in Florence. You could follow famous artists around the city by visiting their works in various galleries and museums and churches, go on a sartorial pilgrimage of flagship stores and fashion museums, take in the architectural gems of various architects, discover all of the key spots where the Medici made history, eat your way around the city’s most beloved restaurants, visit all of the stunning gardens of the city, take a tour of supposedly haunted locations, or – to go with similarly spooky vibes – you could follow Hannibal Lecter around the city...

In The Silence of The Lambs, Lecter first displays his admiration for Florence when we see a meticulous sketch of the city's skyline that is hanging in his prison cell. Then, in the following film in the series, Hannibal, we are shown more than a mere sketch and are transported directly to the captivating landscapes of Florence...

While we often talk about the museums and art and architectural gems that one must make time for if they book a villa in Florence, it is important to remember that, as a city at the heart of Tuscany, this is also a dream holiday destination for all of the serious foodies of the world. From historic coffee houses serving incredible brews, to pastry shops where recipes have been passed down for several generations, to family-run eateries boasting hearty and delicious meals for a steal, to chic restaurants offering cutting-edge delicacies, to wine bars boasting amazing city views to pair with unbeatable Tuscan wines, and beyond, there are all sorts of culinary experiences on offer in the city. Among all of the foodie tourist attractions and musts, a visit to one of Florence’s famous markets is also unmissable. One of the most exciting among the markets in town is the Mercato Centrale.

The stunning Villa del Balbianello is already an impossibly beautiful architectural gem that is well worth exploring should you find a villa on Lake Como but in addition to being an important historical and artistic attraction, it has also been the filming location for some famous films.

It is no wonder that the Villa del Balbianello has caught the eye of location scouts multiple times – its good looks are truly cinematic! Perched prettily over Lake Como with blooming manicured gardens that directly overlook and flow down to the water, a lovely example of 18th century architecture, and filled with incredible works of art and furniture from all over the world, it is exquisite and utterly romantic.